She also prays Gods will to show her true love does exist and that he has that right someone, who God has designed for her. That one true love, that connects two spirits together, as one with God. Deep down she still believes and she knows when God does bring him into her life he will be compassionate with an understanding heart. Most of all with the healing she is going through she knows God can bring beauty from ashes.
Authors note:
I know this story is quite different from my normal ones. It is a story of real life and real heartache. And of a woman who never gives up on her God or her faith. I pray that one day she will have her happily ever after. Who knows maybe that day has come. Only God knows.THE END.......Or Is It?
In school she could never seem to make friends, she pretty much stayed to herself withdrawn, alone deserted and abandoned. No one understood, no one felt her pain. They finally moved to where her older sister lived in Arizona and by that time the damage was done. Becky was now growing into a depressed young woman. No friends, no one to talk to, why would anyone want to be her friend? She wasn’t worthy of any love, worthy of any friends. Everyone she got close to left her. So why should she give her whole heart away? Then at seventeen Becky found a love beyond her wildest dreams. She found God! She had begun to finally make friends who wanted to be near her. She began to blossom into a beautiful rose. Three years she had now grown into a lovely woman and met a man who she fell in love with. They had a secret engagement planned to get married in September, until one day he broke it off and broke her fragile heart. She felt her whole life that she had to be loved, she wanted to be loved, and she craved love. So when she meets some one, then they walk out it destroys her. Yet she always gave of herself to be accepted and loved. She grew compassionate towards people because she understands pain. When someone hurt she hurt with them. Due to her big compassionate heart people began to use Becky, walk all over her. No one knew the deep secret, or scars that she bore. Becky felt so alone except for the Love of God the Father. She knew He would never leave her nor forsake her. Becky was misunderstood and felt no one would listen to her no matter how hard she tried to be heard. A few months after Becky’s boyfriend broke up with her she met some one new, who in a few months has convinced Becky that no one but him could ever love her. Then came the time when he took some thing that she held very dear and special. (Her virginity) How she wanted to save herself for her soul mate and one true love on her wedding night. Now that was lost and not by her choice. Now with this new secret the only one she could talk to about it is God Himself. She doesn’t know much at this age of spiritual growth, but she does love God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit with all her heart. After being raped for a few months she now meets a man who she believes is the man she is to marry. For now she felt strong enough to break up with the man, who said she was nothing, and he has dated prettier, and who said she would never be loved by another. After two years she and the new man did marry and had three children together. Now she experienced a new type of abuse, emotional. Her husband would now and then buy her flowers and call her beautiful but it was his actions of looking at another women. Calling attention of their sexuality or he would go up to a woman at a family gathering put his arm around her and say this is my girlfriend. Where Becky already felt unattractive weighing now more then she did when she first got married. So here her husband is with his arm around another woman thinner then her. Making Becky feel like who is she? The deep hurt in her heart growing, but she never gave up on God. And He never gave up on her. After about fifteen years of emotional heartache and depression her husband did something to their oldest daughter. Something he never should have done. The police got involved and so did Child protective services. Now with the husband in prison she filed and is now on her own to raise three kids. Never being on her own before she now felt fear, so after a year of staying at her sisters, her sister gives her three months to find a place and move out. It wasn’t because Becky and her kids were bad it was her sister’s husband wanting the place to them selves. Becky didn’t blame them she just has no idea of where to go. She begins to question God and His will. She really is feeling alone and scared. Here she felt again abandoned emotionally by her now ex husband and she has no idea of Gods will for her life she and her daughter were the victims. She felt like the one who has done the crime. She begins to question where the justice is. Yet the hurt is burning deeper into her heart. She still struggles to hang on to God in her life. The she get a phone call from her ex sister in law in Ohio and said Becky and the kids are welcome to stay there until they can get on their feet. Becky believes this is Gods answer. So with the last bit of money she has she packs up all the belongings she has and moves to Ohio. Once there, Becky’s ex sister in law begins to act differently and very distant. After two weeks and Becky’s belongings in storage the sister in law (I’ll call her Ruth) throws Becky and the kids out in the middle of the night after Ruth who does not know God and her family got in a drunken state. After loading the few things they had in the car and with no place to go and now terrified she heads to the only place where she feels comfort. A church parking lot, now with no money left they sleep in the car only Becky couldn’t sleep she walked in the cold night around the church crying out to God. She wanted Him to hear her prayer, and wanting to know His will. She tried so hard not to blame God for she knew of the evil one it just seemed she couldn’t understand why it seemed God had forsaken her. What had she done but Love Him with all her heart and wanted so much to be loved in return. She began to wonder if true love really existed. Maybe it was only make believe, to Becky God would now have to prove to her that the real love as in stories she reads does exist. Now with tears the next day at the advice of her mother she goes to the police and explains what happened. The police paid for their food and a motel for three days until Sunday. Sunday came and Becky heads with her and her kids to a church and explains the problem to the pastor. He takes pity on them and paid for a week the motel and more food until Becky appointment at the welfare office. At the appointment the welfare was able to qualify Becky for a grant to pay for a motel for a month with food stamps for food. At the motel Becky asks for a job application and gets hired as a housekeeper. She makes it for a month until her car kept her from the motel the assigned her to work at and they dismissed her. Now with not knowing what to do she goes back to the welfare office and with the help of her worker Becky and the kids get sent back to Arizona to Becky’s family. With Becky’s dad coming back into her life and wanting to make things right He paid for Becky’s apartment. Now with Becky, and her kids, getting counseling, and Becky finding her strength in writing, she puts forth an effort in writing Christian romance stories. Still on welfare and growing stronger in God she still has her struggles and hurts. Like when the kids get rebellious because now they question God about what all they had endured. It’s tough on Becky to try and explain to them when at this point the two older ones are nearing adulthood. It has been years since they have come back to Arizona from Ohio. Becky’s things are still in storage there, and one day she prays God will open a way for her to get her things.TO BE CONTINUED.....
