... that nothing in life is as special or fulfilling. As Katie cradles her in her arms I see Avery attempt to focus as she looks right into her mommy's eyes. I am so proud and elated to see my daughter in this new role. I can't help but notice that Avery cuddles up in the crook of ... as I witnessed my first grandchild being born I can't help but remember the sounds of her very first cries that blended with the happy sobs of the new mommy-my own baby-and I knew that I would keep that memory in my heart forever. Even as I write this, the tears still fall so ... I am so proud and elated to see my daughter in this new role. I can't help but notice that Avery cuddles up in the crook of her mother's neck the same way Katie use to cuddle in mine. Safe and secure, no worries or fears. What a blessing we can raise our own little ones ...

... when Dad built the fence line he exactly complied with Mothers wishes. The string and stakes had been her way of letting him know this was important to her and for it not to be over looked. Now with the fence built Mom's orchard had officially become part of the property and our family history. Mother's orchard was planted on the west side of the house. A perfect spot Mom decided, because it would get the last sun of the day, and the water ... would easily reach every tree. She planted a variety of fruit trees including several types of cherry, pear, and apple trees. For years Mom's orchard just looked like little tiny twigs sticking out of the ground. But Mom was forever patient with her orchard's growth. Each year Mom measured the height of her children and then the height of her trees, but in time the trees easily cascaded over all our heads and were producing fruit. A lone tree soon rose to ...

... Because of Me" Why is that man so ugly, and the mommy so pretty ?" Five-year-old Nancy tugged on her mother's arm, and pointed." Sh! Sh !" said her mother." You wouldn't want them to hear, would you ?"" But Mommy, he's ugly! How can that pretty lady stand to look at him ?" The mother glanced toward the couple her daughter was pointing at, quickly taking her child away. But every day during the ... cruise, they saw the couple. Whenever they did, Nancy buried her face in her mother's clothes." Mommy, I just can't stand to look at him. He is so ugly ," she would say. One day Nancy and her mother, Maria, were on deck, enjoying the sea breeze. The beautiful woman came and stood beside them. She spoke a soft greeting, smiling down at Nancy. Smiling shyly back, while snuggling close to her mother, ...

... saw my future in-laws on rare occasions. The 760 miles between Montreal and Halifax prevented us from being together more than twice a year. Our meetings were few, but it was clear to see-I would have no use for mother-in-law jokes-she was pure gold. I loved her instantly. My father-in-law was more of a challenge. Behind his serious manner, he attempted to hide a soft heart. Few grew close enough to see his tenderness. I like to ... cheeks. Within a year, she passed on and lives forever in our hearts and memories. My wife, Georgia, passed away October 10th, 2003. She is with her mom now. Two moms together for eternity. Happy Mother's Day to my mom, my mother-in-law, Georgia-the mother of my children, my new wife Ginny, and to all the moms reading this story. Mothers are the strength behind great families. I've been blessed with some great ones ...

... ahead of time with a little bacon grease in the bottom of the pan. It made the cornbread crispy on the bottom and sides and also gave it a touch of bacon flavor. There was nothing better than a big hunk of Momma's hot cornbread sliced open with a dollop of butter on top. Bacon grease was used in many ways. Momma used it to make piecrusts, fry chicken, to make gravy, wilted lettuce, and she even made the dog happy by ... do I get rid of bacon drippings, what should I do with them ?"" Oh my !" I thought to myself, as I imagined for a moment that I surely could hear my Mother gasping all the way from heaven. Momma would have said," Oh, you mean bacon GREASE! Now, sit down here, and let me tell you why you don't ever need to get rid of bacon grease" The young woman would have gone away with a new ...

... then headed home. I got Vanessa out of her snow suit, settled on the sofa and sat beside her." Vanessa, you know you're going to have a new brother or sister soon"" I know, Daddy. Mommy's bringing it home with her"" That's right" I smiled." Well, sweetie, the baby is going to need a crib to sleep in. I hope you don't mind, but I put your crib in the new baby's ... It All Starts With A New Bed I pulled into the driveway of my Mum's house and saw my two-year-old daughter's smiling face staring out the window at me. Vanessa had stayed with her grandma for a week, while her mommy (Georgia) was in the hospital for complications in her second pregnancy. Vanessa, who missed her room and toys, anxiously awaited the arrival of daddy to pick her up and take her to see her mother. After the visit we'd go ...

... ?" The old man softly chuckled before replying." Ma'am ", 'Fire ' isn't a mutt" Confused she continued," If she's not a mutt, what kind of dog is she ?" He chuckled again and replied," Fire's momma ' and daddy are both show dogs. 'Fire ' is a full-bred Collie" [By: Brian G. Jett-from Bill Rayborn] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ... of the time because they're outside dogs and I'm afraid your Lassie dog would run away. Do you understand what I'm saying honey ?" Kevin looked down and was clearly disappointed by what he felt was his last ditch effort to gain his mother's favor as it would relate to his getting his youthful mind's hero-a dog and friend like Lassie. Months passed and Kevin stopped asking his mother whether or not he could get a dog like Lassie. She noticed his increasing quietness and ...

... , started the first Thanksgiving after my father died, less than one month prior. I knew the first set of holidays would be difficult for my mother. I thought it would be the right thing to do-to drive to mom's early Thanksgiving morning to help her prepare the stuffing, prep the turkey, and put the bird in the oven. But mostly to keep her company in the now quiet house. Since we usually eat early afternoon, arriving at mom's by ... Thanksgiving, The Old Fashioned Way The" tradition" is now in its fifth year. I would not have thought that such an early morning venture to my mother's house 30 minutes away on a cold, dark morning, would be so much fund that I didn't even have to mark it on the calendar as a reminder. The tradition, as I now think of it, started the first Thanksgiving after my father died, less than one month prior. I knew ...

... a fancy box to Mom from Arlington, VA. We enclosed an official looking letter from" The Institute for the Destitute ," announcing that she was the recipient of an award for good deeds. I would have given anything to see Mom's face when she opened the box. But, of course, she never mentioned it. Two years later, in 1978, I remarried. The day of our wedding, Harold and I put our car in a friend's garage to avoid ... he attacks, and when it is all over, you will be standing up" I tried to picture myself wearing God's armor, but all I saw was the stained yellow shirt. Slowly, it dawned on me. Wasn't my mother's love a piece of God's armor? My courage was renewed. Unpacking in our new home, I knew I had to get the shirt back to Mother. The next time I visited her, I tucked it in her bottom dresser drawer ...

... Bailey, watch for Jesus !" The tomb began to tremble and lightening flashed as the stone rolled away. A super bowl touchdown cheer couldn't come close to matching this little one's reaction to the resurrection." Jesus! He's OK. Mommy, it's Jesus !" I prayed that she wasn't going to be traumatized by this event, but that she would remember it. I shall never forget it. I shall never forget seeing Jesus ' suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection through the ... Jesus. She was mesmerized throughout the entire play, not just watching, but involved as if she were a player. She watches as Joseph and Mary travel to the Inn and is thrilled when she sees the baby Jesus in His mother's arms. When Jesus, on a young donkey, descends the steps from the back of the auditorium, depicting His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, Bailey was ecstatic. As he neared our aisle, Bailey began jumping up and down, screaming ...

... I asked," where'd you get that ?"" Shhh !" he hissed, spewing a little stream of chocolate-caramel-nut spray." It's a secret !"" I know !" I whispered." So share the secret with me !"" Mommy said don't tell"" She meant that you shouldn't tell the other kids ," I assured him." It's OK to tell Daddy"" Mommy said 'specially don't tell Daddy !"" That's right, Dad ," said 9-year-old Elizabeth, who ... else there wouldn't be any point in hiding it" This is as close as you get to logic with a 16-year-old on a 3 Musketeers high. Just then 18-year-old Joe Jr. walked in with a little bag of Whoppers." Mom's getting better ," he said, swallowing malted milk and chocolate." It took me four minutes to find the stash this year"" That's because I helped hide it ," said 20-year-old AmyJo, maturely munching a Milk Dud." No ...

... would love a red geranium but she hadn't seen any that were big enough for a lovely gift. As I drove home from work that afternoon I whispered a short prayer" Lord, I need some-thing extra special for my Mom's birthday. Something cheerful, that I can afford. Something that will last awhile" My purse was pretty flat .The greenhouse was on my way home so I pulled in and parked. I trudged wearily up the slight incline and pushed the ... The Red Geranium It was the day before my mother's seventy sixth birthday and I still hadn't made up my mind what to give her .She was living in a nursing home and couldn't have a lot of personal things with her. I finally called my sister to see what she thought .She told me that she'd heard our mother say she would love a red geranium but she hadn't seen any that were big enough for a lovely gift. As I drove home from work that ...

