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Monday, August 31, 2015

Imagine This 4# ~ entries

I should begin by saying, I've had these four stories in every different order imaginable, and I wasn't satisfied with any of them! Honestly, you all deserve first place. I've re-read them all, and I don't think I can judge them fairly. Bethany R. helped me co-judge and we couldn't 100% agree on anything. LOL
So, I've came up with a solution to this. Below are the entries in the order I received them, not in a 'winning' order. Sort of like a four-way tie. :) Next time I'll go back to the other way, but for now.....

~Lauren Stoner~ 
 I loved your piece, Lauren! Especially how Leanne finished the prayer. <3

   Her hand clutched his tightly; a grasp so firm that Robert was surprised it had come from his petite bride-to-be. His own fingers curled around her hand, returning the tight grasp.
   “I don’t know if I can do this,” her frightened voice fluttered over to him.
   Robert squeezed his eyes shut. All he wanted to do was turn and embrace Leanne. To hug her close to him, bury his face in her brunette locks, and tell her everything would be alright. But they both wanted to stay true to the old tradition of not seeing the bride until she walked down the aisle. Instead, Leanne remained inside her dressing room door while Robert stood in the hallway; their fingers entwined.
   “Why do you have to leave?” Leanne’s heart-broken voice asked.
   “Don’t go there,” Robert replied quickly, his own voice tight with emotion.
   “I love you so much,” Leanne whispered. “I wanted to start our life together but now we have to wait!”
   “I know, I know, it’s unfair,” Robert squeezed the slender hand in his larger hand. “Try to focus on the present though.”
   “Impossible,” Leanne sniffed.
   “Rob?”
   Robert looked up to see his best man stepping into the hallway.  “Yes?”
   “You have five minutes.”
   “Thanks.”
   The best man left, giving Robert and Leanne their last five minutes before the wedding actually began.
   “Robert…” Leanne took a shaky breath. “I love you…more than anything.”
   Robert remained silent for a moment. “I…” he summoned the courage to finish his sentence. “I love you more than anything too.” He cleared his throat. “I’m going to pray now, before we go.”
   Leanne held onto his hand even tighter—if that was possible.
   Robert closed his eyes and began praying, “Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you on this day. We are filled with such joy and excitement on this day, yet we are also filled with sorrow and heartache.”
   A muffled sob came from Leanne.
   “You know that I’ve been called to go overseas tomorrow morning,” Robert continued, trying to block out his fiancée’s cries. That only made his heart hurt worse. It felt as if someone was literally ripping his heart into shreds. “I hate to leave right now, right when we were about to start our lives together but, God, give us peace today. Help us to enjoy today midst all the pain. And I pray for Leanne that you will comfort her when I won’t be there to comfort her. Give her all the love I won’t be able to show her while I’m away. And…” Robert couldn’t continue. His shoulders began to shake as he felt a sob growing in his throat.
   “And Lord,” Leanne picked up in a soft voice. “Be with my Robert as he leaves to serve his country. Protect him; watch over him while I can’t. Go with him, wherever he goes and keep him safe. And I just thank You for bringing Robert to me. I’d rather marry him and not see him for years than never know him.” Leanne paused then whispered. “Amen.”
   Robert squeezed Leanne’s hand. “I’ll be waiting for you…down front by the altar.” Robert grinned, despite knowing Leanne couldn’t see it. He slowly let go of her hand, letting their hands slide apart, their fingers lingering on each other’s. Robert strode down the hall and into the church sanctuary where he would eagerly await his wife.


~Jesseca Dawn~ 
Wonderful story, Jesseca! I liked that you included the airport scene. :) 


