Dear Friends,

The next shawl meeting is just around the corner...next Tuesday, September
13 at 7 p.m.  Please note that the meeting room has been changed for this
month to an outside building, rooms 401 and 402.  We look forward to seeing
you there!   :-)

Much has happened since our last meeting.  Several families and friends in
this area find themselves comforting and sheltering family and friends from
the gulf states region who've been effected by hurricane Katrina.  Many of
us find ourselves reaching out to comfort and serve strangers at such a time
as this.  As the news blares information about the search and rescue, I'm
reminded of a verse that I'm sure is familiar to each of you...

"Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are
members of my family, you did it to me."  (Matthew 25:40)

This verse in turn reminded me of the following story...A "Purl" to Ponder,
so to speak!

"The war was over, but the fight had just begun.  World War II devastated
Europe, and the fight was on to pick up the pieces and go on with life. 
Undoubtedly, the saddest sight were the numbers of children who had been
orphaned. Many were without clothes and starving in the streets.  Their
present existence was unfortunate, but their future looked hopeless.

Early one foggy morning, an American soldier was making his way back to base
when he spotted a young boy with his nose pressed against a bakeshop window.
  The little boy's hunger was evident as he watched every move the baker
made preparing the day's goods.  Taken in by the emotional sight, the
soldier pulled his jeep over, got out, and quietly approached the young boy.
  There was a silent plea on the boy's face.

Suddenly, the soldier's heart has heavy.  He asked the boy if he would like
one of the tasty morsels.

Startled, the boy replied, "I sure would!"

The soldier made his way inside and purchased a dozen pastries for the young
boy.  Stepping back into the chilly morning air, he smiled as he approached
his smiling friend.

"Here you are, son."

Turning to leave, he felt a tug at his coat.  He looked back and heard the
little boy softly ask, "Mister, are you God?" "

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta was fond of saying...
"Keep giving Jesus to your people, not by words but by your example, by
being in love with Jesus, by radiating His holiness and spreading His
fragrance of love everywhere you go.  You belong to Him."

God bless each of you and we hope to see you at the meeting.

Peace and happiness,
Tish and Kathy