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

  Flash fiction One Problem too Many I pressed the laptop power button. Nothing. This can't be happening. I groaned. So many things have gone wrong already this week. The kitten looked at me quizically with his bright eyes. He was the only one paying attention. The children were oblivious: they were not the ones who had to replace broken items around the home. I slumped in my chair and mentally ticked off all of our recent problems: one: a flat tyre. Two: a broken pair of glasses. Three: a toaster that had given up the ghost. And now this. "What's wrong, Mom?" Cheryl had entered the room. "The laptop had better not be broken. I need it for school, and I want to play games." I sighed. "I'll try to turn it on again, but something's not right." Cheryl let out a groan, then went to tell the others. I poked the button. Hard. Nothing. Pushy jumped up onto my lap and I stroked him while he kneeded and purred. Oh, to be a cat, I thought. I stared a...

  The Searching: Back on the Blog, Plus News Dear Readers, You may remember this sweet story featuring Tirsa and Yoni and their adventures. It's set in a world of my own making, and tells the story of a couple of young seekers. If you have yet to read it you can find it  here . Please share it with friends and family. :) Plus! The sequel to The Searching will be coming to the blog soon. It is called "The Yearning," and in it, we return to Sybella for more adventure and inspiration. Thanks for stopping by. See you again after the holiday. Love and prayers, Alison

  The Searchers: Lia Lia was the last student to leave the yoga class. She rolled up her mat slowly as she looked around her. The yoga studio was part of the teacher's home. Narissa had created a calming, yet richly hued space for her students. Deep purples and blues provided a background for sparkles of orange and red in the form of candles, incense holders, and other ornaments. Lia knew that the ornaments were in fact deities of an Eastern religion.  At the front of the room, a shelf held a framed picture of a famous guru alongside a vase of flowers. "It's nice to see one of my students taking their time and not rushing off. Everyone is too busy these days." Narissa lowered her supple body onto the carpet. Lia nodded. Busyness was the bane of her own life. Hence, the yoga. She needed to slow down; to have enough headspace to just think. "May I ask you something, Narissa?" "Of course." Narissa smiled. "What is so special about the master? Why...

  The Searchers: Michael "Do you believe in God?" Robert asked the blunt question of Michael. The question seemed to settle beside them on the picturesque stone wall on which they were sitting. The hand built wall spoke eloquently of the age and history of the campus. Robert kicked his heels lightly against the stones as he enjoyed the pleasant lunch-time sun. He didn't enjoy Robert's awkward question, but he answered good-naturedly anyway. "Maybe, maybe not." "So, you're an agnostic." "I guess so." Michael agreed. "As for you, you're fully in the God camp. That much I know." He grinned. "But it suits you. You're a good guy, despite your quirks." Suddenly, Robert jumped off the wall, landing firmly on the  grass beside it. "Thanks." He grinned. "I am on God's side. But as for you, you're neither here or on the other side. You're just sitting in the middle: neither believing in God...

  Going over Jordan I'm going over Jordan, the victory will be mine I'm laying down my burdens as I place my hand in Thine Going over Jordan; surrender all to Thee Going over Jordan I'm Spirit filled and free *** Fearless His feathered tail goes up and down, as wagtail walks along, and even though I go behind, he has no fear and sings his song *** Strengthened Tired to my toes today, Tired to my toes: Every step a burden and only Jesus knows Yet every falt'ring step He bolsters with His hand and even through the tiredness I walk and joyful stand *** Copyright: Alison Lawrence *** Hope you have a blessed day with Jesus. :) 

  The Searchers: Anja "Would you call yourself a good person?" The street preacher seemed to be looking directly at Anja. She was about to go into the clothing store, but something made her halt before a display of winter jackets in the window instead. Even the manequins with their tilted heads seemed to ask the same question: "Would you call yourself a good person?" Would she? Anja pretended to be deeply interested in the pumpkin coloured creation before her, but in reality, her ears were tuned to the preacher instead. He was quoting from the Bible. Something about no one being good. Only Jesus was truly good, he said. Well, I go to church regularly , she wanted to interject. It's something our family has always done. I give to charities, I even read my Bible from time to time.  Anja mentally added up what she felt were points in her favour. And, she thought, as her gaze shifted to a display of boots, I've never stolen anything, let alone taken a life. Tha...