Sergeant Micah Williams stood next to the stairwell, waiting. Today was the day he would marry the love of his life. He took a deep breath as his mind wandered back to the day he had met Tess.
***
Micah slung his bag over his shoulder and disembarked the plane. Instead of heading straight home, he had been persuaded by his friend and fellow marine, Jackson Davis, to stop in Kansas, see his home, and stay for the weekend. Which suits me fine. Since mother and dad aren’t expecting me for another three weeks, neither of them are home. He thought to himself.
Entering the crowded airport, he smiled as he saw his fellow soldiers meeting their wives, children and parents they hadn’t seen in months. The sound of tears and laughter mixed together forming an exhilarating atmosphere.
Glancing around he tried to find Jackson which proved to be a nearly impossible feat. Uniformed men were everywhere and unless you could catch a sight of their face, they all looked the same.  Noticing a bench off to the side of the room, he decided to wait there and let Jackson find him. He began walking in that direction, but suddenly hearing a slight intake of breath to his right, he turned just in time to see a young women take a step backwards and trip over a bag. Reacting quickly, he put out his hand and took a hold of her arm.
“Are you alright, ma’m?” he asked in concern.
The girl nodded, “I’m alright.”
She had light brown hair which was pulled back into a braid, and hazel eyes. Why, those look remarkably like Jackson's eyes!  He thought to himself in surprise.
“Ahh, there you are, Micah.”
Micah turned to see Jackson approaching. Before he could say a word, Jackson turned to the young woman. Realizing he still had a hold of her arm, he let go.
“Tess, this is who I want you to meet. This is my friend, sergeant Micah Williams. Micah, this is my little sister, Tess Davis,” Jackson announced.
Micah smiled, “It’s nice to meet you.”
 Tess nodded, finally meeting his eyes, “It’s nice to meet you as well. Thank you for helping me a moment ago.”
Micah nodded, “My pleasure.”
Jackson looked at them both quizzically, “Did I miss something?”
Micah grinned, “No. Your sister almost fell and-”
 “And you decided to be the knight in shining armour, err, in uniform, gallantly saving the lady in distress.”
Micah shook his head, “Nothing quite that exciting, I’m afraid.”
***
Micah was brought back to the present by footsteps in the hall.
“Tess, is that you?”
“Yes, I’m here, Micah.”
The sound of her voice brought a smile to his face. “The big day is here, Tess, and I wanted to have one more prayer before we pledge ourselves to each other. Is that alright with you?”
“Or course.” her voice was hardly a whisper.
“Father God,” he began, “we thank you for this beautiful day that you’ve given us and I thank you for Tess. I thank you for bring her into my life and I thank you for her love and passion for you. Thank you Lord that you allowed us to meet each other and that you showed us Your plan for us to be together. Lord, as we enter this new season of our life I pray you would be with us each and every day. With us when we’re together, and with us when we have to be apart.”
At that point in the prayer, he heard a small sob and then the sound of Tess pressing a hand against her mouth. He squeezed her hand in an effort to silently comfort her. He, too, was dreading the orders he knew were soon to come.
After a slight pause to get his own emotions under control, he  continued, “Lord, no matter where you will lead us as we start our life together, may we always trust You. Whatever trials come, may we turn to you in prayer as our first option and not a last resort. I ask that You bless this day as we begin our lives together. In Your name I pray, amen.”
He gave her hand a squeeze and then released it, “ I’ll see you at the alter, sweetheart.”
“Thank you, Micah.” He could hear the tears in her voice, “I love you so much.”
He swallowed the lump in his throat, “And I love you too, my Tessa.”
***
“In the presence of God and these witnesses, I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride,” the minister’s voice rang out across the congregation.
Micah reached over and lifted the veil, then, for the first time the their lives, their lips met, sealing their covenant with a kiss.
“Even when I’m not here, my heart will be here with you,” Micah whispered close to her ear.
Tess’s eyes filled with unshed tears as she gazed up at him, “And mine will be with you.”
Micah stepped back, taking her hand and they both turned toward the congregation.
“I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Micah Williams.” The minister exclaimed with a smile on his face.
Micah  leaned toward Tess, “I’m so glad you are mine, Mrs. Williams.”


~Blessing Counter~ 
Your story was amazing, Blessing! ;) It's unique from all the others, and I liked that. 