She stood at the window and watched him leave for the last time. Her life suddenly felt empty as she stood there watching feeling helpless the tears falling down her cheeks. She doesn’t understand why this is happening, after all she’s only five years old watching her daddy walking out of her life. Will she ever get over this hurting? Only time will tell.
The little girl is eight now and her mommy’s engaged to be married. Spending time with her mommy’s fiancée and his family including the fiancée’s dad at his home, every one is having fun and playing games, the little girl’s brother and sisters are hanging out with the older kids. All the younger kids are all playing hide and go seek with the granddad to be. The granddad takes the little girl by her hand telling her “Come I know a good hiding place.” The innocent little girl so trusting follows him to the secret hiding place, under the house and there alone he touches her in places he shouldn’t. She’s afraid to say anything, afraid no one will believe her. Later that night the mom calls the little girl named Rebecca (Becky) in to take a bath. After getting the bath ready the mother knows something’s not right so after questioning Becky, Becky breaks down and confesses what had happened. The mother tells Becky to stay in the bath room and confides to her fiancée what had happened. The fiancée got angry at his dad and broke down and cried saying, “I never believed my ex when she told me about my dad touching my younger kids.” He couldn’t stop apologizing enough for what happened.
Two years later Becky’s mom moved the family to Oregon after the break up with her mom and her fiancée. The Mom still grieving over the divorce of the little girl’s daddy leaves to have fun with close friends, singing and dancing in bars. Becky’s oldest sister is now married with a baby and one on the way living in another state, Arizona. Becky’s brother and other sister are out all the time getting high and hanging with their friends leaving Becky alone to fend many times for her self. Becky would go to friend’s houses in hopes to get invited to eat just to have food. Christmas time and all Becky wanted was a pony a neighbor was selling for fifty dollars. Knowing every Christmas her dad would send twenty five dollars she begged her mom for the other twenty five and for Christmas got her dream, a pony, Becky was eleven then. Two months later Becky knows her mom is struggling to feed the pony yet the pony was losing weight. After all they were living on welfare. Saddened with a heavy heart Becky asks her mom if it was alright to give her pony to her friend. Her mom said it’s alright, so she gave her pony to her friend. One month later her friend’s dad then sold the pony to his friend for his grandchildren. The grandfatherly man who now has the pony told Becky and her friend, if ever they wanted to come and visit and ride the pony, they are welcomed to do so anytime. Becky took him up on it she still loved that pony. She was in the stable brushing him when the grandfather came in and started to talk to her about the pony. He walked around her and stood behind her and reached around her and touched her where he shouldn’t. Becky was afraid for he was bigger then she was, and she does love that pony so much, and wouldn’t want to hurt the chance of not seeing Peanut (the pony) again. She closed her eyes and trembled as he touched her. When he was done he handed her a five dollar bill she took the money and ran out and headed for home. At the age of eleven Becky had no idea what a prostitute was. This lasted about three months and it was getting worse when this man began to stalk her by driving past her apartment where she and her mother lived, everyday. It got so bad Becky would hide in the apartment shaking so bad with fright. She never told anyone she was too afraid of him to tell. Finally at age twelve her mother moved them to another town.TO BE CONTINUED.....
I've been tagged by Michelle who was tagged by Margaret and Cheryl. This means I have to post fifteen things about myself and my reading. So here I go...1, I am a mother of three girls ages ( 17, 16, 11) 2, I am divorced for the second time and I pray that the third one will be the one for sure. (God, you lead me this time)3, I love reading Love Inspired books as I put myself always into the stories, as I read them and Pray for that same happy ending for my life.4, I am a stay at home mom and homeschooling. So I am focused on getting my stories out there to help in finances.5, I would love to see my name out there on the selves as it will be an accomplishment for me.6, I am also a singer as I sing songs such as Point Of Grace and Avalon with my three girls. Who also have been blessed with voices as angels.7, I live in Az which I don't really like and if God sees fit my girls and I would love to move where there are four seasons instead of two. 8, I love movies with happy endings such as... You Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, While you were Sleeping and others like these.9, My girls and I are building a stronger relationship with each other and God.10, I have a lot of love and compassion for others that people take me for granted, I have too big a heart.11, I am an animal lover and have a house full of pets one dog and five (Yes Five) cats. 12, My dream is to be an accomplished writer and to buy my own home. Renting your pretty limited in what you could do to the place.13, I do have to admit that a few of the writers for Steeple Hill has been my biggest Inspiration for writing. Thanks for your inspiration ladies. There's to many names to mention. But it was God who blessed me with the gift.14, I enjoy doing things with my girls and acting like a kid myself at times. 15, I love to write and I do pray God uses my gift to His full advantage. That many will be inspired and see that there is always hope and they are not alone. "Thank you Lord for the gift in writing and that I can be used to do Your will in my life."I am now Tagging Margaret and April.Have fun everyone...
