Jimmy talks about his hat

For the next half an hour Jimmy talked about his brother. How they used to go fishing together. They would stay up all night catching worms and then be at the river when the sun came up. They would fish for hours and then go back to their apartment. After the stories Jimmy said, “My brother was almost ten years older than me. My mom and dad were killed in a bad car crash. My brother took care of me until I graduated. Later he joined the marines; he got killed in the war. His cap is the only thing I got.”

Gracie walked into the back room and said, “Sorry to interrupt.” Al said, “That’s fine, Jimmy, and I were just getting done back here, been talking a while. What’s up?” Gracie said, “I was writing down some information when you came in. We had another message on the answering machine. Kind of like the one back a while ago. Remember, somebody saw a person escorted down by the water. It seems like it happened again. This one is different, in a way.”

Al looked puzzled as Gracie continued. “The message was from a man, said he was a fisherman. Seems like he was on one side of the river, and he watched an outdoorsy type guy escort an old lady down to the water. He swears they got into a western style float boat and headed across the river. He said they were floating past him, about a hundred yards out.  Said his view was blocked by some cedars, and he swears it was only for a moment, and the boat disappeared. He thought he might have lost them in the trees, but he’s pretty sure he didn’t.”

Jimmy sat quietly listening to Gracie. When she was finished, he seemed nervous. Al picked up on it, and asked Jimmy, “What’s the matter Jimmy?” In a nervous voice, Jimmy responded, “Been strange things goin on around that river for as long as I can remember. You know the talk, goes way back, even to the times of the native folks. There is something strange bout that river.” Gracie walked over to Jimmy and put her hand on his shoulder, saying, “You don’t believe all that do you?” 

The Unseen of Christmas

Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. What pleasure he took in planning this! He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son. Eph.1:4-5

Absolute stillness, Silence, for nothing is, nothing that can disturb, no forms, no matter, no microscopic particles, no atoms, nothing can disturb because nothing is, except the Triune Creative God.

Before Light Years began their recording of creation God already was. He brought forth, through the voice of His Son, the Christ, everything that is, and can be. Yes, even before the birth of the galaxies holding their planets and stars, the Father and His Eternal Son, knew the fate of all who were not yet, but still to come. And, in that knowing decided on a plan that would offer Eternal Transformation to their creation.

Now, eons after their plan was made the time is drawing near. The soul of mankind is empty, a vacuum that sucks in anything that would feign to give purpose and meaning. Man has searched for hundreds of years for answers to the questions that arise in his heart. He is lost and blind, unable to perceive and grasp the truth of God set before him.

HUSH, the only word to describe what is taking place in the realms of Glory. The voices given to created servants, to announce and sing of, the Holiness of God, fall silent. From one end of the Heavens to the other, the only sound is the movement of wings. Like the fanning of hot embers, the rhythm of angelic wings seem to brighten the stars, in perfect matching time, a twinkling of sorts.

The Seraphim Moves

The air brushed past my cheek like a feather, ever so slightly touching my skin.

No noise, just movement.

Again it moved across my face, my senses heightened, ready to discern the presence.

Now stillness, nothing.

Stillness for such a long time, still nothing.

Perhaps it never was, my wish, my dream, my hope.

Closed eyes, closed out world, listen, sense.

Lids shut, the air moves again past my face.

A glow, faint, then growing brighter.

Eyes still closed, every cell, every sense in tune and anticipation.

The glow, now as bright as the sun fills me.

The air moves, growing stronger as it begins to push against me.

A Noise, like the movement of wings comes near.

Now with each sound of movement comes the rush of air.

And then the Voice, a voice like thunder in the mountains.

The words, " Behold the dwelling place of God is with men."

The Seraphim speaks and I tremble.

The Breath of God Descends Upon a Single Soul

The servants of God, messengers as of a flaming fire, watch as Father and Son move together.The servants, suspended in celestial glory, their wings are moved by the rush of the Father's breath. As in times past, His breath descends upon the earth and then upon the soul of a solitary man.

Overpowered by the Supreme Presence, he begins writing. The words seem to flow in effortless streams. Hours of writing seem as moments as the priest of Jehovah stops and ponders the incredible words he has put down. He scans the words and marvels at the ways of his God. This writing of his is not new, he has sensed the power before.

His eyes come upon words that are impossible to believe. He knows it was his quill that put them down, yet, at the time he had no idea of their truth. In is mind he questions: How can a virgin conceive and give birth? Call him Emmanuel, God comes to us, how can this be? The man of God hangs his head and confesses his sin of disbelief.

Advent Contemplation

Absolute silence- planets spin within solar systems and solar systems are engulfed in the endless miles of the universe. Not a sound can be detected. Far beyond the first light, the first twinkle of the first star, the movement of wings is felt as celestial air is stirred. Heavenly beings keep their place as wings perform their ordained dance. They sing in a language unknown and unheard, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts". Their song brings even greater brilliance to stars and the endless expanse of space.

