Tremendous Love

What do you think was the cruelest form of torture invented by man? One that makes me shudder was used under communism. Maybe you know more about it than I do. It was something about a slow drip-drip-drip of water falling on top of the prisoner’s head. Lynching was terrible also. Who could be so mean as to tar and feather a person then drag him behind a vehicle?

 But crucifixion has got to be the worst. By far the worst. Something amazing happened when Jesus was nailed to the cross. He was the Son of God. Get that? They mocked Him and said IF he was the son of God he should come down. Boy, are we ever fortunate that He did not take their advice. If He had what might have happened? That burden of sin He was carrying may have entered His heart because He would have been rebelling against the Father’s will. Then what? With all that power what would He have done in revenge? Destroy them? With lightning in His eyes, He could have slaughtered them all, or if that wasn’t enough imagine the slow, excruciating death He could have forced on the whole world. But He didn’t. He surrendered to death so you can be comforted and forgiven here on this earth and escape the fires of Hell throughout all eternity. He suffered terribly so you might be free. NOW do you know that God loves you?

Falling Rocks

When you drop a stone into the water, it disappears, right? No matter if it was a grain of sand or a diamond it sinks and sinks never to be seen again. Kind of discouraging, I'd say. Especially with the diamond. Maybe it seems the same way when we try to reach out in kindness to others. We want to be a Christian witness, we want others to know the joy our salvation brings so we smile at strangers, listen to their stories and go on our way. Did it do any good? The deed sank like a rock. But wait, look at those ripples, they are spreading out so far. What does that mean? The one poem says 'down a long eternity'. Can our random acts of kindness make a difference in someone's life forever? I sure hope so, and let's keep praying that someone will be drawn to Christ and reach Heaven because of our simple, easily forgotten (by us) gestures.

What Really Matters

I made myself a new friend. Ah me, what a dream, I haven’t even met her! Let’s start again; I wish I could have her for a dear friend. Everyone applauds her for her sewing ability and no doubt, it was wonderful, but I don’t think that is the reason people cried when she suddenly passed away. Would you weep just because someone who made you a garment died? I think not. Would you if you were desperately poor, and it was the only decent thing you had to wear? I doubt it, after all, a brand new, possibly heavy, homespun garment would last quite a while, and even if it didn’t, that isn’t what you would remember her by.

               Really? So what would it be then? Dorcas was one special woman. Her heart was overflowing with love. These were poverty-stricken widows and others to whom she ministered. Widows, get that? Wives’ and mothers whose husbands’, the fathers to their children, had died, possibly drowned at sea because Joppa was a seacoast town. They were heartbroken, lonesome and she cared.

Sure, they showed anyone interested the tangible evidence of how kind she was to them, but that wasn’t the most important part.

Here was someone that loved them, shared their suffering and when she died they couldn’t bear to let her go.

               I guess Peter couldn’t either, because when he was summoned from a nearby town, he dropped everything he was doing, and came.

               It was a tremendous miracle when Dorcas rose from the dead and many became Christians because of it, but let’s not remember her for doing acts of mercy, but for showing compassion.

               Hey, Dorcas, may I get to know you in Heaven and be your friend, there?

You'll find this start in the last part of Acts 9.

Don't Come into my heart, Lord Jesus

Faced a difficult situation last night. You know what that's like.Someone we love dearly had gotten offended at us and I felt helpless to heal the breach. What, oh what could be done to remedy the situation? With tears and a breaking heart I told my husband it felt like love just wasn't enough when you're raising children. Then they asked us over. It was a tentative step forward on their part, and oh I hated the thought of messing things up by saying or doing the wrong thing. That's when it came to me that I didn't want Jesus in my heart because it was so scrawny and mean and narrow but I wanted to be in His heart so that His love could flow uninhibited right through me.

Please pray for me, for us. 

www.marilynshistoricalnovels.com

The Afghan and the Mouse

I watched it being made: it was a creation of incredible beauty. There were squares for each stage of development in our lives and nothing was more precious, more valuable than that afghan:

Our children’s lives.

I loved watching it develop slowly before my wondering eyes. Woven together with prayers and lots of love it would be cherished forever.

But it was marred.

The Master Weaver had me helping. His part was perfect, flawless and beautiful, and when He guided my hands my awkwardness was minimized, His talent shone through.

Although lacking, I still love it.

