All Your Little Troubles

When you're feeling really lonely and you're shedding lots of tears, pray.

If people mock and scorn you and call you hateful names, pray.

When everyone around you ignores you when they play, pray.

If your friend is hurting deeply and you're not sure how to help, pray.

When you need a little guidance as you go through every day, pray.

All your little troubles that burden your soul, take them to the Lord and pray.

"Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray." James 5:13a

True Joy

The definition of joy in the dictionary is "the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying." What are some of those "somethings" that cause you to have joy? Perhaps finally completing a huge project or receiving a gift or a compliment. Maybe waking up to a beautiful sunny morning or spending time with your best friend. Whatever it is, these sources help get us through life.

However, these joys don't always last forever. Storm clouds may block off the sun. Your friend might move away, or a family member may die. The memory is kept there in your mind, but is there an eternal source of joy to help us through this rough life? Nehemiah 8:10b says, "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength." True joy comes from the Lord and gives us strength to travel through this stormy life. It doesn't only come from the love He gives us, but it also comes through loving Him back.

God's joy is not selfish. I believe it is completely the opposite. It comes through sacrifice and the giving of  joy to other people. In short, we can say joy comes through loving others.

"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:9-13

Think about:
Jesus 1st
Others 2nd
Yourself last

Just Dipping Your Toes In

Ella stared longingly down at the water just below her dangling feet. The crystal clear water sparkled and glimmered in the afternoon sun. The summer heat caused the water to be even more inviting. Ella was tempted just to dip her toes into the calm pool, but such an act was forbidden. Father was continually warning the children of the dangers of the pools. Many pools could be found in the surrounding woods, although they seemed perfectly harmless. Father warned them that once a person had immersed him or herself in the crystal water, he or she would become trapped in its watery clutches and eventually die. It was even said that if one dared to dip a single toe into the water, mysterious watery beings would appear and tug you completely in. Father claimed that many children whom he had adopted and taken into his home, had already been lost to the pools. Ella had always believed what Father said, but now she began to question his teachings. The glassy surface of the water remained unbroken, and she could see straight to the sandy bottom. Surely it would not hurt just to stick her feet in...

“Ella!” a voice interrupted her thoughts. “Where are you?” Ella quickly pulled her feet back onto the dock and retraced her steps towards home. She didn't want anyone to discover her here. Her best friend, Hanna, met her at the cottage door. “Where have you been?” she asked. Hanna's blue eyes suspiciously examined Ella's rolled up pant legs and bare feet.

“Just in the woods,” Ella quickly responded. “It's awfully hot out, isn't it?” she said trying to redirect the topic of conversation. Hanna only nodded and turned to go inside. Ella pulled down her pant legs and followed. 

The nine other children of the home were already seated at the dining room table. Father sat at the head. They had already begun the meal. Ella and Hanna silently slid into their seats. “You're late, Ella.” Father stared at her. Ella suddenly felt naked under his gaze. She always felt that way when he looked at her sternly. He seemed to know her every thought and desire. Ella avoided his gaze.

“Sorry,” Ella mumbled, hoping he wouldn't ask where she had been. She quickly stuffed a piece of bread into her mouth.

“Have you washed?” Father asked knowingly. Ella shook her head. She got up to wash her hands, feeling all the children's eyes on her.

As the children readied for bed that night, Ella noticed three of the boys seemed excited over something. She listened carefully, hoping to find the reason for their excitement.

“You didn't!” exclaimed one boy.

“Yes, I did,” insisted the tall blond leader of the group named Tyler. “I stuck my feet all the way in!” Ella gasped. Did he mean in one of the pools? She secretly envied him.

“Did you see any water beasts?” asked the short red head.

“Nope, but I did see the most beautiful creature ever! She wanted me to play.”

“Did you?”

“No, though I told her I would come back tomorrow. You guys want to come?” 

Before the other two boys could respond, Ella stepped in. “I'll go.”

