The Anchor Holds

                    The Anchor Holds

     

When the storms in life come your way what will anchor you? Will it be your house, your job, your bank account or your family? The truth is that nothing can anchor you except God Almighty. He is in full control of everything. He is the one and only true living God. He sent His son to die for our sins to pay a price that we could not pay. He loves us so much that He sacrificed His only son to make a way for us to be in Heaven with Him for eternity.

This world is not our home. He said that He was going away to prepare a place for us that where He is, there we may be also. The Bible is the Holy Word of God inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is what anchors you if you are a Christian. If you don't live by the word of God and stand for it's truth, then you have no basis to live by. You have no roots to be grounded in. You have no anchor.

If you stand for nothing or for everything,(co-exist) then you fall for anything. You have no boundaries, no laws, no basis to govern anything. Anarchy is what is coming. When people can deliberately disobey the law and get away with it, then why would anyone even try to do what is right. Those who want order and laws to be obeyed will be forced to defend themselves. Every day I am seeing the Bible prophecies of the end times being fulfilled.

If you haven't decided to make the Lord God Almighty your Savior, I beg you to do so. We are experiencing those birth pains that the Lord said would happen before His return. There is nothing in this world worth losing your own soul for.

There is a devil's hell. If you choose not to accept Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then that is where you will spend eternity.

God is a God of love. He didn't want robots to worship Him. He wanted people who would choose to love Him. He longs for a one on one relationship with each one of us. He has given each one of us the choice to choose to live for Him.

There will be storms in each one of our lives. Spiritual storms, financial difficulties, family problems and relationship problems, job difficulties all these things are a part of life. It is nice to know that when these dark times come there is an anchor you can hold onto that won't let you go. That anchor is the Lord Jesus Christ.

He is the same God that was on the ship with the disciples when the winds and the waves rose up strong and hard. Jesus was below on the ship asleep. The disciples grew afraid and yelled, "Jesus help us!"
Jesus came up on top of the ship and spoke but a few words and calmed the winds and the waves.

The winds and the waves obey His words. We may be living in troubled times, but we don't have to be filled with fear. God is in control and He promised never to leave us nor forsake us.

There were two trees one was a pine tree. Pine trees don't grow deep roots and when the strong winds come they snap and fall to the ground. An oak tree grows deep roots and when the storms and winds come they stand strong for years and years. That is how it is when you are a Christian and you are rooted and grounded in the Word of God, The Holy Bible. When you apply the Bible to your life it strengthens your roots and gives you grounds to be anchored in.
If you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything, as the old song says.

I don't want to fall for anything. I want my life to matter for Him and one day to see Him face to face and hear Him say, "Well done my good and faithful servant."
No more pain, no more night, no evil. Only basking in the Love and majesty of My Lord and Savior. I hope we'll be there together. I hope you find your anchor in the midst of the storm that is brewing.

The Vine

I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5



Each one of us has been given a talent and a gift that we are to use for God. He will direct our paths if we seek Him and His will. Everyone had a part to do that is important. No one is unimportant in God's eyes. If you think that because you aren't a super star that you can't advance the kingdom of Heaven, then you are wrong. God knew you before you were in your mother's womb. He has a plan for each one of our lives. Pray, seek Him and follow His direction. Then God can do a wonderful work through you.

Quiet Time with God

    And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. 2nd Corinthians 12:9 KJV

    No matter what you are facing today, if you turn it over to God and rely on His strength and not your own, He will help you carry the load. In fact, He will carry the entire load for you. If it is sickness, financial situations, depression or a broken heart. Nothing is impossible with God. He cares for you so much that He sent His one and only son to die for you.

   I think of my own son and it is unthinkable that I would willingly give him up to die at all, much less to die for something that he did not do. And yet, that is exactly what God did for us. We hear this phrase, "He loves us so much that He gave His only son," that it becomes a cliche'. We loose the meaning of the words. God cares for me and He cares for you.

    One of my favorite verses is" Foot prints in the Sand". I love the line that reads;
   "God, in the darkest times of my life, I look back and there is only one set of footprints in the sand.Why in the darkest times of my life would you leave me?" God replies, "My precious child, I would never leave you, during your darkest times, it was then that I carried you." To me that is so beautiful to know that in our darkest times He will carry us.

    Maybe you feel that you are bound by your circumstances today, you don't have to be. Take some time to enter into His rest and comfort. Get in a quiet place and seek Him through prayer and by reading His Word. Pray and then sit back and be quiet before the Lord, so that He can speak to your heart.

    We are a busy society. Everything is rush, rush, rush. Slow down, take some time to be quiet before the Lord. In His Holy word, the Bible, he says in Matthew 11: 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

    Bring all your burdens to Him and be amazed at what He can do for you, that you, in your own strength could never do for yourself. We serve an awesome God who wants to know us personally and wants us to fully trust Him. Today is the best day to let go of the baggage, to release it and to be restored.

Trusting and Obeying

1. 

     When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. Isaiah 43:2 NIV



    When we truly sell out to God and give Him what is His, asking Him to take our whole life and use it for His glory, then and only then, can he perform the work through us that He has planned for our lives.
 

    There are so many excuses we can make as to why we want to hang on to this part of our lives or to that part. We don't fully release every part to Christ Jesus, so that He can do a wonderful work through us.


    I was reading the lyrics in an old Baptist Hymnal earlier this evening, the words to the song, "Trust and Obey," struck home to me. trust and obey, for there's no other way to happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.