... " Look !" I cut in," Let's all get changed out of our school clothes; then we can all share the valentines. In fact, let's save them 'til after supper. I have a surprise for you"" Mommy's got a cake ," piped up three-year-old Dougie. But his announcement fell on deaf ears as the excited children scrambled into their bedrooms to change their clothes. It was then I noticed David, also eight, standing still by the door, ... myself as I rinsed the evidence off the dishes. But I hadn't long to wonder as the children burst through the door, dropping their lunch kits onto the counter, all trying to talk at once." I didn't tell, Mommy" I heard the piercing announcement through the din of eight other youthful voices. I smiled at the four-year-old, and stood watching the excitement of the children." I got twenty-eight valentines ," piped six-year-old Dennis. To him Valentine's Day was ...

... like hours. I was getting more worried by the minute but did not want the children to know I was so scared. Finally my youngest son John who was three climbed over into the front seat beside me and said," Mommy, my daddy is gonna freeze to death out there. And we will freeze too" I said" No John, Daddy will be coming with the truck soon !" But the darkness and blowing snow was covering our car and made it ... send someone to take us home, amen" Then he got up and put his face against the back window and looked through a small hole where the snow had blown off. In just a very few minutes he exclaimed," Momma there is a car coming to get us! See, I knew Jesus would send someone to get us !" I heard the old pickup stop right beside us and I had to kick the frozen car door open to make him hear me ...

... and some elementary pieces that I require all my students to learn. Over the months he tried and tried while I listened and cringed and tried to encourage him. At the end of each weekly lesson he'd always say," My mom's going to hear me play some day" But it seemed hopeless. He just did not have any inborn ability. I only knew his mother from a distance as she dropped Robby off or waited in her aged car to pick him up ... mother (a single mom) dropped him off for his first piano lesson. I refer that students (especially boys !) begin at an earlier age, which I explained to Robby. But Robby said that it had always been his mother's dream to hear him play the piano. So I took him as a student. Well, Robby began with his piano lessons and from the beginning I thought it was a hopeless endeavor. As much as Robby tried, he lacked the ...

... is to them or us. Whatever happened to calling off a game because it is too cold or too wet? When did we start playing sports on Mother's Day? I always remember being home with my mother and our family on mom's special day. We would all be huddled around my mother, making sure that she enjoyed her" well deserved" day of rest. When did we start having our children play sports on Thanksgiving? This warm, wonderful day of giving ... It seems that we are living vicariously through our kids no matter what the cost is to them or us. Whatever happened to calling off a game because it is too cold or too wet? When did we start playing sports on Mother's Day? I always remember being home with my mother and our family on mom's special day. We would all be huddled around my mother, making sure that she enjoyed her" well deserved" day of rest. When did we start ...

... the tree in the yard. It had a twig its mouth." Looks like they're building a nest" Ginny said." I think you're right" I watched the robin select a perfect spot and thread the branch into position. A second robin with a twig joined the first. Throughout the next few days, we watched the mates work together to construct a resting place for their soon-to-be-laid eggs. The nest was completed. A few days later, momma bird settled into her new home. They two parents took turns warming the eggs, always aware of the needs of the other and their precious charge. Each knew the other needed nourishment and the eggs needed warmth. It was a perfect partnership. Every hour or less, the two robins traded places keeping the eggs safe, while the other flew off in search of warmth. The rains fell. At night, the temperatures dropped below freezing, but the two robins, ...

... A Mother's Crown Heaven lit up with His mighty presence, As all the Angels looked down, Today the Lord was placing the jewels, In all the mother's crowns. As He held up a golden crown, As all the mother's looked on, He said in His gentle voice," I just want to explain each stone". He held the first gem in His hand But the radiance couldn't match His own. For He was the light of Heaven, Reflecting off each of the stones." The first gem ," He said," is an emerald, And it's for endurance alone, For all the nights you waited up. For your children to come home. For all the nights by their bedside, You stayed till the fever went down, For nursing every little wound, I add this emerald to your crown"" A ruby, I'll place by the emerald, For leading your child in the right way, For ...

... Finally, A Happy Mother's Day I am sitting here still sometimes pinching myself, still awed over my miracle. Often overwhelmed with happiness over my miracle. Mother's Day this year is finally going to be a happy day. For many years it wasn't. When I was 22 years old, I found out I was pregnant. I was SO happy. I made so many plans, saw my doctor, ate well and did everything I was supposed to do. But then, in what seemed like the blink of an eye, I lost my baby. I was just 21 weeks pregnant when my little boy, Robert, was born way too soon for unknown reasons. He held on for 50 minutes and then died in my arms. It was the most devastating loss I'd ever been through. That was in 1991 Mother's Day was always especially difficult because it reminded me more of the future I'd lost with my baby than any other holiday ...

... 40 Things SkyWriting.Net editior: A must read for women that didn't get to have their own baby. Cory Hyde thought she would never receive a Mother's Day card. But she got herself a special job and now has some treasures she will keep for a lifetime. Hopefully, you'll benifit from her experience and enjoy her perspective in this Gem of a story. I'll be turning 40 soon! I am so excited by this prospect that I'm planning this big theme party! The theme will be" I've never". While explaining this to a friend of mine, I laughingly gave the example of" I've never had a baby shower, so someone would have to bring a baby gift. Then I'll donate it to the nursery at the church" I was smiling through this little explanation, until I saw the look on her face. With tears in her eyes she said," That's so sad "! Well, there was a time when ...

... started to their feet." Oh no !" she said." Stay where you are! I'll just serve you !" Calling me to her side, she went from guard to guard, then from prisoner to prisoner-filling each tin cup with lemonade, and giving each man a sandwich. It was very quiet, except for a" thank you, ma'am ," and the clanking of the chains. Very soon we were at the end of the line, my mother's eyes softly scanning each face. The last prisoner was a big man, his dark skin pouring with sweat, and streaked with dust. Suddenly, his face broke into a wonderful smile, as he looked up into my mother's eyes, and he said," Ma'am, I've wondered all my life if I'd ever see an angel, and now I have! Thank you !" Again, my mother's smile took in the whole group." You're all welcome !" she said ...

... The Dime Bobby was getting cold sitting out in his back yard in the snow. Bobby didn't wear boots; he didn't like them and anyway he didn't own any. The thin sneakers he wore had a few holes in them and they did a poor job of keeping out the cold. Bobby had been in his backyard for about an hour already. And, try as he might, he could not come up with an idea for his mother's Christmas gift. He shook his head as he thought," This is useless, even if I do come up with an idea, I don't have any money to spend" Ever since his father had passed away three years ago, the family of five had struggled. It wasn't because his mother didn't care, or try, there just never seemed to be enough. She worked nights at the hospital, but the small wage that she was earning could only be stretched so far. What ...

... wanted to tell you that was an wonderful idea. Your daughter touched so many lives today, including my own. The Principal, lunch ladies and our janitor, Mr. Bennett all got one of her notes." Happy Secret Day !" Beep" Just then Heather came walking in." I am so very proud of you. What a lovely thing you did for everyone," Mom said. The young girl paused for a moment and said," But Mommy, it's supposed to be a secret"" Well, it will be. Just between you and I. But why did you decide to do all of this ?" Mom asked." Mommy, yesterday in church, the pastor thanked everyone for the things they did for him. You know his wife died. He said, I wonder if she knew how much she was loved ?" she said." Then he talked about all the things she did to help people ...

... " No ," I said, a smile struggling to my lips." I'm just exhausted. It's all right. Some day when you have children of your own you'll understand"" Do you wish you didn't have us ?" four-year-old Van, the youngest, wanted to know. He'd been especially trying that day, and perhaps his conscience was bothering him." Of course I don't wish I didn't have you ," I replied, pulling him close." But sometimes mommies just get tired. Sometimes mommies wish they could have a break. But I'm okay now. Come and help get supper" A week later school broke for the summer. And now, instead of three children around all day, I had nine. We lived on acreage, and there was always plenty to do. We had made a rule that the children would work for a couple of hours each morning; then the afternoon they were free to do as they pleased ...

... read or write, even in her native language. So you can imagine how helpless she was in this new country. That's why I decided to move up here and help her"" She was living in New Orleans on Magazine Street. When my mother and some friends met me at the airport, she said, 'Luis, tonight, I am making for you a wonderful meal like I used to when you were a boy"" Across the street from my mother's apartment was the super market. I went with her to buy the groceries. When we walked in, I knew immediately that everything was going to be different in this country. The employees all saw my mother and said, 'Good morning, Mama ' She spoke to each one and they all called her 'mama ' We bought our groceries, then we went to the butcher shop. When he saw my mother, the butcher stopped what he was doing and said, 'Hello ...