It is mine, ours; something to be cherished forever. We tried our best but over time damage was revealed: a mouse had chewed holes into the fabric.

I’ll not give up.

It’s still beautiful to me, so precious. I lift it up to show the Master Weaver: Mend it please, could you, please. It took years to create; will it take years to repair?

I’ll wait. And pray.

Lord, use my hands, more patient now from years of grief and experience to help mend. Make us into a soft, comfortable afghan that will bring joy to all.

Marilyn Friesen

Healing Love

There is magic in the tenderness

Of a love that sweetly heals
Like a caressing touch it's beauty
O'er my trembling spirit steals.

When my soul lies bruised and crying
Torn by the lash of sin
Love's healing touch is like a balm
That soothes the pain within.

Like the sunlight bursting from the sky
Melting the cold, cold snow,
So healing love's pure magic
Dispels my pain and woe.

Marilyn Friesen

Do you know what I am talking about? Have you experienced it?

Do You Want to Go to Heaven?

Have you ever asked someone if they wanted to go to Heaven and they replied, “Nope, I am not interested. “ If there is such a fellow, or gal, I’d like to have a little chat with them. I’m curious to know why they had formed such an opinion.

For the majority of us, though, I think we instinctively  are longing for a Better Place after this life is over.  Life has been difficult for most of us at one time or another, and for some it has been down right rotten.

Someone said “hope springs eternal in the human breast.” I can’t remember who to attribute those words to, but they are such a classic quote they will not soon be forgotten. I believe it is a God-given longing to hope for something better after this life.

And there is, something better that is. There are a few requirements of course. We have to admit that we are sinners and Jesus died to cleanse us from our sins.

It’s a high, narrow road, this climb to Heaven, so better make sure the right things are in our backpacks so that they don’t drag us down. Worse yet, if the load shifts, we might be knocked clear off the cliff.

Okay, what are some of the things that we oughtn’t to carry along with us? Well there’s offendedness and unforgiveness to name a couple. God had taken them away when we first came to Him, but we do have a way of picking them up, again, you know.

Everyone has their own ‘sins that easily besets them’ as the Bible says, and they do vary from time to time. Sometimes they want to cling like barnacles to the inside of the knapsack, let Jesus help you clean them out, you don’t need them.

Some don’t want to go there if their pets won’t be waiting on “Yonder Shore’ for them.  Why make a decision based on that? You don’t know for sure whether they will or won’t be, so commit that to Christ, also.

Some of us are easily distracted by the attractions of this world, getting rich or famous, having fun, being fit, well you name it. All of that is great, well to a certain extent, but don’t let it cloud our vision.

I really truly believe that Heaven will be far, far better than the most imaginative of us can ever picture.  Let’s get there.

P.S. I almost forgot something really important. We don't have to go around with an empty backpack, Jesus gives us some lightweight stuff to take along with us that's really wonderful,  Love, Joy and Peace to name a few. 

Enjoy your spiritual journey. 

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Davids

President Davids was aware that he was handsome, but as he stooped to gaze at his reflection to make sure he was impeccably groomed that is not caught his attention.  He sighed. It was three months since his wife died in a car accident taking their unborn baby with her. Three months, and the sorrow still lingered in his eyes, shadowed his features.  He flecked a nearly invisible speck of lint off his collar and straightened his tie. How could he continue to appear upbeat and in command of his world when his heart was shattered?

Today wasn’t going to be an ordinary day. Correction, the daylight hours would be ordinary enough but when twilight’s hazy glow began to soften the tones throughout the city and the streetlamps shed their pools of light that is when his day would truly begin. He tightened his belt a notch and gave his reflection an approving grin. Those workouts in the gym were beginning to pay off.

Mr. Davids managed, or thought he managed, the hectic business of the day, as messages, emails and phone calls continued to fly in, but his mind was elsewhere. Bethany. Would she be at the party?  He had earlier meet the police officer’s wife at a smaller social function that her husband hadn’t been able to attend.  Bethany had looked lonely as she drifted from group to group, wine glass in hand, but rarely touching it to her lips. Chivalrous man that he was, it didn’t take Davids long to make his way through the crowds and graciously make small talk with her. What he hadn’t expected was the instant rapport. He saw it in her eyes and assumed she realized the connection was on both sides.  