In a dimension only visible to Cherubim, Seraphim, and their Creator, a holy and mysterious convocation is taking place. Absolute majesty, power and authority surround the only begotten, the Creator of all that is and can be, the Christ of God. The conversation is not understood by the created hosts that surround them. They speak for eons, yet is over in an instant. Eternity is not touched by time or space.

In an instant the movements of powerful and majestic wings give sign that Gabriel is on the move. The untold numbers of ministering spirits follow every command the angel gives. For they know he speaks and moves for the Father. In an instant he has traveled from the far end of the universe to the holy city, the City of David.

As the smoke of incense rises from the temple Gabriel finds the one to receive his message. He is an old man, well advanced in years and experience. Yet, one experience has escaped his heart, the joy of a man-child. The messenger from God speaks and the old man is struck dumb. In an instant Gabriel is back in the presence of his Creator. As he bows and covers his face with his wings he announces that his task is done.

In the timing of man weeks pass, in the heavenly realms it is but fleeting seconds. Again the powerful Gabriel moves without effort to the planet of his prior visit. He moves silently into the presence of a young maid, a virgin favored by the Father. His presence and his message are startling and the holy messenger reminds the virgin that nothing is impossible with God.

His bowed head announces to the Father and Son that the message has been delivered. The powerful angel is not sure that any other being understood the message that just moved from the heart of the Father to His Son. As if signaled from the deepest ends of the universe a vast array of Cherubim and Seraphim gather around Gabriel. In perfect rhythm of wing and voice the servants of the Most High sing, “Holy is the Lord of Hosts, Holy is the Father and Holy is the Christ.”

In the midst of fluttering wing and song, a message was passing from Father to Son.  In a burst of light, blinding even to the hosts of God, the Christ was gone. Gabriel, moved by the blinding light knew instantly the message he was to give. In a voice unknown to the world he announced to the gathering, “The Christ of God is Emmanuel, He will become the Overcoming Lamb.”

Once more Gabriel moves from timelessness to earth. This time he appears to men working on the hillsides tending sheep. His appearance brings the men to near death. He speaks and his words bring news of hope and peace. As his words end the gathering around him join in chorus, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men, with whom He is well pleased.” As the singing hosts of heaven depart with Gabriel, the men of the earth and caretakers of sheep walk to Bethlehem.Advent

Mayor Larry is a Hero

With the dishes done, they found Gracie back at the dinner table, a spiral bound pad in front of her. “Now,” she said, “If you want desert you have to answer a few questions for me.” The two men looked at each other with a puzzled look. “Al,” she said, “You can go and make some coffee. I want to talk to Jimmy.” For the next twenty minutes or so she asked Jimmy to retell the story of how the Mayor saved his life. Al was smiling as he listened to Jimmy.

It seemed to Al that Jimmy didn’t miss a detail. Gracie heard how cold the water was, how every time he tried to step on the log it went under the water and he went with it. When he came to the part of the Mayor going under the water to pull him free, the excitement and emotion in his voice was as if he was still in the water. Jimmy was a very compelling storyteller.

Blueberry pie, ice cream, and coffee were the perfect desert. With a bit of pie filling in the corner of his mouth, Jimmy asked Gracie, “Why did you want to know all about the Mayor?” “Why, that is simple,” Gracie said, “I’m writing an article on our Mayor and how he saved your life. It will be on the front page this week.” In an instant Jimmy was up and out of his chair. “Oh boy,” he said, “Mayor Larry is gonna’ be a real honest-to-goodness hero.”

Al and Gracie ran the story for Wednesday’s edition. Many of the people in town knew ahead of time about the article. It seemed as though every place Jimmy went he was telling people of his narrow escape, and how brave the Mayor was. When the townsfolk allowed, not wanting to be disrespectful, he would go over every detail of the rescue. And Jimmy ended the story the same, every time. ‘Why,” he’d say, “Our Mayor is a real live hero.” So when the weekly came out, the headline, Mayor Saves Local Man, was no surprise.

Jimmy Sings

Al said, “I’m going to find Jimmy, probably next door at Chuck’s, and talk to him about helping me out.” “I think it is a good idea,” Gracie said, “And I hear you and Larry are taking him fishing. You don’t know what that will do for that boy.”

Just as he thought, Al found Jimmy sitting on a stool at Chuck’s place. He sat on the stool next to him and asked Chuck for coffee. Jimmy seemed agitated and Al asked, “Jimmy, you seem kind of nervous. What’s the problem?” Jimmy fired back, “I don’t know, I’ve been kinda upset these past few days. I know it’s been a month or so since Ray left us. But, every time I walk by the paper and come here, I think of him. I just hope he’s doing okay.”

Turning on his stool, Al bent his head towards Jimmy, and whispered, “We’re gonna’ go fishin this Friday morning. Wanna go?” Jimmy exploded straight up and off his stool. In a flash he was up and dancing in a little circle and singing, “Gonna’ go a fishin’, gonna’ go a fishin’. Been a wishin’ and a wishin’, now I’m gonna’ go a fishin’. Goin fishing with Larry, Goin fishin’ with Larry. Gonna have me a shore lunch, fried taters and trout. Makes me so happy, think I’m gonna shout.”