THE MYSTERY WOMAN500 wordsShe closed her eyes as the explosions and gun fire where drawing nearer. “Dear Lord Protect us.” She cried over the sound of another explosion about 100 yards from where she and Joseph were crouching in the dense forest.“Shh…” Joseph tried to quiet the frightened Kerrie. Voices could be heard not far away searching for the two who kept proclaiming the word of Christ. God was forbidden here and the very mention of God or anything pertaining to the bible resulted in death. Now as they hid a rustling noise from behind them made a scream rise in Kerrie’s throat until she saw a woman emerge and beckon the two missionaries to follow her. The woman led them further into the woods until the voices of the men grew softer in the growing distance. “Where do you think she is taking us?” Kerrie asked in a whisper. “I don’t know I guess we will soon find out.” Joseph whispered back. The woman soon stopped in front of a big bush and Kerrie and Joseph stood looking at each other with wonder in their eyes, when they saw the woman push the bush aside to reveal an entrance to a cave. The woman turned and said, “You two will be safe here. Come...” She motioned with her hand for the two to follow her into the cave. The cave slopped downwards leading them underground, the path turned right into a larger opening where a small table with a small lantern was sitting on top already lit dimly with enough light to reveal a few chairs around the small table. In a corner was a small fire with a small pot on a wire rack across the stones that encircled the fire pit. The woman indicated for the couple to sit as she served up what was in the pot. Kerrie took a small bite and smiled. “This stew is real good, thank you.” Joseph then lifted his spoon and took a bite and nodded his approval. After they ate, they tried asking the woman who she was and all she would give them was her name Lydia. Four hours later the woman now called Lydia spoke, “Come with me.” They both followed her out the cave and through the dense woods to a clearing at the beach as Joseph and Kerrie’s eyes focused; they saw some men standing around down the beach a ways from where they stood. Joseph recognized the uniforms US military, they were safe now. As they turned back to Lydia she was no where in sight. The couple looked at each other puzzled, when Kerrie looked down and said, “Look.” Joseph looked at what Kerrie was pointing at and was amazed for there in the sand were only two sets of foot prints where there should have been three. The two looked at each other with full knowledge that God had answered Kerrie’s prayer for protection in the form of an Angel named Lydia.THE END
“MIXED UP ORDER”
500 words
“I don’t think I ordered that.” Andrew said as he laid down his newspaper and glanced at the plate set before him.
“Uh miss, I believe you gave that gentleman my order.” A woman’s voice from the next table said.
The waitress looked from one to another and switched the orders apologizing for her mistake. “I am so sorry this is my first day on the job and I’m making many mistakes.” Andrew smiled at the waitress. “It’s quite understandable, mistakes happen.” The waitress smiled and walked away.
The woman sitting at the next table turned towards him and smiled a sweet smile. She was quite pretty with golden hair and dark green eyes. “It’s a good thing I didn’t have your order.” He said.
“Oh is anything wrong with pancakes and strawberries?”
Andrew smiled. “Not really, it’s just I’m allergic to strawberries.”
Her eyes got big as she exclaimed. “Oh! Then I am glad you didn’t eat any.” He reached over and introduced himself, “I’m Andrew.” She shook his hand “Danielle, Danni for short.”
“Would you care to share this table with me? I hate eating alone.”
“I would like that.” She picked up her plate and coffee mug and sat down in the empty seat at his table. “So Andrew what line of work do you do?”
“I’m in espionage.” He said with a sly grin. Her laugh was like music. “Actually I’m enrolled at the police academy.”
“Really, you want to be an officer?”
“I want to become a detective.”
“Wow!”
He took a sip of coffee before asking. “What about you? What do you do?”
“I’m in fashion design.”
“And you’re eating pancakes? I thought you would have to watch your figure?”
She looked shocked. “What’s wrong with my figure?” From his view nothing, she was perfect. She laughed at the look on his face and added, “Besides it’s not the designer that has to watch their figures, it’s the models who wear the designer’s clothes.” She studied Andrew as he laughed; he was quite handsome with brown hair and piercing blue eyes.
“Do you think we will have an early snow? I mean for fall its pretty cold outside.”
His eyes twinkling he pointed a fork in her direction and said, “Talking weather now are we? I guess you people in the fashion world are sensitive.”
Laughing she answered. “Only about our figures.” After taking a sip of her coffee she added. “Actually My church is having an old fashioned day this Sunday with a pot luck and hay ride. I wouldn’t want it to be snowing on our fun.” “That sounds fun does your church do this every year?” “Always in the middle of fall, it’s our harvest day celebration.”
He lifted his cup as he spoke. “I like the sound of that. Mind if I invite myself?” Her smile was like sunshine. “That would be wonderful.” He smiled back with a gleam in his eyes. “Yes it will be.” He said as her eyes lifted to his with a hope of forever.THE END
Her hand he was holding felt as if electricity was flowing through it. Yet it felt so right, so comfortable and soft. She didn't want the feeling to end. They got to a shop he saw and went inside. Walking down the different isles he stopped to look at a clock that interested him. As he stood looking at the clock she studied his handsome face. Eyes so blue she could melt in them, Hair so brown and combed back. Lips so... She closed her eyes and turned away. She looked at a statue just under the clock on the bottom shelf and lightly touched it. She turned to ask him something when she noticed he was watching her. Their eyes locked. She couldn't turn away she just stood there gazing deep into his eyes, like in some sort of…she couldn’t explain. Yet there was that peace again. She opened her mouth to say something when he leaned close to her and placed his hand softly upon her cheek, bringing her closer yet. She just couldn't tear her eyes away. She softly took a breath just as his lips took hers in a most gentle kiss. He backed away slightly still looking at her, and then kissed her again arms wrapping around her bringing her closer. How she never wanted this to end.
He hadn’t meant to kiss her, but her lips were so inviting so soft. Her eyes were so tender with emotion he couldn't tear his eyes away. This feels so right it has to be God. He smiled at her and turned to walk out the store holding her hand. They got back to the food court when he turned to her and asked. “Had you decided on where you would like to eat yet?" She looked up at him, how he could melt in those eyes of hers. He reached again and touched a curl that hung down her face. "Yeah, I believe I'm in the mood for Chinese." she smiled at him. He turned with her hand in his and walked over to the Golden Sticks in the food court. If he didn't watch it, he could fall in love with her. You already are! His heart skipped a beat, where did that thought come from? He looked down at her and thought would that be a bad thing? No, he answered himself; it wouldn't be a bad thing.
