Acquitted-Part 6

              Fletcher walked into his office with the confidence of a man who knows he has power. But how long will that power last with a state of resistant people arising against him? He strode to his throne of a chair at the head of the office and sat down. He opened his safe drawer with a key hidden under his desk in a little groove he etched in, and from it retrieved a bottle of half empty whisky. Pouring a glass, he looked up as Randy walked in.

                Randy, Fletcher’s right hand man walked in with practiced ease. His one goal since being hired had been to never show his boss fear, for he learned early on from silent observation that Lieutenant Fletcher thrived on it. He gave a slight bow and never broke eye contact as he said with an even tone of voice, “we have found no trace of Angel. He’s gone, sir.” Randy could see the brow of Fletcher knit together ever so slowly, and his jaw tensed and became hard as did the look that masked his brown eyes.

                “Sit,” Fletcher snarled out.

                Randy sat down, and then proceeded to study his boss’s office yet again as he drank. It was clean, always. There was never a trace of dirt in this room, and everything was perfectly arranged. And the hint of citrus filled the air and gave a calming feel to both soul and skin. He knew Fletcher to be a controlling man. But he did so in a non direct deceived manner, to make others believe that they were in charge. As if to mark a point, Fletcher unthinkingly straightens his stack of papers and clicks his open pen shut. His life was about order and control. On first glance, this room wouldn't give the impression of hidden secrets. But over a period of a time as Randy had been in and out of the room, he had come to notice strange things that appeared simple and ordinary, but really were confusing complications and queer. For instance, on the left wall from the chair on which he sat, was a beautiful mural painted of a flower with falling petals and vines surrounding the flower. But upon looking closely you could see that the center vine had raised ridges unlike the others. It was a concealed crack in the wall, covered up to look like a piece of the art. And above the stone mantel at the front of the room was the indentation of a square. It was subtle but there, indicating that there once was something there, if not still behind the wall. A safe maybe or a blocked window, Randy was unsure as this room was under heavy surveillance, and halted any ideas of further investigations. In any case there was no easy way to inspect if, for it was now boarded up and painted over with a dark rustic orange, a darker more natural color cleverly chosen to disguise its presence in the room. The office itself had a homey feel. But after spending time in it, and the man who lies within the four walls ninety percent of the day, shows, that there are hidden secrets here. The question is what is he hiding, and why?

                “We have to find him, Randy. This isn't an option.” Fletcher sat back.                            

It was these words that left Randy to ponder and question the hidden meanings in them and unknowingly confirmed all of his suspicions.

Acquitted-Part 5

Remember that this is only parts of my book, cause its being developed in my writing class. Afterwards you will most likely find repeats of stuff added in with new, or the story shifting and changing somewhat as I will have no restrictions and the ability to finish it the longer way as apposed to the short story style. Have fun reading it! In a few weeks you will find the edited versions of the full pitcture! EEP! Lol, anyway, sorry for the delay in updating my blog...it's...grade 12 is crazy, let's just leave it at that! Have a good week! :D

Acquitted-Dialogue

                “Rouge- wait!” Angel yelled.

                Rouge broke into a run as she heard the sound of his heavy footfalls on leaves and bark coming closer and closer. “Go away!” she yelled back. She knew her way around these woods like a blind mole underground. But for some reason he was still behind her, “I’m warning you, Angel.”

                “What did I do? You don’t know me, Rouge…wait!” Angel snapped.

                Rouge abruptly halted and flipped around. She grabbed her bow, and had an arrow pointing at his heart so fast that he hadn't even finished speaking yet. “Well?” she asked.

                Angel was thrown into what seemed like a never ending silence. Her eyes were piercing as she glared at him.

                “I should never have brought you here. I should have just left you for dead.” she exclaimed.

                “Then why didn’t you Rouge…why didn’t you leave me for dead in the middle of the woods. You wouldn’t even have had to kill me, as I’m sure I would have been eaten. And no one would have known of your hideout.” He stated.

