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News & Reviews
May 2002 |
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Mommy's Hardened Heart
Welcome to "News & Reviews." We encourage you to write and let us know what you are doing with your poetry: Has your poetry been a blessing to anyone? Are you using your poems to minister to others? We'd like to know. We are especially looking for encouraging letters sent to you from readers who either have used your FOCP--published poetry or have been blessed as a result of having seen it somewhere on our web-site. Send your e-mails to "News & Reviews" cpoets@adelphia.net
E-Word Today has moved to a 7-day-a-week publication. Subscribers can receive E-Word Monday through Friday only, Saturday and Sunday only, or seven days a week (in their choice of html, plain text, or large print). Current recipients of the Monday through Friday subscription will not automatically receive the newly available weekend editions mentioned above. You must subscribe. Devo Digest, published 7 days a week, also features poems from our Library of Poetic Expression on a daily basis. As in E-Word Today, the actual poems are not being published in the devotionals. Instead, a link with the title of the poem and the author's name is being listed. These publications also provide links to the Poem of the Month WebPage as well as this Fellowship's website. Their combined circulation is nearly 13,000 opt-in subscribers. The e-mail addresses for both devotionals are as follows: E-Word Today: ewordtoday-subscribe@ewordtoday.com
Congratulations to Larry Howland from Elsie, Michigan for his petals of praise poem "My Mother and My Friend." I'll never again look at a floral arrangement in quite the same way. How sweet! A link to this poem will be listed in E-Word and Devo the entire month of May. You can also view this poem by visiting our Poem of the Month WebPage.
Poems for the Father's Day Special Contest are currently being reviewed. Deadline for submission is May 15th. Winner will receive a $25 prize, a certificate, and the winning entry will be selected as June's Poem of the Month. If none of the poems entered in special contests qualify as a winner, the cash award will be added to the next special contest award. In the event this should occur, either a non-member's poem or, at our discretion, a poem by the founders of this ministry or yours truly will be posted instead. Hopefully, this will lead to careful and prayerful preparation of future contest entries. In lieu of a newly submitted poem, you may choose to send an e-mail to cpoets@adelphia.net requesting a review and reconsideration of a previously submitted entry. If you choose this option, please include your name and poem's title exactly as it appears in our Library of Poetic Expressions, otherwise, we will not be able to retrieve your poem. Keep in mind that time will not always permit us to search for potential special contest winners in our library. So, if you wish to be included in future special contests, it will be your responsibility to take advantage of the option mentioned above. Our Liberty in Christ Special Contest review begins May 16th and will continue till June 15th. Because some of our entries may be from nations outside the USA, we no longer use Independence Day (July 4th) as our theme; please bear that in mind when composing your poem. Winner will receive a cash prize, a certificate, and the winning entry will be selected as June's Poem of the Month. In order to avoid the possibility of your entry being overlooked during the review process, it is highly recommended that you DO NOT send in your submission before review begins.
We are extending the deadline for another few months. Look for more information on our site along with a link to their website. From: <RHHMHESS@aol.com> My son was much taken by the poem, "It's in the Valley I Grow." He has just gone through detox and is waiting to enter a Christian rehab center. The poem would mean so much to him. Can you tell me where we can obtain a copy? Thank you. Richard H. Hess (If anyone out there has information about the poem, please feel free to forward it to Richard.) ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Teresa
McCay Hi, I have a web site or 2 that I would like to have folks consider [sending] uplifting writings of any kind to in order to share with folks that have lost family/friends or have crisis in their lives of some sort. I have a forum on both links; if you would pray and see if you can think of anyone that would feel comfortable sharing Christian works with which to cheer or inspire others. . . . Thank You for your time. http://www.ilovejesus.com/melody/t_mccay/index10.shtml http://pub9.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=711553660&cpv=1 Leave any links on my links page on either site if you like...and tell other folks you would like to about the links pages.
