Is it only in my mind? The friend chapter 4

Well it seems I have another chapter to add to my little short story.  I have not written much fictional work, but I am enjoying this journey and I hope you are enjoying the story as well.

Is it only in my mind? The friend /Chapter 4
Julie Sheppard

Glad you could come over today. I know it has been a while. No, I had not forgotten about you. I just got busy and I met somebody. No! It is not what you are thinking. No romantic connection, but they are a friend now. We met at the park. To be honest, I thought they were a bit odd. Nutty, but harmless. When they called out to me and asked me to sit with them, I was going to just pass them by. Then I saw their eyes, and something made me sit and listen.

First they told me that if I would give them a moment of my time and answer a few questions they would take me to a place very few have seen. I did not believe they would actually take me anywhere. You know that I would not go somewhere with anyone I did not know.As strange as this person seemed, something about them made me feel comfortable and want to spend time and find out what they had to say. So they asked me some questions that were not really strange but seemed strange at the time. I don’t know why, but I answered each one. They thanked me for my time and told me if I wanted to talk more, that I could find them there at the park or across the street at the cafe.

I am not sure why, but a couple of days later I to the cafe. We sat drinking coffee and talking. I actually listened to what they had to say.Then the next thing I knew we were taking a trip. No where really, but somehow while talking it was like being transported to another time and place. No, it was not some out-of-body experience and I have not started using any drugs and I was not drunk. It was real. It was scary at first, but being there with them made me feel safe. It was like knowing you are in a dream and nothing can hurt you, no matter what was happening.

I know that you think that I have gone crazy, but I haven’t. I am not having a mental breakdown, doing drugs or drinking. This person is not some con-artist trying to take advantage of me, or trying to sell me snake oil. In the short time I have known them we have become good friends. I know that I can trust them.

I know that you are worried about me and don’t want for anyone to hurt me. I am thankful that you are such a good friend. You do not have to worry though, and they will never take your place in my life. I would actually like for you to meet them. They took me to meet a friend of theirs and I hope they will take you to meet him too. You will like him. He too has become a friend of mine.

Meeting these people has changed me in a very good way. They have that effect on people that is hard to put into words. Just meeting them will change your world. They helped me with things I did not know I needed help with. I am feeling so much better since I met them.

   I am going to see them later today, would you like to go with me?

Is it only in my mind? On a hill / The story continues

Is it only in My Mind? On a hill chapter 3
Julie Sheppard

There you are, my friend. I am glad you wanted to see me again. The last time we were together was not pleasant for you. Ah, but now you are like David who destroyed his giant with a slingshot and a stone. You look good today. You no longer look as you are carrying the weight of the world. Is that a smile I see on your face? I amuse you, don’t I?
The sun is bright and not a cloud in the sky today. I love the sound of children laughing as they play. Everyone is out and enjoying this beautiful day. Do you see that boy sitting over there? He does not look like he is having any fun, sitting alone. Wait! He has a friend and they brought him an ice cream cone, how sweet. His day has just gotten better. It does not take much to make a little one’s day better. A friend and something sweet, and all is better.
I am enjoying our new-found friendship. You are no longer a skeptic. I can see in your eyes that you are opening up to so many new possibilities. So shall we just sit here and maybe feed the ducks? No? You are ready for another journey. Well then my dear friend let us take a walk. We will go to a place that is more peaceful than the last. It is where I became friends with a very special and dear man He came up to me one day and took me there and showed me beauty I had not seen before.
Who is this man? He is a friend that has and never will let me down. One day he started talking to me and I wanted to listen to what he had to say. As we walked and talked I found that he had led me to this place. When I stopped to look at where we were, I see what you now see. Beautiful rolling hills surrounding that small pasture down below. You want to know more about my friend. Why did I stop to talk with him? I think it was his eyes. They are gentle and kind, but at the same time there was a fire in them I cannot explain. You could say I was like a moth drawn to the light, and this is the place he lead me to.
It may seem strange that a man I never knew before had just become the most important friend in my life. That is what happened though. I am not sure how long it took for us to walk to this place, but when we arrived our friendship was sealed. We have not gone a day since without talking. I share everything with him.
Yes, I did share with him about our last trip together. I hide nothing from him.He would like to meet you. He is over on the next hill sitting under that tree. You saw him already? Yes he watches his sheep carefully. He does not take his eyes off of them for a moment. He is both protector and provider. He is a good shepherd. He does not let harm come to his sheep. However, when one does wander off they do sometimes get hurt, but he goes after them and brings them home.
The first time I stood on that hill over there with him, we looked over this little valley, The sheep were below, and he pointed to them. Then he asked me to do something for him. No, he did not bring me here to make demands, and if I said no he would still love me. What he asked me to do had honored and humbled me all at once. He stood beside me with his arm around me and asked me to care for his sheep. He was telling me that he trusted me with the lives of those he cared for. We had only just met but he had known me long before we met. The person who I had been was not one I would trust, but there we stood together and he was giving me a chance of a lifetime. I could not say no, so I said yes. H now uses me to go after the ones who wander off and get lost. No man has ever honored me with more.
He is waiting for us, let us go to him now. He knows we are here, he just did not want to be rude and interrupt our conversation. he is truly looking forward to meeting you. i know that you have a lot of questions. He is the one with the answers. I will take you to him now.