... stable. Little baby, pa-rum-pa-pa-pum I am a poor boy too, pa-rum-pa-pa-pum … Nearly half a dozen pony whinnies greet us when we enter the barn. A timid barn cat scurries up the ladder to the manger, and peers down at us in curiosity. “ Are they goanna talk ?” Pappy whispers behind me. “ They will, just listen with your heart ” I reply. Sure enough, Blondie wiggled her lips at me. “ Where ’ s my treat momma ?” She asks in the softest pony voice I ’ d ever heard. The drums beat in a heightened crescendo in my head. The music has followed me down the cold hill. The greatest gift stands before me, the gift of life, of love, that a tiny Child born in a manger so many centuries ago gave us. I have no gift to bring, pa-rum-pa-pa-pum That ’ s fit to give a King, pa-rum-pa-pa-pum … Jellybean peeks over her stall door ...

... She and the other children wanted to eat them, but they were meant to be ornaments and a remembrance. Years later, she sat alone in her apartment and thought of those cookies. A craving came over her. This Christmas she wanted a cookie. It wasn't much to ask for. All she wanted was a simple frosted sugar cookie. She didn't bake much herself. She never had the knack for it. Her thoughts followed her life journey. The first mother-in-law handed out store-bought cookies. It was a good thing, because that woman couldn't bake. The second mother-in-law gave large bags of sugar-coated cookies. She was excited, until she bit into the first one. They were paper thin and tasted horrible. She made them with bacon grease instead of lard-something they did when times were tough. The third mother-in-law made great cookies. What a treat it was to finally have a good sugar cookie. Now alone, ...

... don't know what to get" Pappy began to make suggestions." How about a pocket watch? It's in good condition. I fixed it myself ," he said proudly. The little girl didn't answer. She had walked to the doorway and put her small hand on the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. Pappy's face seemed to glow as he saw her smiling with excitement." This is just right ," the little girl bubbled." Momma says grandpa loves music" Just then, Pappy's expression changed. Fearful of breaking the little girl's heart, he told her," I'm sorry, missy. That's not for sale. Maybe your grandpa would like this little radio" The little girl looked at the radio, lowered her head, and sadly sighed," No, I don't think so" In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family ...

... My wife loves greeting cards. She even has a membership card to the big card shop chain. But, yesterday I saw them in a different light. Through the eyes of a child. I needed a card for a friend. I had already been standing in the card aisle for at least twenty minutes, when I noticed the young girl." Okay, I need one for Granny and one for my best friend, Jackie. Oh, and one for Mommy and Daddy" Just then a woman walked around the corner." How are you doing this time ?" she asked." Oh, Mommy I think I'm finding the best one's here" Looking up, the woman caught me listening in on their conversation." She loves buying cards ," she said." I don't. I always find it a difficult task ," I replied." Why ?" the little girl asked me." It's the words. They don't always ...

... garden, just bring that little one over here and I ’ ll watch him, I kind of miss having a baby around ,” the neighbor might say. Those were good times when porches were used for many things. Women did needle work or rocked babies, men whittled or fixed things, and children played “ pretend ”. Sometimes the porch was used to just get off alone for a time and read, meditate, or just do some thinking …“ woolgathering ” Momma used to call it. Even if the sun wasn ’ t shining, there was nothing quite like the sound of rain on the porch roof. It was such a secure feeling and a perfect time to curl up on the porch swing with a quilt and a good book and listen to the soft pattering of the raindrops. The summer nights were also very good for “ porch sittin ”. We made friends with the night sky as we enjoyed God ’ s creation. ...

... once again that same report on the food bank. This time it included more information and a few interviews of some of the people who participated. There was a little girl looking through the coats. The reporter asked her if she found something that fit. She turned toward the camera and smiled. She flipped her soft brown hair up over the collar as she pulled and tugged at the front to make sure it would zipper properly." I like this store. Mommy said I could have any coat I wanted, but I'm getting this one for my friend. Her daddy won't come here. Mommy says he's too proud. Whatever that means. All I know is Mandy needs a coat" Out of the corner of my eye I could see the man next to me lower his head. Without looking up he fumbled for a napkin and began to wipe his eyes." Incredibly sad, isn't it ?" I said. He didn't respond ...

... at the boy's mother. She was smiling broadly." I had bought that coat for my niece for Christmas, but I think you deserve it much more ," she said. Then the mother drove the little raggedy girl to her own front door. She thanked the woman, then ran into the house to show her Mama the new coat. After she had finished telling her story, she saw that her mother was crying. She put a small arm around her mother's thin shoulders." I thought you would be happy, Mama ," she said softly." But if you want, I'll take the coat back. See? I still have my old one" The mother gathered her little daughter on her lap and hugged her." I" m not unhappy, honey ," she sniffed." I'm overcome with joy. I knew that I would never be able to buy you a new coat for Christmas. Even used coats down ...

... him at a hotel ballroom with a band and, you guessed it, there was dancing. Everyone was there, everyone was dancing, everyone was having a good time. Though most might have questioned my attempt to dance, I never let that get to me. So, with the band playing melodiously, I stood up from my seat at the table and calmly asked my 82-year-old grandmother sitting to my left," Grandma, would you like to dance? My mother's mother then replied," MichaelŠ oh noŠ my back is killing me and my feet are aching as well. But thank you for the offer" I then quickly went to my grandmother's left where my other grandmother, my 90 year old father's mother, was sitting and asked her the same question." Honey, my knees are killing me and my neck is so sore, but if you can go out to the dance floor, I can go as well" That ...

... , paper towels, trash bags and Clorox. So off I go. I scurried around the store, gathered up my goodies, and headed for the checkout counter only to be blocked in the narrow aisle by a young man that appeared to be about sixteen-years-old. I wasn't in a hurry, so I patiently waited for the boy to realize that I was there. This was when he waved his hands excitedly in the air and declared in a loud voice," Mommy, I'm over here" It was obvious now, he was mentally challenged, and Also startled as he turned and saw me standing so Close to him, waiting to squeeze by. His eyes Widened and surprise exploded on his face as I said," Hey Buddy, what's your name ?"" My name is Denny and I'm shopping with my mother ," he responded proudly." Wow ," I said," that's a cool name; I wish my name was Denny ...

... two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have 2"" You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 777-8152." Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there" The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read," If you're missing Baby Jesus, call 777-8152" All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang mother would say," I'll bet that's about Jesus ," but it never was. Father tried to explain there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be missing ...

... when I would say," I missed you, Daddy". Then you would give me a big old squeeze and sit down and hold me on your knee. You would bounce me a couple times and ask me, how my day was. Then you would hold me tight against your chest and say," I missed you too, honey". During all my growing years I never had any fears, for I knew you would always be there for Momma and Me. You were my tower of strength; you were the invincible one! Whenever I was in need, you were always there for me! And as I grew into womanhood, you were there still. When I gave birth to my son, you were there to drive me to the hospital, you lovingly kissed my cheek and said," Honey, I can't help you with this one" but you did more than you will ever know. And when ...

... that limited me. I never took the chance of voicing my wish. It was a pattern that took years to break. The next morning, Frankie casually announced that he was going out for a little while. When I asked where, he smiled and said," I can't say. But when I get back, I'll need you to go upstairs for a few minutes" Any further questions of mine were answered with a coy," You'll see" My mother's instinct told me he wasn't up to anything dangerous, so I agreed. Frankie left and I busied myself packing for an upcoming camping trip. In a short time, I heard the back door open and Frankie's voice yelling," Can you go upstairs now ?" As I walked up the steps I went through a mental checklist." Hmm, it's not my birthday, it's not Mother's Day-what could he be up to ?" I brushed my hair and tried to ...

... . Well, one day this little girl, Erica, a very bright, very outgoing kid, takes her turn and waddles up to the front of the class with a pillow stuffed under her sweater. She holds up a snapshot of an infant." This is Luke, my baby brother, and I'm going to tell you about his birthday. First, Mom and Dad made him as a symbol of their love, and then Dad put a seed in my Mom's stomach, and Luke grew in there. He ate for nine months through an umbrella cord" She's standing there with her hands on the pillow, and I'm trying not to laugh and wishing I had my camcorder with me. The kids are watching her in amazement." Then, about two Saturdays ago, my Mom starts saying and going, 'Oh, oh, oh! ' Erica puts a hand behind her back and groans." She walked around the house for ...