To: <john@christianpoets.com> Message: I used "My Risen Lord" (Category Easter) for our church bulletin. Please thank Margie Epps for her beautiful poem. Jean ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Reply-To: margie@reflect-a-moment.com Hi Ms. Cuevas, Thank you so much for sharing this with me. I'm just thankful to the Father that the gift that He has given to me is being a blessing to people everywhere. May the Fellowship of Christian Poets continue to be a place where God's people can come and be blessed and encouraged in the Lord. In His Eternal Love & Service, Margie Epps ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: Peacher <ed548@yahoo.com> Elsie, A Blessed "Resurrection Sunday" unto you and your family!! I have a question. I guess you saw that I used . . . ["I Will Never Forget That Easter" written by Joe Sizemore, Plymouth, Michigan] but does someone from the Fellowship of Christian poets notify him that his poem was used on someone's newsletter? I didn't find an email address for him on this poem. Ed Note: Ed Peacher is the editor of Spiritual Uplift. To Subscribe/Unsubscribe or Change Your Email Address to "SPIRITUAL UPLIFTS," send an email to ed548@yahoo.com and indicate your preference. Comments and questions can also be sent to this address. If you're recommending this newsletter to your friends and they wish to subscribe, have them send an email to ed548@yahoo.com and put "Subscribe to Spiritual Uplift" in the subject line. ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Jackie Cosgrove" <pojac_77@hotmail.com> Subject: poem John, I meant to e-mail a while ago, but want you to know that I really liked "A whisper in the wind." It just reminded me to be quiet, and listen for that whisper. Also I am really excited about the upcoming workshop, I think it will be a real blessing, and I am always grateful to learn more about this craft. Your friend in Christian Poetry, Jackie Cosgrove ------------------------------------------------------------------- To:<john@christianpoets.com> Message: Please thank David Grigsby for his delightful poem. I am using it in our church bulletin this next week. God bless all those who do use their gifts to praise our Lord in all ways. Jean ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: "Scott E. Nyland" <senyland@yahoo.com> Subject: I'm Excited! I am so happy to have become a part of this fellowship. I have been reading your articles and find them to be very informative. They really lead me in the right direction and challenge me to do my very best. May God continue to bless this fellowship and bring forth, through our gift, some lasting impressions. Your brother in Christ, Scott ------------------------------------------------------------------- To: joevans@attbi.com Good Morning St. John! I finally got to do some quiet time reading this morning .... thank God! Thank you for shining God's radiant light on the world wide web through your poems and articles. Your poems "Christ's Prayers Can Never Fail," "Love Her Now," and "A Mother's Day Exhortation" are wonderful. "Love Her Now " is a great companion piece for Renee Williams', "Seize The Moment!" How sweet it is to fellowship with all the FOCP members this morning... Have an excellent day in Him. Juanita P.S. (This is a victory poem for you... concerning prayers for your sweet son in law.) In His Love,
Great poem, Juanita! I nearly got raptured reading it. Glory to God!! Please send it to Rev. John Marinelli for entry into our library with a notation that it's dedicated to John Evans. God bless you. —Elsie ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue Apr 9 09:30:02 2002 Sister Juanita, you are indeed a dear friend. We have been undergoing real trials here. . . . Your poem is marvelous for its encouragements. It really flows from beginning to end with the Spirit of God's anointing. You indeed, under God, have had a grasp of the problems facing us. I especially liked the poem's conclusion which speaks of ultimate triumph, in God's own time and way. In the meantime, we look forward to His peace prevailing through it all. May the Lord richly bless you in your continued good deeds of loving encouragement--a real ministry! No doubt you have had need of the same through the years, and God has brought you through according to 2 Cor.1: 3 &4. God bless you. John ------------------------------------------------------------------- From:<VALARIELEE@HOTMAIL.COM> DEAR MR.EVANS, MY NAME IS VALARIE LEE AND IM USING YOUR POEM FOR MY SCHOOL EXAMINE. IF POSSIBLE COULD I GET SOME BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION ON YOU TO COMPLETE MY PRESENTATION? MY EMAIL ADDRESS IS VALARIELEE@HOTMAIL.COM. THANK YOU!!!! ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: John W. Evans [mailto:joevans@attbi.com] Dear Valerie, I can understand why you wouldn't want to say where you are living, what with the weirdoes out there; but, young lady (?), can you tell me which poem of mine you are using? Thanks. 