Gay peals of laughter rang out from the big blue room of the house. In the centre of the room stood a young woman, a beautiful white dress enveloping her slender body.
  “You look too good to be true!” Sharon squealed as she burrowed in the closet, searching for something. “Here it is!” she held up a filmy white veil triumphantly. Unfolding the veil, she painstakingly draped the veil on the bowed head before her. “I can’t wait until Mom comes to see you! What’s taking her so long?”
  “I think there might have been some traffic. I’ll turn on the radio and we can find out.” Grace flicked on the radio, then pulled out a string of pearls from her box. “Could you fasten this for me, please?” she turned to her younger sister.
  Sharon willingly came over and hooked the short pearl necklace around Grace’s neck.
As the two girls listened, they heard the man talking about an accident that had happened on the highway. “Well, I guess that’s what’s delaying Mom,” Sharon said. A small crease appeared between her eyebrows. “I hope she’s able to get through in time for the ceremony. She’d be so disappointed if she missed it.”
 Grace reached down and smoothed the crease out of Sharon’s face. “No wrinkles on this pretty face,” she teased. She kissed her forehead gently. “Mom will make it. Once she sets her mind on it, nothing can stop her!”
  Suddenly, they heard a voice outside the door.
  “It’s Mark!” Sharon hurried Grace into the darkest corner of the room. “We can’t let the groom see you until the ceremony. I’ll go see what he wants.” She cautiously opened the door and peeked outside.
 “Where’s Grace?” Mark asked, excitement and joy clearly showing in his young face.
  “She’s here, but you can’t see her,” Sharon grinned mischievously.
  Mark groaned. “Oh, come on, Sharon! I haven’t seen her since this morning at breakfast.”
  “Oh, what a long time ago!” Sharon gasped in mock horror. “Seeing as we had breakfast at 7 and it’s 9 right now…what is that? Two hours?”
  “Seems more like two years,” Mark said. “Please, Sharon, let me see her!”
  Sharon scrunched up her face. “You aren’t allowed to see her, but you can talk to her, I guess.”
  “Alright,” Mark gave in.
“Stay right here and don't move.” Sharon warned.
  “Yes ma’am!” Mark brought his hand up to his forehead in military salute.
  Sharon went into the room and found Grace laughing. “I heard the entire conversation. If I didn’t know you, I might think that you were older than him, the way you were ordering him around like that!” They both giggled and hugged before going outside. Mark was still in his military salute and to Sharon it looked like he hadn’t moved a muscle.
  “Good boy, “ she praised. “You can move now, Mark. But don’t you dare turn around!”
  Mark leaned against the wall. “Where’s my bride?” he demanded playfully.
  “Right here,” Grace slipped her hand into his and squeezed it.
  “Only one more hour until the ceremony and then you’ll be mine forever,” Mark said tenderly.
 Sharon rolled her eyes as the couple continued to talk. “True love,” she muttered. But she felt so glad for her sister. Wanting to give them some privacy, she went into the room. The radio was still on, and she reached out to turn it off. But just as she was about to flick the switch, she heard something that made her freeze momentarily. Eyes widening in shock, she turned the volume dial up.
  "Today's accident on Highway 27 involved Frederick Houston, Tami and Courtney Weston, and Anna Stuart." 
  Grace had just opened her mouth to tell Mark something when she heard her mother’s name mentioned.
   "The first three mentioned suffered minor injuries, but Anna Stuart was sent to hospital with life threatening injuries. Doctors later reported that she died five minutes after arriving. However, soon after Mrs. Stuart was taken out from the wreckage, she asked to give a message to her two daughters." 
  She choked down the sob that rose in her throat and pressed her hand against her mouth as her mother’s voice filled the room.
 "Grace, Sharon, this is Mom. I wish that I could come to your wedding, Grace, but God has a different plan for me. I'm sorry that this had to happen on what should be the happiest day of your life. But please, go on with the wedding. Perhaps I may see it from Heaven. If that does happen, I shall be looking out for my two precious girls and I hope to see you both smiling. Mark-"
  Grace could feel Mark’s hand tighten on her own hand.
   "Take care of my girls, please? I love them with all my heart, and I'd hate for anything to happen to them. Grace, Sharon-" 
  The voice broke off coughing, and Grace’s heart ached for her mother. Then Mrs. Stuart spoke in her strongest voice yet.
   "I love you." 


~Rebekah Eddy~
I thoroughly enjoyed reading your piece, Rebekah! Great job! :-) 