                Rouge was taken aback by his soft tone of voice, yet nonchalant attitude. “I-well-I-I couldn’t leave you.” Rouge was unable to give him a truthful answer that wouldn’t reveal her ultimate weakness. She fidgeted with her arrow.

                Angel watched her bow warily as she finally released the tension on the string.

                Rouge sat down heavily on a rock that lay nearby her feet. She rubbed her leg where it was sore, where it had never fully healed.  She walked with a lasting limp to show for it. “I had an abusive father, Angel. He wasn’t so bad when he was sober. But as soon as he had a drop of liquor which became increasingly more often than just here and there…he would become abusive. He was always hurting my mamma. I remember this one time when he was drunk and hitting her, I stepped in to try and defend her, but ah he whipped around and grabbed me. I was throwing punches left and right trying to bring him down. But I had forgotten that he had a bat leaning against the wall. My pa grabbed for the bat and started hitting my leg.” Rouge went silent.

                “It broke.” Angel finished.                                                                                                       

                “Yeah-yeah it broke. Somehow my mamma managed to distract him long enough for me to slip outside. And by the time he came after me, I was well hidden in the trees under the cover of darkness. Gloria came and found me a day later in a spot that I called The Fort. She wanted to take me in to the Hospital. She tried everything to convince me, but I wouldn’t do it. I refused. So she finally promised not to tell anyone and left me alone. She’d come and check on me every day. But I was afraid that my pa would come looking for me and finish me off. So after Gloria left me one day, I went as far back into the woods as I dared. I had a bottle of whisky that I had stolen from him and stashed a while before. I had always hoped that it would discourage my pa’s drinking, but it never did. Anyway I set my own leg. And it hasn’t healed properly since. So that is why I have a limp.”

                Angel looked at her with surprise and deep concern.

                “Yes, I have noticed the subtle looks and questions in your eyes about my leg.” she said amusingly.

                “I didn’t think you had noticed. Why tell me all this Rouge? I’m a stranger,” he replied.

                “You asked me why I didn’t leave you. I said I couldn’t, but I needed to elaborate. That was the worst experience I have ever gone through this far in life. And I’m only twenty-one now. Angel, leaving you wouldn’t make me any better than my pa. And sometimes I don’t think I’m any different now, living in the woods like a coward. What are the odds that we would run into one another at the exact time I needed you, and you getting wounded in the same leg as mine? I can’t ignore that, Angel. The Lord brought us together for a reason. And even though I’m scared and you are a complete stranger, I can’t ignore the Lord when He’s speaking to me. And second, I could never abandon someone who is suffering and alone. Even if I wanted to, I couldn’t do it, Angel…” she trailed off.

                Angel sat very still, contemplating for a long hard moment. “Let’s call on a truce then. Let’s see where the Lord takes it.” He held out his hand to her.

                Rouge observed him. He was surprising her at every turn of event or conversation. Who was this man? “Alright, sounds like a plan. I forgive you by the way.” Rouge smiled and walked off into the trees. 

                Angel was confused at her humble nature yet complicated maze of a heart. He found himself confused and intrigued with this beautiful woman. Why in the world did this town want her dead?

                

Acquitted-Part 3

Alright, ladies and gents. Here is the beginning of my newest story through the introduction and Characterization of my main characters; Rouge and Angel.Gloria is mentioned as well, but she will mostly be a past tense memory. Her family is introduced as past tense as well. So that you can see where Rouge has come. Why she has developed into who she is now. Hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to leave comments and i will respond!

Acquitted-Characterization

   “Why did you have to do that?” Rouge breathlessly hobbled through the trees muttering angrily to herself. She had been in the town hall and had grabbed the ring with such ease and stealth, that she was sure that this was going to be a piece of cake. But on her way out she had noticed ‘her’ portrait on the wall. Frozen in place she had gazed upon the graceful and elegant face of Gloria Mentee. With her calloused hands she had brushed the light dust from the surface. Memories of when she was a child came filtering through her mind. Remembering how it used to be…her father had come home many nights drunk and abusive. Always her mother would usher her out the door. She’d tell her not to return until morning. Scared and alone Rouge remembered running through the empty streets, seeking safety. That’s when she had noticed the silhouette of a woman sitting in the candle light facing the window. Rouge had crept under the window and sat down. It was cold, but she felt safe here.