'n' God bless. John Evans ------------------------------------------------------------------- From: < VALARIELEE@HOTMAIL.COM> Dear Mr.Evans The poem that I'm using is "If Only Men Were Aware." This poem is a good witnessing tool. I hope someone's life will be changed after I do the presentation. May God continually keep using you to touch men, women, and children all over the nation. I pray that God would increase you even the more. Have a Blessed Day!!!!!! Valarie Lee Note: Thank you for the forward, John. May the Lord prepare the hearts of all in the room to bring conviction unto repentance and fruit that will last when our sister gives her presentation. God bless you! P.S. Did I not write in last month's Poem of the Month section of "News & Reviews" the following words: "As I was nearing the end of [John Evans'] latest poem "If Only Men Were Made Aware," I felt an emotion welling up inside of me that I can only describe as the tearful gladness of salvation's hope. This one's sealed with 'Holy Ghost anointing.' " Did not my heart burn within me? Let's believe the Lord to do something wonderful. Elsie ------------------------------------------------------------------- Susan Shychuk My 16 yr. old son found your site accidentally when looking for something to memorize for our home-school recitation. That sparked an interest in me so I started looking for your site again since he thought he lost the address, and here you are. I've always loved poetry and even wrote a little myself in my younger days. Some of your ideas have gotten me inspired. Thanks. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Earl W. Kraft I'm not a poet but enjoy words that edify and glorify. Thank You ------------------------------------------------------------------- Na'Tasha Monroe YOU KNOW THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST SO BLESSED. THESE PEOPLE ARE GIFTED. I FOUND YOUR WEB SITE IN THE WEB BOUND. AND IT ONLY TOOK ME A FEW MINUTES, SCANNING THROUGH SOME OF THE PRAYERS, TO KNOW THAT THESE PEOPLE ARE A GIFT FROM GOD TO EVERYONE. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. AND MAY GOD BLESS! ------------------------------------------------------------------- Dr. Mary Ann Diorio, a syndicated columnist, freelance writer, novelist, and editor will be one of the 14 speakers at this years Mid-Atlantic Christian Writers Conference. Diorio has written over 1000 articles, short stories, and poems that have appeared in more than one hundred national magazines, newspapers, and journals, including The Saturday Evening Post, Christian Life, Decision, (Billy Graham Ministries), Virtue, Christian Parenting Today, and Moody Magazine. Another notable speaker will be Sally Stuart, the leading authority on Christian markets and author of 29 books including the popular annual publication Christian Writer's Marketplace (Harold Shaw). If you would like to bring books that you have authored, you will be provided an opportunity to add them to the Conference Bookstore for a consignment fee of 15% on books sold. Price must be marked on each book. More details will be enclosed in your registration pamphlet (not to be confused with the registration/brochure--see below). The conference will be held on Friday and Saturday, June 21 and 22 at the Holiday Inn Gaitherburg located in the heart of the I-270 High Tech Business Corridor just minutes from Washington, DC. To receive a registration/brochure that contains more information call 1-877-677-1237. For your convenience, their web-site and e-mail address are listed below: http://www.christiansupersite.com/writer
This month, by way of testimony, I want to remind you of a group of mothers out there who have never come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. These precious moms have need to be lifted up in prayer and supplication and approached in the anointing and wisdom of God with the Truth of His Word. They would do no less for us if the situation were reversed, for we have all heard of the persistency of praying mothers. I can think of no greater way to honor these precious moms. After becoming a Christian, I wanted every one of my loved ones to commit their lives to Christ—immediately, so I talked my husband into flying down to Florida with me to share the Good News with them. Would you believe I was still unpacking my suitcase when I tried to get my mother to make a verbal commitment to the Lord? Talk about anxious. Years later, I heard a visiting preacher say that all baby Christians should be locked in a cage for at least one year until they develop some wisdom to match their zeal. (Hey, I wasn't the only one laughing hard that day.) Getting back to my mom, she asked me what it was I wanted her to do. I told her to pray with me for her sins to be forgiven and to receive the Holy Spirit. Well, she actually began to repeat after me, but the devil whispered in her ear that she was getting her last rites, so she stopped and told me she would die if she kept praying with