The boys' faces expressed something between shock and admiration. “Seriously?” Tyler questioned.

“Seriously.”

He grinned. “Meet us after chores at ten o'clock by the nearest pool tomorrow morning.”

Ten o'clock couldn't come fast enough for Ella. She was nervous yet excited all at once. She couldn't believe she had actually agreed to get into one of the pools. Finally ten o'clock came, and Ella met Tyler and the other boys at the nearest pool.

“Ladies first!” exclaimed Tyler.

“Maybe this isn't a good idea,” said Ella, her nerves almost getting the best of her.

“Oh come on! Just dip your toes in.”

Ella walked over to the edge of the dock and sat down. “Oh alright.” The water once again enticed her to jump in and feel the pleasure of its coolness. She cautiously dipped her toes in. Immediately an exciting sensation shot up her feet to the rest of her body. Ella laughed. It felt so good.

“See it's not so bad,” said Tyler. He and the other boys joined her. Suddenly Ella felt a playful tug on her leg. Father's warnings shot through her mind, but she pushed them aside. Ella felt another tug, and a head popped out of the water. Ella gasped. It was the most beautiful creature she had ever seen. She seemed human, yet made of water and a part of the water. Soon others popped up and began tugging on the boys' legs. They were beckoning for the children to come play. “Come on!” Tyler yelled and dove in. The other boys followed. Ella took a deep breath and did the same. The exciting sensation tickled her whole body as she hit the water. The gentle coolness of the water rushing by convinced her this was paradise. Nothing could be better. She popped up to the surface to catch her breath, but suddenly felt herself being pulled downward. She panicked and tried to escape from the clutches of the water creature that pulled her. When she could hold her breath no longer, she opened her mouth expecting to drown. Water rushed into her lungs. Ella waited for pain and death, but they never came. She slowly exhaled, and laughed. This water was breathable! Ella greedily gulped at the water. It was so sweet and refreshing! Finally Ella opened her eyes. The mysterious water being greeted her and laughed with her. She whisked back her waterfall of hair and darted downwards.

“Hey, come back!” Ella yelled and laughed some more. She swam after her, feeling more like she was flying. The boys were nowhere in sight, but she didn't care. Ella was going to enjoy herself for once.

Hours later, Ella was still enjoying herself. She still was chasing the water creature deeper into the pool. At the surface Ella had clearly seen the sandy bottom of the pool; but now that she was in the water, there was no bottom. The surface, however, did seem to move farther away every second. Ella did not let it bother her. This was too much fun. 

“Ella! Ella!” a voice called.

Ella stopped swimming. It sounded like Father's voice. Guilt swept over her.

“Ella! Ella! Come home!” he called.

Ella shrugged off the guilt and plugged her ears. She had no time for Father and his stupid rules. She was having more fun breaking them. The water being tugged on her feet again, signaling to Ella that she wanted her to play some more. Ella gratefully resumed their game of tag.

It was days later when reality finally struck Ella. Slowly Ella had wearied of the continuous game of tag, and the exciting sensation became common place. All the more frightening was the fact that she found herself trapped. The surface was no longer visible. She couldn't even tell which direction was up. Father had continued to call to her many times, but she was so used to blocking him out she could no longer hear his calls. She was convinced now that even he could not save her. Ella, weary and full of despair, just gave up. She quit swimming and chasing the water creature and closed her eyes, just wanting to die and end it all. The Water creature tugged on her. Ella didn't move. The creature tried harder, even pretending to cry; but Ella was finished. She screamed, “No! No! No! I've had enough of this. I just want to die!” Seeing that Ella meant what she said, the creature let out a low growl. Ella only cried more. “Oh, Father, you were right!” At this the creature growled more fiercely. In an instant the beautiful creature was transformed into a hideous beast. Ella screamed and frantically swam away, but the beast pursued her. He roared and bared his teeth. Spikes shot out from his back and tail, and scales covered every inch of his skin. Long claws reached out for Ella and six tongues forked out at her feet. Six glaring eyes watched her every move. The water around grew darker every second. Just as the beast was gaining on her, Ella cried out to her only hope. “Oh Father, I am so sorry! Forgive me. I want to come home!” At that moment Ella again heard her Father's voice.