... Mother's Day In Georgia The story of" Making Pancakes" reminds me of Mothers Day in Georgia in 1970. I had just retired from the Air Force and was in Milledgeville attending Georgia, College. That Mothers Day Sunday, my family and I were at Molesville Baptist Church waiting for the Preacher to begin when I looked around noticing our 12-year-old son was absent. My wife and I looked at each other with questioning eyes, thinking he was probably outside playing with his friends. Ten or fifteen minutes later the choir was singing and still no son. Thirty minutes later the preacher was well into his sermon and still no son. I knew in my heart of hearts the only thing wrong was his priorities, which as soon as we came face-to-face again, I would direct him into knowing what was important and what was not important. Since we only lived about a block from the church, all through the sermon I was thinking he had ...

... . I guess the memory of Mom was still very much alive in him." She then said, 'Yes, Daddy. She has a ring with four colors on it" I couldn't believe what she said. I asked her to tell me again. She described it as best she could for a young child"" Did she remember a ring that Grandma always wore ?" I asked." No. That's what amazed me. You see that ring was her Mother's ring that we gave her. Each colored stone represented one of her children. She couldn't wear it for year's because of her arthritis" Once again he stopped to gain some composure." We placed it on her finger when she died. We had it cut to fit her"" Could Jenny have seen it then ?" I asked." No. We decided not to permit Jenny at the funeral viewing. She was much too young to understand"" So, ...

... wasn't long before" Miss Doogey" and Shep were competing to get hooked up to pull Gloria or any of us in the wagon. Mr. Sullivan built a miniature buggy in his garage, just like in the movies, to fit on a sidewalk. It had two poles and traces to hook up Shep and Miss Doogey, and they would bring Gloria everywhere we went so she could play with us. I have some pictures of that somewhere, probably in my mother's old cedar chest. I think I'll get one out and frame it. Might remind me from time to time why I always take food and stuff to P.A.L.S. where they save animals instead of killing them. [Mark Crider 1998 (Mark @cccoating.com)-source: www.hearttouchers.com, from 'Wit and Wisdom '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... to the more rigid schedules that fall brings our way. These dog days of summer are finding me in a bit of a melancholy mood. As the heat continues to be an issue my heart happens to be melting with memories of summer's sweet song of yesterday. On a faraway street corner, many, many years ago stood a lemonade stand that held the promise of making lots of money for two enthusiastic best friends. This memory is brought alive as I see today's mommies spending no less than ten bucks on ingredients so their little entrepreneurs can shout~' LEMONADE-10 CENTS A GLASS !! ' The smell of backyard barbecues always bring to mind the memory of my dad attempting to grill hamburgers. We'd jump for joy even though we knew the hamburgers and hot dogs would be so well past done they'd be well on their way to burnt. Now it is my dear hubby who likes to play weekend chef. It is his turn to burn ...

... had been doing was completed. Moments later, however, he was once again walking in that slow purposeful stride toward the woods. This activity went on for over an hour: walking carefully to the woods, then running back to the house. Finally, my curiosity got the best of me. I crept out of the house and followed him on his journey (being very careful not to be seen. as he was obviously doing something important and didn't need his Mommy checking-up on him). He was cupping both hands in front of him as he walked; being very careful not to spill the water he held in them. maybe two or three tablespoons were held in his tiny hands. I sneaked closer as he went into the woods. Branches and thorns slapped his little face but he did not try to avoid them. He had a much greater purpose. As I leaned in to spy on him, I saw the most amazing ...

... ." What ?" Mom asked." Let's run through the rain !" She repeated." No, honey. We'll wait until it slows down a bit ," Mom replied. This young child waited about another minute and repeated," Mom, let's run through the rain"" We'll get soaked if we do ," Mom said." No, we won't, Mom. That's not what you said this morning ," the young girl said as she tugged at her Mom's arm." This morning? When did I say we could run through the rain and not get wet ?"" Don't you remember? When you were talking to Daddy about his cancer, you said, 'If God can get us through this, he can get us through anything!" The entire crowd stopped dead silent. I swear you couldn't hear anything but the rain. We all stood silently. No one came or left in the next few minutes. Mom paused ...

... sow and the quality of the harvest lies in the gardener. When it seems that the Winter in our lives will never leave, remember that" All the flowers of all our tomorrows are in the seeds of today" Robert H. Schuller" Just then his children came running through the door." Here comes tomorrow's flowers ," he said." Daddy, could we plant Daisies again this year ?" one child asked." Yes, of course. They were Mom's favorite ," he said." Ours, too !" they said in unison." That doesn't surprise me ," Dad said as he smiled and kissed them.~Bob Perks~2believe @comcast.net [by: Bob Perks Copyright 2008 (2believe @comcast.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Walk In Jesus ' Footsteps Lee Strobel tells about a mother from Costa Mesa, California who told about the day her three-year old son was on her heels wherever she went. She was having trouble doing her routine chores." Whenever I stopped to do something and turned back around I would trip over him ," she said." Several times I suggested fun activities to keep him occupied, but he would just smile and say, 'That's alright Mommy I'd rather be in here with you ' He continued to follow me and after the fifth trip, my patience wore thin and I asked him why he was following me constantly" He said," My Sunday school teacher told me to walk in Jesus ' footsteps but I can't see him so I'm walking in yours" The greatest way we can teach our children about and show our loved ones the love of Jesus is through the example of how we live, and how we model his love ...

... of jelly". The presents were opened and everyone ooh'ed and aah'ed and then quickly contracted an advanced case of amnesia with neither the gift nor the giver being recalled. A clash of cultures takes place between those who have children and those that do not. Invariably, a childless in-law (generally male) cheers like they're at a football game, 50 yard line, 5th row, isle seat. Why? They are the first person to land on Boardwalk. Three mom's scurry away to calm previously sleeping children-the game is forgotten. And as comfortable as this family Inn has been, it is not home. I try to sleep but every noise is distinct and pronounced in its unfamiliarity. I notice the flushing of the communal restroom facility and the creaking of the floor and the faint whisper of others seeking elusive slumber (or more turkey in hopes for a triptophan encore). Suddenly it hits me; Jesus came to a packed house ...

... she there all alone ?"" Just Mama and me ," was his answer," since my daddy took off for to roam. My mama said that's just what happened. And she told me she's glad that he's gone" Amelia smiled down at the small boy, who told her that his name was Jack. He led her on down a dark alley, through debris, to a ramshackle shack. He burst through the door and he shouted." Hey, Mommy. It's me, and I'm back" His mother could not even answer. She was choking from a coughing attack. The mother soon went to the hospital. She knew her life nearly was through. She said to her boy," You know, Jackie, I know God will look after you. I prayed to Him this very morning: Please show me, dear God, what to do. And then you came burstin ’ in, callin ’, 'I'm back ...

... ones, how many of you know how to ride ?" After he got his answers, the bell started to ring again indicating time for bed. At 8: 30? Who ever heard of an adult going to bed at 8: 30? What about TV? I quickly learned there were no televisions in any of the rooms, except for one in the main house. Walking back to our bunk (for bed, yes, at 8: 30) my mother-in-law told those of us in her family," I don't know about this place. Maybe my family is not meant for slow country life on a ranch. But please give it a try. Besides, dinner was pretty good, wasn't it ?" That night many of the family had problems sleeping. Maybe, it was too much fresh air. However, all were asleep in the early morning when once again those bells started clanging. Waking and stretching, I thought, ...

... eye and blood stains on her second-best outfit. But what really troubled her was what was on Sarah's face: a big, bright smile. “ Sarah, look at you !” her mother wailed. “ You're bruised and bandaged, and you've probably ruined your second-best outfit. We ’ re going to have to take you to the doctor and you ’ re going to miss the Most Important Day of second grade. Why on earth are you smiling ?” “ Look, Mommy ,” Sarah exclaimed, extending a still-sandy palm. “ I found a quarter !” Life, like school, can be like that. It can be tough, even painful at times. But there are always treasures in the sandbox that make the challenges worth overcoming and the pain worth enduring. On the Most Important Day, and every day.~Joseph Walker~< ValueSpeak @msn.com >Copyright 2010 Joseph Walker began his professional writing career as a staff writer for the Deseret ...

... not supposed to bother you guys out there. Mom says you're busy and for me to stay off the air. But you see, I get lonely and it helps to talk cause that's about all I can do. I'm crippled and cannot walk" I came back and told him to fire up that mike, I'd talk to him as long as he'd like." This was my dad's radio ," the little boy said," but I guess it's mine and Mom's now cause my daddy's dead. Dad had a wreck about a month ago. He was trying to get home in a blinding snow. Mom has to work now to make ends meet. I'm not much help with my crippled feet. She says not to worry that she'll make it all right. But I hear her crying sometimes late at night." You know, there's one thing I want more than anything else to see. Ah, I know you guys are ...

