Slain preacher's wife apologizes
Congregation holds first Sunday services since shooting

Sunday, March 26, 2006; Posted: 5:32 p.m. EST (22:32 GMT)
From CNN.com

SELMER, Tennessee (AP) -- The preacher's wife charged with murder in the death of her husband wanted his congregation to know "she was sorry for everything she has done," said a friend who visited her in jail Sunday.

Church member Pam Killingsworth visited Mary Winkler after Sunday services and said the preacher's wife gave no indication why her husband of 10 years was shot.

"She just said she was sorry and for me to write a note to the church saying that she was sorry for everything she had done," said Killingsworth as she walked away from the jail in tears.

Winkler, 32, has been charged with first-degree murder in the death of her husband, Matthew Winkler, the preacher at the Fourth Street Church of Christ in this small town 80 miles east of Memphis.

Her initial court appearance is scheduled for Monday.

The congregation held its first Sunday services since the shooting death and was warned by elder Robert Shackelford not to speculate about why the popular, young minister was killed.

Friends have described the Winklers as a happy couple with no outward signs of discord, and authorities have refused to talk about a motive for the murder.

"Perhaps over time we will better understand why this has happened," Shackelford said at an adult Sunday school class. "Be very cautious about what you say or even what you think."

Mary Winkler was locked up at the McNairy County jail after being returned Saturday from the coast of Alabama, where she and her three young daughters were found by police following a multistate search.

Church members found 31-year-old Matthew Winkler dead in a bedroom of the couple's parsonage Wednesday night after his family missed a church service. Mary Winkler and the children were nowhere to be found.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has refused to discuss a motive, but said investigators did not believe it was because of infidelity. The agency refused comment on whether Winkler had been accused of domestic abuse. Court papers offered no hint on a motive.

After Mary Winkler's arrest, a judge released her children -- Breanna, 1; Mary Alice, 6; and Patricia, 8 -- to the custody of their paternal grandparents in Henderson.

Neither the grandparents nor the Winkler children attended the church services Sunday. No relatives of Mary Winkler attended either.

Shackelford urged the congregation to pray for the children, their grandparents and Mary Winkler. "Mary is a member of this church family," he said, adding that forgiveness is a cornerstone of their faith.

"If we don't have forgiveness, then we don't have anything," Shackelford said.

Church elder Wilburn Ashe reminded members that only a few facts about the killing were known for sure -- Matthew Winkler is dead, his wife is in jail, and their children are without their parents.

"Those children have got a good home that they're in, but it's not mama and daddy," Ashe said.

The church must hold together, he said, and not be torn by speculation and loose talk about the slaying.

"We've got to do two things," Ashe said. "We've got to remain close to God and we've got to remain close to one another."

Members put up a large bulletin board in a church hallway covered with snapshots of the Winkler family.

Photos showed the older Winkler children playing basketball, posing with kittens and rolling in the snow with their father. Matthew Winkler flashed a big smile in one photo taken at a church social while balancing plates of food in each hand.

Other snapshots showed Mary Winkler laughing and holding her youngest daughter up for the camera.

Mary and Matthew Winkler were married in 1996. They met at Freed-Hardeman University, a Church of Christ-affiliated school in Henderson where Matthew's father was an adjunct professor.

Matthew Winkler's funeral is scheduled for Tuesday in Selmer.

Visit The Weekly News at http://localnews.yourdesign2.com
or join our mailing list to get weekly updates at http://yourdesign2.com/mailinglist.htm

Who Determines Your True Worth?

Some say your JOB because they pay you a salary or hourly wage and offer (or do not offer) benefits, perks, etc.

Some say the vehicle you drive, the house you live in, the neighborhood you live, your friends, your clothes, where you hang out, and on and on.

You have natural talents or skills, those that seem to be inherent within you. Getting along with people easily, being able to logically figure things out, ability to focus and stay focused, being organized, making things happen, etc. And then you have your learned (acquired) talents or skills from attending College, reading and listening to tapes, attending seminars, On the Job Training (OJT), being tutored by someone, etc.

But these talents or skills do not determine your True Worth.

The truth of the matter – it is you who determines your True Worth. You determine what you are truly worth. It is by your action or inaction, by not making a decision which is within itself a decision. Following through on your dreams and desires or not. It is all up to you.

You can read all the books, listen to all the tapes, attend all the seminars or listen to all the tele-conferences but without a plan, without action (I know this from personal experience) you are determining your worth by your inaction.

You need to dream again – remember those dreams you had as a kid? Dream again and bring the adult dreams out. Then you need to visualize the dreams by giving them a present tense as if you are living them today. Use the visualization to create your goals in all areas of your life, not just possessions. Your goal setting should include at least the six major areas of life that you need to take action on. An action plan is necessary to put in motion the activities that will allow you to achieve your goals.

Keeping track of what activities you are working on requires a daily planner and a journal to record your every day feelings and ideas. The daily planner allows you to see your plan in action but the journal gives you a record of how you start out and how you grow and become what your vision says you are.