“ I love you, Dear One. Take my hand. I will carry you safely home. Trust me.”

“But I can't see your hand!” Ella cried out.

“Believe, Daughter,” he whispered. “Just take my hand.”

Ella groped in the darkness and grasped what she could not see. Immediately she found herself being pulled from the dark depths. Had his hand always been there, outstretched, waiting for her to take hold? The water grew lighter, and she could see it for what it was - a bottomless grave.

When she broke through the water's surface, she felt herself being wrapped in her Father's arms. Oh how he loved her! How long had he been calling to her with hand outstretched? Ella hugged him back. “I'm so sorry, Father.”

“I forgive you, Child.”

Ella looked around. “Where are Tyler and the boys?” she questioned. Sorrow filled her Father's eyes, and Ella knew the answer.

“I must continue to call for them also,” he replied.

“May I call too?”

“Of course, Daughter. They must be saved before it is too late. There is so little time.” He wrapped his daughter in an embrace once more. Ella looked back at the pool. It still sparkled and shimmered innocently as before, beckoning her to just dip her toes in; but Ella gripped her Father's hand tighter, determined to never let go.

Tempus Fugit!

The following story I wrote for a Latin class, and although it really has no Christian point to it or anything, I decided to post it for those of you who enjoy short fiction. The story was, however, partly inspired by Paul and Barnabas' experience in Lystra in Acts 14:8-20. Please check it out. I find the story sad. The people in Lystra were so deceived, that when Paul through Jesus' power healed a cripple, they concluded that Paul and Barnabas were the gods Hermes and Zeus.