... . She inspired and motivated everyone to believe that one should never give in nor give up. Marnie's condition gradually deteriorated. She and her family continued to receive pessimistic news from the doctors. It was like being bombarded with constant negativity. How much could they take? Then, one day, when I called the family's home her mother sounded very happy and excited." Mike, we finally have some good news. The new medication is shrinking the tumor !" Marnie's mother's excitement was contagious. Finally, some good news. I was so happy for the family! I left town early on Thursday happy about the positive results. My parents left town earlier that same week with the same thoughts. (My father was Marnie's Rabbi and was constantly keeping in touch with her progress through the family) Therefore, we were all stunned, shocked, and saddened when the news came later that week that Marnie had passed away on Friday due to a ...

... the pharmacist said, softening a little." Listen, I have the money to pay for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs" The pharmacist's brother was a well dressed man. He stooped down and asked the little girl," What kind of a miracle does you brother need ?"" I don't know ," Tess replied with her eyes welling up." I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation. But my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money." How much do you have ?" asked the man from Chicago." One dollar and eleven cents ," Tess answered barely audibly." And it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to." Well, what a coincidence ," smiled the man." A dollar and eleven cents -the exact price of a miracle ...

... today, I just knew it. I lean forward in the boat, and begin pulling weeds up from the river bottom, slowly untangling the line. My heart beat with excitement, maybe I could get the boy to take a picture of me with my catch of the day. If's its big enough, maybe I'll even make the paper. I finally worked the line free of the weeds, and pulled the big boy up from the water to come meet his momma. My blood ran cold at the horror which came up out of that water instead. The biggest, meanest, ugliest snake I ’ d ever seen in my life come out of that water, with my fishhook in his mouth, opened it wide up, I could see his tonsils, and had the audacity to hiss at me. I screamed bloody murder, let go of that line as if I ’ d grabbed a prickly pear, fell back into the seat ...

... the catch-all cupboard, but it's on the front of the top shelf where I can see it. My daughter made it when she was 7. A detergent bottle cap with a styrofoam ball. Plastic fork, handle broken and inserted to stick out just enough to hold a recipe card. Pink carnation to cover the ball, pink ribbon trimming the bottle cap, and voila! The absolute best recipe holder ever! And indeed it is. Because it was my first Mother's Day gift ever! It's not packed away. It's there where I can glance at it occasionally, a reminder of a little girl who stole my heart and made my life complete. One who every now and then, with a butter dish family portrait or a detergent cap recipe holder, made me feel loved-something that showed me I had made it! I was really accepted! I was in! And isn't that what kid art always is? Kids bestow their ...

... he carefully maneuvered his car over the blacktop. He had his own tradition to tend to and what he was looking for he would probably find in the deserted park. Usually bustling with activity, even on cold days, the park was practically empty now. Everyone was home with friends and family enjoying their Thanksgiving turkey. Jimmy was tempted to have a bit more dinner himself, but his second helping sat on the car seat beside him along with a big hunk of Mom's homemade pumpkin pie and a Thermos bottle of hot coffee. Jimmy wouldn't succumb to temptation and eat more today. For the past two years, Jimmy had established a tradition for himself. He had never suffered a hungry day in his life. The son of an unwed teenaged mother, he was given up for adoption as an infant and was taken in by a Christian family. When he was fifteen, to honor his Lord as well as his parents, he decided to ...

... The Ant And The Grasshopper A mother of a 9 year old boy, Mark, received a phone call in the middle of the afternoon. It was the teacher from her son's school." Mrs. Smith, something unusual happened today in your son's third grade class. Your son did something that surprised me so much that I thought you should know about it immediately" Mother's seldom want to hear from their child's teacher in the middle of the day. The mother was uneasy and nervous by such a beginning to a phone call." What now ?" the mother wondered. The teacher continued," I have been teaching for many years and nothing like this has happened until now. This morning I was teaching a lesson on creative writing. And as I always do, I tell the story of the ant and the grasshopper. The ant works hard all summer and stores up plenty of food. But the grasshopper plays all summer and ...

... a first. They came to a rolling stop, as the two tumbled and fell into the snow laughing. The blue sky above reminded them of a bright future and the sun began to dance across the field. Next to where they had stopped were a few small evergreens. Their branches laden with snow, bowed to the very spot where they laid dreaming." Look, look how the snow glistens !" Mom said. Her daughter didn't move an inch." Mommy, you're just kidding me right ?" the young girl said." Kidding? About what ?" asked Mom." I didn't know the snow had ears ," the young child replied." Ears ?"" You said the snow listens ," the child repeated as she rolled over. Mom, being careful not to make fun of her, held back the laugh as long as she could. Then, struggling to clear things up she said," No, honey. I ...

... off to play. At bedtime, Frankie didn't want to sing any songs, which he loved to do in the weeks before Christmas. Something was definitely up. I rubbed Frankie's head and asked," Wanna talk about what's bothering you now ?" Frankie shrugged, but seconds later a question bubbled up. It was one of THE questions parents face. In the category of questions like," Why do people die ?" and" Where do babies come from ?"" Mommy, do you believe in Santa Claus ?" I silently prayed for the right words. Seconds later I saw the Lady's brilliant smile and felt her kindness wash over me. An idea came." What do you think ?" Frankie shrugged." Some kids at school said Santa wasn't real. They said parents put the gifts under the tree"" Are you asking me if there is a Santa, or if parents put the gifts under the tree ?" Frankie hesitated." ...

... The Perfect Mistake My Mother's father worked as a carpenter. On this particular day, he was building some crates for the clothes his church was sending to orphanages in China. On his way home, he reached into his shirt pocket to find his glasses, but they were gone. When he mentally replayed his earlier actions, he realized what had happened; the glasses had slipped out of his pocket unnoticed and fallen into one of the crates, which he had nailed shut. His brand new glasses were heading for China! The Great Depression was at its height and Grandpa had six children. He had spent $20 for those glasses that very morning. He was really upset by the thought of having to buy another pair." It's not fair ," he told God as he drove home in frustration." I've been very faithful in giving of my time and money to your work, and now this" Months later, the director ...

... us. It was Ginny's daughter and family. They'd realized we weren't behind them and pulled into a gas station on the other side of the mountain to wait. When we didn't pass, they came looking for us. Nathan took over driving his car, while Ginny and Heather went in the van with the kids. Apparently, his transmission is finicky. Third gear didn't work unless you shifted just right. He got the little car over the mountain and to his Mom's house without any trouble. That night, Ginny and I cuddled under the covers." Mikey ?"" Yes, Hun ?"" I love you"" I love you too, Gin"" More !" She giggled and snuggled closer." I'm thankful for being in a warm bed"" I won't argue with you on that, Gin"" You were right, Mike"" How's that ?" I held her close, closed my eyes, and began to ...

... rib he sustained in the collision." Look at it this way ," I whispered to him as the meeting got underway." The worst thing that could possibly happen has already happened. It's clear sailing from here on in" Well, not quite. When Brian rose to speak, the pocket on his jacket somehow became tangled with the armrest of his chair. The unmistakable ripping sound elicited an audible gasp from the congregation, and brought a pained expression to Brian's mother's face. As Brian turned to see what the ripping was, he lost control of the book he was holding, and it fell on the foot of the woman sitting next to him. The congregation was beginning to titter, and he hadn't said a word. I saw him glance at the door. I'm sure he considered running, and I doubt any would have blamed him. But he bravely made his way to the podium and began to present his message. He ...

... you are my offspring. Acts 17: 28 I knew you even before you were conceived. Jeremiah 1: 4-5 I chose you when I planned creation. Ephesians 1: 11-12 You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book. Psalm 139: 15-16 I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live. Acts 17: 26 You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139: 14 I knit you together in your mother's womb. Psalm 139: 13 And brought you forth on the day you were born. Psalm 71: 6 I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me. John 8: 41-44 I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love. 1 John 4: 16 And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. 1 John 3: 1 Simply because you are my child and I am your father. 1 John 3: 1 ...

... my job is only part-time now. I can remember wanting time and complaining that there was never any time for ME! Days were filled with tending to scraped knees, changing diapers, baking cookies, watching Sesame Street, and going to play group or the grocery store. Oh, Lord, how I long to have one daughter in the shopping cart, holding my son on my hip, and my eldest daughter trailing behind asking," Can we get Oreos, mommy, pleeeease ?" And while my children will always need me, their demand for my time continues to diminish. I'm scared, God. Please help me to trust You. Help me to trust that You know exactly what You have in store for me. Help me to trust and know that it is good, and that it is Your will. Help me to know that just around the corner waits the perfect" job" that demands love and dedication. Help me ...