I twirled around in front of my mirror. The dress was perfect.
My younger sister, Megan, looked up at me from her position on the floor and grinned. “Excited Valarie?” She asked.
I smiled. “Of course! When do you think Daniel will come to pray with me before the wedding?”
Megan shrugged. “I can’t remember. Do want me to ask Mom?”
I nodded. “Please.”
Only three months ago Daniel Foster, the love of my life, had asked me to be his wife. Of course I said yes, but he had warned me that he might get called off to duty at any time. You see, my husband-to-be is a soldier. Long story short, the wedding was scheduled as soon as possible and everything had finally fallen into place.
Megan came back into the room. “Daniel just arrived,” she said slowly.
I turned around, frowning. “What’s wrong with that?” I asked. “Weren’t we expecting him?”
“He wants to talk to you.”
Suddenly worried when I saw the look on my sister’s face, I picked up my dress a few inches for ease of movement and hurried down to the first floor of our house.
Daniel met me on the landing. “I’ve been called away,” he stated matter-of-factly. “We’ll have time to finish the wedding ceremony, but I’m afraid that our honeymoon will have to be postponed.”
I felt tears begin filling my eyes. “Oh, Daniel,” I whispered. “It was going to be so perfect.”
His eyes met mine and I saw that he was fighting back tears of his own. “I’m so sorry, honey.”
I swallowed the sob that had risen in my throat. If he could be brave, so could I. “Well, we’d better hurry and finish the ceremony at least,” I said with forced cheerfulness.
Daniel nodded, and smiled. “Shall we pray?”
I leaned back against the wall. Holding his hand with one of my own while silently crying into the other, I listened to my sweetheart dedicate our future life to God.

Thanks to all you girls for entering! 
-Faith

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Just Another Ordinary Day

Hello all! The fourth part of Being Little Sister isn't ready yet, so I have something else for you all. It's a  short little story I came up with a few weeks ago. Let me know what you think!! :) 

      from Pinterest

Just Another Ordinary Day
by Firefly

Zach had been deployed seven months ago. It was just another ordinary day filled with the same ordinary things. I had some shopping to do, so after a quick breakfast I headed into town. 
 I got the things I needed and was at the checkout when it happened. I punched the correct buttons on the self-check machine and fed in my money. I was reaching for the receipt when I was startled by a voice coming from behind me. 
 "May I help you with your bags, ma'am?" 
 I gasped. Because it wasn't just any voice, but a voice I know. Not just a voice I know, but a voice I could never tire of hearing. 
 I whirl around and there he is. Standing tall and proud in his uniform and smiling down at me. My hero, my soldier. 
 "Zach!" I shriek and throw myself at him. 
 He grabs me up in his arms and spins me around. He kisses me. We're right there in the self-checkout at Walmart, but we don't care. Only couples who've been in those shoes can understand what it's like. 
 I'm crying, he can't stop smiling. I'm so thankful that he's home and I can tell by the way he holds me that he's glad he's back too. 
 When I can finally speak I ask how he knew I was at the store. He says he didn't know. He was going there to buy flowers for me before showing up at home. I start crying again because of how sweet and thoughtful that is. I smile and say that I don't need flowers, I just need him home safe and sound. 
 Then it's his turn to smile. He kisses me again and says he loves me. I whisper that I love him too and I'm so grateful he's home. 
 He suggests we get my purchases and go home. I say that's sounds wonderful. He winks at me, and carries my bags to the car holding my hand. 
 When I woke up I thought this was just another ordinary day. I guess you just never know...

-Faith

Saturday, August 22, 2015

'Imagine This' - 4

Hello everyone! I have another Imagine This contest for you girls! (And guys, if there's any guys reading this...)

Here are the rules again, just in case. ;)
1) Write a story clip on what you imagine is happening in the below picture. 
2) The word limit is 800 words. (Again, if it's a few over that's okay.) 
3) You have through Saturday, August 29th send in your piece. I'll try to post the entries Sunday or Monday. 
4) You can send it to my email, if you have it, or through the blogger contact form at the bottom of the blog. 




Thanks for stopping by! I can't wait to see what y'all come up with for this picture! =D
-Faith

Monday, August 17, 2015

What I saw ~ 3

Hello, dear readers! I'm back! Soon there will be posts about the trip and regular parts of Being Little Sister. But for today... 
Here's the What I Saw to go with the last Imagine This. It's late, but it's here now. :) 