    Being obedient is not very popular in today's society. We want to do as we please. No limits, no rules, no boundaries. Whatever feels good, is convenient, is fastest to get to what we want, that is the way we like it. Unfortunately, when there are no limits, no boundaries no rules or consequences, then there is chaos. We are starting, to experience the consequences of our selfish lifestyles now in our society.



    Children are rulers over their own parents. Parents are at wit's end, because they don't know what to do with little Johnny and Suzy. They don't understand because they gave them everything they wanted and never let them feel what it was like to loose. Now, they are ungrateful, lazy and disrespectful.



    We are to be obedient to Our Lord Jesus Christ and to His Holy Word, The Bible. There are so many promises that he has for those who keep His commandments. The Bible has plenty to say about how to raise our children. If we follow God's outline in His Holy Word, He is faithful to bless His children. But, it doesn't have to be hard. God will give us the strength we need to follow Him and obey Him if we are faithful to pray and read our Bible everyday.


    There is an enemy that is real, Satan. He wants to steal from us and kill us. We need to be mindful that he would like nothing better than to destroy our families, keep us upset and from doing the will of God. Let the Holy Spirit guide your heart and trust The King of Kings. He said he would never leave us nor forsake us. I love My Lord and Savior and can never thank Him enough for paying my debt at Calvary.


    If you have never accepted Him as your Lord and Savior, please don't wait. Ask Him to forgive you of your sins, believe that He is the son of God and commit your life to Him right now before it is too late.


    There is a real place called Hell. If we don't ask Jesus to forgive our sins and come into our hearts, then that is where we will spend all of eternity. How long is eternity? It never ends. There is nothing more important in this life that is worth spending all of eternity in a devil's hell burning forever.


    God loves you right where you are and there is nothing he will not forgive you for. Ask Him, trust Him and get in a Bible believing Church.

Mystery Island Chapter Four

Mrs. Lowery woke up hoping that her daughter missing, was just a dream. She got out of bed and went to the doorway of Stacey's room. She knew the nightmare was real when Stacey wasn't in there. The fear and pain of not knowing if her own daughter was safe or if she was was hurting or worse was more than she could bear. She began to sob again, falling to the floor in the hallway.Mr. Lowery came to her from the living room. He put his arms around her. He wanted to be strong for her, but inside he was scared out of his mind. Stacey was their whole world. If she is just playing a game with us and hiding at one of her friends house, well, I just want her home and safe. To be able to tell her we love her. He hugged her and they stood in the hallway sobbing together feeling the same pain and terror of having their child missing. He held his wife and tried not to let her see the tears that were falling from the corners of his eyes.




Jake's store was full of locals waiting to form a new plan to search the islands for Stacey. Tina Littleton was one of those people who took charge of situations. She gave the volunteers directions as to how they would comb the island and meet back at Jake's in two hours. They had radios to keep up with any information or leads they found. That way they could keep each other informed over the situation. She asked that everyone join hands in a circle and pray for Stacey and her parents.After they prayed, they all dispersed out into the island to hunt for the missing girl.


Jake was beside himself. “It was that Jesse McMillian. I am sure he had something to do with that Lowery girl missing. Just think about it Claude, everything was fine until he showed up and the very day he did show up Stacey goes missing. I don't understand why Sheriff McCoy isn't investigating that boy. He said that he was going to get a subpoena and question him. What is he waiting on. Something else is going to happen to someone or Marla if he waits too long to act.”


Claude spoke up, “Jake, you have had it in for that boy from square one. Nothing that boy has done points to him to be a suspect. He is just new to the island. That doesn't make him a criminal and besides that we don't know that Stacey is even really missing. You know that girl is always running away from home. She is a troubled teen who is rebellious. She probably is just hiding out to scare Mr. and Mrs. Lowery. She has done that before. I feel sorry for Mr. and Mrs. Lowery. They waited later in life to have kids and all Stacey had been is trouble and heartache to them.




Jesse walked into the store just as Claude finished talking. “Excuse me, Claude, I wanted to ask you a few questions. I am looking for my birth parents. I was given information that they may have lived here on this island. How long have you lived here and have you ever heard of Jessica or Melvin Sanders?”


Jake started coughing. “Who did you say?”


“Jessica or Melvin Sanders. They were my birth parents and I am not sure if they were married. My birth mother may have a different last name if they weren't married.” Jesse said with a pleading look in his eyes. He really was tired of hunting for them and he wanted nothing more than to find some shred of information that would point him to their whereabouts.







Jake found a chair and sat down real fast, like he would have fainted had he not sat in the chair. He was white as a ghost.


“Are you okay, Mr. Carpenter? You don't look so good.” Jesse commented to him.


“You okay, Jake? Do I need to go fetch the doctor?” Claude asked his buddy.


“I will be okay in a few minutes. Just let me sit here a little bit and I will be okay,”


Jake didn't look okay he looked like he might have just had a stroke.


Claude knew what was ailing him, but he kept quiet. “No, I can't recall hearing those names before. Sorry fellow, I hope you find something out that leads you to them.” He said as he patted Jesse on the back.


When Jesse left the store he ran into Sheriff McCoy, “Good, you saved me a ride out to Marla's. I have a subpoena to question you. You can come with me.” Sheriff McCoy said in a cocky, arrogant way.


Jesse didn't resist, he went along with the Sheriff voluntarily without any opposition. The Sheriff took him into the station and told Deputy Smith to start the paperwork for Jesse's questioning. “You can have a seat on that bench over there. Don't try any funny business or I will put you in a cell.”