His hand feels so soft as it held hers. Her heart was beating harder then normal. She placed her order for her food as he also did and after paying for it, they turned to find a seat. He was holding the trey of food then nodded with his head, "How about over there?" She looked and saw a cozy spot near the window and began to walk that direction. She knew he was following her to the table for she could feel his presence. Then he set the trey down and held the chair out for her. "Thank you." She said softly. As they sat he reached over and took her hand in his. It was a gesture for prayer yet she looked over at him and again their eyes locked. Something was happening here. It was exciting yet frightening at the same time. Yet all she could see was much peace in his eyes, Gods peace. Her heart wouldn't slow down. She has never experienced anything like this before. What was God doing here? If she didn't know any better, she would think she was in love with him. He lifted her hand to his lips and said "We should pray before our meal gets cold." She giggled, but couldn't tear her eyes away. You are in love! She heard. How could I be I don’t know him. She argued with herself. I know him. She heard that thought say. Dan pulled her gently towards him and kissed her lips again. She sighed softly. I am in love!
When they parted from the kiss he bowed his head to pray. "Father, Thank You for the fellowship of two believers. Thank you for what ever it is you are doing here in our lives. We will accept all blessings from you. We thank you for this food, and ask you to bless it as we receive it. This we pray in the name of Jesus, Amen." He heard her softly repeat, "Amen." Then he looked over at her. She was so beautiful sitting there with her eyes closed in reverence to the Lord. Then she opened them and looked up at him. In his heart he knew she was the one the Lord had for him. He knew with out a doubt that they were soul mates. He wanted nothing more then to make her his own. He could tell by the look in her eyes she must be feeling it too. The eyes are the window to the soul, he kept reminding himself. In her eyes he sees beauty and love for the Lord. He wanted nothing more then to drown in those eyes.
They sat there and chatted as she put the last of her sweet and sour chicken into her mouth and wiped with her napkin. As she took a sip of her drink, he took her free hand in his and asked. “Would you like to walk around in the mall again?" She looked in to his eyes and realized she would go anywhere with him, but instead she just said "Why don’t we walk around outside, there is a park across the street we could walk around." She hoped the fresh air would bring her to her senses. He kissed her hand and said. "Alright that sounds nice," he stood up and helped her out of her chair. She could feel the heat of his body standing so close to her as she stood. She looked up at him and smiled, her heart beating a mile a minute it seemed. As they walked towards the door she felt as if she were walking on shaky legs. If she didn't know any better, she would have believed he knew she was on shaky legs, for at that moment he placed his arm around her to steady her. Electricity shot through her body at the touch. He opened the door for her and they both stepped outside. They walked a few steps when he stopped and turned her around. With his arms around her, he pulled her close to his body. She leaned thankful for his strength against him and held him in return. She placed her face against his heart and could feel it beating as one with hers. She looked up with eyes so full of love for at that moment she knew, in God they were as one her soul mate was standing right before her. She knew she will have to thank Cindy for giving her brother her screen name. With that thought she smiled.
"There is no denying what is happening here." He spoke softly. "God has brought us together. Cara, do you believe in love at first sight?" She nodded then answered “I heard about it, but I never knew it existed until...” He looked deep into her eyes, he was lost in them, and then she softly finished. "Until now," it was a whisper. She looked so irresistible he bent down and kissed her softly. This is right, so very right. "Thank you, Lord, for the greatest blessing of all.” he whispered into her ear and heard her sigh and whisper. "Amen," holding him tighter. Then his lips claimed hers again, as they knew now and forever their hearts will always be as one with God! The End
The weeks were going by fast with the usual twice a day chats and time with the kids. It was now Thursday evening and Cara was again chatting with Dan at the appointed time of seven. "Well tomorrows the day!" Dan typed to her. "Yes, it certainly is.” she answered. “As you know the purpose of my being in town is a business meeting. I should be done by one o’clock. How does one thirty sound to meet you at the downtown mall?" "One thirty would be fine." She just wasn't about to tell him she had major butterflies fluttering in side her stomach. She even had an outfit planned and laid out for tomorrow. "I am looking forward to meeting you tomorrow." She typed. "So am I! I'm just glad I don’t have to wear a suit for this meeting. It's pretty casual." She smiled. "Gee, don’t you like suits? From the look of your pic you would look great in a suit!"
He laughed out loud. "So you think I would look great in a suit huh? Should I wear one for you tomorrow?" she giggled. "Please be comfortable, you don't have to impress me. lol" "Well Thank you a woman after my own heart." "No not really, I just know there is a time and place for dressing up. Please be comfortable, I know I will." He sighed and stretched. "Thanks I will; I think my jeans and polo shirt will do just fine then. lol" "Ok that will narrow the search to almost any one in the crowed. lol Good thing you sent the pic to me. That will help me to spot you.” He smiled; He already feels he would know her right off. So he wasn't worried about that. "Bling" His thought was brought back to the screen. "I'm going to say good night for now and get a good soaking in the tub. I had a long day and want to relax.” Is what he read. "Alright I'll be seeing you tomorrow then. I have to get up early myself. It will be a two hour drive for me." He yawned then. "Good night Dan, My prayers will be with you.” he smiled. "Good night Cara. Thanks, See you tomorrow." he logged off and shut down the computer.