me. By the end of that three-week "missionary trip," I not only felt beaten down but also had my heart broken when, at one point, I overheard my mother in a jeering voice, mocking me to my sister in a nearby room, "Hallelujah! Hallelujah!" and my sister whispering back, "Mommy, be quiet, she'll hear you." Later my sister walked in and found me sobbing quietly and trying to hide my swollen eyes. She eventually told my parents, and I received a note of apology from my father when I got back home. Of course, I used my response as another opportunity to minister to them both. I let them know that I had cried, not because she mocked me, but simply because I realized how hardened her heart had become as a result of all the suffering and anguish she had undergone throughout her life. Then the Lord dropped it into my spirit to personalize prophetic words to them from the Scriptures. My mother's was Ezekiel 36:26, 27. "Mommy," I wrote, "if our heavenly Father were here in person, this is what He would say to you, 'Daughter, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and cause you to keep my laws.' " In the weeks that followed, I wore a path to the mailbox, but they never responded to that letter. On the surface it appeared as if the devil had won the first round, but the fight wasn't over. Throughout the five years that followed, I, along with my husband and two of my sisters, persistently prayed to the Lord for their salvation. And because I lived so far away from my mother, she would miss me and call occasionally. Every time we talked on the phone, a door would open, and I would minister to her. With each call, I tried to gently chip away at her hardened heart. Because she loved me, she listened, but there were times she would become impatient and abruptly remind me of what she had been taught growing up: "If you read the Bible too much, you will go crazy." Then came the day I received a call from one of my sisters. Mom was experiencing heart failure and needed to have the mitral valve flap replaced. The heart surgery had already been scheduled. My husband and I quickly arranged for the children to be taken care of and flew down to be with her. When I saw her, she looked fragile, and her legs and lips were bluish-gray. I became increasingly concerned that my mother, who by that time was 75 years old, would not make it through the operation. And although I didn't want to upset or annoy her as I had done nearly five years earlier, I needed to hear her make a commitment to the Lord. The day before the surgery, I stayed overnight at the hospital with her and prayed for wisdom until I fell asleep. The next morning, I cautiously told her that although the doctor and nurses were very capable, I believed she should pray with me that the Holy Spirit would come into her heart to protect her, keep her in peace, and guide the doctor and nurses throughout the operation. When she hesitated, I reminded her that unlike God, they were only human, possessing limited abilities. To my delight and joy, she agreed and prayed with me. But afterwards, I began to wonder if she had really meant it. What if she had only gone through the motions to make me happy or to keep me quiet? The operation was successful, but being very weak and still in danger, Mom was returned to the ICU, and I wasn't sure if she would live or die. The night before I was to fly home, my husband and I went one last time to the hospital chapel and prayed for nearly two hours. I reminded the Lord that I wouldn't be able to bear it if she died without me being assured she had really committed her life to Him. Afterwards, it was with a heavy heart that I went back up to say my good-byes. But while still a distance away from her section of the ICU, I spotted her rolling her head back and forth on the pillow. Her eyes were closed, so not wanting to startle her, I quietly approached her bedside. To my surprise, I heard her groaning, " Jesucristo, Jesucristo, perdoname! Perdoname!" Over and over again with eyes closed and head gently rolling back and forth on the pillow, she kept pleading earnestly, "Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ, forgive me! Forgive me!" I walked up to her, placed my hand on her forehead, and with total assurance told her, "Mommy, Jesus has heard your prayer, and He has forgiven you your sins." She opened her eyes and smiled at me in acknowledgment. Although I left the hospital wondering if I would ever see my mom alive again, I was completely assured that successful heart surgery had truly been performed in that little Baptist hospital in Florida. He removed her heart of stone and replaced it with a tender heart of humility just as He had promised her He would through Ezekiel's prophecy. I returned home rejoicing because of the love, mercy, and faithfulness of our God. © 2002 Elsie Cuevas "Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him" (Psalm 126:5,6 NKJV). Amen, Lord Jesus!
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