     “Click…” Rouge abruptly got to her feet from where she had been sitting, and watched the door with timid eyes

     Gloria walked out onto the porch to retrieve a book that she had forgotten to take in that afternoon. Upon looking up she noticed a slight movement out of the corner of her eye. She gasped as she noticed a girl staring at her with such intensity. “Good heavens child. It’s freezing out here!” As if to prove her point, she hugged her night gown tighter to her body, as her long curly hair blew in the slight breeze. “Are you alright?”

    Rouge was unable to speak as she watched this lady. She had seen her often, walking through town on errands or on the arm of Sheriff Jared Mentee. She was a graceful woman-truly beautiful. She had the walk of a queen, and on her finger adorned a simple but astonishing ring with an aquamarine stone. It always glittered in the sun as she hugged her husband’s arm. Laughing as he talked.

   “Well, don’t just stand there. Come on in, Rouge. I was just about to go make some tea. Would you like some hot chocolate?”   

   “Surprised at being called by name, she hesitantly walked toward the outstretched hand with the ring, and took hold. She didn’t realize it then. But that moment would change her life forever.

    Gloria had been a mentor to her. Though sick with cancer, she was always caring.  She knew all her secrets-knew the man that Rouge’s father was. He was elusive and never caught for the crimes he committed. As Rouge grew into a young woman, she became more and more aware of the faith that Gloria shared. And through many tears and bitterness, Gloria’s faith became Rouge’s. She walked the path of God. And it was his strength that got her through every day. At the tender age of 16, she took refuge in the woods after a horrific beating from her father. She was left with a broken leg that Rouge refused to go to the hospital for, lest her father find her there and kill her. So she dragged herself into the woods and set her own leg. That was the only time she had ever had a drop of alcohol as she used her father’s stolen whiskey to numb the paralyzing pain, coming in and out of consciousness for days to come because of the unbearable pain. She was gone so long-recovering, that the town believed her dead. Shortly after her 18^th birthday, Gloria passed away. That moment turned Rouge’s world upside down as she wasn’t sure what to do anymore, or where to go. So she sought peace in God’s word. Frustrated with Him, her faith was tested and tried. But ultimately He had a better plan. She was in heaven. No longer in pain, she walked with God. This brought comfort as she fought to move on.  Rumors spread through town that Rouge was indeed alive.

     Rouge’s striking green eyes resembled her father’s image, but with her mother’s petite form and a soft and quiet beauty. This was not to be taken for granted as she could wield a bow like no man’s business. She would always do whatever she could for the sake of her family. She was always taking care of her mama and brother. But sure to leave when her father was around. Many thought she was her father, because of the way she dressed and the way that her eyes spoke. But upon closer inspection, it was realized that she was far from her father and beautiful in comparison. She was as elusive as a deer in hiding. She lived in the woods. And no one ever found her hiding spot. She became silent, hardly ever making a sound. She was a loner, always watchful and aware of everything. When her mama died, she attended her funeral, and it was there that her father showed up drunk yet again-shouting angry words at his dead wife. It was there that Rouge put an arrow through his heart as he brought out a gun and pointed it at her brother, muttering that it was his fault that his mother was dead. As he tried to convince his son that he should have been a man and stopped him from killing her. Before he could say anymore, he dropped dead to the ground before the police could even cuff him. The town reeling from the event set up a ransom for anyone that caught Rouge.  After that, she was not the same. Orphaned and alone, Rouge became angry. She stole food to keep her young 13 year old brother alive. The food was scarce during hunting season, and she was unable to get him what he needed through nature alone. Therefore started petty thefts; food, clothing, etc. Through this she was given the name, Hood, for she was never seen or heard unless she wanted to be, and did and stole what she wanted, and when she wanted. She never stole for selfish gain, but solely for the sake of her own survival. Never the less, the town could not have a rampant young adult stealing like this from them. That did not look good, and would only encourage further behaviour for others. She would also play with the town’s kids and give them stolen treats. She protected them from danger and would always come to call when the parents were not around. (Thus the only proof of this, are the stories from the children themselves). But she was unable to help the kid that needed her the most, as he became sick with malaria. No medicine that she stole could help him, and by the time that she decided to risk it all and take him to the hospital to keep him alive… he died in her arms on the way. And this broke her. She knelt over him and wept. She wept for Gloria who died of cancer. And her mom who died through her father’s endless beating. She was never able to fully heal before she was beaten again. And now she added to her weeping, the death of her sweet innocent brother. She wept for her mistakes, and run in’s with the law. She was lost, there was no redemption for her soul…but it was there that she remembered the faith that she had forgotten and shoved aside. It was in that moment, that God spoke to her. Using scripture to remind her that this was not so. She was not lost, but found. And she grew stronger in her faith, as she remembered Romans 4:20; “No unbelief made him waver concerning His promise. But he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God.” She didn’t understand why these things happened. Why God allowed this. But she knew that He had plan. And that it was to further His glory and remind her, who it was that remains in ultimate control. And so she gave him the glory…

