Looks like I've taken quite the little hiatus from my blog. I have returned!
I'm looking at my last post which was dated 9/28/14. The revisions of "Grey's Cove" and "Little Sister" have been finished. "Trampled Rose" became two finished stories - "Trampled Rose" and "Friends".
I think I did not finish even one story in 2014. But in 2015 I finished seven stories - "Trampled Rose", "Friends", "Priceless", "The Empty Place", "The Letter", "Lost", and "The Necklace". That was definitely an improvement. I started 2016 off with finishing another story - "Return". Now I need to go back and edit all of those stories. They're all still in their first drafts. I want them to go through at least three drafts before I let anyone read them.
Also in 2016 I revised another story - "Forever, Daddy!". This is a story that I was never really satisfied with. I wrote the first draft back in the 90s. That first draft just didn't click with me. But, I changed some things with the second draft. Now I think the story finally clicks for me.
In my last post I wrote something about possibly writing five new stories at the same time. I think for now I am going to stick with writing only three new stories at the same time. Right now I have three stories in progress - "Whisper", "Daddy's Dream", and "Travis". These are all working titles, by the way. "Travis" will probably get changed to something else when I finish the story.
I'm thinking I want to start another series of background history on some characters here in my blog. At the moment I'm thinking of Travis Young from "Travis". We'll see.
I want to be sensitive to where the Lord leads me. I want to write what He wants me to write.
Sunday, March 6, 2016
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Writing Update - 9/28/14
This weekend I came across some writing advice that said to write 5 short stories at the same time. I'm seriously considering that at the moment.
I've been working on the major revisions for 2 older stories: "Grey's Cove" and "Little Sister". I have already started the major scene in "Grey's Cove". I'm about to start the major scene in "Little Sister". So I think I'm at least half way through both of these stories.
I know last January I had a set a goal of writing 3 new stories this year. Right now I have 1 new story that's been started. The working title is "Trampled Rose". I'm thinking about adding 2 new ones. The working titles for these 2 stories are "Wild Flower" and "Whisper". I'm still considering it, and haven't decided yet to start them. These 2 have the potential of becoming novellas just like "Shades Of Grace" is. It won't surprise me if they do. I don't know how long "Trampled Rose" is going to be. I'm thinking it might end up being a novelette. But it could become a novella as well.
When I finish "Grey's Cove" and "Little Sister" I want to start 2 new stories. I have a couple of story ideas in mind to work on. I don't have working titles for those 2 yet.
I still would like to have at least 3 new stories written this year. I don't want to give up on that goal - even though it's almost October. With God's help I can do what He wants me to do. I want to be led by His peace. So am I going to write 5 stories at the same time? I'm considering it and praying about it. I do seem to sense peace about it.
I know I've been doing a series of posts on the history of Morning Star Fellowship. I think I'm going to let that end for now. I might start a series of posts on the background history of something else.
For now I'll keep on writing. :)
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer."
Psalm 45:1
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
I've been working on the major revisions for 2 older stories: "Grey's Cove" and "Little Sister". I have already started the major scene in "Grey's Cove". I'm about to start the major scene in "Little Sister". So I think I'm at least half way through both of these stories.
I know last January I had a set a goal of writing 3 new stories this year. Right now I have 1 new story that's been started. The working title is "Trampled Rose". I'm thinking about adding 2 new ones. The working titles for these 2 stories are "Wild Flower" and "Whisper". I'm still considering it, and haven't decided yet to start them. These 2 have the potential of becoming novellas just like "Shades Of Grace" is. It won't surprise me if they do. I don't know how long "Trampled Rose" is going to be. I'm thinking it might end up being a novelette. But it could become a novella as well.
When I finish "Grey's Cove" and "Little Sister" I want to start 2 new stories. I have a couple of story ideas in mind to work on. I don't have working titles for those 2 yet.
I still would like to have at least 3 new stories written this year. I don't want to give up on that goal - even though it's almost October. With God's help I can do what He wants me to do. I want to be led by His peace. So am I going to write 5 stories at the same time? I'm considering it and praying about it. I do seem to sense peace about it.
I know I've been doing a series of posts on the history of Morning Star Fellowship. I think I'm going to let that end for now. I might start a series of posts on the background history of something else.
For now I'll keep on writing. :)
"My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the king; my tongue is the pen of a skillful writer."