Davids tried to forget the strikingly attractive young woman, she was married after all, but it wasn’t easy. In his line of business they ran into his each other fairly often. But you didn’t need to put on a party just to honor all the police officers in the state just when you knew Jim was on night duty. His conscience smote him even while pleasantly shaking hands and greeting officers from various cities. He managed to ask intelligent questions and as usual endeared himself to them by his apparent interest in their responses. But the President’s mind was elsewhere. More than once she drifted into his line of vision, and without a doubt their eyes met.

Davids shifted his position for what felt like the twentieth time in the last hour. I don’t know why this mattress feels so uncomfortable. I’ll have to get the housekeeper to order another one in the morning. By the light on his radio alarm he could tell it was only three-o-five, far too soon for even an early bird like himself to start the day. A plan had been hatching in his mind for the last several weeks and he was too tired and disgruntled to suppress it any longer.

 He had been casually at first, then lately more diligently been keeping in touch with the city police in regards to the drug problem that had  filtered down to the elementary school age children. I is high time to break up that den of iniquity, he comforted himself. But you don’t have to suggest that Jim Douglas to be on the team that captures them. It doesn’t take being a rocket scientist to know there will probably be a shoot-out.

Do you recognise it?

to be continued...

David's

President Davids was aware that he was handsome, but as he stooped to gaze at his reflection to make sure he was impeccably groomed that is not caught his attention.  He sighed. It was three months since his wife died in a car accident taking their unborn baby with her. Three months, and the sorrow still lingered in his eyes, shadowed his features.  He flecked a nearly invisible speck of lint off his collar and straightened his tie. How could he continue to appear upbeat and in command of his world when his heart was shattered?

Today wasn’t going to be an ordinary day. Correction, the daylight hours would be ordinary enough but when twilight’s hazy glow began to soften the tones throughout the city and the streetlamps shed their pools of light that is when his day would truly begin. He tightened his belt a notch and gave his reflection an approving grin. Those workouts in the gym were beginning to pay off.

Mr. Davids managed, or thought he managed, the hectic business of the day, as messages, emails and phone calls continued to fly in, but his mind was elsewhere. Bethany. Would she be at the party?  He had earlier meet the police officer’s wife at a smaller social function that her husband hadn’t been able to attend.  Bethany had looked lonely as she drifted from group to group, wine glass in hand, but rarely touching it to her lips. Chivalrous man that he was, it didn’t take Davids long to make his way through the crowds and graciously make small talk with her. What he hadn’t expected was the instant rapport. He saw it in her eyes and assumed she realized the connection was on both sides.  

Davids tried to forget the strikingly attractive young woman, she was married after all, but it wasn’t easy. In his line of business they ran into his each other fairly often. But you didn’t need to put on a party just to honor all the police officers in the state just when you knew Jim was on night duty. His conscience smote him even while pleasantly shaking hands and greeting officers from various cities. He managed to ask intelligent questions and as usual endeared himself to them by his apparent interest in their responses. But the President’s mind was elsewhere. More than once she drifted into his line of vision, and without a doubt their eyes met.

Davids shifted his position for what felt like the twentieth time in the last hour. I don’t know why this mattress feels so uncomfortable. I’ll have to get the housekeeper to order another one in the morning. By the light on his radio alarm he could tell it was only three-o-five, far too soon for even an early bird like himself to start the day. A plan had been hatching in his mind for the last several weeks and he was too tired and disgruntled to suppress it any longer.

 He had been casually at first, then lately more diligently been keeping in touch with the city police in regards to the drug problem that had  filtered down to the elementary school age children. I is high time to break up that den of iniquity, he comforted himself. But you don’t have to suggest that Jim Douglas to be on the team that captures them. It doesn’t take being a rocket scientist to know there will probably be a shoot-out.

to be continued...

My Appointment With the King

I serve such a wonderful king. Every morning about five thirty, I get to have an appointment with Him. The thing is I know He has millions of other subjects and billions of other concerns to attend to, but when my soft musical alarm chimes, I feel such a drawing to the throne room of Adonai.

How can it be that He makes me feel so special? How can it be that He can make me feel like I am the only one in the universe and that He loves me so much? I know every single one of you can and hopefully do feel the same way. Regardless of what time of day you send a prayer dart His way He is sure to catch it,

Make an appointment early in the morning. Don’t worry, it won’t interrupt my time. There is something about the dawning of a new day which is so…perfect for meeting with our beloved Saviour and Guide because there aren’t so many distractions, yet.