     “Over here! I hear something!”

     Rouge gasped as she was brought back to reality. How long had she been lost in her thoughts and memories? It was pouring rain now. And she was soaked to the bone. Not realizing what she was doing, she pushed herself to her feet from her stiff and cold position on the wet ground. Starting her awkward run, she looked over her shoulder, to see who followed…and ran right into a hard surface.

     “Whack!” She fell backwards at the same time as something else also fell over. She heard it moan and realized with a start that it was a man. Rouge sprang to her feet and went with her natural extinct. She came up and tried to punch him, but he grabbed her fist in his palm, inflicting severe pain in her wrist. With a growl she went for his middle with her other fist. But before she was able to do so, he whipped her around so that her back was pressed against his rock hard chest and wrapped her arm around herself, so that she was immobile.

      “I’m not going to hurt you,” he rasped against her struggling.

     “Why should I believe you? You and the rest of the town all want to kill me!

     “Look missy, I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not after you. I have my own problems to worry about here.” As If to prove his point he dropped her in the mud, and raised his arms.

     Rouge realized that this man was not from town, in fact. She was not at all familiar with him. “Who are you,” she whispered.

   “Angel,” he finally admitted after some hesitation.

    Before Rouge could respond, the same voice from before shouted again.

   “Over here! I see her!”

   It was too late to hide now. Rouge grabbed for her arrows and aimed them in the direction of the oncoming footsteps. Rain ran down her face, making it hard to see. At her side, she noticed that Angel had wielded his sword and he was pointing it in the same direction. She had no time to analyze what he was doing. So she focused her attention on the scene before her. As they came into view, she realized that they were separated in groups. Hope filled her as she thought of ways to escape, before the others found her. She was familiar with them as they ran at her; Brent, her school yard bully from years past, Jeremy the mailman and Tony a rancher and proud owner of the only butcher shop in town. As they neared, she realized that they were without weapons. She never wanted to hurt anyone. This was not the way she had pictured living her life. So she dropped the bow. Now the fight was fair. Beside her she sensed Angel’s confusion. But that was of little importance to her. She threw the first punch as Brent came into her range. He dropped like a fly, unconscious from the hit. Tony surprised Rouge, as he wielded a knife against her. She braced her herself for the hit, but in that moment, Angel stepped in and blocked his strike. It was there in the pale moonlight as she was hidden behind his large form, that Rouge noticed his strong set jaw and handsome features. She had not noticed before as it was pitch black out. It was during this distraction that she had not noticed, Jeremy standing there. Before she could say a word, Angel knocked her out of the way, just as the sound of a gun went off. For some unknown reason, this enraged her and with hasty ease, she grabbed her bow and put an arrow through his heart. All was silent for a moment as she stared Tony down.

   “You will see me again, Rouge.”

    And with that he was gone, as other voices neared the area she was in. She ran over to Angel, and found that he had been shot, in the left leg. She ripped a piece of her flannel shirt, and bound it tightly around his leg as he groaned heavily.