Psalm 45:1
"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Morning Star Fellowship - part 16
The history of Morning Star Fellowship continues with more on Ruth Hart. A few people have read my story "The Night The Heavens Cried". It's about an 18-year-old girl named Rachel. In this blog post we're introduced to Rachel.
Ruth Hart (part 2)
A daughter was born to Cole and Ruth. They named her Rachel. She had curly auburn hair and deep-blue eyes just like Cole did. She was a quiet little baby who did not do a lot of crying and fussing. She often smiled at everyone.
Cole and Ruth often played with their little girl and hovered about her. They took turns taking care of her and watching over her at home and at Church. Many times Cole took Rachel into his lap and bounced her gently on his leg. Rachel usually giggled. Cole always told her, "You are Daddy's little princess, and you will always be Daddy's little princess!"
As soon as Rachel learned to walk, she always stayed close to her parents. She was not one of those children who tended to wander off. Of course, Cole and Ruth always kept a close eye on her and knew exactly where she was.
When Rachel was almost 4-years-old, another daughter was born to Cole and Ruth. They named her Bonnie. She had brown eyes just like Ruth's. Her head was covered with soft wisps of strawberry-blonde curls. Cole told everyone that God had blessed him with three princesses.
Rachel stepped right into the role of big sister like she naturally knew exactly what she was doing. No one really needed to tell her what to do or ask her to help. Whenever Bonnie's bottle dropped to the floor or just rolled away from her, Rachel quickly grabbed it and gave it back to her. Many times Rachel asked if she could feed her baby sister, and she was allowed to do so. She carefully scooped baby food out of a bowl, and delicately placed it into Bonnie's mouth. Ruth was amazed to see her toddler acting like a little mother.
During the summer Morning Star Fellowship had its annual church picnic with barbecue and games. After eating, Cole and Ruth spread a blanket down on the ground and sat down with their girls. Other families did the same with their own blankets and beach towels. Bonnie, being only about three months old, was nestled in a baby carrier. Rachel stayed by her and fed her a bottle of milk.
Someone walked up and started talking to Cole and Ruth. Meanwhile a young boy stepped over to Rachel while she continued to tend to Bonnie.
"Don't you hate your baby sister?" The boy asked.
Rachel simply answered, "No."
"Well, I hate mine. I can't stand her!"
At that point Cole and Ruth both turned their attention to the children. Rachel continued holding the bottle to Bonnie.
Cole replied without a smile, "Hey now, we don't talk like that. Jesus wants us to love our brothers and sisters, and love our families."
Rachel told the boy firmly, "I love my sissy."
The boy turned and walked away without another word. Rachel looked over at her parents, and they both smiled back at her.
"That's my little princess!" Cole reached out and tweaked one of Rachel's ringlets. "You keep loving your sissy, and watching over her."
"I will, Daddy."
Ruth Hart (part 2)
A daughter was born to Cole and Ruth. They named her Rachel. She had curly auburn hair and deep-blue eyes just like Cole did. She was a quiet little baby who did not do a lot of crying and fussing. She often smiled at everyone.
Cole and Ruth often played with their little girl and hovered about her. They took turns taking care of her and watching over her at home and at Church. Many times Cole took Rachel into his lap and bounced her gently on his leg. Rachel usually giggled. Cole always told her, "You are Daddy's little princess, and you will always be Daddy's little princess!"
As soon as Rachel learned to walk, she always stayed close to her parents. She was not one of those children who tended to wander off. Of course, Cole and Ruth always kept a close eye on her and knew exactly where she was.
When Rachel was almost 4-years-old, another daughter was born to Cole and Ruth. They named her Bonnie. She had brown eyes just like Ruth's. Her head was covered with soft wisps of strawberry-blonde curls. Cole told everyone that God had blessed him with three princesses.
Rachel stepped right into the role of big sister like she naturally knew exactly what she was doing. No one really needed to tell her what to do or ask her to help. Whenever Bonnie's bottle dropped to the floor or just rolled away from her, Rachel quickly grabbed it and gave it back to her. Many times Rachel asked if she could feed her baby sister, and she was allowed to do so. She carefully scooped baby food out of a bowl, and delicately placed it into Bonnie's mouth. Ruth was amazed to see her toddler acting like a little mother.