The next morning was beautiful and warm. Cara was just finishing up the last part of her makeup ritual, her lipstick. She stepped back and looked at her reflection her dark hazel eyes sparkling. She looked nice in the casual dress she chose to wear. It was a soft peach colored, which swirled around her sandaled feet it accented her auburn hair, a rose bud necklace with matching earrings. She applied a soft musk fragrance onto her neck, and sighed. She was ready and real nervous. She grabbed her purse jotted a note for her oldest daughter to watch over the younger ones, that she shouldn’t be long, and headed out the door. She has thirty minutes to get down town and the lunch hour traffic to tend with.
About thirty minutes later she pulls into the parking lot and found a place not to far from the doors. She turned off the motor and closed her eyes for a silent prayer. She climbed out of her mini van and began to walk towards the building when she noticed a man walking in front of her not to far ahead. She knew it was Dan. She studied the way he walked and thought how nice he looked from the back. She watched as he opened the door for another woman coming in at the same time. He walked in and stood there looking around. He is just so handsome. He was still wearing sunglasses. When for some reason he turned towards the door and noticed her coming towards it. He reached out as she smiled and he opened the door. She walked in and stood next to him. "It's pretty hot today. Hello Cara." He said and gave her a hug. "Mmm, you smell real nice." She smiled and said "Thank you." She felt comfortable yet shy at the same time. There was just something different about him. Not like the others at all. "Is there any place you prefer to eat at?" She was just so nervous, but was determined not to show it. They both settled to get something to drink first before they decide to eat. They sat at a table and for the first time he removed his sunglasses and their eyes connected.
He was sitting there looking into her eyes. What incredible eyes she has. He couldn’t tear his gaze away. What was happening here? He knows it's of God; there is just too much peace and honesty in those eyes. It made him feel peaceful. "Would you like to walk around for a bit before we decide on what to eat?" She continued to smile when he added. “I like the way your eyes sparkle when you smile." She blushed when she answered. "Thank you. You’re not looking too bad yourself." She smiled. "Walking would be nice." He got up and walked over to her as she stood. As they were walking around looking at things in the shop windows their hands brushed each other. On impulse he reached for her hand and entwined his fingers into hers, a perfect fit. He heard a soft sigh escape her. To Be Continued
Dan left the service and headed over to his sisters. He had been invited to her home for Sunday dinner. Cindy's husband had planned to put some steaks on the grill, how could he pass that up. He smiled because he knew there was an ulterior motive to his sister’s invite. She knows that Cara and he have been communicating on line. So Cindy has been bombarding him with questions. He also suspects that she must be drilling Cara as well, he knows his sister. He sees his sister's house now on the left and pulls in to her driveway. He spotted Terry in the yard with a ball, and as he got out of his car he waved at his nephew. “Uncle Dan!" "Where's, your mom and Dad?" “They are out back, waiting for you." "Let me make my appearance and I'll come back and toss you some balls your way." Dan said as he noticed Terry holding a baseball. "Cool, sure thing Uncle Dan."
Cara had just finished tucking in her twin nine year old boys and settling her teen girls ages thirteen and fifteen down for the night. She sat at her computer and logged onto the net to check her email. "Hello Cara." He must have seen her log on. "Hello Dan Just logged on to read my mail." "Am I bothering you?" "No, not at all, I was a little surprised you’re on.” She answered. "Well to be honest, I was only checking my email when I saw you log on and thought I would say hi. How was your day?" He asked. "We had a sermon on faith at church. It spoke to me. God always knows what we need to hear."
Dan read what she wrote about faith and smiled. I wonder if she is referring to our lunch date? He thought to himself. "I know what you mean." He typed back to her. "How was your day?" she asked. “After church Cindy invited me over for a bar-b-que had a fun time!" "How nice, she told me that she and Mitch like to give bar- b- ques." "Boy, do they! Lol." he typed. "lol, Sounds like you are a close family!" "I'm sure chatting with Cindy yourself; you can get a picture of how close we are. Lol” She smiled. "She has spoken quite highly of her family." Dan yawned and stretched and looked at the time. “Yeah, Cindy and I are close were close in age and grew up more like friends. Well on behalf of you needing to be up early for your kids. I will bid you goodnight."
Cara stifled a yawn. She hadn't realized how late it was. "Ok I'll let you go. I hadn't realized the time till now. Goodnight Dan. God Bless.” "God Bless you, Cara Goodnight," she logged out and stood up and stretched. Then she shut the computer down, walked out shutting off the light. She smiled as she climbed the stairs and headed towards her room. She undressed then showered and pulled on her night gown, Climbed into bed and sent up a prayer to the Lord before she settled to go to sleep.To Be Continued
The next day she was just setting down her plate with her small salad she fixed for lunch and her hot green mint tea when she heard. “Bling.”She herself sat down in her chair and saw his IM. "Hello Cara, you on?" "I'm here. Hello Dan." Again her heart flipped. "I said a prayer for you and your kids." She read the words and replied. "Thank you. I had said a prayer for you as well.""I was thinking about where we could meet for lunch. Is there any place to your liking?" He is so thoughtful."I was thinking there is a mall we can meet at downtown and we could discuss the place at that time, if that is all right with you?" she answered. "That would be fine." "What about tonight? Can we chat again at seven?" She stared at the screen with so many questions inside her. "Bling." "Are you still there?" All she could think to say was. "Why this sudden interest in me?" she clicked send, before she could change her mind about the question.