   “I don’t need your help. I’m fine,” he mumbled as he rolled to his side and awkwardly tried to stand. This only resulted in agonizing pain as he let out a yelp and fell over again.

     “Sure you are. In the meantime I’m going to blindfold you and get you to safety.”

    “Wait, what? Blindfold me? What for,” he protested.

   “I’m taking you to my place, but you mustn’t know where it is, or I shall have to kill you. So what shall it be?” She waited impatiently as the mob neared. She didn’t like the idea of him coming to her home, so gave up and started walking away.

   “Alright, fine! Blindfold me.”

    Rouge stood still for a moment, debating what to do. If she killed him, then there was no way of her being found-ever. But who was she to judge a man she didn’t even know? So she helped him to his feet. She then wrapped his arm around her neck and guided him to where she had created her home. Hoping against hope, she hadn’t walked right into a trap.

Acquitted-Part 2

       If you enjoyed the Brainstorm ideas of mine. Here is the outline. From now on it will be weekly. But these two i decided to post together. Also watch out for other posts as well, aside from my new story! God Bless.

Acquitted-Outline

Beginning (Plot): In the state of Massachusetts, on a dark and rainy night, Rouge is caught stealing a priceless ring, which belong to Gloria Mentee. She was the wife of Sheriff Jared Mentee. Dying of cancer two years back, the ring was put on display in the middle of the town hall in honour of her name. Rouge seeks refuge in the woods where she has created her home. She’s elusive and knows the area well. And by this, she has been given the name, Hood. For she is only seen when she wants to be, and has a keen soft spot for the children in town. She has taken the ring in the hope of buying back her freedom. She has been running for years, because her Father’s bad name haunts her life as he was a hardened criminal. Now with her family long gone, and because of her stupid petty thefts for the sake of survival, she’s been a relentless target of the town’s. It is during her escape that she runs right into Angel who is passing through on his own run from trouble. He helps her escape from the angry mob and in so doing is badly wounded and is unable to continue on his own way. As he recovers, he is captured by Rouge’s silent inward strength, despite the weariness around her eyes and the grief that hangs there. He is drawn to her. Angel is also on the run from trouble. He has abandoned post in the middle of a raid, and now fights for his life as his relentless father searches for him. He cannot keep leading raids to hurt innocent people. To beat them into submission and selfishly take what they have for their own survival. His eyes are opened to the evil he and his father and the militia have done. Angel knows that his father will never give up, and that there is only one way to stop him…and Angel is unsure if he is able to hunt his father, even though his father hunts for him. Fletcher’s reign as government is crumbling swiftly beneath him. He is losing power and control over the state. His master plan is to overcome the state, one little town at a time. But in trying to accomplish this, an inside source has leaked the plans to all local sheriffs who have now shut down any major operations and communications to the government. In a way, they have shut off all power to the Government. Fletcher has set up a fort where he remains protected. But as he leaves the fort in search of his son, he is no longer safe, and his militia are getting picked off one by one. His son knows everything. If he’s out there, he could destroy his father for good. Fletcher is not willing to take that risk. He must bring back his son and kill him.     

Middle (Conflict/Struggle): As an ever growing relentless Sheriff and an angry mob is on the hunt for Rouge, Fletcher is on the hunt for his son Angel, who has abandoned post on active duty. As the two groups collide…Mercy West and Fletcher with his militia. They battle head to head as they constantly bump into one another’s problems, and trying to kill one another’s leaders. The two leaders are then forced to meet and deliberate a plan as they have run into almost similar issues with two young adults. They agree on a peace treaty to hunt for Rouge and Angel together, and to let one another go, only to battle at a later time.

          Meanwhile, Rouge tries to figure out this secretive Angel. Who is he, and where did he come from? As he in turn tries to figure out this beautiful elusive creature that fate has brought him. Together they confront two armies, as they figure out, who is chasing who? For what reason, what is he/she hiding? 