... for cherished traditions. Next year, and hopefully for many years to come, I will be there, feasting with family at the little cottage by the lake.~Stefanie Wass~< swass @adelphia.net >Stefanie writes from her home in Hudson, Ohio. A member of the International Women's Writing Guild, Stefanie's essays have been published in The Christian Science Monitor, The Akron Beacon Journal, Chicken Soup For The Beach Lover's Soul, and Chicken Soup For The New Mom's Soul. Additionally, her stories have appeared in newspapers nationwide as part of Chicken Soup's syndicated column. Look for two of Stefanie's stories in the upcoming anthology Chicken Soup: Love Stories, due to be published in February 2008. [By: Stefanie Wass, Copyright 2007 (swass @adelphia.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... Christmas Presence It was the night before Christmas, and all through the evening I reminisced, fondly reliving past Christmases spent with my family. As a second year nursing student, just nineteen, this was to be the first time I wouldn't be home on Christmas. Although I knew I would someday be working on Christmas, I never expected to feel this lonely. Secluded in my room, I yearned for the mouth-watering aromas of mom's freshly baked cookies, hot chocolate and love. The absence of the usual giggling, slamming doors and ringing telephones made the dormitory seem cold and empty. The unappetizing smell of disinfectant replaced my visions of cookies and cocoa. Standing in front of the mirror, I conversed with my reflection." You wanted to be a nurse didn't you? Well, you're almost a nurse. Now is your chance to find out what Christmas spirit really means" Determined to make the best of it, I turned in early ...

... neighbors ' wagging tongues !" I'm sorry, Mom. You didn't deserve that. You started to get up in a huff." Mom ," I murmured," I need you" You took my hand and got to your feet, but the fire was gone from your eyes." You can count on me, Joseph ," you told me with a long hug. And you meant it. I never heard another word. No bride could hope for a better mother-in-law than you those next few months. Mom, after I left you I went up the road to Mary's house and knocked. Her mother glared at me as she opened the door. Loudly, harshly she called into the house," It's Joseph !" almost spitting out my name as she said it. My little Mary came out cringing, as if she expected me to give her the back of my hand, I suppose. Her eyes were red and puffy. I ...

... and adolescent angst oozing from every pore. This extraterrestrial I once called flesh and blood, whose mood swings dwarf the Grand Canyon, seems intent on bungee jumping from that rickety bridge connecting a child with adulthood. And I think he plans on dragging his rapidly aging mother along for the ride. A drastic language change was the first indication of alien infestation in my once-cherished offspring. The rosy-cheeked cherub who used to run to me, eyes shining with adoration and shouting" Mommy !" began to address me (and everyone else) as" Dude" At 13 months, he was a sponge, joyfully soaking up new words, becoming more communicative every day. At 13 years, the hormones surging through his body have cut a swath through the speech center in his brain; his mouth, when it speaks at all, produces mere shrunken shreds of complete sentences apparently understood only by other members of his species." S'up" is a perfectly acceptable ...

... understand is an important part of life. He is always there watching, wanting to help us, but having the wisdom to know when to step in and when to let us get stronger through the struggle. Even though I thought I was teaching Dallin an important principle, the Holy Spirit testified to my soul that it was true, and that it was truly a lesson for both of us! Well, she's all fluffy now and peeping and thinks we are her mommies. She'll tuck under any hand that comes near her and get quiet, then wiggle her head through our fingers. I tried to get the hen to take her in, but she didn't think this little chick belonged to her. So the chick is ours to raise until she can defend herself in the chicken coop. A new life begun, an indelible memory made with Dallin, and an eternal truth seared into my soul! [by: Shelly Duke, copyright 2002 ...

... where I sat. She would smile at me, look down and gently say," My son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side" I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say," Son, come and sit on my knee" This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy. Then Mother would say to me," My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it ...

... there. When I entered the store, air was warm and thick with odors. Even though Weber's Pharmacy sold medicine, they sold so many wonderful things, and if I close my eyes, I can still smell the store's scent to this day. Wandering up and down each black-and-white tiled aisle, I carefully considered each item on every shelf. I looked at medicines and powders and things for illnesses that I couldn't even pronounce. With each item, I pictured my mother's expression while she opened it on Christmas morning. It was a difficult task. I saw stockings and perfumes and I looked at watches in a glass counter that had rotating shelves, pressing the button to rotate each shelf. I knew that the change in my pocket wasn't enough to buy one, but I picked out the one she'd like best, anyway. I began to feel discouraged, without hope of finding something. But when I turned into the last aisle I saw ...

... followed. As soon as we entered the living room I blinked a few times in the hopes our three tiny gifts would have multiplied over night, but no such luck. Without a word we trudged off to the sewing room to get Dad's gift. By the time we'd dragged it under the tree, Mom was in the kitchen putting her famous cinnamon rolls into the oven and we already smelled Dad's coffee perking." Time for presents. Hurry up !" Diane tugged mom's bathrobe, then all five of us scrambled back into the living room." Youngest first ," Dad commanded when Dennis started reaching for his gift. Diane quickly ripped the festive paper off her cereal-sized package and promptly pulled out a bright red coloring book with a goofy grinning elf on the cover." Thanks ," she squeaked in her best trying-to-be-happy voice. I was next, so I grabbed the smaller box with my name on it and carefully peeled off the paper." ...

... remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that biscuit and eat every bite! When I got up from the table that evening, I remember hearing my mom apologize to my dad for burning the biscuits. And I'll never forget what he said:" Honey, I love burned biscuits" Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really liked his biscuits burned. He wrapped me in his arms and said," Your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she's real tired. And besides-a burned biscuit never hurt anyone !" Life is full of imperfect things and imperfect people. I'm not the best at hardly anything, and I forget birthdays and anniversaries just like everyone else. But what I've learned over the years is that learning to accept each others faults-and choosing to celebrate each others differences-is one of the most important keys to creating a healthy, growing, ...

... the middle age spread that just keeps spreading. The fact that I'll now wear my sweats and slippers outside, something I would never have dreamt of doing in my prissy prime. As I'm getting older I'm finding that being vane is not as much a top priority as, say, being comfortable. You just can't savor an ice cream sundae when you're stuffed in a stylish pair of blue jeans. I've also noticed recently that when I look in the mirror it's my mother's face staring back at me. Somewhere along the way to middle age I realized that I'm not immune to the ravages of time. It's not everybody else that seems to be getting on in years while I imagine myself unchanged since high school. For me the light bulb moment, that I'm indeed graduating up the ladder to geriatrics, shone as bright as a light house on a foggy night, the day I visited the DMV to renew my state ID. Since it had ...

... tempest that ruled Jessie ’ s former life, affirmation and love had calmed the storm. The resentment within me also began to heal, and I learned to forgive. I didn ’ t know that was happening until one night as I was writing, I felt someone watching me. I turned around, and there was Jessie, standing in the hall looking at me. I saw a pleading expression in his eyes, and I seemed to hear his voice. “ Mommy, please love me ” At that moment, my heart broke for the little pup who had been abandoned in a cardboard box, by the side of the road. Then, love burst into my heart, as he came over to me, hesitantly, expecting rejection. “ Jessie, I love you ,” I whispered into his neck, as my arms slipped around him. Tears dropped from my eyes, as I realized Jessie ’ s need for my love. Twelve ...

... talk to you about me and will teach you the way for you to come back to me, even though I will always be next to you. At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from earth could already be heard, and the child in a hurry asked softly: Oh God, if I am about to leave now, please tell me my angel's name. Your angel's name is of no importance, you will call your angel: Mommy. [Author Unknown-'E-Mail Ministry '] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... A Rose Is A Weed Is A Rose Seeing the United Parcel Truck pull into my driveway; I opened the garage door knowing that another package has arrived helping us with the Christmas in July Party we were putting together for the orphans at a local orphanage. As I stood watching the driver get the packages from the back of the truck; I saw Madison, my three year old granddaughter, picking weeds from the lawn. “ These are for my mommy and daddy ,” she replied, as she held out a hand full of worthless little weeds. I just smiled and nodded my head as I looked at her tight little closed fist. The UPS driver walked into the garage and sat the two packages down on the wooden bench. He and I stood talking about the numerous baseballs gloves, baseball bats, helmets and baseballs sitting about the room. I told him I had been raised in a Jacksonville, Florida orphanage and that during my ...

... softly, his fears to abate. She wiggled and worked at the leg-trap, till at last she pried open its jaws. With a leap he jumped free of his prison, unharmed, but for one of his paws. The mink, in his white coat for winter, slithered swiftly away from the site. Then he stopped. He looked back at the mother, his beady-eyes black as the night. The children have now grown, and left her. That mother's had much time to think. She's convinced that he turned ‘ round to thank her for helping God's creature, the mink. A true story incident from the 60's.-Helen Dowd-[ by Helen Dowd Copyright 2004, (helendowd @shaw.ca)-submitted by: Helen Dowd] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... clothes. Sometimes she drove me to church in her Cadillac when my car was broken." Let me try that one" How difficult could her burden be? I thought. The Lord removed my burden and placed Joan's on my shoulders. I sank to my knees beneath its weight." Take it off !" I said." What makes it so heavy ?"" Look inside" I untied the straps and opened the top. Inside was a figure of her Mother-in-law, and when I lifted it out, it began to speak." Joan, you'll never be good enough for my son ," it began." He never should have married you. You're a terrible mother to my grandchildren" I quickly placed the figure back in the pack and withdrew another. It was Donna, Joan's youngest daughter. Her head was bandaged from the surgery that had failed to resolve her epilepsy. A third figure was Joan's brother. Addicted to drugs ...