During the summer Morning Star Fellowship had its annual church picnic with barbecue and games. After eating, Cole and Ruth spread a blanket down on the ground and sat down with their girls. Other families did the same with their own blankets and beach towels. Bonnie, being only about three months old, was nestled in a baby carrier. Rachel stayed by her and fed her a bottle of milk.
Someone walked up and started talking to Cole and Ruth. Meanwhile a young boy stepped over to Rachel while she continued to tend to Bonnie.
"Don't you hate your baby sister?" The boy asked.
Rachel simply answered, "No."
"Well, I hate mine. I can't stand her!"
At that point Cole and Ruth both turned their attention to the children. Rachel continued holding the bottle to Bonnie.
Cole replied without a smile, "Hey now, we don't talk like that. Jesus wants us to love our brothers and sisters, and love our families."
Rachel told the boy firmly, "I love my sissy."
The boy turned and walked away without another word. Rachel looked over at her parents, and they both smiled back at her.
"That's my little princess!" Cole reached out and tweaked one of Rachel's ringlets. "You keep loving your sissy, and watching over her."
"I will, Daddy."
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Morning Star Fellowship - part 15
The history of Morning Star Fellowship continues with Ruth Hart. She is the younger sister of Shawn and Ashley, and the youngest child of Ed and Marie Hart. Ed is one of the pastors of Morning Star Fellowship.
Ruth Hart
Ruth basically grew up in the shadows of her big brother and big sister. She saw Shawn as always being the spiritual one and Ashley as always being the perfect one. She didn't always remember to read her Bible every day like Shawn did, and she didn't bring home straight "A"s like Ashley did. Ruth felt like she never quite measured up. She really wanted to be accepted for who she was - not for who she wasn't.
After high school Ruth attended Kye Valley Christian College. There she met Cole Allison. Cole had curly auburn hair, deep-blue eyes, and he always had a smile on his face. They both became good friends. About a year later they started dating.
Cole always greeted Ruth, "Hey, Princess! How's it going?"
Ruth liked being called a princess. It made her feel like she was accepted for who she was. It made her feel like she was not in competition with anyone.
Cole often asked her if she had any prayer requests, and in turn Ruth asked him if he had any. There were many times when they stopped whatever they were doing and prayed for each other.
Cole and Ruth were married the summer after they graduated from college. They lived in a small apartment near downtown Kye Valley.
They volunteered working with the children's ministry at Morning Star Fellowship. Cole always played with the children. It didn't matter if he was wearing a nice suit. He got right down on the floor and played games with the children. Ruth really liked that he had a strong sense of understanding them and wanting to be at eye level with them. The younger children always climbed on Cole. He often gave them piggy back rides - in his suit and tie and all.
Cole and Ruth usually lead the children in learning memory verses. Cole always picked out verses that were short and easy for the children to remember. He always said that long verses were for the teenagers and adults. In time Cole became the children's pastor.
One Sunday morning a little boy asked Cole, "Are you Jesus?"
Cole smiled. "No, I'm not."
"You look like Him."
"Really? How do I look like Him?"
"I don't know. You just do."
Ruth had witnessed this, and chuckled to herself. She knew what the little boy saw. In fact, she knew what all of the children saw. She saw the same thing herself.
Ruth, referring to the little boy, later told Cole, "He sees Jesus in you. The children all see the love of Jesus in your eyes."
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
Jesus
Matthew 5:14-16
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Ruth Hart
Ruth basically grew up in the shadows of her big brother and big sister. She saw Shawn as always being the spiritual one and Ashley as always being the perfect one. She didn't always remember to read her Bible every day like Shawn did, and she didn't bring home straight "A"s like Ashley did. Ruth felt like she never quite measured up. She really wanted to be accepted for who she was - not for who she wasn't.
After high school Ruth attended Kye Valley Christian College. There she met Cole Allison. Cole had curly auburn hair, deep-blue eyes, and he always had a smile on his face. They both became good friends. About a year later they started dating.
Cole always greeted Ruth, "Hey, Princess! How's it going?"
Ruth liked being called a princess. It made her feel like she was accepted for who she was. It made her feel like she was not in competition with anyone.
Cole often asked her if she had any prayer requests, and in turn Ruth asked him if he had any. There were many times when they stopped whatever they were doing and prayed for each other.