Even when using the tools mentioned is there anything else that could hold you back from achieving your true worth? What is you inner talk like? What are you saying that could be holding your back? Changing your inner talk requires some assistance, that is where affirmations come into play. Reading your affirmation every day help to change your inner talk and thought patterns.

If there is unforgiveness, anger, resentment or bitterness against anyone or a situation – it could be creating an artery clog to your future and your true worth. Make a list of anyone you feel you need to forgive, you don’t need to face them in person to forgive them, just make the list and burn it, shred it, or throw it away and move on.

Achieving your true worth is an awesome journey, for you will see yourself move from where you are to where your vision takes you. Is it a one day or week or month journey, it is different for everyone, but it takes time and commitment to start and continue on this adventure. You will find that as you realize you are worth more than you imagined your goals, vision and affirmations will change. The great part is that with your journal you will have a record of this journey to encourage you as you see the results both small and large in your beliefs.

To Achieve Your True Worth, you need a plan (a system) that will assist you in starting, planning and organizing and keeping track of your new adventure. Once started it just takes focus, desire and action on your part to start moving forward. Hesitation or indecision will leave you where you are, but action will assist you in moving forward with your life. So take action today and enjoy your future.
http://www.sandgmarketing.com

By: Super Star

Visit The Weekly News at http://localnews.yourdesign2.com
or join our mailing list to get weekly updates at http://yourdesign2.com/mailinglist.htm

A Little Goes a Long Way

Relationships and marriages are seldom easy all the time. No matter how perfect a relationship is, your and your partner are bound to hit some bumps, or long stretches where you have trouble of some kind. If you meet a couple that seems to have no problems getting along, it could be that they discovered a simple little secret early in their relationship. Simply, show love and affecting in tons of little ways, and don't save it for just those big times when things are going badly, or you need to apologize for something major.

On your way home, why not stop and pick some wildflowers for your wife (or girlfriend if you're not married) from the side of the road. Maybe she had a hard day at work, maybe the kids have been driving her nuts, or perhaps you've both been a little less intimate recently. Picture it now, she's at home frazzled and expecting you to come in, and then you arrive with a big bunch of wildflowers you picked JUST FOR HER; you will have made her day no matter how bad (or good) it had been. It's like a second chance to start fresh with one small, yet powerful gesture.

If your spouse spending a lot of time out of town, or feeling like those proverbial 'ships passing in the night' because of work, kids or other commitments, give this a try. Find a sun catcher, charm or porcelain figure in the shape of a star, wrap it in a small gift box and place a small note on it that says "Wish I were there." and slip in into their suitcase, briefcase or even purse. When he or she finds it and knows you miss them, but thought enough to share that simple thought, it will re-awaken those deep emotions.

Try making small, simple changes in your tired routines to inspire some fresh intimacy. It won't require as much effort as you think. Put a Post-It note on the TV that says "Wouldn't you rather turn me on?" with saucy signature. If your partner is reading a book, sneak out the bookmark and replace it with a note like "Guess where I hid your bookmark?"

When you first got together as a couple you likely did lots of small things that would make your eyes twinkle and heart flutter, do them again! If you're out for a walk, shopping or just watching TV together, be intimate. Hold hands, link arms, or just slip your arm around her. Whisper something sweet and sultry into her ear and just gaze lovingly into her eyes. If she looks at you suspiciously or asks what you’re doing, just answer that you're amazed at how much you love her.

Adding a little more romance to your marriage can be as simple as these simple, small acts. If you take steps to break the monotony of a relationship you can make your partner feel more appreciated and loved. You will feel the same in return!

Jeff Rose has published an eBook on returning the romance to a marriage entitled 'The Magic Marriage.' Check out the free tips available at http://www.magicmarriage.com/tips.htm

by Jeff Rose
http://www.bigarticles.com/A-Little-Goes-a-Long-Way-109375.html

Visit The Weekly News at http://localnews.yourdesign2.com
or join our mailing list to get weekly updates at http://yourdesign2.com/mailinglist.htm

A Military Tribute

It is truly beyond my abilities to express my gratitude and give my thanks to the military for their service to the world as they fight for our freedom. It is my hope that the following tribute will in part do that.

We are at war! While we enjoy our comfortable homes, food on the table and clean water to drink, thousands of brave men and women of the armed forces are defending our homeland in constant danger, lack of sleep, cold, wet, filth, dust, trenches, hunger and longing for home, so that we may enjoy our freedom. They have put their personal lives on hold, left their families, comfort and all they know to go to another country and fight for not only the U.S.A. but the whole world. The United States is the only country who defends other countries and then returns it back to its people, enabling them to enjoy their new found freedom from tyranny. The military prevents terror from spreading throughout the world. So let's get behind our troops!