Is it only in my mind? the story continues/ Facing the monsters

Continuing the story(fiction can be a lot of fun)

   You have come back my new friend. It is good to see you again. Would you like some coffee? I have been enjoying watching the clouds and all their wonderful shapes. Yes it is a little cold outside. I like this table. I can see so much when I sit here.  I am missing my park bench, but the coffee is hot and the aroma lifts my spirit.                                                   Well since you have come back I am sure that you would like to talk about more than coffee and how it smells. I know I should probably share a memory of one of my journeys that was more enjoyable, but talking about smells has reminded me of a specific scent though. Unfortunately it is not as pleasant as the smell of this coffee. It does however take me to a place that I once thought I would like to forget, but now I am glad that I can remember. If it was unpleasant why is it good that I remember it? I will tell you about the place and the events that took place. I hope that you do not think I am trying to scare you with this story, but if you are willing to listen, I will tell you how it is not one of horror but of victory.
Where shall I begin? I love the smell of gardenia flower. Their fragrance would come to me at times when I could not see any flowers around me, but I could smell them as if they were right in front of my nose. On that day it was not the sweet scent of this flower that had hit my nostrils. It was so strong I could almost taste it. The metallic scent of blood flooded me, and in an instant I found myself in a ring of fire. I was covered in blood and they hid themselves in the flames as they struck me with their blades.
Who were my attackers? To be honest they stayed well hidden but their blows did make contact. The flames were high but they did not close in on me, and I did not feel more than the heat of the fire. In my own hand was a sword that even covered in the blood of my attackers held a silver shine. Surrounded and unable to see my attackers, I could only see their blades as they cut me. The strange thing was that even though most of my body was being cut, I was able to stand and not grow weak.
I struck at the flames with my own blade and it made contact. I could hear them fall one by one as the screamed with their last breath. The fire seemed to be a wall of protection, because even though their weapons made it through the monsters were kept behind it. They could not reach me. I fought with all of the strength I had. Wondering where it had come from. Then standing in the middle of the ring of fire I took one last swing with my sword holding my head high, I let out a scream. It was over, and I was still standing. The monsters were dead and consumed by the fire.
The blood I had been covered in was gone. Only scars remained. Scars seem ugly to those who do not know how they were etched into ones body. To me they are badges of victory. I like to call mine beauty marks. Yes I may be strange, but I like I how I see things.
This place that I had traveled to, invited by a scent I did not like, had a purpose. I asked you in our last meeting if you had monsters you needed to destroy. Well now you know why I asked that question. There are places we must go that are not pleasant and causes us pain. That place or places can make us stronger and can take us to a better place if we will take a stand and not become discouraged, even when under attack.
You see that attack was meant to scare me off of my journey. Yes the monsters wanted to take my life, but all they could do was swing their blades at me. They could not take my life, because I would not give it to them and the fire protected me as a shield.
You look a little pale my friend. Is it because you do not believe me, or is it because my memory has terrified you? Let me show you my arm. The scar beneath the inside of my elbow has grown faint with time and can barely be seen unless you are looking for it. You can feel it if you want to. Oh, I forgot about that scar. Yes it is where a blade hot from the fire struck me, or should I say pierced me. It was actually on my hand between my thumb and forefinger when it happened. I have grown since then and this scar marks my growth as it travels up my arm, which is now upon my wrist.
I did not just survive that day. Through blood and fire I was delivered from my enemies. The monsters who wanted me dead are now dead themselves. That was a good journey and it took me from a place you could call hell and gave me a better life. It is a memory I am now happy to look back upon.
I think the look I see upon your face is one of fear. You do have monsters who are tormenting you. You are afraid to fight them alone. I will go with you, do not be afraid. You too will slay them and find a much better place. No, we do not have to go there right now, but we should go soon. For now drink your coffee. Would you like some pie?