Dan saw her question. He wanted to answer with the right words so he wouldn’t sound crazy. So he sent up a quick prayer of guidance. Then, wrote. “Cindy showed me your picture. Told me all about her friend Cara, It sparked my interest in her friend. Is that alright?" He hoped and prayed for her to receive this in a good way. Lord, do not let her take this wrong. "Bling" "Oh I see checking me out for your sister huh? lol.”he let out his breath and smiled yes she had received it good naturedly. "lol yeah looking out for little sis." and wanting to see why the stirring in his soul. “Yes I guess I can understand that since Cindy and I had thoughts of meeting one day. Tonight would be fine." He looked over at the time and saw it was about three. "I'll be chatting with you then at seven this evening. I know you will want to spend time with your kids."
She couldn’t help but like him, she is finding herself looking forward to the chats. A week had gone by and they were chatting twice a day everyday. Laughing and joking and getting comfortable with each other. She found herself excited about the lunch date. It was Sunday and she was enjoying the service at church. The Pastor was talking on Faith. "Jesus said ‘Blessed are those that have not seen yet believed. Thomas didn't have the Faith to believe until he had seen Jesus himself. To be a believer it is a big step in Faith for us to believe that the Word of God is truth." Like a big step in Faith that God is in this meeting between her and Dan. A peace washed over her she knew she is to meet him. It's all in Gods plan.
When she got home she finished the last minute ingredients to her Sunday dinner tradition, of a roast and potatoes and carrots. It was the easiest to fix on Sunday. She prepares it the night before, and in the morning places it in the oven on low heat, while at church the dinner is cooking, and ready by the time they come home. Then they spend a wonderful Sunday just being together. How she loves Sundays with the Lord and family.
To Be Continued
Dan sat there and still couldn't believe he had just asked her for lunch. To top it off she had accepted! What is the Lord doing? He took in a sigh, "Oh well, Father you’re in control." he spoke softly to himself. He looked at the time and saw he had to get back to work. "I'll be looking forward to our lunch. I do have to sign off now and get back to work. Would it be alright to chat with you about seven this evening?" He clicked send and waited her reply. "Bling," "Of course, that would be fine. I'll be on at seven. God Bless you Dan and nice meeting you. Give my love to Cindy." He typed a quick. "Ok I will, God Bless you too Cara." Then he logged out.
Cara tried to get back to work, but she found she couldn't focus on her job. So she got up and went to the kitchen and fixed her a cup of green mint tea with honey and a sandwich and went back to her computer sat down and brought up Dan’s picture. "Lord what is it about him?" she prayed. He had short dark brown hair combed back into a neat style and the most incredible blue eyes she had ever seen. Just looking at his picture her heart began to beat faster. "This is crazy!" she told herself and closed out his picture.
Dan sat at his computer in his den and was waiting for it to finish loading. He took a sip of his iced tea and waited. As it came on line he saw she was already logged on. So he double clicks on her name and typed. "Hello Cara."
Cara was feeling a little nervous as seven o’clock came around. She sat at her computer already logged in. One minute after seven she jumped when she heard "Bling." It was him! Her heart began to beat faster. She took a breath and typed "Hello." "How was your day?" He asked. "I spent some time with my kids this afternoon." She typed. "Cindy had told me about your divorce and how you have full custody of your four kids. I do hope you'll forgive Cindy for telling me?" She sat and stared at the screen. Of course she'll forgive Cindy. After all she had not told her to not tell anyone. "It's alright, and yes I do forgive her." "lol, Ok I was hoping you'd say that." She smiled. He has a pleasant way about himself, she thought to herself. "My kids and I went rollerblading in the park. Then we rented a movie and ordered pizza. Its Friday night, family night. It's a tradition with my kids and me."
He smiled at that thought. "Sounds like fun. Traditions are nice." He had kids himself from a bad marriage; he loves his kids and remembers spending time with them when they were younger. "My two kids are grown now. My daughter is married with a baby on the way. My son is in college, so for now it's just me. lol I do see my kids from time to time, when they visit with me.” “A baby, that's great! So you'll be a grandfather, a very young looking grandfather. lol” He chuckled when he read it. "Thank you for the compliment. At times I feel my age. lol I'll be forty seven in March." "Forty seven! Wow you don’t look it! I will be forty three in May,”forty three? He couldn't believe it; he thought by her picture that she was at least thirty five. "Wow! Not only beautiful, young looking too."
He called her beautiful! She couldn't believe it. She accepted who she is in God, but she had a hard time believing she was beautiful. All she could think of to say was "Thank you." "You’re welcome. Would I be able to chat with you on line tomorrow during lunch? I know its Saturday." He wanted to chat with her again! "Of course you can, same time as earlier today?" "Yes one o clock." "Alright I will be looking forward to it." "I'll let you go for now so you can spend the rest of this evening with your kids. Good night and God Bless." "Good night and Blessings to you." She signed off and went to the living room to join her kids and the movie. To Be Continued
Cara Roberts logs on to her computer to begin work. She really doesn’t need the internet for what she does, but she likes to take breaks and chat with a few of her friends. As she was typing her transcript an invite popped on to the screen. “Who, on earth?" she spoke to herself. There was a message with the invite, “Cindy Wilcox a mutual friend gave me your screen name. Please accept so we can chat." She clicked, the accept button added this person on to her list. She set aside her transcript and brought up her list. As she was doing so an IM popped up with a "Hi" on it. She smiled and said to herself. "So you beat me to it." Then she answered with a "Hi, so Cindy gave you my screen name, who are you?" "My name is Dan Barns, I am Cindy's Brother. She speaks of you all the time. I thought it was time I met you." Cara sat back and stared. Cindy's brother! She talks the most with Cindy. They had more in common, then anyone else she has chatted with on line. She had even thought of bringing it up to Cindy about them meeting one day in person, being that they lived a little over a hundred miles away. "Bling" her thoughts were interrupted. "Hello? Are you still there?" he had typed. "I'm here, Sorry." She answered. "How is Cindy today?"
Dan was at his computer in his office looking at his screen. "She is doing fine today. She just had some errands to do so she couldn’t get on line to chat." Ever since Cindy showed him Cara's picture he felt a stirring inside. He wasn't sure why, but he wanted to chat and see if God would reveal something. "Bling" He looked back at the screen. "I remember she told me yesterday she may not be on today due to errands." A thought came to him, and he wondered as he typed. "Had Cindy ever sent you pics of her and me together?" As he waited her answer he brought up his picture file and opened it to find the picture of Cindy and him standing outside of Cindy's house. The picture was a nice one and showed him real well. His blue eyes like that of his sisters. "Bling" "Only the pictures of her, her husband and her kids," was her reply. "Ok, I thought so. Watch your email I am sending you a pic of Cindy and me." He opened his mail box and clicked onto the composed mail. He clicked the attach icon and attached the picture. Then he wrote a message inside. “Here is Cindy and me, outside Cindy's house. Now you have an idea of who you are chatting with. May God bless you and your children, Dan Barns" Then he clicked send.
Cara heard the click of email arriving. She opened her box and opened her mail. She read the note then scrolled to look at the picture. Her breath caught as she saw Dan standing next to Cindy. He had deep blue eyes and dark brown hair and a smile that could melt any woman’s heart. Cindy was laughing like a joke was just told, but the only one Cara saw was Dan. She couldn’t stop looking into those eyes. The photo was as if he was looking right at her. "Bling" she shook her head and brought up the conversation. "Had you received it?" She began typing. "Yes I did. Nice pic." She wasn't about to tell him she was taken off guard with the photo. She had met so many and seen many photos. So why was his different? "Bling" "I have business in your area in a few weeks, would it be possible for us to meet somewhere for lunch?" Her heart began to pound at what she had read, lunch? She closed her eyes for a moment in silent prayer. A peace washed over her. She knew her answer. "Of course I would love to meet you for lunch." she replied. To Be Continued
He reached out and wrapped his arms around his bride, “Will you forgive an old fool, Martha?” She hugged him with all the love she still holds for her husband. “I have forgiven you years ago. I was just waiting for Gods timing to answer my prayer. Now my husband there is another matter we must address.” She indicated with her hand Jonathan and Kathryn standing there patiently waiting, Kathryn with a big grin. “Umm Aw Yes. Well… umm it seems I owe you an apology as well young man. I guess the problem was, I saw too much of myself in you, and I wanted more for my daughter. Now as I am reminded, my wife is right. We were happiest before my fortune. Now I come to realize, you are what is best for my daughter. I see in your faces all the love and joy my wife and I have once shared. So with all that said, I give you two my blessing.” “No, she is promised to me.” Tommy cried, as Kathryn hugged her dad then her mother. “Young man its Kathryn’s life and her choice if you don’t like her decision then you can leave our home.” Tommy threw the wine glass and it shattered on the floor and stormed out of the house. “Everyone it seems the birthday party has just turned into an engagement party. Let’s all enjoy ourselves.” Mitchell said addressing the guest. Kathryn turned to Jonathan after her dads announcement and threw herself into his arms and kissed him soundly on the lips for all to see, when a sudden burst of cheers and applauds erupted in the room. Kathryn truly has received the best birthday gift ever, her parents respect and Jonathans love. What more could I ask for? Not a thing. Was her thought as she gazed lovingly into the eyes of the man she loves, her husband to be. The End
Jonathan felt uncomfortable with all eyes on him. He walked over and got him a soda to drink. He could hear murmurs all over in the room. “What does he think he’s doing here?” He heard a woman say. “Of all the nerve.” He heard another. “Isn’t Kathryn betrothed to Tommy?” another one said. Tommy walked up to Jonathan, “You’re not welcomed here.” He told Jonathan. Jonathan just looked at him taking a sip of his soda. Tommy had what looked like wine in his hand. “You know you have no chance at her, don’t you?” he said taking a sip of wine. “We are to be married. Her parents and mine are already making the arrangements.” Another sip and his drink was gone he asked for another one. Jonathan gulped his soda down. “We will just have to see about that.” Tommy threw his head back and laughed. “And what do you think you have to offer her, a slum of a home? Do you think that would be enough? Look around you man. Look at what I could give her.” “Is that all you think life is about money?” Tommy sneered at Jonathan. “Of course it is.” “No, it’s not. I may not be able to give her material things, but I can give her my heart. The greatest gift ever created by a very living God, love.” With shaking hands he set his empty glass down and continued. “Life does not revolve around money. It’s about how one lives their life and how they can serve God. Its about embracing the gifts God places in their life.” “Bravo.” He heard a woman’s voice say as well as clapping. He turned to the voice at the door way and saw his Kathryn standing there clapping. Then she turned to her parents who stood behind her and spoke, “Another gift God gave to us is choice. And my choice is Jonathan. I love him with all my heart and I know God will take care of us. Even if we did end up living in a one room shack that would be enough for me cause of all the love in that home.” Jonathan walked over to her, as she continued. “That’s what makes a home daddy not a building, the love inside that building.” She looked over at her mother and noticed the tears in her eyes. “We used to have that once Mitchell, don’t you remember?” Martha began, “We had nothing when we first got married and yet we had more then, then what we have now. I miss that. It seems the money only brought us separate lives. We are not living a life; we are only existing in it.” Mitchell looked at his wife of thirty years and for the first time saw loneliness in her eyes. “What have I done? I only wanted for my family what I never had growing up. I wanted the very best for you all.” “Oh sweetie, I know you meant well. I myself had even gotten caught up in all this.” Martha said the last indicating the big fancy house with her arms. “I said my vows thirty years ago and I still mean every word. I will always love you Mitchell, I just want my husband back.” That weakened the barrier around Mitchell’s heart. To Be Continued
He smiled as he explained. “This had belonged to my grandmother. It was passed down to me for my soul mate.” She looked up at him at the word soul mate. What she saw there was so much love as he removed the ring from its box and asked, “Kathryn with all my heart I know you are for me, my blessing, and my soul mate. Will you marry me?” She could feel her cheeks getting wet with her tears, and then it happened. It just broke free like a dam over flowing. She felt warm all over with the new knowledge of her feelings. She was in love with him. With new awareness in her heart she smiled and threw her arms around him as she answered, “Yes! Yes I will marry you Jonathan.” She pulled him away just enough to look him in his eyes. “I love you.” That felt so good to say.
