Child-like

Two women. Hand-in-hand. Now girls. Standing together in a green meadow. The tall grass bending and swaying as the breath of God swirled through it. Joy. Pure joy. The sun shone down upon the girls basking in its warmth. They began to run, and skip gaily through the wild flowers and meadow grass still holding hands. Butterflies flitted nearby. Woosh. The girls were enveloped by the breath of God. Laughter--sweet and uncontrollable--gurgled from their lips. They lay down under a tree by a nearby brooke. Still giggling. Unable to contain the joy inside. Slowly the laughter died and peace filled them. Peace that passes all understanding. As they gazed up into the bright, blue, sunny sky they could see the face of God smiling down upon them. He whispered to each, "I love you. I will never let you go. You are my children. I have called you each by name." His voice was like the rushing of many waters. Soft like a gentle breeze. Their hearts rejoiced at the sound of His voice. Their anxious thoughts stilled. After soaking in the glorious moment, the two girls walked hand-in-hand back through the tall grass to the center of the meadow. They turned and faced each other. Vowing to tell everyone they met about this wonderful place. The two girls, now women, embraced each other and parted ways.

"Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." 

-Matthew 18:3

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them." 

-Matthew 18:20

The Perfect Dream

--written on November 30, 2006 (age: 16)

She ran around in a frenzy. No one knew. No one would understand. Finally she collapsed under a tree from exhaustion. She screamed at the top of her lungs, but no one could hear her. She stood up and pounded her fists into the tree, but that only yielded scraped and bloody hands. She sat back down and began to cry. Long, hard, heart-wrenching sobs. The tears streamed down her face. Eventually she fell into a fitful sleep, and dreamed a dream:

She found herself in a beautiful place. Everything was calm and peaceful. In a way, it seemed oddly familiar. Although she knew she had never been there before. She gazed around at her surroundings. She was sitting underneath a big oak tree with a clear, bubbling brook running past it. Many different kinds of birds perched in the tree top and sang wonderful melodies. Squirrels chased each other nearby, and various flowers bloomed throughout the green, velvety grass. The sound of the water gurgling over the rocks made her thirsty so she stood up and walked over to the brook to get a drink. She gasped once she saw her reflection in the water. Her face was swollen and red from crying. Quickly, she washed her face. Then she drank the cold, refreshing water. When she had quenched her thirst, she looked up and saw a man standing off in the distance. He too looked familiar. She quietly drew near to him. He saw her coming and smiled It was the most beautiful smile she had ever seen. When she arrived at his side, he told her, "I will never leave you, or forsake you. I have called you by name. You are mine." His voice was friendly and wonderful to listen to. Her heart leaped for joy when she heard it. He continued, "I know and understand all things. I have listened to your screams, and have felt your tears. Do not worry about tomorrow. I will take care of you. I will help you through all your trials. I know how you feel. I too have been through many trials. Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified or discouraged, because I will be with you wherever you go. I will watch over you and protect you. Go in peace."

She awoke and rubbed her eyes. They were hot and puffy from crying. Then she remembered her dream. It had been a wonderful, peaceful dream in the midst of her chaos. She felt a peace that could only come from God. She knew that her heart was resting in His hands. She stood up and walked away to go find her Bible and pray.