Escape to Nowhere / Iridescent Poison
I prayed for refuge from the poisonous fumes I had fancied. I begged to get away from the ever-dry storm that brought smoke in front of flames.
Do you know what happened?
He refused.
Meditate Day & Night
Whether we are new to following God’s instructions like Jill, or more experienced like the friend she had with her, our steps are not always crystal clear. We are at war; we will get tired and hungry and cold. Beware, dear friends, of the easy way out. Our adversary loves to offer us precisely what we want when we’re in the thick of things. But we know that’s not what we actually need. God promises in 2 Peter 1 that he gives us everything we need for life and godliness.
Welcome to the USA, Land of Comfort
Welcome to America, the land of Comfort. Or, more precisely: welcome to America, the nation that worships Comfort.
Wait- America is a Christian nation, you say, founded by Christians. Well, friend, let’s chat.
Fellowship; A Short Story
Tony growled a little and then acquiesced, "Okay." He laid the extra oars down along the hull of his boat and picked up one of his normal ones. He nodded at me to pick up one of mine. We each rowed with one oar, still breasted up. As the day wore on, so did I. I refused to admit it though, and rowed with all my might. We spoke little, which should have been a glaring alarm for me that something was wrong. But I poured all of my mental and physical strength into rowing, two hands on one oar, and I still grew more sluggish by the hour.
Darkness fell. Even though I couldn't see straight, I kept telling myself I'd be back to normal in the morning. When I finally lay down in my berth, the relief my body felt morphed quickly into gratefulness for Tony. Who knows where I would have ended up without his knowing friendship. That realization was the last thing I remembered before drifting off.
I can foggily recall two things from the days that followed…
When Mountains Move
One particularly foggy day, the child had gone in and out, unable to decide whether to play outside in the thick wet mist that had settled on the valley or find something indoors, such as a favorite book. While these things rolled like a sluggish marble around the child’s mind, this was happening outside:
“Come on, Hardy, won’t you play? Just for a little bit?” A voice like a low, persistent wind begged.
“No.”
“But we hardly ever get to play.”
“It’s still light out, and I smell rain. If it rains, our only cover will be knocked out of the air in an instant” The second voice rumbled.
“It’s not going to rain. It hasn’t rained in months.”
“It hasn’t misted in months either. Yet, somehow here were are shrouded in fog, and you’re begging me to play- what? A game of spades? NO, Correy.”
A high growl erupted from the younger, “Hardy! You’re no fun!”
It should be noted that at this time, the child searching for the cure to boredom was sure thunder rumbled outside. A break from perusing the bookshelves revealed nothing because the air still hung thick with mist. If human eyes could have penetrated the moisture in the air, this is what they would have seen.
Unreal Tales; Part 1- Seal Legends
This story is a modern spin-off of some old legends. Most of it takes place underwater! To write a fantasy with ancient roots that also feels modern and real, I did A LOT of research. My search history includes things such as 'which types of coral live in arctic waters', 'what it feels like to drown', 'offensive battle strategies for out-numbered forces', plus all kinds of maritime mythology. Since I dug up so much interesting information, I thought I'd share some of it with you.
Matters of Good Doctrine
Some of my friends’ bowels are getting turbulent, to use a phrase from Jeremiah. They’re concerned for me, If you don’t have good theology, you could fall for anything! or How will you be saved if you don’t know who God is? The study of God is theology! Take a deep breath, Karen. I’m pro-studying. I’m even pro-”having a position” if that helps. Here are just a couple of limiting factors for me as far as these statements go: