Pencil in His Hand: A Mother's Journal of Poems, Thoughts, and Stories.

  Cynthia's Confessions A Novelette By Alison Lawrence *** Copyright owner:  Alison Lawrence 2023 Cynthia's Confessions is a fictional work and no resemblance to real people, living or dead is intended. Bible Quotation from: Christian Standard Bible ® Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers Cover photo by: Debby Hudson. Unsplash. *** Dedication: To my aunts. *** Prologue 1938. Wynberg, Cape Town A brilliantly coloured chameleon swayed as he clung to the grapevine which grew in the untidy garden. A bed of tall hollyhocks and asters also vied for Cynthia's attention as she sat writing in the shade of the vine. The slender, dark-haired ten year old wrote conscientiously in the cheap exercise book which served as a diary. She wasn't afraid of the chameleon and decided to do a quick sketch of him once she'd finished writing. Quiet moments like these were a rare treat for Cynthia. Her mother had taken the other six children up the road to visit her sister. Cynthia had...

  The Shepherd's Love. A Short Love Story By Alison Lawrence *** “ Alef, it is too dangerous! You will do this for one sheep? What of the others? Something could happen to them whilst you are gone, and what will we do then?” Alef's gaze remained soft as he turned to his young wife. “All will be well, Zena. Papa will help keep watch over the flock. This little one is expecting, and it would be cruel not to go. The wolves will tear her apart if I don't find her quickly.” Zena fought both rage and tears as she rose from the rough table. Surely she meant more to Alef than a simple sheep!  As she carried the bowls towards the stone basin, she felt Alef's arms encircle her. “I love you, Zena. I will be back soon. I promise.” But Zena stiffened her back and stifled her usual loving response. Alef sighed and let her go. He'd seen the tears glimmering in her deep brown eyes, and he hated to leave. But he must. It was a shepherd's duty. The fondness he felt for his sheep ...

  Psalm 144:2 ESV [2] he is my steadfast love and my fortress, my stronghold and my deliverer, my shield and he in whom I take refuge, who subdues peoples under me. https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.144.2.ESV Eternal Tower Surviving still the Scottish tower's crumbling walls still stand, and tourists marvel at the sight on ancient rain-drenched land. But the Keep I call my own Is a Refuge strong and safe; and never shall He crumble for His blood defends the gates. *** pencil in His Hand. ***

  Blessed Hope Nothing has changed. Same situations. People rigidly remaining the way they always were. Crazy prices, crazy wars, tragedy, and heartbreak on every screen. But it's a brand new day. A brand new day complete with fresh hope, renewed joy, and topped up strength. A strength that somehow gets my tired, old limbs standing and going again. No. Nothing has changed. Same situations. People rigidly remaining the way they always were. But it's a new day. And hope is rising. Today could be the day that my Jesus fetches me! *** Waiting "I wait for the Lord, I expectantly wait, and in His Word do I hope." Psalm 130:5 (AMP) *** Through watches of the night and through ascending day, I keep my eyes on Him, so hope won't fade away. I'm waiting for my King: on His true Word I stand; May all hearts rest in Him, and joyful praises bring. *** pencil in His Hand. ***

  Psalm 128:6 ESV [6] May you see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel! https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.128.6.ESV *** True Peace True peace shall flow through Zion land; The nation Is' ra' el: Sand shall turn to grass and field, and every corner bring its yield. Each bitter tear shall cease, as prisoners are released, And nail scarred hands restore, and hold forever more. *** A.S.L

  Psalm 123:2 ESV [2] Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, till he has mercy upon us. https://bible.com/bible/59/psa.123.2.ESV *** Above Instead of looking to the world: The constant stream of news and memes; Look instead to God, our Lord: Enthroned above: To His Pure Word. *** A.S.L ***