Jesse sat down on the bench. He didn't act afraid or nervous about being questioned. He knew that he had nothing to do with the girl that was missing. He also knew that the Sheriff and others on the island were judging him for his black attire and the fact that he was new to the island. He heard the peck, peck, peck of the type writer keys as Deputy Smith made out the paperwork. These guys were out to get him, that was for sure. For the first time he thought about the possibility that they might be crooked cops. They may even be framing him for something they knew somebody else had done. His head started spinning and his palms got sweaty.

Marla Applegate came marching into the station with a very well dressed man in a suit who was carrying a suitcase. “Jesse, this is my lawyer, Delvin Banks. He has agreed to take your case. I know these guys are up to no good. I don't trust them. I knew they would try to pull this as soon as you came into town. That is why, I phoned Delvin and had him fly out to the island”

Delvin reached his hand out to shake Jesse's. “Mr. McMillan it is good to meet you. I will be present with you when you are questioned. You don't have to answer anything you don't want to in this preliminary questioning. I willl coach you to not answer some questions so look to me for the go ahead. I need to know exactly when you arrived on the island, any one you can remember who might have seen you and the route you took from the ocean inland.”

Jesse strained to remember everything he could about when he arrived there. He told Delvin everything he could think of. Delvin wrote everything he told him down. “Here, I need you to sign this, stating that this is your statement and you swear it to be the truth.”

Jesse took the pen from him and signed his signature and dated it. “I swear I didn't have anything to do with that girl that is missing. I never saw a young girl when I came here the first day. I would never hurt anyone and I am not a criminal.”

“I believe you Mr. McMillan. The important thing is that we establish a solid case with alibis that prove your innocence.” Delvin said in his lawyer tone.

“He will take good care of you. He is the best lawyer money can buy. Don't worry about anything. This is all going to get cleared up.” Marla said to him as she reached over and squeezed his hand.

“Thank you, Marla for getting your lawyer and everything.” Jesse said with a little nervousness in his voice.

Sheriff McCoy walked back into the station just in time to see Marla squeezing Jesse's hand.
“Well, well. Haven't seen you in a while Delvin. So, you got your hot shot lawyer for your boy toy. I don't think he is going to be able to help your little boyfriend.” Sheriff McCoy said smirking at Marla.

“Jesse is innocent. Delvin will prove it and you can go back to playing checkers in front of Jake's handee Mart.” Marla threw back at him.

“You are really something Marla. Nothing like a bimbo with a lot of money. You can't buy the law. I don't care how much money you have or hot shot lawyers.” Sheriff MCCoy made sure to insult Marla every chance he got. He had come onto Marla during one of her vacations with Lawrence. They had a Bar-B-Q at the mansion and invited everyone on the island so they could get to know them. Sheriff McCoy came onto Marla and she refused him. He thought that she was a bought companion for Lawrence since he was so much older that she was. Sheriff McCoy thought he could get a little piece of the action. Ever since Marla rejected him he had made it his goal to degrade her.

Claude asked Jake, “Are you gonna be okay. I almost fell in the floor when he said your wife's name with her high school sweetheart. You never told me they had a baby together. He must have gotten her pregnant in high school and she gave the baby up for adoption. Did she ever tell you she had a baby when you were married to her?”

“Claude, I can't talk about this right now. I can never stand to think of her and the way she ran away with Melvin. Why did she marry me if she was in love with him, still the whole time. She is like poison to every man that loves her. You can never trust a beautiful woman.” Jake said with defeat all over his face.

“She was a beautiful woman. I know you can't be over her or what she did, leaving you and the girls. It just doesn't make sense the way she left like that.” Claude said more to himself than to Jake.

“I said I don't want to talk about it.” Jake sneered through clenched teeth.

“Okay, okay. I am going to grab a bite to eat at the grill. Can I do anything for you before I go?”

“No, just go!”

As Claude was about to head to the grill out back one of the search groups came running into the store. They were yelling we found her. We found her tied up in a cave out by Coco Cove. She was hungry and scared. She is over at the Docs right now getting checked out. Her parents are there. She doesn't know who did this to her. She said someone hit her in the head and knocked her out as she was walking home from Kayla Morrow's house two nights ago.

Mystery Island Chapter three

Jesse's mother had told him that the only information the social worker gave her at the time of the adoption about his birth parents was that they lived on an island in the Atlantic Ocean. That is why Jesse chose to come here. He didn't know what Island they were from and he had already visited three island's without any luck of finding them. He had a good feeling about finding them here.


The next morning when Jesse woke up he found Natasha serving his breakfast out by the pool.


“Wow, what is all of this? It's a buffet.” Jesse said with his mouth watering at all the delicious food in front of him.


“Mrs. Applegate told me to serve your breakfast here by the pool and she will join you after her morning run.” Natasha dismissed herself leaving Jesse to devour the buffet.


The smell of bacon and the ocean air made this feel like a resort. He filled his plate and sat down at the table. The waves were crashing in off the ocean hitting the rocks along the shore. Seagulls were flying over the sand and darting down at times to find crumbs. The sound of the ocean waves and the freshness of the air was relaxing. As he enjoyed his breakfast he thought about how this was the life and he could get use to living like this. He felt sad and scared for Marla. She was a beautiful woman and there were a lot of people, especially men who would take advantage of her sweetness. Jesse told himself that he was going to try to be a protector while he was staying here. He also wanted to convince Marla to get extra security on her property and herself.