Terrorists are brutal murderers without conscience. It is their determination to take out the U.S.A. at any cost and are currently infiltrating and targeting many strategic places of work, including government. They will be ready to strike again when the command is given just as they did with the Twin Towers. You can do your part to help prevent this again. We must be prepared.

We, who have been left at home can also defend our country and there are many ways to do that, first, by defending and supporting our troops. Families should support their sons and daughters in their decision to defend our country. Suspicious activities should be reported. The media should also be supportive. Think how we could lift our troops morale knowing they have our full support.

So the next time you are eating, drinking or having a wonderful evening of dancing, remember, remember who you owe that enjoyment to. Remember those families who kissed their sons and daughters good bye and had the heart wrenching experience of waving their heroes good bye; watching them until they are out of sight, not knowing when and if they will return. How can we ever repay our debt to these brave souls and their families? God bless and protect our heroes, our military men and women! God Bless America!

Sintilia Miecevole's resourceful and informative military site http://www.awolmilitary.com provides you with all kinds of information from security, jobs, news, veterans and more. Be sure to check out http://www.awolmilitary.com for further information.

by Sintilia Miecevole
http://www.bigarticles.com/A-Military-Tribute-116732.html

Visit The Weekly News at http://localnews.yourdesign2.com
or join our mailing list to get weekly updates at http://yourdesign2.com/mailinglist.htm

Anti-War group plans action

Below is a newsletter sent out via the mailing list at worldcantwait.org

March 26, 2006

Dear Friend,

Shortly after Sept. 11, 2001, about 100 artists gathered in Times Square and Union Square. Dressed in black, with dust masks covering their faces, standing in a silence both somber and defiant, they wore placards declaring: Our Grief Is Not A Cry for War. In such a polarized and heartbroken city, this was one of the first gatherings of people to
Stand against the threats of war on the people of Afghanistan, which we now know was just the first stop in the U.S.’s war for empire.

Jump ahead to 2006. Photos of war-torn countries, dead civilians, and torture have moved many of us. Millions are stunned and disgusted, but paralyzed; the daily beat of life goes on, making it far too easy to forget the images of these men and to stifle the question in our hearts: how do we stop this? The regime marches forward, feeding off our silence and paralysis. These hundreds of men from Bagram, to Abu Ghraib to Guantanamo Bay (and secret prisons elsewhere), are prisoners of our government, tucked away in secret, with no charges against them, living in a state of legal limbo with no end in sight, just more beatings, degrading conditions, interrogations, humiliating sexual abuse, and forced feeding. Like us, you are sick of this and of the terms of debate being "better kinds" of torture, rather than stopping it outright.

Now, imagine: On a week day next month, as people hurry to work or school, one hundred men and women standing solemnly in Times Square and outside the U.N. in orange jumpsuits like those worn by these prisoners, with black bags over their heads or bandages over their eyes, their hands tied behind their backs and dog leashes around their necks; standing in heavy silence with the recordings of testimony from prisoners of these camps, and Ret. Brig. Gen. Janet Karpinsky (who oversaw Abu Ghraib and has since come out against the torture) playing in the background. Signs may read: “I would rather die than to have innocent people tortured to save my life.”
--Craig Murray, former British ambassador to Uzbekistan

“Your government is openly torturing people, and justifying it.”

“What Will YOU Do?”

So now we pose the question to you: What will you do? Your donation can make this event happen. We believe you see how things like this could move people and help change the terms of debate. Like you, we are numbed by ritualized protest and want to see something daring and poetic that shares a sense of purpose and deep responsibility. If this speaks to you, please give generously to this project now.

We found a store that will give us a discount on the jump suits, and it costs $300 for 100 of them (plus shipping). There are also costs for the creation of signs, flyers, advertising, etc. We want onlookers to be able to go home with something to do.

Funds are needed immediately, so please donate now.

Also, please contact one of our fundraisers (917-673-4320) to discuss pledging $1,000 or more, and to host fundraising parties to support this project and beyond. We can provide detailed information about our budget and plans and strategize with you. Our chapter is in the midst of raising $50,000 by August because we are organizing, as part of a nationwide movement, to stop this regime NOW, before it’s too late, because the world truly cannot wait. Yes, our goals are ambitious, but they are based on very real needs.

Make Checks or Money Orders Payable to NYC World Can’t Wait and send them to:
NYC World Can’t Wait
305 West Broadway #85
New York, NY 10013

OR
Donate online NOW from our website: http://nyc.worldcantwait.org

In-kind donations and your presence as a volunteer are also very welcome.
The NYC Chapter of The World Can’t Wait Drive Out the Bush Regime has initiated this event, but is working to unite other individuals and organizations to be part of this.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Emily Jordan, Sabina Mac and Osage Bell
Of the NYC World Can’t Wait, Drive Out the Bush Regime Steering
Committee
917-673-4320 * nyc@worldcantwait.org

Posted by A. Wallace

Visit The Weekly News at http://localnews.yourdesign2.com
or join our mailing list to get weekly updates at http://yourdesign2.com/mailinglist.htm