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TRUST JESUS TODAY

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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Write for the FANTASY and/or SCI FI Genre (10/16/14)
Great and Small

It was a bright sunny day and the temperature was soaring. I sought shelter under my favorite calla lily leaf and inhaled the wonderful fragrance of summer.

My family and I live in the old oak tree on the McGurdy farm and enjoy a decent life. We work hard and pretty much keep to ourselves. My family consists of Grandpa Glick, Momma and Poppa, Uncle Quick, and my two sisters, Frick and Klick. My name is Slick. We are a family of praying mantis.

Soon I would have to get back to my chores. I was expected to haul water, gather food, and keep an eye on my sisters. That is the part I hated the most…watching my sisters.

Once I remember them running off after the McGurdy’s cat and almost getting stomped to death. Another time they got to close to the pond and as they were climbing up onto the blades of grass, Elmer the billy goat, nearly ate them. Any day could be an adventure for them and it usually ended in near disaster.

As I sat leaning on the stem of the lily I heard a most wonderful noise. It carried on the air like a spring rain and the summer sun all rolled into one. I looked in the direction the noise came from. The farmhouse windows were open and the noise drifted out of the top bedroom window.

I decided to investigate. Being very careful to traverse the distance between the garden and the house I ran for the downspout. One huge leap put me squarely in the middle of it. I wasted no time climbing to the top floor. I skittered across the roof and jumped to the window sill.

There sat Julie singing her heart out about her Lord and Savior. What a beautiful song! Very quietly I sat and listened. “Trust and obey, for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.” The words were strange but the melody was mesmerizing. I didn’t know who this Jesus was but I sure wished I did.

Before long my wings began keeping time to the tune and making their own music. Julie heard me! She began coming closer! Should I run or stay and trust her? The song said to trust, so I decided to hang around and see if I could find out more about Jesus.

Julie looked at me and I just figured I would be a grease spot on the window sill at any moment. Instead she knelt to my level and said, “What beautiful music you make!”

Very shakily I replied, “You are an inspiration. My wings just followed what your tune inspired.”

“Oh, thank you little creature. I just love singing to my Lord and praising Jesus.”

“Exactly who IS this Jesus the song is about? And why trust and obey HIM? Is HE really that important?”

“Oh my yes! He gives us eternal life if we believe in Him and trust Him with our life and obey His commands. It is the best way to live. His Spirit fills my heart with joy and He is ALWAYS there to help me through trials and tribulations. He is my best friend and He knows what I need even before I ask in prayer.”

“Prayer? I am a praying mantis. Do you suppose He would answer my prayers too?”
“Of course. As long as you are faithful to Him and believe in Him and remain humble.”

“I think I really like this Jesus! I am going to go resume my chores and try to apply what I think would make Jesus happy. I see the joy in your heart because of Him. Maybe watching my sisters won’t be so bad if I have HIS help.”

Off I skittered across the rooftop and down the drainpipe. I could dodge Rufus the family dog, and get back to the old oak in time for lunch after I gathered the water.

The day turned out to be an exception to the rule. I had found joy in obeying what my momma and poppa told me to do. My sisters made me laugh and stayed out of trouble. There must really be something to this praying thing!

Out of the distance came Julie’s voice. I heard her reading from Psalm 104:24-25. Julie certainly knew about Jesus and the love He shares with all His creatures…both great and small.
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This article has been read 693 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
10/23/14
Great message and a real enjoyable read! I loved it. Wonderful imagery and dialogue...thanks!

God bless~
Toni Babcock 
10/26/14
This would make a great children's story! Very creative and fun to read.
Robert Douglas Brown
10/27/14
A delightful article indeed! This makes one smile in that God watches all and does not miss anything no matter how big or small.

I enjoyed the article as much and know it will do well with the judges!
Robert Douglas Brown
10/27/14
A delightful article indeed! This makes one smile in that God watches all and does not miss anything no matter how big or small.

I enjoyed the article as much and know it will do well with the judges!
C D Swanson 
10/30/14
Congrats!
God bless~