The Future: Year 2512


    Spencer, Cassie, and Anthony stared in wonder at the odd-looking vehicle in front of them. It looked like a car(minus wheels) from the 21st century, but the high-tech dashboard revealed it to be much more advanced than even modern vehicles. On the side of the machine was printed the phrase Semper Fidelis.
    “What is this thing?” Cassie finally asked.
    “A time machine,” answered Spencer as he led the other two teens closer to the machine. “My grandpa invented it.”
    “Does it really work?” asked Anthony as he ran his fingers over the frame.
    “Yep, and I've even spied on my grandpa a couple times when he tried it out. I think I could work it myself. Do you want to try it? Grandpa is out of town.”
    “Yes!” Anthony nodded his head enthusiastically.
    “I'm not so sure...” Cassie replied. “What if it's dangerous or your grandpa finds out?”
    “You're just a chicken, Cassie!” Anthony declared.
    “There is nothing to be worried about,” reassured Spencer as he climbed into the time machine. “That's why Grandpa named the machine Semper Fidelis. He believes it will always faithfully bring him back.” Cassie grudgingly followed the boys. Fear gnawed at her as Spencer started up the machine. “What year do you want to go to?” he asked.
    “Ad infinitum! To infinity!” answered Anthony excitedly.
    Spencer laughed. “I don't think it can do that.” Spencer put a date into the computer. Everything went dark except the lights on the dashboard. Then suddenly scenes from the past began to rush past the windows. Fear gripped Cassie even harder. What if the time machine landed them somewhere dangerous, i.e., the middle of a war? She shuddered as the scenes continued to rush by at an increasing speed, but then suddenly they stopped.
    “Where are we?” asked Cassie, her whole body shaking with excitement and fear. She peered out the windows. Tall buildings with elaborate columns and arcs surrounded them. The time machine had landed in the middle of a wide street. Statues and alters decorated the surroundings. People stared at them. Some of them seemed terrified, while others just stared in wonder and curiosity.
    “Don't you recognize this place? This is Ancient Rome!” declared Spencer. He opened the door to the time machine, and they all stepped out. The people crowded around them and nervously reached out to touch them and the time machine, as if they were afraid it was all a dream. They muttered among themselves in a foreign language.
    “What are they saying?” asked Anthony.
    “I'm not sure. I don't know much Latin, and I've only read it, not heard it spoken.” replied Spencer. A man pushed through the crowd excitedly, waving his arms and yelling.
    He pointed at Spencer and called out, “Mercury!” Then he pointed at Anthony and Cassie. “Apollo! Diana!”
    “Oh no! They think we're gods!” exclaimed Spencer. He began to yell at the crowd. “No! No! No! We're just people.” Anthony and Cassie joined in, but it was to no avail. Priests came out of one of the temples and began to make sacrifices upon the altars. The women began to sing and dance. A man led the kids into a house and presented them with a feast. Many people followed them and presented them with gifts of food, animals, clothing, and jewelry.
    “This isn't all that bad,” declared Anthony as he popped a juicy grape into his mouth. He had tried on a tunic and toga, and now he wore a wreath of laurel leaves on his head. He fiddled with the strings of a lyre which was one of the many gifts they had received. In truth, he made a perfect Apollo.
    “I think we should leave now,” Cassie suggested.
    “Oh come on, Cassie! Isn't this fun?” Anthony popped another grape into his mouth.
    “We should at least make sure the time machine is still where we left it,” insisted Spencer. “I don't know what these people have done to it.” Finally Anthony consented to their wishes and followed them back outdoors. People were still singing, dancing, and making sacrifices. Cassie felt sorry for all the poor cows being used for sacrifice. If only they could convince them they weren't gods.
    “Oh no!” Spencer groaned. “It's gone!” The kids frantically searched the forum, but the ever present crowds made it impossible to search well. Finally, they stopped to rest.
    “Hey, look at that!” Anthony pointed at a table of idols that a man was selling. He walked over to the table and picked up a figure with a lyre. “Is this supposed to be me? I am certain my muscles are way bigger than that.” Anthony flexed his muscles.
    “You are too full of yourself,” Cassie observed.
    Anthony stepped back to place the idol back on the table but tripped and fell head first onto it. The table toppled over, and the idols crashed to the ground.  A frightened  horse threw its rider and rushed into several other merchant booths, spilling the merchandise. Cries of fear and anger arose from the people. The man selling the idols yelled angrily at Anthony. “Deus non es!” The crowd joined in his cry and shook their fists at the kids.
    “Run!” yelled Spencer. Anthony and Cassie ran after him. The angry mob followed them. To elude the crowd, they dashed into a small nearby temple.
    “Now where do we go? They will find us soon,” panted Cassie.
    “Salvete!” whispered a voice. “Salvete!” The kids turned around to find a lady hiding behind a statue of Jupiter. She motioned for them to follow. The kids shrugged their shoulders at each other and followed her to another room in the temple. Their time machine sat safely in the center of the room, an altar before it. Apparently the people had decided to worship it also.
    “Thank you,” Cassie told the lady. The woman smiled understandingly. Suddenly, the cries of the mob could be heard in the temple.
    “Hurry, let's go!” Spencer yelled. Anthony and Cassie hopped into the time machine.
    “Vale! Pax tecum!” the woman whispered to Spencer as he followed them in.
    “Vale! Pax tecum! Farewell! Peace be with you!” Spencer called out to her. Then she was gone. The scenes began to fly by the windows as before, and suddenly they were home. The kids toppled out of the vehicle.
    “What do you think you were doing?” boomed a stern voice. Spencer's grandpa peered down at them through the ancient glasses on the end of his nose. The kids looked at each other sheepishly. “Did you enjoy your time in Rome?” He nodded towards Anthony's attire. Anthony cheeks turned scarlet. “I imagine you didn't expect me home yet. Tempus fugit! Time flies fast, doesn't it?” The kids nodded. “Now I am sure you will enjoy cleaning up my work room for me. Although I am positive time won't fly quite as fast for you as it did in Rome.”
    Spencer and Anthony moaned. Cassie gave them an “I was so right” look.
    “The cleaning supplies are in the closet. Now, I have some business I need to take care of. Make sure you are done by the time I get back.” With that said, Spencer's grandpa locked the time machine and walked out the door.

