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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Home Group (11/29/07)
Warmth wrapped its long arms around me as I entered the cozy family room. It emanated from the handshakes and smiles that greeted me. It crackled inside the fireplace and flowed through me as I sipped hot chocolate and nibbled fresh-baked banana bread.

Curiosity pulled me into the conversation. It nudged with each introduction and needled through the small talk. It glimmered in the others’ eyes. It licked my fingers and curled up on my lap -cautious, but willing to take a risk.

Variety caught me by surprise, binding me into the common cord that wound through the evening. It directed music, shaped prayer requests, and expounded on the Scriptures. It projected from eclectically decorated walls. It delineated opinions, personalities, and backgrounds, piquing my interest. And it cleverly defined our humble troupe: a family with teenagers, a twenty-something woman with child, three singles, an elderly widower, a divorcee, and our middle-aged hosts.

Comfort crept in to replace caution, coaxing off protective layers and drawing my stocking feet up into the arm chair. It convinced me to relax and be myself –not perfect, just real. It eased strained features and curved set lips. It carried me into my Father’s presence.

Renewal began, flickering with hope’s tiniest ray, thawing the perimeter of a stone-cold heart. It bowed my head and brought me to my knees, weary and broken. It revealed my folly and my pride, evoking repentance. It was portrayed in the warmth and comfort of a home and in the imperfect, varied, and devoted members of Christ’s body assembled there. Complete healing still seemed distant, but hope insured it would come.
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This article has been read 1754 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Marita Vandertogt
12/08/07
This is a nice, soft, gentle, comfortable read. Really good, creative descriptions in here. Somebody pass me a cup of hot chocolate please.
Well written!
Joanne Sher 
12/08/07
Your descriptions are just lovely - I felt like I was right there. Beautiful images.
Joanne Sher 
12/08/07
Your descriptions are just lovely - I felt like I was right there. Beautiful images.
Betty Castleberry
12/08/07
Beautiful writing. The ending is perfect.
janet rubin
12/09/07
Ah, yes, I've experienced this. It's a real good thing, hospitality and all that comes with it. To affect one another this way, we need more than a Sunday morning handshake. Well-written.
Temple Miller
12/10/07
I love all the personifications. Lovely story.
Beth LaBuff 
12/10/07
I love the images and the warmth your writing evokes. And my favorite is the paragraph that starts with "Curiosity" then ends with the description of a cat in "It licked my fingers and curled up on my lap -cautious, but willing to take a risk." I love it!! Beautiful writing!!
Jan Ackerson
12/10/07
Oh, how I love this piece! So many great images here--the personification of curiosity, comfort, variety, and renewal was done masterfully! I've rarely read such a hopeful piece written so beautifully.
Patty Wysong
12/10/07
This made me want to join a home group! :-)
The comfortable, easy writing reflected the feeling of being part of the home group. I really liked this. :-) hugs.
Verna Cole Mitchell 
12/11/07
Your personifications are wonderful and your prose is poetically beautiful.
Tim Pickl
12/13/07
A wonderfully written piece! Like a master painter, with each stroke of the brush, you create a perfect picture of a visitor to the Home Group. It's like a chapter from a good book--one of those books that you read way into the night--a page turner!
LaNaye Perkins
12/13/07
This is written so beautifully it flows like poetry. I'm blown away by how well this is written. Wow!