End (Climax/Resolution): Rouge and Angel are trapped as the face the town ready for combat. But before they head into a battle, Rouge steps forward and sees for the first time, the grief and sorrow in the Sheriff’s eyes. She is familiar with it. Wordlessly she walks up to him as the mob and Angel watch in fear and confusion. Rouge grabs his hard, wrinkly hands, and places the stolen ring in the palm of his hand. Tears run down her face as she closes her eyes, and stretches out her arms. She admits defeat. The Sheriff’s heart is softened as he realizes for the first time that she is tired of running. He no longer looks at her and sees her father, but he looks at her and sees a vulnerable female who has been trying to escape her Father’s haunting reputation. The Sheriff restores honor and peace to her name. He sets her free. Now, the town lives in harmony with Rouge who still remains elusive-only coming out for supplies or to go to church Sunday morning. Angel stays with Rouge and sides with Mercy West. Together they head into battle with Fletcher who gets killed. The militia now lost and free from his control, agree to move on and leaves Angel in peace with the promise that he won’t be bothered again. New government is put in to place and the rest of the surviving militia are thrown into prison with a life sentence for all the charges against them.

Acquitted- Part 1

Shout out to all of my followers. I'm so sorry i have not written in so long...life has been crazy, and hard, and has left me uninspired to write. But I'm hoping to edit my book Tragedies Amidst Healing. That will be a process over the course of the year. So you can look forward to that next Summer. But for right now, I am starting a new book hopefully. And I'm gonna let you in on the process of it all. So today is the brainstorming ideas. And the next one will be the outline and so and so on, until i actually put it all together. So please do enjoy, and feel free to leave feedback!

Acquitted-Brainstorm

Setting: Takes place in the state of Massachusetts. In some woods that are located on the outskirts of a small town called Mercy West.  The sun rarely shines there, as it is often cold and rainy. A deep sadness has the air filled with gloom, as a war had previously broken out between the government and Mercy West a decade past, which has now left this small town defenseless. Always hiding, they’ve created their own law, in the hopes of fighting back-restoring peace to their community.

Characters: Rouge-A beautiful young adult female who was orphaned at a young age and forced to take care of her younger brother who then passed away five years later. Now alone, she faces a cruel world as she fears every day of her life trying to survive in a society with a fallen government.

Angel. A young and mysterious ex-general who is forced into hiding. He stumbles upon Rouge who is on the run from an angry mob. He saves her from them and then decides to stay and protect her as they both fight their separate wars together as a pair.

Fletcher. Is the father of Angel who has turned his back on the militia. He is on the search for his son, to bring him back and hang him for his rebellion.

 Militia. These are soldiers of the fallen government (Fletcher) who is desperately trying to stay on top. They use threats and violence to beat society into submission.

Angry Mob. These are the people in a broken community with no law. They are poor and barely get by in daily living. They are full of vengeance and desperation as they chase Rouge, in the hope of bringing her to justice for stealing the Sheriff’s dead wife’s wedding ring.

Plot: On a dark and rainy night, Rouge is caught stealing a priceless ring that belonged to the Sheriff’s wife. She’s taken it in the hopes of starting over. An angry mob is then formed and they chase Rouge in the hopes of bringing her to justice. The Militia is after Angel who is an ex-general and the Head leader’s (Fletcher) son who has abandoned his duties. Angel stumbles upon Rouge in the woods as he’s passing through. He sees her in trouble and steps in. He is captured by her silent strength and is unable to continue on his journey. He stays and together the pair fend off the militia and the ever searching mob as they protect one another in the hopes of finding peace together.

Conclusion: Rouge returns the ring, in the hopes of restoring peace and buying back her freedom. With closure behind her, she stops running and together with the help of the town, they defend one another and protect Angel from the ever watchful eye of Fletcher. 

Why I Believe What I Believe.

I was asked to write a faith paper from a woman in my church for the religious course she's starting up in our local high school. She wanted me to answer these two questions. So I went ahead and did so. Then I thought to post this on my blog, so that you as my readers can have a better understanding of 'why I believe what I believe.' (Hence the headline. lol) Let me know you thoughts! Enjoy! :)

How Do I Know That God Exists?