Here’s my formula, but maybe something else will be more satisfying for you.

I head to the recliner in the living room, put my feet up, and let the warmth of His presence flow over me. He feels so real, so kind and it’s a great time to thank Him for always being there. We travelled part way across Canada this summer, but He was there ever km (mile) of the way. We went to Africa last summer and lo He was still so close. How can I feel fear of anything for very long with the blessed assurance of His comforting presence?

After praising Him for a few minutes it’s time to look up a topic in our chain reference Bible or continue on a topic I had been studying other mornings. I find a verse, and invariably the surrounding verses catch my attention also. Soon I haul out the good old Matthew Henry’s commentary and more wonderful jewels are uncovered for the day.

Of course during this devotional time there is plenty of opportunity during meditation to share with the Father whatever burdens or decisions might be weighing on my mind.

I know Adonai is never in a rush, but unfortunately I have to have a different time schedule. Writing this is encroaching on my ‘sweet hour of prayer’. I want to quickly send this off so I can worship at the feet of our holy Adonai. Meet me there!

P.S. I have recently published a book that some people enjoy using as a devotional. It is the life of Jesus through His mother's eyes. It would make a nice Christmas gift. Here's a few links to choose from.

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I'm Sorry

I feel like I have a confession to make. Yesterday, I posted a poem* I wrote thirty some years ago and it resonated in peoples'  hearts. There had been seventeen comments from one community alone in such a short time. And now, the question I ask myself is: why can't I touch folks hearts with my recent posts like I did with those simple rhymes? It makes me wonder if I have climbed up into an Ivory Tower somewhere and am doling out tidbits of wisdom without really feeling for you.

And yet my prayer for 'ages' has been "let my heart be broken by the things that break your heart oh God. Let me make a difference, let me bear the pain, give me Lord a caring heart."

Oh well, I'll just keep praying that God can use me, because I really do care about you. 

Love, Marilyn

* An Imaginary Visit with God

So Who Hates God?

So Who Hates God?

http://www.authorsden.com/

Have you ever noticed that the people who hate God the most seem to know the least about the Bible, and probably have never, ever had a sweet meaningful relationship with Him? I wonder why that is, but suspect that one of the likely reasons

No Divorce!

 The Christmas story from Mary's Viewpoint. She has just returned from visiting Elizabeth and Zachariah.

21^st Av

August 9^th

Amen Alleluia El’ Elohim! I am home again, and the best news of

all: Yosef is willing to take me as his wife! Yes, you read correctly! Yosef

is willing to take me as his wife!

I will not be put aside after all! I will not have to endure the shame, and awful humiliation of a divorce!

I clung to him like I would never let go while the tears rained down my

cheeks. He kept caressing my face, and wiping at the tears with his thumbs, saying

“There, there, it’s all alright.”

I wasn’t the only one that was crying though. He turned aside more than once,

and used his sleeve to dry off his wet cheeks. He confessed that he was

also relieved it had worked out this way. That told me a lot about how

devoted he is to me, and to HaShem.

After we got somewhat over our joyous reunion we sat down on a stone bench in a shady nook, and he told me what caused him to change his mind. It was a dream!

How thrilling! The Lord God, Yahweh, sent an angel to visit Yosef one night in order to convince him to marry me after all.

Don’t tell anyone, but it makes me nervous to think HaShem is so closely involved in our lives.

And, oh by the way, Hilde is being more considerate towards me now that Yosef

made his decision, and told her about the dream. Perhaps she cannot quite

believe it, but if her precious Yosef is happy with me, that is good

enough for her. Whatever he does seems to be about perfect in Hilde’s

eyes. I wonder if I will ever act that way towards my sons.

Yaakov, on the other hand . . . (Sigh . . .) Why is he so critical of

me? Maybe it would be better not to talk about him. It makes me too

distressed.  It is enough that Hilde is more approachable, and Yosef, my

Chavivi, Yosef, is just wonderful! In fact I wonder if having that dream

has made him even more tender hearted and kind than before. (If that were possible!)

11^th Elul

September 10^th

 Dear Diary

I suppose it is shameful, but I shed some tears tonight because we

will not be having a traditional, Jewish wedding. Such a ceremony would be

inappropriate in my condition.