He couldn’t believe his ears, yet as he looked her in the eyes he knew it to be true. He slipped the ring on her finger and took her hand in his. “I’m about to marry my best friend.” She smiled a radiant smile and with eyes sparkling, “As I am about to marry my best friend.” His kiss was just so sweet as he staked his claim on her, that she drew closer to him relishing the sweet kiss. They belonged together now he has his answer. “The next time I leave it’s going to be with you for our honeymoon.” She smiled as she melted in his arms and hugged him. “I like the sound of that.” All of a sudden a rustling sound broke them apart as Tommy appeared. “Well now isn’t this cozy.” He spoke clearly agitated at what he witnessed. “Tommy, what are you doing here?” Kathryn asked “Your parents sent me out to look for you. Am I interrupting?” he asked looking at Kathryn and then glaring at Jonathan. “I thought you were away for another five months.” Jonathan put his arm around Kathryn as he answered. “I cut it short. I had some business to do.” Kathryn just stared back at Thomas (Tommy) Breckenridge. She knew Tommy wanted to one day marry Kathryn as well as her parents wishes. Money it was all about money. She knew she could never marry any one she didn’t love. Now with her new found feelings for Jonathan she was not about to let her family control her life any more. She was going to marry Jonathan and they can’t do anything about it. They will just have to accept it. With her head held high she entwined her fingers with Jonathans and marched right past Tommy with Jonathan beside her and went into the house to her birthday party. Seeing the two enter the house holding hands the room suddenly got quiet. The couple just stood there in the middle holding hands. Tommy came up behind them and announced with sarcasm. “I found them in the garden looking too cozy.” Her dad walked a little towards the couple. “Is this true Kat?” The pet name her dad has called her ever since she was little. Well she wasn’t a little girl anymore. So with all the bravado she now felt she answered, “Yes daddy it’s true.” Gasps went all through out the room. This was unheard of he had no money came from the poor side of town. His mother worked cleaning offices at night to feed her family after the death of her husband. They came from two different worlds. Anger began to fill Mitchell Perry as he looked to his daughter, but instead of making a scene he walked out towards the library saying “Kathryn, Martha follow me please so we can talk.” Martha his wife looked at her daughter and turned to follow her husband. Kathryn looked at Jonathan and when he nodded his understanding she let go of his hand and walked in the direction of the library. With his ring on her finger it gave her strength to face her parents. She stood at the closed door of the library took a deep breath and opened the door and entered. To Be Continued
He couldn’t believe she was responding, so he deepened the kiss. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held onto him like her life depended on it. As they parted he looked down at her, her eyes closed as if in a dream world.
As they slowly opened she looked up at him and asked rather breathlessly,
“How long have you wanted to do that?”
He smiled slowly as he answered. “Ever since high school, since that first time I saw you in the lunch line looking disgusted at the food.”
She laughed “The food was pretty awful.” She stopped laughing and got serious. “You said your leaving or staying depends on me?”
She turned away and walked over to a rose and touched it. “I don’t know what to say.” She whispered.
“You could begin by telling me if you have feelings for me.” He walked behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Could there be an us Kathryn?”
She closed her eyes at the touch of his hands. They felt so warm yet strong. It was as if an electrical current was running through her. She couldn’t think clearly, it was as if she was suddenly aware of Jonathan the man, no longer a boy she grew up with.
“I’m not sure Jonathan. All I know is I have missed you, missed being with my best friend.”
She turned to face him, was it his imagination or did he just see hope in her eyes. How many times he has prayed that Kathryn would feel what he feels. Does he dare to hope that his prayers were being answered?
As she stood there looking in to Jonathans eyes a shiver went through her very soul. She now is looking at him in a different light. He was so handsome dark wavy hair and aqua blue eyes. At Least six feet tall he towers over her by a head. The after shave he wore smelled so good it tickled her senses.
That wasn’t all she was aware of, there was something more in his eyes it both frightened her yet excited her at the same time.
She couldn’t stop what was happening to her all she knew was she didn’t want her Jonathan to go away again. Her Jonathan, where did that come from?
He shifted his weight and she took it as he was getting ready to leave and in desperation she said,
“Don’t leave me.”
He took her in his arms kissing the top of her head as he kept saying to her,
“I’m not leaving, not now not ever. I love you Kathryn, I have been in love with you since the first day we met. I want you as my wife.”
At his words she held him so close, she couldn’t believe her ears. He loves her, her dreams has finally come true. Some one who loves her for who she is and not what she has, her daddy’s money. She looked up at him with tears in her eyes and then he knew. He sat her down on the bench and got down on one knee. She couldn’t believe it; her heart was pounding so hard she was sure he could hear it. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small black velvet jewel case. Her breath got caught in her throat as he opened it revealing the most beautiful ring she has ever seen. It was made of white gold with little designs on it with a solitaire in the middle and two smaller ones on each side.
“Oh Jonathan it’s too expensive.”
To Be Continued