Cole and Ruth were married the summer after they graduated from college. They lived in a small apartment near downtown Kye Valley.
They volunteered working with the children's ministry at Morning Star Fellowship. Cole always played with the children. It didn't matter if he was wearing a nice suit. He got right down on the floor and played games with the children. Ruth really liked that he had a strong sense of understanding them and wanting to be at eye level with them. The younger children always climbed on Cole. He often gave them piggy back rides - in his suit and tie and all.
Cole and Ruth usually lead the children in learning memory verses. Cole always picked out verses that were short and easy for the children to remember. He always said that long verses were for the teenagers and adults. In time Cole became the children's pastor.
One Sunday morning a little boy asked Cole, "Are you Jesus?"
Cole smiled. "No, I'm not."
"You look like Him."
"Really? How do I look like Him?"
"I don't know. You just do."
Ruth had witnessed this, and chuckled to herself. She knew what the little boy saw. In fact, she knew what all of the children saw. She saw the same thing herself.
Ruth, referring to the little boy, later told Cole, "He sees Jesus in you. The children all see the love of Jesus in your eyes."
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
Jesus
Matthew 5:14-16
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Morning Star Fellowship - part 14
I'm finishing up with Ashley here. I've been wanting to do a scene with the siblings walking down the beach at sunset. Their mom is with them as well.
Ashley Hart (part 3)
One spring Saturday Ashley and her children spent the whole day at the Oregon coast. Debbie and Jon were both already in college. Sarah was in her mid teens while Beckie had just entered the beginning of her teens. They spent the entire day window shopping and looking out for whales breaking the surface out in the Pacific Ocean. They went through a few different communities on Highway 101 and enjoyed the sights. They had lunch at a deli, and ice cream sundaes at the ice cream shop next door.
It was something that Ashley liked to do with her children every year in the spring. Now that her children were starting to reach adulthood she made sure she scheduled it so that they could all go together. She made sure that no one was ever left out.
That evening they had dinner at a restaurant that overlooked the ocean. They were all seated at a booth beside a big window. While they ate they occasionally gazed out at the small waves rolling in and looking sort of like the outside edges of a spiral. After dinner they strolled down the beach while the sun was just setting over the Pacific. The sunset started to bathe the ocean and ocean cliffs in varying shades of gold, pink, and red. Gulls soared overhead and called out to each other. Debbie started humming the melody of a hymn, and her mother joined in with her. They both walked at the head of the group.
Meanwhile Sarah picked up a few pretty seashells, as they walked along, and added them to a plastic bag that she had brought with her. She planned to add them to her growing collection that she had displayed on shelves back home in her bedroom. Now Sarah picked up another one even though it was broken and really only a shard. But she loved the touch of pastel blues and pinks that it showed. She held it in her hands and admired it.
Jon moved over beside her. "You know you're going to eventually run out of room to display all of your seashells."
"I'll make room," Sarah quietly replied.
Beckie glanced at the seashell and gave it a doubtful look. "Why would anyone want a broken seashell?"
Sarah defended, "It's still pretty."
"Right." Beckie rolled her eyes.
Jon commented, "You can say that seashells are like people. No matter how broken they are God can still use them."
Beckie did not say another word. Still she rolled her eyes again.
Now Mom stepped back and saw the seashell still in Sarah's hands. "Honey, can't you find one that's in better shape than that? You have other broken ones at home."
"But, I love the colors," Sarah answered meekly.
Mom sighed heavily like she was just a little bit exasperated.
Sarah briefly gazed down at the ground and wondered if she should put the seashell back. Suddenly, with a firm look in his blue eyes, Jon pointed at her bag. Sarah slightly smiled, and put the seashell in.
Jon informed, "Mom, she still sees the beauty that God put in it."
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."
I Corinthians 1:27-29
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Ashley Hart (part 3)
One spring Saturday Ashley and her children spent the whole day at the Oregon coast. Debbie and Jon were both already in college. Sarah was in her mid teens while Beckie had just entered the beginning of her teens. They spent the entire day window shopping and looking out for whales breaking the surface out in the Pacific Ocean. They went through a few different communities on Highway 101 and enjoyed the sights. They had lunch at a deli, and ice cream sundaes at the ice cream shop next door.
It was something that Ashley liked to do with her children every year in the spring. Now that her children were starting to reach adulthood she made sure she scheduled it so that they could all go together. She made sure that no one was ever left out.