Why Do I Believe in Him?

      My name is Lisa Friesen. Many of you probably know me already. I was at one point in time public schooled. But if you do not know me, you have most likely seen me in either the Drugstore or the Co-op food store, seeing as how those are two of the jobs that I work at. I have been asked to share my faith by answering these questions, by the lovely Mrs. Jo-Anne Pepneck herself. And I have decided to go ahead and oblige her, and in a way, oblige myself as well. My goal is not to bore you by this paper (though some of you may become bored anyway), but to simply share my faith by answering these questions, in the hopes that you will see the why and the how.

   How do I know that God exists: First off, it is really hard to answer these questions! I don’t know why it is so hard, but it is. The people, who believe in the various religions can probably without blinking, explain why they believe what they believe. But I find that with Christianity it is not so easy. One of the things that lets me know that he exists, is that it is a proven scientific fact, that Jesus did walk this earth, some couple thousand years ago. Another thing that lets me know that he exists is the evidence of life. I do not believe in evolution at all, I have talked to people who do, my own dear uncle does…and since I’m not sitting in this classroom, I will be totally blunt. I cannot grasp the fact that people actually think that this world came to be with a bang. I challenge you to walk up to a tree, look at the detailing of the bark. Look at a sawed off branch and inspect the rings of the tree, the life that flows through it. A ‘big bang’ cannot do that. I promise you. Walk up to a flower, and see the delicate detailing of the petals in which the centre is a filled with pollen for the bees of the air. The circle of life cannot be created through a ‘big bang’. This world, planet, galaxy, was created by an artist! An artist, greater than I. Whom I have come to deeply love, respect, and fear. A mere ‘big bang’ couldn’t have done this. This ‘big bang’, isn’t a being of any kind. Therefore, it doesn’t have the mental capacity to create life. To conjure up detail, to think about what a planet needs to allow living organisms, (including ourselves as humans) to survive. God exists. Not a god, but the God exists.

    Why do I believe in God: Hope, saving grace…these are some of the words that come to mind. I needed something to hope in, something/someone to cling to. Also, saving grace…I needed, wanted, saving grace. I won’t dive into my life story, but I will share this: I had a bit of a rough life growing up. I became withdrawn and lonely. I became angry and guarded. My life was in shambles. I know I’m only 17, but a lot can happen in 17 years. Let’s just leave it at that. It came to the point in my life, where I was either going to end it…or I was going to seek help. It was one day that I was contemplating these thoughts, that I heard a voice-It was in my head (obviously). It was small, and I could faintly hear it. So I paused, and hearing nothing, continued contemplating a certain action I was planning on doing. That was when I heard it again, and this time it was more clear. This is what I heard, ‘Stop…stop Lisa. I can help you. Take my hand.’ That was it. That was what made me crumble. It took 11 years of being angry, it took 11 years of pain and torment. I went to my preacher, and he and his wife counseled me, and showed me the love of God, and told me who he was. And it was there on January 4^th of 2010, that I came to the realization that I was chosen, and so I followed him in obedience, because I couldn’t refuse him. I couldn’t resist my savior. He has breathed life into me, and I know I reside eternally with him. I am not afraid of death. And I anxiously await the arrival of my Abba-Father, beloved friend and bridegroom. I am a sinner. We all are. But I no longer want to sin. I no longer believe the futile lie, that this world can fulfill us. I fall to sin, when I don’t look to God for strength. I fall to sin, because it’s natural, and wrong. But I no longer want to sin. That is the difference, and this is where the hope comes in. I will always struggle in this life. I will always fall to the sins of this world. But it is because of his saving grace…it is because of his blood shed for me…that I know that one day…I will no longer fall to sin ever again. I will no longer suffer…That is why, I believe in God.    

         

     

The Harvester

Matthew 9:35-38
"Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the Kingdom and healing every disease and sickness among the people. When he saw the crowds he had compassion on them for they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Jesus said to his disciples, 'The harvest is plentiful, and the workers are few. Ask the LORD of the harvest, therefore, to send out more workers into his harvest field.' "  (NIV)