“How's breakfast? Did you sleep well?” Marla said coming from the beach with her black spandex running pants on and hot pink tank top. She grabbed a white towel that was on one of the lounge chairs and wiped the sweat off of her forehead and chest.


“Yes, I slept very well, thank you. Breakfast is unbeleivable. How was your run?” Jesse asked with genuine interest.


“Great. There is something about running that clears my head. It's kind of my therapy.” Marla looked refreshed and relaxed.


“So, have you given any more thoughts to finding your birth parents?”


Jesse was devouring his breakfast.

"Yes, I am going to start my search later today after I finish with the pool and lawn."


“Everyone knows everyone else here. I just cannot imagine that your birth parents still live here. I would think that someone would have mentioned giving up a child by now. I haven't heard anything at the salon. And believe me, those women tell it all in there.” Marla said with a serious look on her face.


“I may not find them, but someone here might know who they were and where they are now. I plan on going to Jake's Handy Mart to ask around.”


Jake Carpenter was restocking his canned food section when Sheriff McCoy came into the store.


“Jake, how's it going? Heard the latest about Marla  letting that punk stay in her cabana?


“No, what is she thinking. That guy looks like trouble to me. I have seen his kind before and there is never anything but trouble around a punk like that. Maybe you should run a check on him or pay Marla a visit to try and talk some sense into her.”


Margaret Lowery came rushing into the store, “Sheriff McCoy, my daughter spent the night with Kayla Morrow two nights ago and she hasn't come home. I thought she was at Kayla's. I called to see when she was coming home and Mrs. Morrow said she left to come home the first night. She said she didn't want to spend the night and was going to come back home. She left about seven o'clock. The island is small. We have called everyone we know and looked everywhere for her. Please, Sheriff McCoy, please help us find her.” When Mrs. Lowery had finished relaying all the information she broke down sobbing uncontrollably.


“Mrs. Lowery, I know this is difficult for you, not knowing where Stacey is right now. We will get to the bottom of this, but I need you to be strong. Do you have a recent picture of her? I need you to take that over to the police station. We need to fill out a missing person's report. I will take you over there.”


“Sheriff McCoy, I think you need to check out where our new island friend was two nights ago. I bet he had something to do with all of this.” Jake said accusingly.


“Jake, I am going to pay Marla a visit as soon as I get done with Mrs. Lowery at the station. Do you want to come along with me to Marla's?”


“I sure do. Let me get one of my girls to watch the store. I will walk over to the station when I get things under control here.”


Jake found his oldest daughter filling orders at the grill. “Nancy, I am going on an errand. I want you to watch the store until I get back.”


“Okay, I need to finish giving out two more orders and I will be there. Where are you going, daddy?” Nancy asked.


“ I am going with Sheriff McCoy to Marla Applegates' house. She is letting that new boy that showed up on the island stay in her pool cabana. We think he had something to do with Mrs. Lowery's daughter who is missing.” Jake thought of how much he loved his three daughters. He would be insane right now if it was one of his girl's missing. They were all he had. His wife had left him years ago for another man. She left him with three girls to raise all alone. They were his whole world.


“Stacey is missing? Daddy, that is so terrible and scary.” Nancy said with a look of fear on her face.


“We don't know if she is just playing a joke on her parents and hiding or if she really is missing. Either way, I think it would be a good idea if we pay Marla a visit and see where her guest was two nights ago.”


Jake walked over to the station just as Sheriff McCoy was coming out of the station. “Hop in Jake.". The two talked about different scenarios as to the whereabouts of Stacey Lowery. Everything they thought of somehow ended with Jesse being to blame.


“Jake this is official police business. I will do all the talking you just keep quiet and listen, okay?” Sheriff McCoy said to Jake like he was a little child.


Jake didn't like the way Sheriff McCoy talked to him, but he just let it go. “Okay, don't worry about me.”


Marla's house was in view now as they were driving down her driveway.


Sheriff McCoy rang the door bell. Natasha answered, “hello, Sheriff, what can I say is the reason for your visit?”


“Just need to ask Marla a few questions.”


“Wait right here and I will get her for you.”


“This place is something. I wouldn't want a mansion on the beach. If a hurricane hit it there would be nothing left.” Jake thought out loud.


“If you had as much money as Lawrence left Marla with, then you would just build again.” Sheriff McCoy said to Jake.


“Sheriff McCoy, Jake, please, come into the living room and have a seat.” Marla said graciously.


“Thank you, Marla. We came out here to check on you. That young fellow you got staying here, well we have reason to believe that he is suspicious. We are worried about your safety having him stay here with you. Mrs. Lowery's daughter, Stacy went missing two nights ago. We are afraid that he had something to do with her missing.” Sheriff McCoy said to Marla.


“Sheriff McCoy. That is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Jesse is a very nice young man. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. I am certain that he had nothing to do with Stacey missing. She is a little rebel. She is probably here on the island just giving her parents heck.” Marla said adamantly.


“Well, we don't know that to be a fact, Marla. We are just concerned for your safety and we wanted to let you know our suspicions. Please, if you find out anything that might help our investigation, please let us know. Thank you for your time.” Sheriff McCoy stood up to leave and Jake followed him. Just as they were leaving, Jesse came into the house to ask where he could find the hedge clippers.


“Hello, Sheriff, Mr. Carpenter.” Jesse said politely.


