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

  Dave tried to brush his depressed thoughts aside as he ordered a double brandy on ice. No water or coke. He tried hard to think of brighter things, but the dark whisperings wouldn't leave him. He sipped his drink, but it brought him no comfort. Observing the couples and groups having a good time didn't help either, so he gripped his glass and studied the slowly melting ice. "Hi Dave." Emma stopped at his table, tray in hand. "How are you today?" Dave looked up. Once more, he was struck by the waitresses friendliness. "Not so good." He replied honestly. Emma's eyes met his. "I'll keep you in my prayers." She promised softly. *** The following day found Dave in his favourite spot. Emma brought him his usual drink. "You believe in God?" He asked her. Emma studied the elderly man's face for a moment. A life of hard living and even harder drinking was etched across it. "I do, Dave. Do you?" "Not sure. Som...

  Dear Readers, I hope you are having a very blessed an joyful week. :) Just a little note to say, thank you for reading my stories. I enjoy writing them for you. I've enjoyed my little break from any major writing, and am ready to continue writing the stories which God gives to me. While I enjoy writing, I am not so keen on the promotional side of things, which means using social media. I have been struggling with it, and praying too. I hope to have reached a more peaceful trusting place. I am reminded that Christians can use social media to share the Gospel and to bring Jesus into a dark world. The platforms we now have are one way to do this. Just as long as we use them with God's wisdom. With this in mind, I have made a new FB page, the purpose of which will be to share posts from the blogs. I am also on Instagram and Pinterest. (Update: I am no longer on Facebook or Instagram.) Please consider sharing the stories with friends and family. Lots of love and prayers, Alison Ps...

  The Wedding A short fantasy story By Alison Lawrence "What a splendid evening for a betrothal." Said Lyra to her sister, Ula, as she flitted about the room. Ula smiled at her sister's enthusiasm. "You'd think it was your own wedding and not that of Prince Azariah and Princess Beulah." "Their happiness is mine too." Lyra said simply. She slipped on her shoes and made some last adjustments to her flower garland. "How much perfume do you have, Ula? The air needs to be especially fragrant." "Don't fret Lyra, all will be well." Ula flipped her long braid over her shoulder and stretched her wings. "Hurry, sister, we must leave. The others will be waiting in the clearing." Leaving the grassy mound that was their home, the two sisters hurried to meet their friends. Their silvery wings fluttered gracefully in the summer air. Decibel swooped to their side. "Are you ready for this great day? I know I am." She hel...

  Salvation Stories: Tirsa By Alison Lawrence A brilliant blue sky arched above the young woman as she climbed to the top of the low hill. Something within drove her once more. She needed to get up, away from the ground where she was always toiling. She took a moment to admire the vista. Her heart could scarcely bear the beauty of it all. At last, she reached the top of the hill and surveyed her kingdom as she jokingly referred to it. If only I could journey to the horizon; perhaps then I would see.  "Tirsa, what are you doing up here? The harvest needs many hands. You are shirking your work again."  Tirsa turned with a frustrated groan and saw her brother, Zaccai striding towards her. Brown-skinned and stocky like herself, he exuded strength and practicality. Like Zaccai, Tirsa was strong physically. However, she lacked his lazer focus. "Just taking a short break. I'll be back at work shortly." Tirsa sat down on the grass as though to prove her point. "Day...

  When Jesus is not at my centre, other things reach for my heart When Jesus is not at my centre, my peace and joy will quickly depart *** To love our Jesus more and more, means laying our treasures outside the door To love our Jesus more and more, means obeying His voice and answering His call *** Copyright: Alison Lawrence

  Islamondo A Poetic Fantasy By Alison Lawrence Introduction This is the tale of two young men, who sailed the seas beyond their ken Full of hope and full of cheer, not knowing much of dark nor fear They had to steer their tossing vessel, to prove their strength and test their mettle Their true Creator was their guide, through every trial and test and tide Although their hearts near failed and quaked, they saw that He did not forsake But as He led them through each test, He helped them to attain their best And when at last He brought them home, They saw they'd never been alone And so I pray that my God would, help this tale be all it should. Chapter One Venturer and Emir Set out Venturer set forth on a perfect day, with the wind behind him, he followed the way Of many a seafarer gone before, to adventure guided by tales and lore In the spring of his robust and carefree life, having neither own home, children, or wife A youth who was tall, brown-skinned, and fair, emanating to all a...