I had dreamed for years of what my challah would look like and was hoping for a tall graceful canopy of fine white linen such as my parent’s friends from Bethashbea, make and sell. Perhaps they would have even given us a good cut in price.

I was dreaming of having the most fragrant pink roses that we could

find, tucked in here and there on the canopy. I’m sure Rizpah, who is

another dear friend of my mother’s, would have gladly given us some

for the occasion. She grows the loveliest damask roses of anyone I know. (Well, other than my mother’s Imma.)

Ever since I first noticed Yosef as a wee talitha of seven spring times, I

have often daydreamt of him, and me standing beneath it!

 Imma has some vines clinging to the front of our white brick house. I was hoping

to plant some into pots well ahead of time, and have them bordering the

archway on either side of the canopy and interlaced throughout the

roses. Would that not have been ever so lovely?

My dearest friends and I have often chattered about how delightful

it would be to help each other prepare for our mitzvahs.

I can almost feel the nervous excitement I would have felt as they

helped me into my wedding garments.

 They would have taken turns brushing out my hip length hair, and we would chatter happily as they busied themselves preparing all the rest.

I love to imagine the look of awe on Yosef’s face, when he sees

my hair uncovered for the first time!

It is fortunate that you cannot see my woebegone expression. I

must, I will refrain from repining over the loss of a beautiful wedding

when I have the more glorious honor of nurturing the son of Adonai.

To think I am the one woman in the whole wide world to have been given this

responsibility, this honor!

P.S. What a joy it is to be accepted into Yosef’s favour once again. I

could collapse with relief.

Just One Hug

One Hug

Being a nursing aid in a home for the elderly, one never seemed to be amazed at anything. This cool September morning the minister’s wife and her daughter came to the home to visit the residents. The residents always looked forward to the minister’s wife visit but this was special, she was bringing her daughter.

Sitting in a corner of the living area was an elderly lady named Grace. Grace was so unhappy and it seemed that nothing could comfort her. Her families had brought her here over a year ago and have visited only once. Many families did that but some of the residents could deal with it while Grace could not.

Grace’s chin was on her chest and her white hair fell forward covering her face where silent tears rolled unto pale cheeks.

The young girl looked over at her and walked over to the darkened corner. She kneeled down and looked into moist blue eyes. A wide smile crossed her face as she said, “Hello, I am Beth, what is your name?”

Grace lifted her head and looked at the beautiful young girl who stood in front of her. She wiped the moisture from her cheek and whispered.  “I am Grace, my dear it is so nice to meet you.” A soft smile appeared on her face as she looked into the excited green eyes of the young lady standing before her.

Beth leaned over and gave Grace a big hug.

We all stood there with mouths wide open. Beth hugged Grace, and Grace hugged her back. In the whole year of her being in the home no one could ever remember her smiling let alone give a hug. Wow! The aids were amazed and even tears fell freely. That one act of kindness from a young girl who was only 8, made a big difference in another’s life.

Beth visited with her mother often and always went straight to Grace for her hug. They would visit and smile and laugh, they became such wonderful friends.

Over four years passed and Beth was always there for her visit with Grace. Then one day she came Grace was not in her corner. She skipped down to her room thinking she was resting. The room was dark and empty.  The head nurse seen her and walked slowly towards her.

“Beth, I so wanted to catch you before you came and I did call but you had already left. Honey, Grace passed away late last night”

Beth looked at the nurse and said, “Oh my, Grace told me that she would soon be with her Lord. She has gone home to be with Jesus. She was so looking forward to that. Told me she would miss me but for me not to worry for she would be so very happy.” A tear ran down Beth’s cheek, as she added, “I shall so miss her. I did so love her.”

The nurse watched Beth as she walked away. She wondered if that young lady had any idea of just how many lives she had touched with one hug.

Beth walked slowly she was filled with so many emotions. Yes, she would so miss her Grace but she was so happy that Grace was home with Jesus.

Grace’s family made the arrangements for the funeral but Beth was not told where or when. This broke her heart. Still every week she would go to the nursing home and chat and hug the beautiful people there.

Years later, Beth was in charge of a large nursing home in the state of Ohio. She loved her work and she insisted that anyone working there would treat the residents with respect and dignity. Beth always told those who asked that she is working in the nursing home because of a wonderful precious lady named Grace. Grace had shown her how important all people are.

Today was a special day for Beth and the residents. Beth was bringing her daughter Grace to work with her. Everyone was looking forward to that.