~Family Tragedy~
 by Firefly


 Meredith awoke to the sunlight filtering in through the windowpanes. As she threw aside the covering and sat up, all of last night's tragic happenings came rushing back to her. 
 Mom must not have called, since Dad didn't wake me up. She took a deep breath and looked across the room at the clock on the dresser.  
 "Nine-thirty!" she exclaimed. Jumping out of bed, she hurried across the room. She was pulling a knee-length denim skirt from the closet when the phone rang. 
 After hearing Dad pick it up, she quickly finished dressing and hurried through the house. 
***
 Upon entering the kitchen she found Dad leaning against the counter, the phone in one hand and a coffee mug in the other. 
 "I see," he said to the person on the other end. "No, she was still sound asleep when I checked on her about an hour ago." 
 Meredith assumed he was talking about her and inched closer, hoping he'd notice her. 
 Dad smiled. "Oh, here she is!" 
 "Who's that?" Meredith whispered. 
 He turned away from the phone, "Mom." 
 Meredith nodded and waited while he resumed his phone conversation. 
 "Sorry, I was talking to Meredith. What did you say about the ventilator?...wow! That's definitely good...And they're still monitoring the pressure?...Alright. We should be there in about half an hour. Do you need anything?...Okay, see you then...Love you, too. Bye." 
 He clicked off the phone and turned to Meredith. "How did you sleep, honey?" 
 She shrugged. "What did Mom say? How's...Matthew?" 
 "Well, she said they're hoping to take him off the ventilator sometime today." 
 Meredith's heart rose alittle higher. "That's great news, Dad. Did she say anything other than that?" 
 "She didn't say much, just that he's alright." 
 "But not awake," Meredith said flatly, lacking a questioning tone. 
 Dad cleared his throat. "No. Not awake. Hungry?" 
 Meredith shook her head. 
 "Meredith, you need to eat some breakfast. Then we'll-" 
Ding-dong! He was cut off by the ringing of their doorbell. 
 "Who in the world could that be?" Dad muttered, going to find out. 
***
 Martin Joner opened the door to find his sister, Jennifer, standing on the front porch. Her red-rimmed eyes showed she'd been crying. "Jennifer? What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at college." 
 "I know. Mom and Dad called me last night and told me about what happened to Matthew. I knew right away that what I needed and wanted was to be here." Tears filled her eyes as she pulled him into a hug. "I'm so sorry, Martin." 
 He returned the embrace. "Thank you, sis. You didn't need to do this, but I'm glad you're here. Maybe you can help Meredith." 
 Jennifer's eyebrows drew together. "What's wrong with Meredith?" 
 "She's taking this pretty hard." 
 Jenny nodded. "That's understandable. She's very close to Matthew." 
 Martin agreed. "They are close, but that isn't all of it." He went on to explain about their quarrel and Meredith's refusal to speak to her brother afterwards. "She regrets it now, but she hasn't ask his forgiveness. It's really bothering her." 
 "I see," Jenny stepped into the house. "I'll do whatever I can, Martin. You know that." 
 "Thank you, Jen," Martin smiled. 
***
 When Martin and Jennifer stepped into the kitchen, Meredith looked up in surprise. "Aunt Jenny!" 
 The girl ran forward and embraced her aunt. They were both sobbing. 
 Meredith and Matthew were very close to Jennifer. She was only four years older than Matthew and had always been more of a big sister to them than an aunt. 
 Pulling away, Meredith asked, "H-how did you get here?" 
 "Your Grandpa called me last night and told me what happened." Jenny brushed a lock of dark hair out of Meredith's eyes. "I grabbed a change of clothes and hopped in my car." She embraced her niece again. "I'm so sorry, Meredith." 

Let me know what you think in the comments! Thanks for reading! =D
-Faith

Friday, August 7, 2015

Which Bad Guy?....

Hello all! As I type this I am on a van with five others. We're going on a mission trip! I'm so excited!!! :) 

So, I thought I had already found a picture for the bad guy in Being Little Sister but...I found a few others that I really like. ;) I need y'all's help deciding which one to use. 
Here's what going on: I'm going to introduce you to the bad guy with a few excerpts from the story. Then I need y'all to choose which picture you think best fits his character. :)  

The bad guy's name is....Trent Porter! He's around thirty years old and lives in Breakwater Canyon, Nevada. 

~ Excerpt 1 ~
After making sure no one was watching him, Trent stepped around the side of the building and into the shadows. "It's him alright." 
 "You best be sure," the man who had been waiting for him smirked. The light spilling from the café window glinted off of the deputy badge pinned to his vest. 
 "I'm sure. It ain't your place to question me anyhow," Trent growled. 
 "You ain't seen him for what, ten years?" 
 It was more than ten years, but Trent wasn't going to tell the deputy that. It ain't any of his business.  "Just do your job if you wanna get paid." 