“I would like to ask you a few questions. When did you first arrive on the island and who was the first person that saw you here?” Sheriff McCoy asked him.


“I arrived...
“No, Jesse, you don't have to answer any of these questions. He is a good guy and has had nothing to do with what you want to accuse him of. Now, if you would both just leave. If you want to question Jesse, then you need to come back with a subpoena.” Marla knew a little about the law because of Lawrence who had to deal with law suits from time to time. When you have lots of money someone is always trying to sue and get their hands on it.


Going to the patrol car, Jake kept thinking about how there was something familiar about Jesse and it wasn't that he had stopped by the store the day before. It was something else that Jake could not put his finger on just yet.


“You are awfully quiet, Jake. What are you thinking about?” Sheriff McCoy said interrupting Jake's thoughts.


“Oh, it's nothing. I still don't trust that guy. Are you going to get a subpoena to question him?” Jake asked sternly.


“Yes, I am. I think he had something to do with that girl missing around the same time he showed up here and I am going to prove it.” Sheriff McCoy had a look of satisfaction on his face.


They got a group of locals together to search the entire island for Stacey Lowery. They looked everywhere. By late evening, no one had found even one clue as to where she could be. Mr. and Mrs. Lowery were devastated and torn to pieces. When it got dark they called off the search until the next morning.


The only doctor on the island, Doc Peters, gave Mrs. Lowery something to help her sleep. Mr. Lowery was being strong, but you could tell by looking at him that he was shaken up, too. Where was their daughter and why haven't they found a trace of her anywhere on the island.


Sheriff McCoy came into the station to talk to Deputy Smith. “Did you pick up the pieces and clean up real good like I told you to the other night?”


“Yes, sir. I took care of everything. I always clean up after your messes, don't I? This time I think you went too far. Your little mess might explode even though I cleaned it up for now.”


“I don't need your opinions on anything. You owe me and you need not to forget it. It will do you good to keep your mouth closed about what you know.” Sheriff McCoy said to Deputy Smith in a threatening way.


“I will never be able to forget that I owe you, 'cause you make sure to remind me twenty times a day. Did you talk to that Jesse fellow?”


“No, Marla stopped our conversation and said we would have to subpoena him for questioning.That bimbo is trouble too. She thinks that because she has all that money she can order the law around. Let's she how she likes it when I throw her little boyfriend in the slammer.”

I am working to give two more chapters to Mystery Island by Friday of this week. Thanks for reading and tell a friend to drop by and check out Kimberly'swritingbloblogspot.com

Kimberly's Writing Blog: Time Gone Wrong

Kimberly's Writing Blog: Time Gone Wrong: There seems to be a shifting in the wind. It looks like this may very well be the end The land of the free, home of the brave Was robbed...

Hold to the Unseen Hand

To believe in something you cannot see To hold on to hope in sorrow and misery To get back up when you fall down To know that hope will again abound To walk in a world full of beauty and majesty Seeing God's hand in all he created so craftily To believe in Him though I cannot see I hold to his hand to gently guide me. There has to be a God who created the world with all it's glory To not have faith would be such a sad and hopeless story. Every day is a gift from God Almighty above Wrapped with his goodness and sweet love. I hold on to hope in what he has said in His Holy Word To trust in Him and all His promises that I have heard. My faith gives me strength in the midst of the storms of life To stand tall like a soldier, being without fear or strife. My Father has gone to Heaven to prepare a place for me. I have faith that I will be with Him there for all eternity. Faith is what it takes to get out of the bed everyday To have faith you must read your Bible and pray, pray, pray!

                             

Expressions of God's Love

Today, I feel like expressing my gratitude to the Lord Jesus Christ for coming to this world born humbly in a manger. Living humbly while loving people right where they are. He didn't love their sins, but he loved their souls. So, much that He was willing to give His life and suffer for us in order for us to be with Him forever.

I get excited when I think of how much he cares for me. Because of Him I have hope to live eternally with no more pain, sickness or heartache. One of the most touching scriptures to me is that He will wipe the tears from our eyes. (Paraphrased). I want to know Him now and have a personal one on one relationship with Him. So, on that day when He calls me home, I can stand unashamed of the life I have live. I make mistakes everyday and I am human, but I want to strive to take up my cross daily and follow Him. To mirror that unconditional love that He had for those who are in sin or be a help to those who need encouragement.

I heard a preacher on the radio say today, "If the church praised God like you do, How much praise would there be? If the church prayed like you do, how much prayer would there be. If the church read their Bible like you, how much knowledge of God's word would the Church have? You get the picture. Wow, I was convicted of how much time I spend in doing each one of these.

I believe that we are experiencing those birth pains that God told us about shortly before He will return for His Children. If there ever was a time to do business with God, it's now. We need to be in constant prayer for those who are lost and undone without the Lord Jesus Christ.

May God surround you with His love today and may you share that love with someone around you. We never know what others are going through. Sometimes a simple smile is all it may take to help some one else feel happy. Shine for Jesus!

Mystery Island chapter two

   The sky was an amazing array of light blue, pink and yellow as the sunset on the island. The air was warm and inviting, giving the perfect mood for a romantic evening.




   Marla was a very beautiful woman in her mid 30's. She had blonde hair and blue eyes with super long lashes that curled up. She was tall and had a perfect figure that she could attibute a long run on the beach every morning to. She had married a very wealthy oil man who was about twenty five years older. She did not marry him for his money, like everyone assumed. Marla really loved Lawrence Applegate. He was a very caring man who had treated her like a lady, not like someone to just take advantage of. He was a protector of her, a provider, someone who actually cared what she was thinking, being willing to listen.




