Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: BOOK(S) - Begins January 4 / Ends January 11 (01/04/18)
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TITLE: Awaiting Inspiration | Previous Challenge Entry
By linda simpson
01/11/18 -
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“Two days have passed waiting for the 'A Ha! Moment'
Up until now nothing has ignited my imagination. Hours are ticking by.
It's time to use the thoughts I've already had and to at least make an attempt.”
'Returning to primary school after summer holidays, I remember very carefully writing my name
in the new exercise books we were given. It was ever my ambition to keep them neat and tidy but it only lasted a month or so.'
“That's not a good 'hook'. How about”
'Aged ten, I was so excited. After a year working in Canada, my dad finally arrived home bringing gifts. For me it was a huge book. What a book though! I could press coloured pieces out of the cardboard pages and following instructions, create objects. My favourite was a merry-go-round.'
“Like the merry-go-round, that's not going to get me far either.
Perhaps instances that occurred after our family migrated to Canada will work”
'To catch the school bus for a 40 minute ride meant a 15 minute walk. This was fine in summer but winter meant freezing temperatures and snow. Many times carrying my briefcase, heavy with textbooks, the icy cold wind penetrated my fingers, in spite of warm mittens. Arriving home to the warmth resulted in unpleasant pain, as circulation slowly returned. Then it was time to get on with homework. My hands are, to this day, very sensitive to cooler temperatures.'
“Now I feel like Snoopy on his dog house who has just written 'It was a dark and stormy night' Please send me some inspiration Lord! In the meantime I'll do some ironing!”
“Thanks Lord, during the removal of wrinkles, ironing creases down the front of shorts and folding tea shirts, I have been reminded of our wedding album, now over 50 years old. How young and happy we were. Full of expectation yet unaware of what was in store. Not a hint
that we would become 'ten pound poms'*. Yet, 5 years later, on arrival 'down under', we felt amazingly at home. Although we missed family, the decision has never been regretted."
I have been privileged to live in England, and Canada before 'calling Australia home' and moved a total of 21 times. One of my special treasures has survived. Given to me by my grandmother, and kept in a cloth bag, it's called 'The Child's Companion or Sunday Scholar's Reward'. Written in 1834, 4” long, 2 1/2” wide and 1” thick it is now a bit fragile. The leather on the spine has deteriorated and the front cover is very nearly off. But it is filled with encouragement for children at that time, to live a life pleasing to Jesus. There are stories, poems, hymns and even how to deal with bullying! Whenever I handle it or read it I am 'transported' back to the warm memories of happy holidays spent at my grandmother's humble cottage in a little English village. There were only 2 bedrooms, no running water (it was in big tanks). The large main room was used for cooking, eating etc. My mother 4 sisters and 2 brothers had called it home. Every Sunday they faithfully attended church, my grandfather passing peppermints out to keep all the children quiet during the sermon. They didn't have much in the way of possessions but I believe they were rich in love.
Years after she died I discovered 'Gran' belonged to the Salvation Army which would explain why she owned the little 'Companion' book and one Christmas gave me a 'New Testament'. I tried to read it many times but didn't understand much. However, my favourite story was Jairus' daughter being raised from the dead. There is a picture portraying Jesus reaching out to heal her which I loved to look at.
How rich our lives are because of books. If I couldn't read it would seem as though my breath had been taken away. Of course when talking about books one cannot neglect to mention the Bible. But being supernaturally written should it be considered like other books. I think not. Its influence and power are indescribable. No other piece of writing accomplishes what the Holy Scriptures can. It is Truth. It is Love. It is Jesus and through it He continues to speak to us. Thank You Lord.
*English people were able to migrate to Australia for 10 pounds 1950 - 1972
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