  Thankful Lord, I just want to say how thankful I am You are the wonderful reason I can - write a book, a poem, or story, and that is why I give You the glory Unimaginable I can't begin to imagine, a life without You Lord, a life without Your strength and help or the guidance of Your Word I really don't want to imagine, my life without Your love, but I remember my life before and give thanks with the angels above *** Copyright: Alison Lawrence.

  Update Dear Reader, Ahead of a short break from blogging, I have posted a backlog of content, including the rest of Beth's Story. Now you can read them all at your leisure. :) I felt my own heart stir as I wrote Beth's Story. Even though it is a piece of fiction, I was reminded of God's great love for people and how He cares deeply about our pain. Also, I remembered, that God is truly able to work the most incredible miracles which we, in our unbelief, deem impossible. The Salvation Stories series comes from God's heart. It is His desire that all people be saved. I can say this with confidence. Even though the stories are short, the characters came alive and felt like real, searching, feeling, and hurting individuals. Please share these stories with people you know who may be blessed by them. I enjoy my calling as a wife and homemaker, and have certainly been kept busy these past years with the addition of the youngest girls to our family. I find time to write in betw...

  Oliver Oliver walked as fast as he could away from the cancer ward. Even so, he could still smell the odour of death. It clung to his nostrils, almost causing him to retch.  Once out in the parking lot, he took great gulps of air. Next time, he'd have to make his excuses. His gran didn't have much longer, he knew, but still he couldn't face being confronted by death again. At least Gran believes in heaven. In God, he thought, as he clutched the steering wheel of his car. It was some time before he could drive. A dark chasm yawned before him, threatening to suck him in... *** "She wants to see you, Ollie. You need to go. She won't be with us much longer." Oliver's mother spoke gently as her eyes filled with tears. "Please go." Oliver looked away, but he nodded. At the hospital, Oliver steeled himself against the sights, smells, and sounds. A woman screamed, and his stomach clenched. "Ollie, you came." He hardly recognized the emaciated...

  Jessie A mixture of sadness, nostalgia, and loneliness descended on Jessie as she crunched through the autumn leaves in the park. The playground was deserted, and only a few hardy souls had braved the icy wind blowing off the river. She found a bench overlooking the gray water, and thought how the drabness of everything matched her life. Alone, alone, alone, alone. The word marched through her mind in a melancholy way. If only she had someone to talk to. Someone who would never leave, the way the others had... *** "Would you like one of these?" An elderly man with a sweet smile, and a small dog on a lead asked. Jessie took the proffered booklet. "It's a tract." The man explained. "May I sit down? I love this part of the park." Jessie nodded. "You come here often?" "Yes. Jesus, Benni, and I. And today we found you." "Jesus?" "Oh yes," the man smiled, "He lives in my heart and directs my steps. He's the ...

  Gina Gina looked around the sitting room, her eyes registering the familiar things: a large flat screen TV, a comfortable loveseat that embraced you as you sank into it, the rug, plants, and paintings, all placed just so. It was a good life, a happy life. Or was it? She sighed as she gazed unseeingly at the view across town. The emptiness, the nothingness, gnawed at her insides. A hundred questions clamored. She had no answers, but one thing she was sure of: she couldn't carry on like this anymore. *** "Gina, that emptiness you feel inside, that's the space God wants to fill." Allie took a sip of coffee. "Why not give Jesus a chance?" Gina added a sachet of sweetener to her cappuccino, and took her time answering. She studied her sweet friend's face. For years, Allie had been different. She shone, she bubbled. She exuded peace. And purpose. "Allie, I don't know why I'm saying this, but please tell me more about your Jesus. I'm listenin...

  Our Blessed Hope My feet are lifting off the ground, I hear the clearest trumpet sound Around me, others fly away, rejoicing on this glorious day We leave the chaos down below, and all the evils of our foe We fly to Jesus through the air, Our loving Bridegroom's over there Away we go to heavenly home, to gather all round Father's throne A day of rejoicing has begun, as we praise Father, Spirit, Son Then day of dread falls on the earth, but we are saved through second birth For seven years our Father hides, His Son's redeemed and spotless bride When all is done on earth below, Following Jesus, down we'll go Once Jesus the evil one firmly has bound, The Millenial Kingdom will be found At the end of this, Armageddon will come, All evil destroyed from under the sun We will live forever on new heaven and earth, Praising the Lamb for His matchless worth, Ever Praising the Lamb for His matchless worth Ever  Praising the Lamb for His matchless worth. p.i.H.H (Free to use. Giv...