~ Excerpt 2 ~ 
  "Howdy there, Carter." Trent addressed Mitch. "Enjoying your stay in this fair town?" 
 "Do I know you?" Mitch asked calmly. 
 "Let's just say we've met." Trent grinned. 
 "When?" Mitch demanded. 
 "Oh, nearly twenty years ago." 
 "Where?" 
 "Why don't you ask your daddy, boy?" Before Mitch could answer, Trent laughed and continued. "Oh that's right, he ain't around anymore, is he?" 
 Andi's anger grew. How could this man make jokes of their father's untimely death? She looked to Mitch. His fist were clenched, but his face remained expressionless. 
 Trent grinned. He was getting him angry, and that was exactly what he wanted. If he could get him angry enough he might try something stupid,...and then Trent would have an excuse to kill him. 

~ Excerpt 3 ~
Andi peeked around the corner. The passageway split from there and went in two nearly opposite directions. Trent was standing between the two shafts as if trying to decide which way to go. As Andi studied the two options she spotted something bright in color at the entrance of the right shaft. She leaned somewhat closer but still couldn't tell what it was. 
 Before she could decide what to do Trent turned and hurried down the shaft to the left. Andi waited until he was well away before she re-lit the candle and went to investigate. Placing one finger on the dark red spot on the rock wall, she then drew her hand close to her face and the candle.
 Her stomach twisted. It was blood. 


Below is the pictures! ;) 

1) This is what I had first...

2) Here's another I found...

3) and this is the last one...


So what did you think? Do you like Trent? Did you enjoy the excerpts? Are you going to be interested in reading more about him? 

-Faith

Imagine This - 3 Winners

Mornin' all! (It may not be morning when you're reading this but good morning to you anyway. ;D) 

I received two entries this time and both were amazing!!!! They are so similar it's actually scary. Needles to say, judging was nearly impossible...(Notice I said nearly. Hehe.) I think y'all have formed some sort of alliance to try and drive me insane. :) 
Both of you girls' pieces were really sad...*sob* I cried reading them.... 

First place ~ Lauren Stoner

Lauren! Your piece was so great! I loved it. ;D I could really feel Sondra, Lily, and Bethany's grief. 

   The coffin was marched down the sidewalk and into the graveyard. Swarms of people marched slowly behind. Dark clouds loomed over the sad procession, creating even more gloom.
   A dozen chairs were lined up in front of the open grave. A dozen people were ushered to the chairs. The first two people were an elderly couple. The next two people were a middle-aged couple and beside them was a young boy. Another couple filled the next two seats with a teen boy and girl. Lastly, a middle-aged woman, Sondra, and two teen sisters, Lily and Bethany, sat in the final three chairs.
   A pastor began reading from Scripture as the crowd of people listened. When he finished reading, a group of military men shot off their guns at their officer’s command. When the gunshots faded away, a man stepped forward and solemnly played Taps on his trumpet.
   Lily and Bethany stared at the casket through blurred vision. Across the casket, an American flag was draped. Within the casket was their father. Their father had sacrificed his own life for his country. He had died while in combat over in Iraq. The girls’ hearts were filled with bitter agony as they thought of their father’s selfless death.
   Their mother slipped an arm around each girl, willing herself to be strong for her daughters. Tears dripped down her face as she thought of her husband. In a soft voice she whispered to her girls. “He’s in a better place….he’s in a better place.”
   The girls sniffed in reply.
   Sondra’s heart was breaking for the loss of her husband but also for the loss of their girls’ father. She knew they were dealing with their own huge amount of grief.
   Finally, the graveside service was over. Only the first dozen people remained at the grave. The funeral director spoke to Sondra for a few minutes before he stepped away from the scene, giving the family privacy.
   The family of the deceased army sergeant sat together mutely, staring at the casket holding their beloved family member. They stood and watched as the men slowly lowered the casket into the grave.
   Sondra couldn’t hold it together any longer as she watched the casket carrying her husband disappear into the ground. A sob sprang out of her mouth and the tears began flowing again.
   The elderly couple quickly moved to comfort Sondra. Lily and Bethany stood beside each other watching their mother. Bethany couldn’t take it anymore.
   “This wasn’t supposed to happen! He was supposed to come home just like he always did. He was going to retire…we were going to travel the States and do all kinds of fun things together. He promised!” Bethany began sobbing.
   Lily brushed back her own tears as she hugged her sister close. “I know…I know…”
   “It isn’t fair,” Bethany cried.
   “Yes but, we need to remember,” Lily began through her own tears, “that God’s ways are higher than our ways. He knows what was best for Dad. I think God loved Dad so much, that he didn’t want Dad to have to stay here on earth anymore. He wanted Dad to go and enjoy Heaven.”
   “I miss him so much!”
   “I miss him too….but we’ll be together again soon. Meanwhile, Dad can just help God build our mansions.”
   Bethany stopped crying, “Dad always talked about his mansion up in Heaven. He couldn’t wait to see it.”
   “And now, he is up there gazing at his mansion right now.”
   “I bet he’s enjoying that.”
   “I know he is.”