... . Trust me. VCR's do not eject Peanut Butter Sandwiches! In the twelve years since that sticky incident, I've also learned the following gems of wisdom: A new mom really can get by on 3 hours and seventeen minutes of sleep per night. You could use the bags under your eyes to pack for a cruise, but at least the sweet smell of poopy diapers can act as smelling salts to revive you. If it's 2am and your toddler whines," Mommy, my tummy hurts !", you have three seconds to react before his stomach contents wind up on your pillow case. A two year old can stuff half a purple crayon up his nose in the time it takes to tie your 4-year-old's shoe. Your proudly potty-trained 3-yr-old will always have to" go" after she's bundled into long underwear, pants, and a snow suit. A mom can have a 102 degree fever, hacking cough, and horrible rash, but she still ...

... Teasing, Basketball And Candied Yams There will be a few new faces around the dinner table this Thanksgiving Two of them will belong to new great-nephews who were born this year: Roman and Miles. Of course, neither of these sweet little boys will actually be sitting with us at the table. They'll mostly be napping while being passed from mommy to aunt to Grandpa Padilla (who never met a baby he couldn't rock to sleep) But they'll be there when we gather, and occasionally their cute little cries will remind us how thankful we are for their safe arrival in a world that has seen far too much un-safety lately. The other new face will belong to Brian, our new son-in-law. We're still in the figuring-each-other-out phase of our relationship with Beth's new husband, and so far, we are all getting along famously. But he hasn't yet experienced a full-fledged Padilla family gathering, where the humor is raucous and the teasing is profound. ...

... way. He would mix up the dough, roll it out and use an overturned drinking glass to cut out the round shapes. Then he'd put them on a cookie sheet and slide them into the over while he made the gravy. While Dad's gravy was fairly passable as cuisine went, the biscuits were a different story. Hard and flat, they came out of the oven in the same shape they went in. They never rose up puffy and light like my mother's biscuits. And they were yellow, not just golden brown on top. When we broke one open, it was yellow all the way through. It may have been that Dad confused baking powder with baking soda, or perhaps he ignored both while he was mixing the dough by hand. One day, my brother watched every move my Dad made during the process and still couldn't determine where he went wrong." I dunno, Dad. Maybe if you washed your hands ...

... balm that heals both my body and soul. In the water, I am a confident athlete, a woman of strength. And someday, someday very soon, I will master that impossible flip turn.~Stefanie Wass~< swass @adelphia.net >Stefanie lives in Hudson, Ohio, with her husband and two girls. She is a member of the International Women's Writers Guild. Her essay" Legacy Of Love" will be published in Chicken Soup For The New Mom's Soul this April. Her writing will also appear in Chicken Soup For The Beach Lover's Soul, due in bookstores this May. [By: Stefanie Wass, Copyright 2007 (swass @adelphia.net)-{ used with permission}] Inspirational Stories SkyWriting.Net All Rights Reserved. ...

... shuddered when they spied the alligators and giggled when they saw the monkeys. We drew pictures and colored. We did nothing special. But we had a great time doing it! Sunday came much too quickly. After four nights with Nana and Pa, it was time for the girls to return home. I expected them to be thrilled to get back to their toy room, their outside toys, their pets, and their home. While they were happy to see Mommy and Daddy, they did not want to leave Nana and Pa. We buckled them securely in their car seats, gave them goodbye kisses, and returned home, already missing the girls. After they arrived home and realized that Nana and Pa weren't around anymore, they were definitely unhappy! Our telephone rang." I want you, Nana ," Katie whimpered." I want Pa too" Hannah came to the telephone." I miss you Nana ," she cried. ...

... My Daddy When I was seven years old and my younger sister was only four, our father was tragically killed in an automobile accident just two weeks after his twenty-seventh birthday. Mom was devastated and although we were really too young to understand what was going on, somehow I knew life would never be quite the same. After about a year, my mom's friends thought she should start dating and hopefully meet someone to fill the void in her life. Although mom was young and beautiful and certainly desirable, she was more interested in her girls and making sure our life was as comfortable as possible. We had a nice home, plenty of what we needed and all the love you could ask for, but we sure missed our father. Mom was lonely too, so just about every evening we would go to our grandparent's house for a visit. My grandmother, Nanny as we called her, had begun working part time at Kentucky Fried ...

... Mears Family Store Bernard Mears had arrived in America in his mother's arms. He was two years old in 1878. The Mears family were all hard workers and made a place for themselves in the land of opportunity. Bernie was smart and wanted to be his own boss. When Bernie was 25 he took a wife. Bernie had saved some money and decided on a dry goods and grocery store combined. He and Marie found an empty building to rent and proceeded to fill it with inventory. There was an apartment upstairs. They were not blessed with children, so the two of them worked side by side to become established and build a trade. Marie had a knack for arranging the merchandise to appeal to customers and Bernie didn't mind the long hours. He was happy, life was good. The business thrived until the great depression hit the entire country. No one had money to purchase pretty things or even food. In 1930, ...

... those things ?" I asked. Hesitant at first, he finally said," Well, yes, thank you !" I placed my hand under his left arm and walked with him a safe distance away from the rush of people." So what are you shopping for, sir ?"" Oh, just a little something for my neighbor. She's a young mother raising kids on her own. She's always so nice to me. I thought a box of candy for Mother's Day" he said, stopping suddenly as he searched his inside pocket of his sport coat." Do you need something ?" I asked." Oh, no. Here. I think I have it right here. I always carry them with me ," he said. Then pulling out a hand full of papers he shuffled through them and handed me a business card that read:" John A. Pomicter Friend to all .enemy to no one! I said a prayer ...

... it will ring. The only bad feelings about it comes from the fact that when my mother was home dying from cancer she asked that it be unplugged. Hearing the hours count down really angered and frightened her. Still, I want to get it fixed so we can remember the good hours we had with her. I took it to a local clock shop the other day." I know this has no particular value as a clock, but it was my Mom's and I need to get it fixed ," I said to the shop owner. I went on to describe the problem." We get a lot of these in. Here's what I do. We remove the clock works and replace it with a battery operated movement that chimes electronically. It will cost about $135.00 ," he told me." You can't fix this ?"" No, we don't have the time nor the parts" I thanked him and went home. ...

... go. I'll just stay here the rest of my life"" I shouldn't think that would be very long, since you have no food or blankets"" I don't care ," William said, closing his eyes against the dust and heat and, perhaps, life itself. Then he added softly," It's too far. I can't do it" Caroline was startled by what she was hearing from her brother. They had been through so much together-their mother's death during childbirth in England; the family's immigration to America via a perilous ocean voyage during which their younger sister died; working with their father to build a new life for themselves in America; and then their father's accidental death just a few weeks before the start of the trek west. They had walked, side-by-side, every step of the way from New York to. well, wherever this place was. And through it all, William had been strong and courageous. ...

... I could play number 111 in the hymnbook, At Calvary, pretty well because it was written in the key of C and had no flats or sharps. Without hesitation, Willie said that would be a great song to play next Sunday morning I immediately went home and began practicing number 111 all week long until my family probably heard it in their sleep. I practiced it slow, I practiced it fast; I practiced it while singing, and I practiced it while Momma or Daddy sang it for me so I could get the feel of accompanying someone else. The next Sunday came and I played number 111 and got through it just fine. Willie seemed pleased and told me to write down a list of songs that I could play and he would choose from them when he picked the hymns for Sunday school opening. As time went on, I worked hard to learn more hymns to add to the list. I knew number 111 well by ...

... . He heard the one who will make him to see and not feel him to see. Now it is time for him to talk to the one who is everything. With great courage in his mind he said," Master, let me see" He heard for the last time in his life with blindness," You may go; your faith has healed you". His eyes were opened for the first time. As he was coming out from his mother's womb and giving out his first breath in the earth, he now opens his first sight and sees the King of Kings. He now saw; saw the beauty standing in front of him with a smile that will not go away from his sight. He heard the crowd again," Praise be to the King" from within he, shouted," Praise be to Jesus, Son of Man for now I know for sure he is God" The night came by ...