   It still hurt thinking about him, the way he died with the cancer. She had nursed him staying by his side throughout the whole ordeal. The pain she felt in her heart when he breathed his last breath was a feeling she never wanted to have to feel again. That is why she vowed to herself to never have another serious relationship. From here on out it would just be just playful friendships.




   Lawrence had left her with millions. She never had to worry about money with three houses in different parts of the world and the huge bank account, not to mention the investments that Lawrence had made with his savvy business sense.




   The two talked as they walked down the way to the beach mansion. Marla had decided to live here on the Island because it was where she and Lawrence had spent so many happy moments together.




 “Wow, is this your house?” Jesse said with amazement in his voice.




 “Yes, it is."


 "Do you mind me asking what you do for a living? Are you a celebrity or something?”




 “No, I was married to a very wealthy oil man. He passed away about a year and a half ago. He left me very financially comfortable.” She said with the fond memories of Lawrence filling her mind.




 “I am sorry for your loss, Ma'am.” Jesse said with sincerity in his voice.




 “Let's get something straight, My mama is Ma'am. Since she's not here you can call me Marla, got it?” Marla told him more an order than a request.




 “Yes, I mean, Okay, Marla.” Jesse stumbled over his own words.




 “Now, let's go inside and I will give you a tour.” She opened the front door of the foyer.

 “Natasha” she called as she entered the foyer.




 “Yes, Mrs. Applegate, What can I do for you and your guest?” a young woman who appeared to be German dressed in a black and white maids uniform asked.




 “This is Jesse McMillan. He is going to be staying in the pool cabana for a time. Could you make sure there are fresh linens in the bedroom and in the bathroom for him, please. I am going to give him a tour and then we are going to relax by the pool. If you could get serve our dinner by the pool when you have finished with the cabana, that would be great.” Marla ordered but in a kind way.




 “Yes, Mrs. Applegate, I will take care of it.” Natasha said.




 “Thank you dear, that will be all for now.” Marla said dismissed her and turned to Jesse. “How about that tour, now? Come, let me show you the upstairs first, then we will make our way back down and out to the pool.”




 Marla led the way and Jesse followed. The house was amazing. There were huge picture windows in each room facing the ocean. After they had toured the upstairs and downstairs, they made their way out to the pool. “So, what do you think of it all?” Marla asked as if she were generously interested in what Jesse thought of the place. What could anyone think of the place except that it was amazing. The rich life that most people only dream of having.




 “It is very nice and luxurious. I have never stayed anywhere like this before. Thank you for your generous offer to let me stay in the cabana. I will take good care of the lawn and pool. You want be disappointed.”Jesse promised.




 “Oh, I am not at all worried about being disappointed. You strike me as being a hard worker. I would not have invited you to stay if I felt like there was a chance that I would be let down. You remind me of someone I use to know who just needed someone to give them a chance.” Marla stopped with a far away look in her eyes. She didn't say anymore about the person that he had reminded her of. He didn't want to press the subject, she would tell him more later if she wanted to.




  The two talked well into the night with the pool lights and lights from the boats out on the ocean flickering. Finally, Jesse said , “ I am sad to end this evening. I really have enjoyed your company. But, I am worn out from all the traveling. I think I need to turn in and catch some shut eye.”




  “Of course, You must be exhausted. I just kept rambling on and didn't stop to think about how tired you must be. Please, get some rest and if you need anything at all, let me know. I haven't had anyone here to visit in so long, I guess I got carried away. I apologize for talking your ear off.” She said with here sweet, sultry voice.




  He thought about how beautiful she was in the candlelight. Her hair was blonde and short. Her eyes were the prettiest shade of sky blue. They shined like gems. She kind of reminded him of Marilyn Monroe.




  “I enjoyed talking to you, Marla. You don't need to apologize for a thing. Good night. See you in the morning.” He said to her.




“Good night, sleep well.” She stood up from the lounge chair and walked into the sliding glass door of the living room just off the patio. He turned towards the cabana going inside when he reached the door.




  When Marla got into bed all she could think about was Jesse and how attracted she was to him. She would be the talk of the island once more. Everyone had talked about how she must have married Lawrence for his money with him being so much older than her. Now, they would talk about her entertaining such a younger man at her place. Well, Marla had never been one to care what people thought of her. She did what made her happy and didn't let other people push their views off on her. She tried to go to sleep, but she just kept tossing and turning. She remembered how nice looking her was as he told her about his dream to become a singer. He said that he had come to the island to write his own music. To be inspired by the beauty of the ocean without a lot of distractions.




  Marla wondered if she was going to be a distraction to him. She already knew he was a distraction to her. She hadn't pried into his past like she wanted to. He told her he was from the states and that he had been adopted at birth by great parents. They were missionaries in Zambawe now. He decided to leave there and find a place where he could find himself. He had searched for his birth parents failing to find much of anything out about them.




  Jesse was exhausted and somehow he could not go to sleep. He lay in bed tossing and turning. The bed in the little cabana was comfortable enough. He thought he would have no trouble at all going to sleep, but his mind kept replaying the conversation with Marla. She was such a beautiful woman, warm and kind. He knew that he was a lot younger than her, but she was so easy to talk to and funny. He had meant what he had told her about enjoying their talk. She took a risk allowing some young guy she didn't even know to come stay at her place. He was going to make sure that he did a good job for her to let her know how much he apprectiated her generosity.