Second place ~ Jesseca Dawn 

Jesseca, your piece was amazing! It's military related as well (why am I not surprised? :)), so that made decking which got 1st place all the more difficult. I especially liked the reference to a certain character, by the way... ;) 

Anna dropped down on the living room chair, dissolving into a fit of laughter. Across from her, her friend Jamie did the same.

“Oh, you really need to stop it!” Anna exclaimed at last.

Jamie gave her a mischievous grin, “ Boy howdy, your face sure is red. Don't you think you should stop laughing?” Jamie asked in a perfect Heath Barkley accent, sending her friend into another fit of laughter.

Just then the doorbell rang and Anna hurriedly sat up, making a desperate attempt to smother her laughter before she hurried to see who was at the door.

Glancing through the window, her heart suddenly skipped a beat and all sign of laughter drained from her face.

Jamie, noticing her frightened look, hurried over, “What is it?” One glance out the window revealed two men standing there, both in full military uniform.

Jamie gave her friend a quizzical look, “I know you told me your father was deployed, are one of those men him?”
Anna shook her head, “I’ve never seen either of them before. And. . .one of them is a chaplain.”

“Shouldn’t you answer the door?”

Anna turned to her friend, “Oh, Jamie I can’t! Can you answer it. . .please?”

“Your mother isn’t back yet?”

Anna shook her head.

Jamie shrugged her shoulders, “Alright,” she reached for the door handle and unlocked it, “Can I help you, sirs?”

“We’re looking for a Mrs. Mary Williams. Is she here?” The tallest of the two men asked.

Jamie shook her head, “She went to the store but, oh, there she is.” She pointed to the small silver car that had just pulled up in the driveway. Both men turned and started down the steps and Mrs. Anthony opened the car door and hurried toward them. Anna came and stood next to Jamie in the doorway.

“You’re Mrs.Williams?” They heard the same man addressed her and both of them men removed their hats.

“Yes, yes I am. Has something happened to Anthony?” Mrs. Williams voice betrayed the worry she felt.

The chaplain put his hands on her shoulders to steady her, “Mrs. Williams, there’s no easy way to say this. You’re husband, Anthony sustained a wound in a battle over a week ago. He didn’t make it.”

Mrs. Williams’s hand flew to her mouth, “Anthony, no! Please, no!” She wavered as though she was about to fall and the chaplain put his arm around her to steady her. She began sobbing, leaning heavily on him.

Anna felt as though she couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. How is it possible? Daddy’s gone! For a horrible second she couldn’t feel anything, it was as though she had been numbed to any feeling, good or bad. Then Jamie reached over and put a comforting hand on her shoulder, “I’m so, so sorry, Anna.” 

And at that, the tears came. Daddy won't come back. Ever. There would be no more waiting for his letters, no more feeling his strong arms go around her as they met him at the airport for the first time in months, no more hearing his laugh as he swung her around. He’s gone. I’ll never see him again. She leaned against Jamie suddenly not being able to hold herself up as the tears splashed down her cheeks. Jamie wrapped her arms around her friend as two tears rolled down her own cheeks. She had never met Anna’s father, but she knew he was a good man, a good father, and her heart hurt for her friend.  God, please help me to be more grateful for my own Dad. Please, never let me take him being here for granted again.



Congratulations girls! Y'all are awesome writers!!! There will be a post tomorrow with a question and some excerpts from "Being Little Sister". :D 


See ya around! 

-Faith

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Deadline extended & some other things.

Hello everyone! I'm back home and in the real world again. :) 

 The Imagine This contest was supposed to end today, but I haven't received any entries. So I'm extending the deadline through Wednesday, August 5th. :) 

Also, I'll be gone again August, 7th (Friday) through August, 15th (Saturday). I'll have a lot to share with y'all after that trip, I'm sure! I'm going to schedule some posts for while I'm away, here and on Chosen Vessels

I haven't had much time to work on Being Little Sister lately, but it will happen soon. *grins* 

The second part of The Clay and The Potter will be up on Chosen Vessels tomorrow. You can find the first part HERE

Thanks for keepin' up with me! ;D
-Faith