That evening they had dinner at a restaurant that overlooked the ocean. They were all seated at a booth beside a big window. While they ate they occasionally gazed out at the small waves rolling in and looking sort of like the outside edges of a spiral. After dinner they strolled down the beach while the sun was just setting over the Pacific. The sunset started to bathe the ocean and ocean cliffs in varying shades of gold, pink, and red. Gulls soared overhead and called out to each other. Debbie started humming the melody of a hymn, and her mother joined in with her. They both walked at the head of the group.
Meanwhile Sarah picked up a few pretty seashells, as they walked along, and added them to a plastic bag that she had brought with her. She planned to add them to her growing collection that she had displayed on shelves back home in her bedroom. Now Sarah picked up another one even though it was broken and really only a shard. But she loved the touch of pastel blues and pinks that it showed. She held it in her hands and admired it.
Jon moved over beside her. "You know you're going to eventually run out of room to display all of your seashells."
"I'll make room," Sarah quietly replied.
Beckie glanced at the seashell and gave it a doubtful look. "Why would anyone want a broken seashell?"
Sarah defended, "It's still pretty."
"Right." Beckie rolled her eyes.
Jon commented, "You can say that seashells are like people. No matter how broken they are God can still use them."
Beckie did not say another word. Still she rolled her eyes again.
Now Mom stepped back and saw the seashell still in Sarah's hands. "Honey, can't you find one that's in better shape than that? You have other broken ones at home."
"But, I love the colors," Sarah answered meekly.
Mom sighed heavily like she was just a little bit exasperated.
Sarah briefly gazed down at the ground and wondered if she should put the seashell back. Suddenly, with a firm look in his blue eyes, Jon pointed at her bag. Sarah slightly smiled, and put the seashell in.
Jon informed, "Mom, she still sees the beauty that God put in it."
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things -- and the things that are not -- to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before Him."
I Corinthians 1:27-29
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Morning Star Fellowship - part 13
The history of Morning Star Fellowship continues. This part focuses on Ashley's children.
Ashley Hart (part 2)
Ashley and Glen had a son and three daughters. All four children had Biblical names: Deborah, Jonathon, Sarah, and Rebecca.
Deborah was the first-born. She went by Debbie for short. Because she was the oldest she felt intense pressure to perform and be perfect. She was a straight "A" student just like her mother was. She grew up being very involved in Church just like her mother was. She was quick to say "yes" to everyone who wanted her help. Debbie always gave everyone a big beautiful smile. She came across to everyone as always being happy and bubbly. But deep down inside she felt like a phony. Still Debbie felt like she really couldn't be real with anyone. She was convinced she had to show people what she thought that they wanted to see.
Jonathon was the second oldest. He went by Jon. Though older relatives always called him Jonathon. He was the only boy in his family. All of his cousins were girls. He grew up wishing that he had a brother or at least a boy cousin. But he still loved his sisters, and he felt protective of them. Jon tended to be quiet, and he always noticed the details of what was going on with the people around him. He saw the perfectionism going on in his family, and he decided to guard himself against it. In fact, Jon was closer to his Uncle Shawn than he was to his own father. Even though he was one of the quiet kids, he was still one of the leaders in the youth group at Church. He sometimes lead the Bible studies, and he sometimes lead the prayer times. Jon was one of the kids whom other kids went to when they needed someone to talk to.
Sarah was the third oldest, and the middle daughter. She was the quiet and shy one. Still she sang in the children's and youth choirs at Church when she was growing up. She often sang solos with her beautiful high soprano voice. Jon was the one who encouraged her to sing. Sarah and Jon became close friends. Whenever she needed someone to talk to she usually went to her brother. He always listened and prayed with her. Sarah had a problem with telling anyone "No" when they asked her to help them with something - even if she had other things that she herself needed to do. She strongly wanted to please everyone and not have anyone upset with her. But Jon often told Sarah that it was okay to say "No" to something that she didn't have peace about doing.
Rebecca was the youngest and the baby of the family. Older family members called her by her full name. But her siblings, cousins, and friends all called her Beckie. She was quiet like Jon and Sarah were. She was one of those private people who quietly observed everything going on around her and didn't share what she was thinking. She kept her thoughts all to herself. While Beckie was still a young child she started having doubts about God and the Church. But she didn't dare tell her family because the whole family was very involved in the Church. At school she started hanging out with kids who wanted nothing do with Church or religion.