 

Is it only in my mind? Short story

Trying my hand at some fictional work.

   Hi there. I know you do not know me, but I wonder if you could take a moment and answer a few questions. Why? Well, depending on your answers I would like to take you to a place not many have seen.
Yes. Please have a seat. It is a beautiful day and I enjoy sitting outdoors where there is so much to see.
I appreciate you giving me some of your time, so I will get to the questions I have.

Do you see things as only black or white?
Does everything have to be in perfect order to make you happy?
Do you have to stick to a specific schedule?
If something happens that interrupts your routine, what do you do?
Do you like going on adventures?
Do you color in the lines?
How creative are you?
Do you ever do things at the spur of the moment?
What is your favorite color?
Have you ever taken a road trip for fun?
I know these questions are random, but they have you thinking. Now that you have kindly answered these questions it is time for me to tell you about that place. No it is not in some far off country that you can find on a map. It is also not on another planet. It is a place where the landscape changes in a blink of an eye. Where one moment it is day and in the next it is night. The sky can be your favorite color, and trees can grow out of the sea, or float in the air. You say this place cannot exist, but I say that it does. You say it is only in my mind. You doubt me and think that I am crazy, that is okay. I am sure you heard of a man named John, who went to a place that was not on this earth or in space. Do you recall what he wrote about where he went?
I am glad that you are still here. You are curious to know if this place can really exist. Are you ready to see this place for yourself? Close your eyes. Tell me now what do you see? Nothing but darkness? Reach out there is a door right in front of you. Open it. Can you see now?
How did I find this place? As a child I spent a lot of time reading books. I loved them. They were my escape. They took me places I had never been to. The words came to life and I found myself in new and wonderful places(Like the place John wrote about). Sometimes I would become afraid and I would run and hide. I would be so filled with fear but in those places I learned to face my fears. I could be as big as a giant and step on what had frightened me. I learned to fight and be courageous. I could choose my role. I could even be the bad guy if I wanted to be, but that was a character I chose to fight and not give into. I could walk through fire and not get burned. I swam in stormy waters and did not drown or run out of breath.
Books opened the door to this place. They opened my mind to see beyond what was in front of me. I learned to see what others could not. Now I do not even have to close my eyes, and I can be anywhere I allow my mind to take me. I am no longer limited by the physical world around me. For not only is my battle one that is not of flesh and blood, but the wonders and beauty of life are not limited by the physical things around me.
You can now journey to this wondrous place that has no limits. Are there monsters that you need to destroy? Are there places that bring you peace and joy? Is there an adventure you have been wanting to take? Do you want to go to a place that you can only imagine?  Then join me, or take a journey that is all your own.
If you would like, I could share with you some of my experiences in this place, if that would help you decide. You have somewhere you have to be right now, but still want to hear more. I would be happy to meet with you again. You can find me here most days. I enjoy this bench, because I can see so much of this beautiful park.  If the weather is rainy, you can find  me at that cafe across the street.  I am looking forward to sharing more with you.

Until next time.

Fictional Letters based on people in the Bible / Dear Serpent

December 9, 2015 450 Words

Letters from God (fictional letters based on people in the Bible) Dear Serpent

Dear Serpent in the garden,

     You hid in the garden waiting for your chance to strike. You found Eve walking in the garden alone and you spoke to her. You asked her a question that you knew the answer to.

 You did this not to see if she knew the answer, but to cause her to question and doubt what I had spoken to Adam. She had been told that she could eat of every fruit of the garden but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. That if she ate of its’ fruit she would die. This had been the only command that I had given to them.

    When you told her that she would not die but be filled with knowledge you caused her to doubt Me. You knew that she would not die immediately in her physical body but that the death was spiritual. It is that sin causes death, and being disobedient to My instruction is sin which would separate them from Me and without Me they would have no life.