... much-loved rag doll hugged tightly to her chest. She paused in front of the box that held the toys, pressed her round little face into Lucy's flat, painted-on-face, gave her a final kiss, then laid her gently on top of the other toys." Oh, Honey ," I said." You don't have to give Lucy. You love her so much" Meghan nodded solemnly, eyes glistening with held-back tears." Lucy makes me happy, Mommy. Maybe she'll make that other little girl happy, too" Swallowing hard, I stared at Meghan for a long moment, wondering how I could teach the boys the lesson she had just taught me. For I suddenly realized that anyone can give their cast-offs away. True generosity is giving that which you cherish most. Honest benevolence is a three-year-old offering a treasured, albeit shabby doll to a little girl she doesn't know with the hope that it will bring this child as ...

... Keep Singing Like any good mother, when Karen found out that another baby was on the way, she did what she could to help her 3-year-old son, Michael, prepare for a new sibling. They find out that the new baby is going to be a girl, and day after day, night after night, Michael sings to his sister in Mommy's tummy. The pregnancy progresses normally for Karen, an active member of the Panther Creek United Methodist Church in Morristown, Tennessee. Then the labor pains come. Every five minutes. every minute. But complications arise during delivery. After hours of labor a C-section is required. Finally, Michael's little sister is born. But she is in serious condition. With siren howling in the night, the ambulance rushes the infant to the neonatal intensive care unit at St. Mary's Hospital, Knoxville, Tennessee. The days inch by. The little girl gets worse. The pediatric specialist tells the ...

... the bill. Instant winter. The sign said this park was a gift to the towns people from some family that claimed their roots here. It was quite a gift, too. Nestled in tall pine trees and a few old oaks, were wooden play sets and walking paths. I sat at a picnic table wishing I had a grill and a couple of hot dogs. My potato salad would be great too. I make a really good potato salad. My mom's recipe. Along the pathway came this gentleman, about my age. By the way he was dressed he seemed to be pretty well off. He had on a green polo shirt, tan shorts and dockers. All of them bore name brand labels." Good afternoon, my friend !" he said as he sat down on the opposite side of the table." You're not from around here, are you"" No, I'm just passing through. I live about ...

... " How are you today ?" I heard someone ask. I turned around and scanned the room to see who was speaking." I heard the voice of an angel !" I said smiling." Where are you ?" Then I heard a faint laugh in the corner." Oh, there you are. I am so lucky to find you today ," I said. She was seated on an old Victorian looking couch. It reminded me of the furniture in my mother's living room. We could only sit on it when company came. So, I jumped at the opportunity to sit next to this wonderful woman. Her hair was white and neatly brushed with an occasional wave gently reflecting the light from the nearby window. Her hands crossed on her lap resting on top of a knitted pink blanket that covered her legs. Two practical looking walking shoes peeked out at the bottom and a wooden cane was placed within her reach nearby." It's ...

... putting them on the tree. Gemma wasn't so helpful. She'd pick up an ornament and throw it back into the tote. Thankfully nothing shattered. Gemma was more enthused with the variety of snowmen I was unpacking. She began arranging them here there and everywhere. There was no pattern, no rhythm or reason. But we were accomplishing one thing-we were having a blast with the grand kids. I showed them Baby's First Christmas ornaments that had photos of their mommy and their aunt when they were babies. I tried to keep them all in the middle of the tree, next to the pictures of them in their Baby's First Christmas ornaments. They weren't so impressed with Nonnie's nostalgia. They were too busy hanging Mistletoe on door knobs and wearing wreaths like necklaces. Every year since they've been born I've made it a tradition to buy each one a special ornament. This year, Bill got a train ornament with his name on it and ...

... , but her 6-year-old son and his older brother had been scattered around the plane. She was very concerned about the younger boy sitting with strangers. She was in tears, yet nobody offered to help her. Suddenly the Scout leader stood up and said," Ma'am, I think we can help you" He then spent five minutes rearranging his group so that adequate space was available for the family. The boys followed his directions cheerfully and without complaint, and the mother's relief was obvious. Kallie, however, was beginning to panic at the thought of not being next to a window or her mother. I told her that there wasn't anything I could do; we would have to sit where we were. Amazingly, the man sitting next to the Scoutmaster (not a Scout himself ), turned around to me and asked," Would you and your daughter like our seats ?" referring to himself and the Scoutmaster. He said he was cramped ...

... shop to find a new rubber tip. I was visiting with my mom and after some time had passed we got concerned, so I went out to see if he was ok. I walked into the shop to find him sitting on the stool at his work bench laughing. I asked what in the world he was doing. He proceeded to explain that since the rubber tip he had gone to replace would not fit his walker he was changing legs. It seems Mom's walker, that she had used when she had double knee replacement surgery five years ago, was broken on the top, but the legs were better than the ones on his walker. I asked what was so funny about that. He said he was stuck. Those legs wouldn't fit and now he couldn't get the one leg he had changed off and he couldn't get back to the house without his walker. Together my dad, with the bum knee perched on his stool ...

... to the other," We are sure lucky to have been conceived and to have this wonderful world" The other chimed in," Yes, blessed be our mother who gave us life and each other" Each of the twins continued to grow and soon their arms and fingers, legs and toes began to take shape. They stretched their bodies and churned and turned in their little world. They explored it and found the life cord which gave them life from their mother's blood. They were grateful for this new discovery and sang," How great is the love of our mother-that she shares all she has with us !" Weeks passed into months and with the advent of each new month, they noticed a change in each other and in themselves." We are changing ," one said." What can it mean ?"" It means ," said the other," that we are drawing near to birth" An unsettling chill crept ...

... SkyWriting.Net STORIES Index U p d a t e d Mar 25, 2012 Submit a Story PHRASE (use quotes ):" Mother's Day" 10 20 50 Stories ALL Humor Messages Poems = Less than 15 days old, or Modified. CLICK on the SORT options below. Alphabetical Random Most Recent 11th Day Of The 11th Month 2B Together 40 Things (No Baby) C -O -D My BFF A Bag Of Kindness A Box Of Kisses A Broken Heart A Brother Like That A Chain Of Events A Child Shall Lead Them A Childs Angel A Christmas Story A Conspiracy Of Kindness A Cup Called Hope A Daily Sprinkle A Day At Work A Dog In The Road A Dog Named Jessie A Father Like No Other A Good Samaritan Today A Happy Mother's Day A Homeless Lesson A Lasting Impression A Late Bloomer A Lesson For A Liftetime A Lesson From The Geese A Letter To God A Light Bulb Moment A Little Bacon Grease A Little Bird Told Me A Little ...

... SkyWriting.Net STORIES Index U p d a t e d Mar 25, 2012 Submit a Story PHRASE (use quotes ):" Mother's Day" 10 20 50 Stories ALL Humor Messages Poems = Less than 15 days old, or Modified. CLICK on the SORT options below. Alphabetical Random Most Recent Time To Leave The Nest You Can Too Hood To Hero Shake It Off Something Beautiful One Person Bill Bound To Forgive Faith And Deeds Burned Biscuits Hi-Enjoy My Newest Story Starts With A New Bed Thanksgiving The Day Lisa Lost Kindness Is Contagious Proudly Displayed Jasper's Visit To The Nursing Home Blue Rose Happiness Has Two Doors It Must Be Settled Tonight The Weathered Old Barn The Golden Chain Of Kindness Brothers -A Story For Thanksgiving Fast Pitch In Heaven My Hero And The Old Swiming Hole Don't Make That Decision Legend Of The Poinsettia A Brother Like That The Red Geranium He Heard Dreams As Special The Cross Room The Forgotten Spelling Lessons It Was In The Cards Hands March ...

... SkyWriting.Net STORIES Index U p d a t e d Mar 25, 2012 Submit a Story PHRASE (use quotes ):" Mother's Day" 10 20 50 Stories ALL Humor Messages Poems = Less than 15 days old, or Modified. CLICK on the SORT options below. Alphabetical Random Most Recent A Dog Named Jessie Blue Rose To Endure You Have To Work For It Moving Beyond The Why They Made My Evening Special The Big Show First Degree Romance Courage To Match Our Fear Oh Deer It Was My Day Just Shake It Off Free Samples Of Food The Forgotten Ones Just A Simple Cookie Littlest Christmas Helpers Christmas Callie Christmas Magic In A Stable Too Much -My Start Menu Substitute Thanksgiving Dinner Thanksgiving -Old Fashion Way Thanksgiving We Won't Forget Missing -The First Holiday Just Checking Edge Of Darkness And Light She Cries No More Where's The Good Stuff Time And Loving Patience God's Flock Candles For Your Cake Starts With A New Bed Left Without Saying Goodbye Darkness Of The Storm I ...