Jon and Sarah were the ones who started picking up that something was wrong with Beckie. They both sensed that she was somehow slipping away from the family and away from God. They each prayed for her privately. Meanwhile, Ashley had no idea that anything bad was going on with her youngest child - her baby girl. She was convinced that all of her children were perfect and doing what they were supposed to be doing. But Ashley did not know what was really going on inside of her children's hearts.
Ashley Hart (part 2)
Ashley and Glen had a son and three daughters. All four children had Biblical names: Deborah, Jonathon, Sarah, and Rebecca.
Deborah was the first-born. She went by Debbie for short. Because she was the oldest she felt intense pressure to perform and be perfect. She was a straight "A" student just like her mother was. She grew up being very involved in Church just like her mother was. She was quick to say "yes" to everyone who wanted her help. Debbie always gave everyone a big beautiful smile. She came across to everyone as always being happy and bubbly. But deep down inside she felt like a phony. Still Debbie felt like she really couldn't be real with anyone. She was convinced she had to show people what she thought that they wanted to see.
Jonathon was the second oldest. He went by Jon. Though older relatives always called him Jonathon. He was the only boy in his family. All of his cousins were girls. He grew up wishing that he had a brother or at least a boy cousin. But he still loved his sisters, and he felt protective of them. Jon tended to be quiet, and he always noticed the details of what was going on with the people around him. He saw the perfectionism going on in his family, and he decided to guard himself against it. In fact, Jon was closer to his Uncle Shawn than he was to his own father. Even though he was one of the quiet kids, he was still one of the leaders in the youth group at Church. He sometimes lead the Bible studies, and he sometimes lead the prayer times. Jon was one of the kids whom other kids went to when they needed someone to talk to.
Sarah was the third oldest, and the middle daughter. She was the quiet and shy one. Still she sang in the children's and youth choirs at Church when she was growing up. She often sang solos with her beautiful high soprano voice. Jon was the one who encouraged her to sing. Sarah and Jon became close friends. Whenever she needed someone to talk to she usually went to her brother. He always listened and prayed with her. Sarah had a problem with telling anyone "No" when they asked her to help them with something - even if she had other things that she herself needed to do. She strongly wanted to please everyone and not have anyone upset with her. But Jon often told Sarah that it was okay to say "No" to something that she didn't have peace about doing.
Rebecca was the youngest and the baby of the family. Older family members called her by her full name. But her siblings, cousins, and friends all called her Beckie. She was quiet like Jon and Sarah were. She was one of those private people who quietly observed everything going on around her and didn't share what she was thinking. She kept her thoughts all to herself. While Beckie was still a young child she started having doubts about God and the Church. But she didn't dare tell her family because the whole family was very involved in the Church. At school she started hanging out with kids who wanted nothing do with Church or religion.
Jon and Sarah were the ones who started picking up that something was wrong with Beckie. They both sensed that she was somehow slipping away from the family and away from God. They each prayed for her privately. Meanwhile, Ashley had no idea that anything bad was going on with her youngest child - her baby girl. She was convinced that all of her children were perfect and doing what they were supposed to be doing. But Ashley did not know what was really going on inside of her children's hearts.
(to be continued)
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Morning Star Fellowship - part 12
The history of Morning Star Fellowship continues. I want to start talking about Shawn Hart's two younger sisters, Ashley and Ruth. It looks like I'm going to talk about Ashley in two parts. The first part focuses on Ashley while the second part will focus on her children.
Ashley Hart (part 1)
Ashley was a blue-eyed blonde like her mother. Her brother and sister both had brown eyes and brown hair like their father. Ashley was known as the real pretty one. Though her sister Ruth was also pretty.
Ashley strove to be perfect in everything. Her long shoulder-length hair was always neatly brushed in place. Her clothes were always ironed, and her make-up was always flawless. Ashley was the one who was the straight "A" student. She had perfect attendance at school, and at Church. She wanted to be a perfect Christian, and the perfect friend. She was nice, sweet and respectful to everyone.