Mystery Island

      Just pick up the pieces," Sheriff McCoy said to Deputy Smith. 




     "You want me to pick up the pieces after you are the one who made this whole mess. Sounds about right, you always leave your dirty work for me to clean up after." Deputy Smith was in his patrol car parked outside of Jake's Handy Mart and fishing Supply. 



     It was one of those stores where you could buy gas, groceries, get some minnows to fish with and grab a bite to eat at the grill in the back of the place. It was situated on the water and the grill faced the pier where boats docked. Locals came here all the time to do their shopping. It was the only convenience store on the entire island and everybody knew everybody here. That is why it was so obvious when he showed up on the island. Dressed all in black, carrying a guitar case over his shoulder. It was just strange, no one had ever seen him before and he was extremely pale traveling all alone. 



    He walked into Jakes's Handy Mart and Fishing Supply and up to the counter. "Excuse me, do you know where I can get some information on a rental house?" 



    Jake Carpenter who owned the place didn't like the looks of the boy. He was good for nothing. With Jake having three beautiful teenage daughters, he didn't want the boy staying around. Claude who was always hanging around the store, spoke up and told the boy he might be able to find a place from Claire's hair salon. I think she owns the beauty shop and some apartment rentals too. 

    He thanked Claude and shook his hand. "Thank you, thank you very much." 



   "No problem. People around here are like family. You will find out that we help each other." 


   He nodded and picked up his guitar case and walked out the screen door of the store. 

    Jake spoke up. "I don't like the looks of that guy. I think he is up to no good." 



   "Oh, Jake you're just worried he's going to catch the eye of one of your daughters. He is a handsome fellow. He looks like that new singer that was on the "Ed Sullivan Show." That young fellow was shaking ants out of his pants. He did have some jet black hair and a lot of it. Kind of strange a young guy driving around in a pink Cadillac. Something just don't seem right about a boy driving a pink automobile. What is this world coming to." Claude said as if he were utterly disgusted with the entire human race. 



    The young guy walked down the dirt road to the little house that said Claire's hair salon. Every woman in the place stopped gossiping and their jaws all dropped at the sight of the young man. 

    The owner, Claire spoke up, "Can I help you with something?" 



    "Yes, ma'am, I was told that you might have a rental available." The young man said in his deep masculine voice. 



   "Oh, I am sorry. Everything I have is rented for the entire summer." 

   One of the ladies sitting under a dryer put her head out and said, "I have a little cabana beside my pool. I will let you stay in it if you clean the pool and mow the lawn. By the way, my name is Marla Applegate." 



  "I am Jesse McMillan, nice to meet you. Well, Ms. Applegate, that sounds like an offer I would be foolish to pass up." He said in a very well mannered way, yet with a shyness too. 



   "I have about thirty more minutes until I am done with my hair appointment. If you want to wait around, I will walk with you back to my place." Marla said in her sultry voice. 



    "Okay, ma'am. Mind if I just sit our front on the bench out there and pick my guitar?" He asked nicely. 



   "No, go ahead, be my guest." Claire told him. 



   While he was outside picking his guitar, the women went full blast gossiping about who he was and how did he end up here on the island. They all knew every one else's business and no one had ever seen this guy. He was a mystery. People on the island did not like mysteries, because they usually led to trouble. 



  "What are you thinking, Marla? Offering him a place to stay. You don't know anything about him and from the looks of him, he is up to no good." Jacquelyn Grandview said in a disgusted tone. 

  "Oh, you all need to get your panties out of a wad. He is just a young boy searching for himself. I am not scared of him at all. I rather enjoyed looking at him. He was very easy on the eyes. Eye candy and he will make a perfect pool boy for me to keep me entertained for the summer." Marla said dreamily. 



   "Well, I think you are taking a dangerous chance. But, you are so stubborn, I know better than to try to change your mind." Claire told Marla. 



   When Marla had finished with her appointment she walked outside and told Jesse that she was ready to take him to the cabana. They walked down the dirt road to her beach house. All the women in the salon ran over to the window watching Marla in disbelief of the chance she was taking with the young stranger who could be anything, a killer, rapist, who knew.

Alone

My children are all grown up and gone.

I reminisce as I sit in my rocker all alone.

I stare at my phone and dream of a call

Just to ask how I am doing, that's all.

When my children didn't want to take a nap

I cuddled them all snuggled warmly in my lap.

Nights when they were running a fever and sickly

I nursed them to health; they recovered so quickly.

Where did the years go? It just seems like only yesterday,

That I was sewing a costume for the kindergarten play.

My car, it was a taxi to ball games, dance lessons and soccer

I traded my mini van for this little wooden rocker.

They were mine for what seems so short a time

If only they would call to tell me they are fine.

There's no one to talk to, except Millie

My Calico cat and she doesn't count really.

Companionship. Human contact is what I desire

For some reason, I can't seem to aquire.

I guess you could say I get one visitor each day.

They bring me a meal served up on a tray.

I am grateful for the the warm, healthy food

with plenty of nourishment to do me some good.

My children are busy with lives of their own

I have nothing to do as I sit here all alone.

My days are so long as I stare at the phone

Willing it to ring, so the loneliness will be gone.

The phone it finally rings as excitement pounds in my chest

My mind goes wild wondering who it will be...

Then I hang up the receiver, wrong number,

it wasn't for me.