     I had breathed My spirit into Adam giving him life. Separating us causes death. She listened to you and disobeyed me believing your lie. Not only did she eat the fruit she brought it to Adam who then also ate of the fruit. By causing one to sin you caused the other to sin.

   You are devious in your plans. You think that you have won and destroyed what I have created. You introduced sin to man when you knew what sin does.

     Just as when you rebelled against Me and I had to cast you out of heaven. Now because of the sin of Adam and Eve they have been cast out of Eden. Yet what you did not realize was that I already had a plan to redeem men of their sins. You serpent are cursed and shall crawl on your belly. Then it will be through the woman which you did deceive shall come the One who shall crush you and redeem that which you have cursed. I will send My Son to this world to pay the price for the sins of men so that they will be saved from death. You have lost already. These are My children and you cannot have them.

     You have sealed your fate. I Am the Alpha and the Omega the beginning and the end. What you have done is temporary but My love is eternal. My children shall return to Me for I Am the Good Shepherd and I will go after the lost and bring them home again.

I Am the One True God

Read

Genesis 3, 2:16, 2:7

Revelation 1:8, 21:6, 22:13

John 10:1-18

fictional letter

21. Dear Noah (Letters from God Volume II)

21. Dear Noah,

     The world has become a wicked place, and the hearts of man has become evil. The people have angered Me. Yet you Noah have found favor in my eyes. So I am writing to you to warn you what I am about to do so that you may be saved. I will flood the land and destroy all that they have made. They are a sinful people who care only for their own wants and pleasures. They make idols and worship them. They are violent and destructive. There is no love found in them. They have chosen a life that ends in death. You however are chosen to live on. I will save you and your family.

I want you to build an ark. The people will ridicule you, and laugh at you. Yet you will not let this stop you. You will finish the ark. I the Lord, your God, favor you above all the men of the land. So do not listen to them as they ridicule you and judge you. Listen to Me alone and I will instruct you in all your ways.

Once you have built the ark you will then gather the animals and the birds as I have instructed you. Then place them within the ark. You will also gather food and supplies and place them within the ark. I ask you to do this because I am going to send a great flood. It will cleanse the land of the sins of the people, and they will no longer exist.

     Gather your family with you and, close the door to the ark. You will be safe. The flood will come and destroy everything but you and your family. Inside you will have what you need. For forty days and nights it will rain upon the earth, and it will be flooded.

The waters will subside after months have passed. As the waters lower you will send out first a raven then you will send out a dove to find dry land. Many days will pass when the dove shall return with a twig from an olive tree and then you will come out of the ark with your family and all the animals. Then you will be fruitful and multiply. I have saved you from the destruction of man, and blessed you with a new life. Do what I have told you and all will be well. As a sign to you for this covenant I will now make, that I will never again destroy the earth with flood waters, I set my rainbow in the cloud that when you see it you will remember My promise.

 

Love,

Your Lord God Almighty

 

Read

Genesis chapters 6, 7, &8

Regarding ‘Letters from God Volume II’

This is just a little note for those who have been enjoying my series titled Letters from God. I am not done writing for this second volume and I have not forgotten about them. I am currently focused on my Bible studies on Spiritual Health/Physical Health and this is taking my full attention. I will return to continue writing for the Letters from God soon. I had a couple of wonderful requests which have challenged me and I appreciate that. If there are any Biblical characters you are interested in reading a letter to please leave a request in the comments. I will be also writing letters to people who are more current to today’s times. Here is a sample title, ‘ Dear Addicted’. If you have any suggestion for this series please drop me a line. I would like to know what touches your heart and peaks your interest.Have a wonderful and blessed day!

20. Dear Abel (Letters from God Volume II)

Dear Abel,

     You are the second child of Adam and Eve. You are also my child. I love you my son. You are obedient and faithful to Me. You made a proper offering to me. You worked tending to the flock and you offered the best that you have raised.

     Your brother was jealous of your offering and became angry with you because I did not accept his offering. You showed him concern when you saw that he was not happy. He then asked you to go to the field with him where he killed you. His action came as a great surprise to you because you were his brother and you loved him.

     I love you and you are now with me.  I know you miss your mother and father. I will care for them and they will be blessed with a son. They will name him Seth. He is not you, but he will be their child and I will comfort them.

    Do not be afraid for Cain. I will place a mark on him to warn others not to take his life. He will not have an easy life, but he will live with the consequences of his actions. Live in peace with Me my child and know My love.