After Ashley graduated from high school she married her high school sweetheart, Glen Gale. He was from a well-to-do Christian family. Ashley and Glen lived with his parents while he went to law school. He wanted to be a lawyer just like his father. They all lived in a big 6 bedroom house with servants who waited on them. The servants lived in a small 4 apartment cottage next to the house. After Glen finished law school, he went to work at his father's law firm. Eventually Ashley and Glen and their children moved to their own big 6 bedroom house. Their only servant was a housekeeper who also helped with the cooking. She lived in the house with the family.
Ashley had always wanted to have about 3 or 4 children. She and Glen had 4 children - a son and three daughters. Ashley wanted to be the perfect wife and the perfect mother. She was a stay-at-home mom who made sure the house was always in perfect working order. Everything was always neatly in place, and nothing was left lying on the floor - even in the children's bedrooms. Meals were promptly served at the same time 7 days a week. Breakfast was always at 6 am, lunch was always at 12 noon, and dinner was always at 6 pm. Except on Sunday nights dinner was served at 8 pm - after the evening Church service. Ashley was also involved with the Women's Ministry at Church. She attended the ladies' Bible study, the monthly ladies' brunch, and all other events associated with the Women's Ministry. Besides all of that, Ashley always drove her children to school and picked them all up after school. Her children never experienced riding a school bus or waiting at a school bus stop. She also drove them to all school/Church activities that they were involved in. Ashley always made sure that everyone was always on time - never late.
Marie, Ashley's mom, often asked her, "Daughter, don't you let anything be in disarray or late or missed?"
Ashley replied, "No, Mom, everything has to be perfect."
"Who told you that?"
"I believe that we're supposed to always be perfect."
"Where in the Bible do you read that?"
Ashley could not figure out how to respond to that. She knew it wasn't exactly in the Bible. Except there was something in there where Jesus had told the disciples to be perfect as their Heavenly Father was perfect. What did Jesus really mean by that anyway?
"Only God is perfect," Mom always said.
Ashley Hart (part 1)
Ashley was a blue-eyed blonde like her mother. Her brother and sister both had brown eyes and brown hair like their father. Ashley was known as the real pretty one. Though her sister Ruth was also pretty.
Ashley strove to be perfect in everything. Her long shoulder-length hair was always neatly brushed in place. Her clothes were always ironed, and her make-up was always flawless. Ashley was the one who was the straight "A" student. She had perfect attendance at school, and at Church. She wanted to be a perfect Christian, and the perfect friend. She was nice, sweet and respectful to everyone.
After Ashley graduated from high school she married her high school sweetheart, Glen Gale. He was from a well-to-do Christian family. Ashley and Glen lived with his parents while he went to law school. He wanted to be a lawyer just like his father. They all lived in a big 6 bedroom house with servants who waited on them. The servants lived in a small 4 apartment cottage next to the house. After Glen finished law school, he went to work at his father's law firm. Eventually Ashley and Glen and their children moved to their own big 6 bedroom house. Their only servant was a housekeeper who also helped with the cooking. She lived in the house with the family.
Ashley had always wanted to have about 3 or 4 children. She and Glen had 4 children - a son and three daughters. Ashley wanted to be the perfect wife and the perfect mother. She was a stay-at-home mom who made sure the house was always in perfect working order. Everything was always neatly in place, and nothing was left lying on the floor - even in the children's bedrooms. Meals were promptly served at the same time 7 days a week. Breakfast was always at 6 am, lunch was always at 12 noon, and dinner was always at 6 pm. Except on Sunday nights dinner was served at 8 pm - after the evening Church service. Ashley was also involved with the Women's Ministry at Church. She attended the ladies' Bible study, the monthly ladies' brunch, and all other events associated with the Women's Ministry. Besides all of that, Ashley always drove her children to school and picked them all up after school. Her children never experienced riding a school bus or waiting at a school bus stop. She also drove them to all school/Church activities that they were involved in. Ashley always made sure that everyone was always on time - never late.
Marie, Ashley's mom, often asked her, "Daughter, don't you let anything be in disarray or late or missed?"
Ashley replied, "No, Mom, everything has to be perfect."
"Who told you that?"
"I believe that we're supposed to always be perfect."
"Where in the Bible do you read that?"
Ashley could not figure out how to respond to that. She knew it wasn't exactly in the Bible. Except there was something in there where Jesus had told the disciples to be perfect as their Heavenly Father was perfect. What did Jesus really mean by that anyway?
"Only God is perfect," Mom always said.
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