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Spiritual: May 09, 2012 Issue [#5019]

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Spiritual


 This week: A Series of Unfortunate Events
  Edited by: Shannon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

Purchased from stock.adobe.com


Welcome to the Spiritual Newsletter. I am Shannon and I'm your guest editor this week.


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

"What greater thing is there for two human souls than to feel that they are joined for life--to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?" ~ George Eliot (pen name of English novelist and poet Mary Ann Evans)


Nothing puts life in perspective quite like being a nurse. You learn pretty quickly that bad things really do happen to good people, but they happen to not-so-good people, too. Teenagers get ejected from vehicles and spend the rest of their lives in diapers, grandmothers get t-boned by drunk drivers and die in surgery, and 25-year-old otherwise healthy young men notice blood in their urine and are subsequently diagnosed with a rare form of cancer that kills 50% of its victims within the first year.

This is what happened to my best friend's son, Jordan.

Tragedy has no rhyme or reason, but through its overcoming one can often find grace. One's true self will never be more exposed than when faced with hardship and pain. Many people get angry and resentful, lashing out at everyone around them in a last-ditch effort to retain control; others exhibit a quiet acceptance and inspirational courage that touches our hearts and changes our perspective.

Jordan is strong and optimistic, qualities he inherited from his mother. He had surgery to remove his right kidney, several lymph nodes, and portions of his diaphragm. Doctors also found several spots on his lungs that they chose to treat with chemotherapy, so Jordan is gearing up for round two of a six-round course. A repeat CT scan after round two will tell us whether or not the chemo has been successful in halting the growth of the cancer. We're all hoping ... and praying.

How do your characters handle stress? How does the sickness and/or loss of a loved one affect their everyday lives? Do they rise above adversity, or do they allow their unfortunate circumstances to define who they are?

Thank you for reading.

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Editor's Picks

Please enjoy this week's featured selections and remember to do the authors the courtesy of reviewing the ones you read. Thank you, and have a great week!

 312 Snowflakes  (18+)
The story of a man's final few minutes. Revised 6-29-07
#953417 by Grivante


 
STATIC
Nursing is both Roses and Thorns  (E)
A close bond builds between two women; one is dying and the other is her nurse.
#1063478 by Redtowrite


The Birthing Place  (E)
It isn't the journey but what we are docked to. 2nd Place: March's Short Shots Contest.
#1534314 by fyn


STATIC
A Precious Gift  (13+)
A journey into the dying mind of my sister
#1152382 by iKïyå§ama-House Targaryen


STATIC
You Can Sleep While I Drive  (18+)
2nd Place winner (May 2009 Short Shots Contest)
#1555617 by Shannon


As Long As I'm Around.  (13+)
A mother and daughter are very close, until a tragic accident.
#845920 by intuey of House Lannister


 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1418032 by Not Available.

 
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Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
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Ask & Answer

The following is in response to "Spiritual Newsletter (March 14, 2012):

ANN Counselor, Lesbian & Happy says, "Good item about forgiveness that I read yesterday. Thanks for this newsletter; all of us need reminders about forgiving." Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

~SilverMoon~ says, "Thanks much for listing my item The Greatest Gift in your newsletter. I appreciated it." You're very welcome!

Chick4Jesus says, "VERY good piece. If only more people got that revelation and were like those Amish people. But it is very hard. The Bible says that God will not forgive you your trespasses if you do not forgive others theirs. That is a scary thought." Thank you. Forgiveness isn't easy, but it's its own reward.

embe says, "Hello Shannon. Your newsletters always inspiring embe. My thank you with this poem (it is based on forgiveness by our Savior):
Sweet are the thoughts
that last in memories,
waves of pastel blue
near the sea shore
my remembrance,

the curtains drawn
raindrops on a pane
reflecting your beauty,
my face so red to stare
your golden gown untied.

Slipping falling so slowly
your amazing slim legs
in the warm night air,
hidden in my view
confusing me,

with this dream
alone in my mind,
proposing marriage
my ring on your finger
walking down the aisle.

Black roses in my hand
the bridesmaid crying
for the dark shadow,
who will carry me
in this casket,

covered in lace
a tissue on a face
with loving thoughts,
will you marry me now
desperate a spirit in fear.

Waving my final goodbye
for the remembrance
with this lonely cry!
Why must I die
with my lies,

the vision
from heaven
being the Savior,
dying for these sins
my willing spirit set free.

Thank you for this beautiful poem, embe. YOU inspire me. *Heart*

☮ The Grum Of Grums says, "Hi Shannon. Thank you for this article, and in particular, the quote from Suzanne Somers. Forgiveness allows us to leave behind the load of hatred, resentment, fear, anger or whatever and be ourselves without having to rehash the past over and over. Important stuff, so thank you again." It certainly does, and it is important stuff. Thank YOU.

Steve adding writing to ntbk. says, "Thanks for another good newsletter. For including my item at the bottom and for all you do in the WdC. Copenator out!" You are very welcome, Steve! Thank you for your support, encouragement, and kindness.

The following items were submitted by their authors:

 Invalid Item 
This item number is not valid.
#1821851 by Not Available.


 Dream Team Guest Room  (ASR)
No classes to take, just an eagerness to help out, learn, and be a team player.
#1715976 by ~SilverMoon~


 Grandmother's Eulogy  (ASR)
While looking through my old files, I found this English Assignment about my Grandmother.
#1851718 by BIG BAD WOLF is hopping

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