Time is a robber of young people's dreams

when you are young you have to do so many things.

Then when you are old and have time to spare

No one is there, no not one person who cares.

I sit here alone, rocking in my little, cozy home

dreaming of a time that is now forever gone.

Unexplained Vanishings

     This is a News Alert: Everywhere all over the world people have vanished. All that is left is their clothing. Vehicles of all types, buses, trains, airplanes, cars have all become unmanned while traveling. There are wrecks all over the world due to these unexplained vanishings.

We go now to Ella Martin that is reporting from London, England.
"Ella?"


   "Thank you, Fitzerald. Here with me is a woman that witnessed the vanishing of her taxi cab driver. Carla , what can you tell me about your experience today? "



  " I was in the cab and I heard a sound like a loud trumpet and I blinked my eyes and the taxi cab driver was gone. Luckily, for me we were stopped at a red light at the time of his disappearing."

"She is only one case that we have seen today. Everywhere you go people are in total chaos. They are looking for their loved ones. There are wrecks in every direction. Emergency responders are working overtime. Hospitals are filled up with those injured in these vanishings.
 

   Everyone we talked to said that they heard the sound of a loud trumpet and then someone next to them vanished, but their clothing was left behind. Some say it was an alien abduction, while others claim it was a sonic boom. People of the Christian faith claim it is the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Back to you Fitzerald."



    "Ella, thank you for that report. We go now live to New York City, where the mayor is about to give a speech."



    "Fellow citizens, it saddens me to have to tell you that the death toll is rising as we speak. Our hospitals are overflowing with those injured by the vanishings. We have people calling law enforcement every second reporting a lost loved one. It is all unexplained to me , but nothing this chilling has happened to this country since 9-1-1. I realize that it is not an isolated event shared by this great city alone but, all over the world people have gone missing. We will get to the bottom of these vanishings. Please be patient and let's try to pull together in this most difficult time we are facing, not just as a nation, but as the world."


This is from God's Holy word, The Bible:

4Jesus answered: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 5For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am the Messiah,' and will deceive many. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. 8All these are the beginning of birth pains.
9"Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. 10At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other, 11and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. 12Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, 13but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. 14And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Cyber Freaks I am so addicted to my phone,  I wouldn't dare leave it at home  Without it at each and every junction,  My brain would definitely not function  I forgot some information that I need,  No worries, Siri delivers in record speed  I know what I am, I am a cyber freak,  Or would you call me a computer geek?  Social media, computers and technology  Have emptied us all of human camaraderie  I had rather email, text and tweet  Than to a real person's face have to speak  Relationships, I don't need in my life  Too much drama and too much strife.  Why would I want to even try  When I can stalk, snoop and spy  Just read the post of family and friends  Every part of their life they will dispense  Sitting in a crowded waiting room  It feels like there is only doom  There is no socializing or endless chatter  About the things that really matter  The weather, sports and the evening news  We are all alone with our own selfish blues  Our many forms of communication today  feels so impersonal in each and every way  Is it just me or the whole human race  That is caught up in this cyber chase  Request your friends to help build a farm  Ask them to send a gift and save the barn  Farmville, Words of Wonder, and Candy Crush  It is amazing how these games give us such a rush  Working feverishly to beat last night's score  To start all over, play again, win the war.  Why is this important to us you say  Hash tag, lol , I un-friended you today  Profile pictures taken in the mirror  Is that a good picture or is it a terror  Please,save that to put on instagram  I guess it's safe to call us all picture hams  Recording our memories of family and friends  It's how we roll, in this new cyber trend.

This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it. How many times have we as Christians sang the words to this song only to go through our day with a look on our faces like we just took a sip of pickle juice. I know that I am guilty of this more times than I am willing to admitt.God sent His only son to die for our sins and make a way for us to be with Him forever. Do you know how long forever is? That's right it is a real long time. So long that our minds can't comprehend forever. We should be rejoicing and wearing a smile. We know how the story ends... happily ever after. That's something to smile about!!!

Sunday of yesterday

I remember Sunday afternoons when I was a little girl. After Church we would always go to my Grandmothers on my Father's side of the family to eat Sunday dinner. The whole family would come to eat together. All my aunts, uncles and cousins would come in most of them wearing their church clothes.


Grandmother made a huge meal every Sunday. Fried chicken, green beans, creamed corn, macaroni and cheese casserole, and home made biscuits or cornbread. She also made her infamous peanut butter cake. She had one of those stainless steel cake plates that you had to turn just right to get the lid off of it. It probably is a good thing it was hard for us kids to open it or we might have got in trouble trying to get to the cake before we had our lunch.


Grandmother lived in an old house way out in the boon docks. She had a dirt driveway that me and my cousin loved to sit in and make mud pies. What I miss the most about those Sunday afternoons are the time we spent together where we were not in a hurry to go to a sale or to do something else. We took the Lord's day relaxing and enjoying our family ties.


Seeing how those were harder times, it always baffles my mind when I look back and see how much harder even the simplest task for us was back then and yet, we still had more time to visit and take it easy on Sunday. Now days, we have everything at the touch of a button and absolutely no time for taking it easy or enjoying time spent visiting with our loved ones.


Could it be that technology has robbed us from our emotions and intimate relationships. That what we hold as important in our society today, keeps us from what really is important; time with family.
This all crossed my mind, since it's Sunday afternoon. If you have any thoughts that you would like to share about Sundays when you were growing up, I would love to have you share your memories.Sunday of yesterda