Love,

 Your Heavenly Father

   

Read

Genesis Chpt. 4

18. Dear Son (Letters from God Volume II)

My Dear Son,

    The journey you are about to leave for will be one that I wish You did not had to make. I do not wish to be separated from you for even the shortest period of time. For We are One and the same, but it is You that will leave Our home. This is so that You can do what must be done so that Our creation can be redeemed. This love of Yours for these lost ones I share with You. Yet it does not change what it does to my heart to know what You will endure while living there. It pains me to know that there will be many who will not believe in You, and worse than that, they will reject and mock You. You will not be understood. You will suffer abuse like no other ever has. The weight of sin and suffering of the entire existence of man will be carried alone by You. I am so proud of You, for doing this when You do not have to. Yet while You do know what will happen to You, this knowledge has not stopped You from making the choice to take the sins of man upon yourself. So that man can be saved from death and himself.

   We know that there will be many who will not believe that You are my Son for many reasons. Your entrance into their lives will be a humble one. You will be born to a woman that I have chosen. She is young and has not been with any man. The man who will be her husband is a carpenter and a good man. At first the news of her being with child will cause him to want to send her away. Yet I will send a messenger to him and he will marry her and be a father to You on earth as men know fathers to be. They are still a far way off from completely understanding me to be their Father even though they do sometimes call me Father. The time will come when You will leave their home and do that which You have been sent to do. When You speak, it will be with authority. You will walk to most places, and travel by fishing boats to other. You will not carry earthly possessions. When You do ride an animal it will not be a beautiful horse on but on a donkey. You will live a simple life among these men and women. You are Love and forgiveness made into flesh.

   Though there will be those who will deny You, there will be a day when all will know who You are and what You have done for them, and why You chose to do this most painful, yet most precious act for them. Now you know that there is the group of men we have chosen, who will come to know You better than their own brother. They will leave their homes, families and jobs to follow You.

     Your presence in their life will bring about a great change, and give them hope and purpose to their lives. You already know that they will stumble and be afraid when their doubts surface. But the Spirit will be released to them through you. They will call You teacher, and Savior. You will be the friend and brother that they never knew they could have. You will feed thousands with little, and heal them from blindness, not only of what they cannot see physically but what their hearts and minds cannot. When You open their eyes, they will weep tears of joy and humility. For You will heal both their bodies and their broken spirits. You will deliver them from their sin. They will learn everything that they need to live from You.

   You will restore to Us that which was stolen by the one who We had to cast out. He will be coming against You from the moment You are made flesh. He will do everything to destroy You, for he hates You. His hate is almost as great as Our Love. Yet I know that there is nothing to fear concerning this for We both know what the outcome will be.      

     However My Son there is no parent who would ever want to allow what You will suffer to happen to their child. They would rather suffer themselves to keep it from their child from hurting. Yet I cannot do that. For this act only You can perform. I Love You, and I will send to You the Helper, and the one who will announce Your coming is already there waiting for You. Now it is my turn to wait for You to return to Me. You will do this when Your task is done. How glorious is Your love and mercy. You are My Lamb, and You are My Lion. I will be with You in Spirit. You are My Son.

 

Love,

Your Father

Read

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts Chapter 1

17.Dear Thief (Letters from God Volume II)

Dear Thief on the cross,

    Did anyone in the crowd know your name? Did they even care that you were there, hanging by my Son? Does it matter to you?  I want you to know that as you were there beside my Son, admitting your own guilt I cried for you. You looked at my Son and you knew Him for who He really was. You did not meet until that painful moment. Yet you defended Him.

   What did it feel like when He looked and spoke to you? Were the tears you cried from the pain of the cross or were they tears of joy. As He has received you, I also have received you. You were forgiven as soon as He spoke to you. Everything in your past is now gone. I loved you then and I love you more now. You are my precious child. Your sins were washed from you with His blood.

   Yet unlike some who do not know the physical pain of the cross you know that pain just as My Son does. You dear child are now an example to those who now live amongst men that no matter what you have done it is never too late as long as there is breath in you, and that you confess My Son to be your Savior, you are saved. Your sins are forgotten and My Love then takes its’ place.  Thank you, My child for believing in me.

 

Love, 

    Your Heavenly Father

 

 

Read

Luke 23:32-43