Unexpected Advice

Sometimes God gives us unexpected advice. Like this morning hubby said something that I did not appreciate. It was true enough, sure, but not what I wanted to hear. I was so irked that I knew it was important to flee to the 'closet of prayer' before I let something slip that shouldn't be said.

Then do you know what? God also gave me unexpected advice! He said "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise." Do you think I was in the mood to do that? No sir!  But I started by thanking Him for all the times He had helped us in the past, and so on.

So did that 'bugged' feeling vanish like a balloon in the sunset sky? Well, no, not quite, but it sure wasn't bad enough to make me snap at the one I love most on earth. And you know what? I even felt kind of happy.

So that's my sermon for today!

Poor, Sweet Little Claudine

I suppose some of you might be wondering what happened to Claudine and her baby. I guess I shouldn't have put off finishing this story for so long, but it has been a bit hard to cope with. Claudine was faithful until the end. Amazingly, joyously faithful, something we can't comprehend because we have never been asked to suffer in that way. I believe her heart was broken that she was never able to see her infant again, but even I, with my limited understanding of agony know and have the assurance, that Jesus was there for her. I suppose she often wondered how little Jans was doing but perhaps he died at an early age which was so common in those days. I'm sure yearnings and prayers for her husband and children lingered in her heart at all times, but there was something more. God was giving her strength, she loved Jesus so much, and sensed her Saviour's love in return that she would have gone singing to her death if they wouldn't have gagged her. Well, she's gone to her reward now, and that is no idle platitude and perhaps I will someday get to know her on the Other Side.

The Glass Castle Series (Part One)

The Glass Castle Series

In this series the church is represented as a castle somewhat reminiscent of Medieval times. For more of the story check the accompanying pages.

In the lookout tower on the Castle of Love, one of the watchmen held the high powered binoculars to his eyes and slowly scanned the desert waste that spread out before him right to the distant horizon.

“Do you see any activity?” The young soldier at his side asked.

The watchman handed the binoculars over to him and pointed. “See that little group at just slightly less than one-oh-five? They seem to be wearying of the way.”
                “Shall I send a dart? One of Agape's darts?”

The watchman shook his head. “No, not yet; hook up the sound waves and we will see if we can catch what they are saying.”

                “Sir?”

                The watchman was intently scanning the desert once again. He looked over the glasses. “Yes?”

                “I recorded the conversation. It is rather faint and staticy in places, but see what you think of it.”

                The watchman adjusted the earphones and turned up the volume, and this is what he made out.

                “Look, everyone, I think there is a castle over yonder.”

                “Sorry, Fiona. That’s just a mirage. There are no castles in these parts.”

                “But what if it was. Just what if! Then we could find rest and shelter.”

                The watchman whipped off the earphones, eyes shining; “Shoot a dart, shoot one of Cupid’s darts,” He cried, “But aim true!”

                Daniel’s hand trembled as he shot not once, not twice but three times! Others crowded around and watched in breathless suspense as the darts glistened and soared in the dry summer’s heat.

                One dart had hit its mark; Fiona’s breast. They exuberantly clapped each other on the back while Daniel snatched up the earphones and someone else the binoculars.

                Fiona’s hand pressed against her chest. “I felt such a warmth come over me when I spoke of that castle, just now. Kelsey, let’s try to find it. Maybe it is a true haven. It looks so beautiful as if the light diffuses from within.”

                Kelsey picked up another dart; it still had a slight glow and was warm to the touch.

                “You maybe are right. I also am weary of this desert land.” But he hesitated, and then threw the dart down. The others had already started to walk on ahead.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                Daniel whirled to face his Captain. “May I go? May I rush over there and lead them to safety?”

   The Captain was pleased with the youthful enthusiasm. “Go, lad, but remember to use much tact and discretion. They are used to their old ways and may not be eager to change. ”

                The other young recruits leaned over the balustrade surrounding the tower and watched him march swiftly through the gathering darkness, his trusty lamp held high as he traveled.

                 “It’s dangerous out there,” Simon observed.

                “Yes, but he is following instructions, and not going out on his own,” James reminded him.

                Simon nodded as they watched the tiny prick of light grow smaller then leap high when Daniel reached the small group who were sitting on boulders and eating their lunch.

                “May the King bless his efforts,” The watchman murmured with moist eyes, while the others nodded in agreement.