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

  Opal's Quest You need to get out of the city, Opal. Find a good man. Find love. True love. " Her grandmother's grip on her wrist was surprisingly strong. "Perhaps you will find them in a small country town. Promise me you'll leave once I'm gone." A gunshot and a strangled scream reached them from the streets. The double glazed glass of the hospital windows only muffled the sound slightly. Opal shuddered, but she kept her gaze on the slight, beloved woman on the bed. "Don't talk like that Granny. I'm staying right here until they say you can go home. Maybe when you're stronger, we can move to the country together; start over. You could even keep those chickens you always wanted." Opal's smile wobbled. It was a frail attempt to lighten the atmosphere.  "Sweetie, you'll have to do that for me when you get out of here. Even if I did make it back home, I wouldn't be strong enough to travel. My lungs are giving out. The...

  Three Inspirational Poems Pit In the darkest pit of grief, despair where hope has died God finds you there. So cry out to the Saving One, whose love-stained cross light's victory won *** Psalm 107:28 "Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses." *** Victory When the battle rages our hearts melt to our toes: But God our only Helper defeats all deadly foes. *** Psalm 108:12,13 "Give us help against the adversary, for vain is the help of man. Through and with God we shall do valiantly, for He it is Who shall tread down our adversaries." *** A Joyful Mother (This is what I want to always be.) A joyful mother  sings a song though days are hard and nights  are long. A joyful mother has no fear  for through the pain her Lord is near. *** Psalm 113:9 "A joyful mother." *** With love and prayers. All Scripture, Amplified Version. *** Poems copyright: Alison Lawrence. *** Ps. Here is the link to my testimony if you w...

  Brightston: The Beginning. Author's note. This is a sequel story to "A Bright Tale." Here is the link, if you'd like to read it first.  A Bright Tale *** Grandpa Hiram’s gaze rested on each cheerful face before him. Here were Roda and Romi, Bennie-Bright, Linna, Sunny, Lacey-Dell, Dinnie, Holly-Ann, and Yoan. Yes, Yoan, who had once yearned for love and joy. His face now reflected that he was at home. Grandpa Hiram’s own ruddy cheeks grew brighter as he thought of the boy’s happiness. The group sat once more on the velvety hill where he’d previously warned the children of the dangers which lay beyond the kingdom. He’d felt anxious that day: deeply concerned for the well-being and safety of the young ones. Today, however, hope and happiness soared through his being. “Why did you bring us up here, Grandpa?” Roda asked. She and all of the children waited eagerly for his reply. Perhaps Grandpa Hiram wanted to hand out some treats from his bakery, Bennie Bright thought. ...

  Psalm 81:3 "Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, at the full moon, on our feast day." Trumpet A trumpet sounds: A royal din: Our long-awaited Groom steps in. A joyful wedding  song now plays and we will love Him all our days. *** End Times Tales: Every Little Bit Counts. Lisa's father pointed his teaspoon in her direction as his brows drew together gloomily. "What's the point? There are masses of lost people in the city. What can one girl do? Besides," he added more gently. I don't want you getting hurt. People are just plain mean these days." He waved the spoon as Lisa quietly placed her books in her backpack. "It's not the old days anymore. Just like the Bible says, people are proud and boastful; scoffers, arrogant..." "I know, Dad, but I have to try. It's what Jesus wants me to do. There's so little time left before the Rapture." "Like shovelling sand with a teaspoon." Her Dad grumbled. Lisa shook her head...

Battle Evil swarmed and swooped thickly throughout the valley. Jonathan's sword slashed to the left and right. Sometimes, it arched through the air above his head, as infuriated hisses and screeches filled the darkness. To Jonathan's left and right, inky blackness was being pushed back by his companions. Stretched across the valley, they marched on, their swords slashing and crashing through the thick air, and bringing limp scaly bodies to the ground. The bright ones could not stop. Victory was not theirs yet, for the evil hordes kept coming. There were more than ever before it seemed, here at the closing of the ages. Jonathan grimaced as a foul creature landed close beside him. It screeched and bared its fangs in final rebellion. But Jonathan kept on. Supernatural strength coursed through his body, as more warriors joined the battle. They were nearing the far side of the valley now. The atmosphere remained black and grim: the battle was far from over. Jonathan's sword coul...

  A CANADIAN CONNECTION Ina felt as gloomy as the weather on this icy winter's day in Calgary. The snow lay thick already and she imagined that other people were happily skiing or building snowmen. Unlike Ina, who was all alone. These days, she chose to stay home on Saturdays and clean her apartment. Ina sighed, tears close to the surface. He had left her and chosen another. Gone. She turned away from the window: away from the falling snow and opened a drawer. She would declutter her books. She felt as though she could throw everything away. Then she saw it: between the romance novels: her grandmother's diary. Almost reverently, Ina held it in her hands. Perhaps she was meant to find it today. Curling up like a child in her easy chair, she began to read: 25 November 1975 "Dear Jesus, Yes, that sounds right. Not 'dear diary.' A diary can't help me, but You can. Oh, I hope so, I do hope so Jesus. You are the only One who can help me; the only One Who really sees...

  Birth The waters have burst, and baby comes soon: Yet all around is doom and gloom. For the pains are coming hard and fast! Lift up your head For He comes at last! *** pencil in His Hand ***