Feel Like Counting?

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare." Psalm 40:5

Have you ever tried to count the wonders of God? I dare you to try. Think of the wonders He has done in your life and others, whether they were answers to prayer or simple everyday blessings. Consider creation and its beauty. Think about the majestic mountains, vast oceans, and every living creature. Think about His creation of you and what He has planned for you. Don't forget the many wonders we read of in the Bible, from the parting of the Red Sea and healing of the blind, to all of the amazing promises of God. Most of all, remember what He did for us through Jesus. Because Christ died for us and rose again, we can receive forgiveness of sins and new life in Him! How wonderful!

Happy Mother's Day

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.' Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate." Proverbs 31:28-31

Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers (even though I'm a little late in posting this)! Thank you for all your hard work in raising your children. I know it isn't always easy, and we children don't always seem very grateful at the time. Thank you for your unconditional love, which leads us to Christ's love that is even greater. I especially want to thank my mom, who is always there when I need her. Seven kids is quite a bunch, and she loves us all very much. She faithfully teaches us to love Christ and each other. I also want to thank my grandma, who set the example for my mom, as Lois and Eunice did for Timothy in the Bible. Paul says in 2 Timothy 1:5,

"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also."

I also want to thank any women who may not necessarily be mothers, but have cared for someone in a motherly sort of way. I have many "adopted" grandmas who have played a big part in who I am now.

For those of you who aren't mothers, I want to remind you to share the love that your mother has shared with you. It's a hurting world out there, and it could use a lot of love.

The Best Games Ever

Do you remember any games you made up as a child? Some of the best times I ever had when I was little was when we played games we had made ourselves. We had so much more fun playing our own things such as "Paper men" or "Sea Saucy," than we ever did playing with games and toys from the store. No matter how hard people may try, they can never sell anything that beats the fun of our games. Of course, if we went back and played them now, they wouldn't be as much fun, but then they were a blast. Half the fun was creating the games.

"Run from Cars" was the church kids' classic. The game is basically explained in the name. When we saw a car coming down the street that passed the church building, we would all run to the steps before the car passed us. Now if we decided to be really brave, we would run from one tree in the yard to the other and then back to the steps. If the car passed us when we weren't on the steps, then we were "run over" and we had to go recover in the "hospital." Occasionally we would add in some new rules, but that was the main way we played.

Another church kids' classic was "Sea Saucy." It was about as weird as it sounds. One person was chosen to be the "Sea Saucy." He would live in the area of the building designated as the "sea." Everyone else would go to the area designated as the "beach." Then they would count to ten to let the sea saucy hide. After counting, they would try to enter the sea and get back to the beach without getting caught by the sea saucy. If someone got caught, they were the sea saucy. There was also a rule that if we said "sea saucy," the sea saucy could come onto the beach for a short period of time.

Another game we often played was making skits and acting them out for the adults. Batman, Scooby Doo, and even the Christmas story was acted out. We especially did this at my grandparent's house with all of the cousins. Eventually, however, I believe the adults got annoyed with skit after skit.

Finally, the last game I will mention, and one of my favorites, was "Paper men." Somehow we got into creating and drawing little characters on paper, and then drawing houses and castles for them. We would then cut the people out and play with them in our homes we had made for them. I loved creating stories, so I created almost all of my characters. Often we would have what we called "blow battles." In "blow battles," we grouped our people into two armies. Next we would all blow on the poor little paper people. Any of the people who were flipped over were considered dead or wounded, and the ones that were still face up would continue on to the next round. Who needs those little plastic army men? Paper people work wonderfully.

In conclusion, I just want to encourage parents out there to encourage their kids to be creative. Computers and game systems can be good things, but using their minds to create their own games can be just as fun and more so (and definitely cheaper).