Al sat on his stool laughing and Chuck came from the back to see what the commotion was. Jimmy was still dancing his little jig when Al grabbed him by the sleeve and asked him to sit down. Jimmy was like popcorn bouncing in a hot pan. Even when Al finally got him to sit, his legs were bouncing. Al said, “Now be ready and meet me here at five Friday morning. You don’t need to bring anything. Larry will have all the tackle.”

The Mystery Deepens

Gracie walked into the back room and said, “Sorry to interrupt.” Al said, “That’s fine, Jimmy, and I were just getting done back here, been talking a while. What’s up?” Gracie said, “I was writing down some information when you came in. We had another message on the answering machine. Kind of like the one back a while ago. Remember, somebody saw a person escorted down by the water. It seems like it happened again. This one is different, in a way.”

Al looked puzzled as Gracie continued. “The message was from a man, said he was a fisherman. Seems like he was on one side of the river, and he watched an outdoorsy type guy escort an old lady down to the water. He swears they got into a western style float boat and headed across the river. He said they were floating past him, about a hundred yards out.  Said his view was blocked by some cedars, and he swears it was only for a moment, and the boat disappeared. He thought he might have lost them in the trees, but he’s pretty sure he didn’t.”

Jimmy sat quietly listening to Gracie. When she was finished, he seemed nervous. Al picked up on it, and asked. “What’s the matter Jimmy?” In a nervous voice, Jimmy responded, “Been strange things goin on around that river for as long as I can remember. You know the talk, goes way back, even to the times of the native folks. There is something strange bout that river.” Gracie walked over to Jimmy and put her hand on his shoulder, saying, “You don’t believe all that do you?” 

“You know,” she said, “This is the kind of stuff Ray lived for.” Al told her that the story seemed more mysterious than the previous. But, he wasn’t sure that there was anything worth looking into. She agreed and told him that she would keep the information and if something else came up, they should look into it. Gracie went back to the office area and put the note up on her board.

The Mayflower- A Determined Faith

By the spring and summer of the first year about half of the Pilgrims had died. Many parents had buried their children and death had claimed a life from almost every family. The food supplies had barely lasted through the winter. As I think about the Pilgrims, what was it that enabled those people to endure such harsh conditions? There are a lot of things to think about when I consider the entire time of preparation and the voyage.

Consider the sister ship, the Speedwell. Twice she was delayed due to taking on water. This put the schedule weeks behind. Next, the cargo and some of the passengers from the Speedwell were put aboard the Mayflower, back in England. Some of the passengers did not continue on. What would inspire some to continue on when others quit? What factor did faith play in the individual decisions.

If the Mayflower had sailed on her original schedule she would have reached the colonial coast long before the Atlantic storms and bitter cold. Reaching the coast a storm forced the Mayflower to abandon the Hudson River landing and return to the safety of Cape Cod. The crew and leaders of the Pilgrims spent almost a month exploring the area for a place to begin building.

After a devastating winter, spring brought hope and their first real contact with the native peoples. What are the chances that the first real contact would be with an English speaking native? There are so many things that happened it would be hard to believe that all the circumstances were coincidental.

The personal and group theology of the Pilgrims was in fact a very pragmatic and strict Calvinist view. They were convinced that God in His sovereign design had all things planned and ordained. This faith gave them great resolve and a determination that would enable them to endure great hardship and heartache.

The time of Thanksgiving had more to do with spiritual certainties than with temporal blessings such as food and shelter. Moms and dads knew they would be reunited with children, children knew they would be reunited with a mom or dad. That inner knowledge was the real reason for the season.

Happenstance or the Divine Hand of God. I know who and what I believe.

A Safe Harbor for the Mayflower

After sixty six days at sea the battered ship and the weary and cold travelers were looking at their new world. Due to the weather the Mayflower was off her course and instead of dropping anchor near the mouth of the Hudson River, she was north near the entrance to the bay of Cape Cod. The crew and passengers decided to sail south to the mouth of the Hudson.

Sailing south the ship encountered such a violent storm that both crew and passengers feared shipwreck and almost certain death in the cold Atlantic. In desperation the Mayflower came about and headed back north the the relative safety of the harbor of Cape Cod. Still damaged the ship made to the bay and dropped anchor. The bay, almost an enclosed refuge, would become home to the Mayflower and the staging point of the Pilgrims exploration of the area.

For the next weeks the crew and a small number of the Pilgrims made numerous landings along the shore. The search for water was rewarded with the, "sweetest pools of water ever imagined." Juniper wood was gathered and taken aboard the Mayflower. The aroma from the burning conifer was a sweet relief from the stench of five months under sail. The crew also was able to re-supply the wood for cooking and cleaning.

After a time of exploring a site was chosen for the beginning of the settlement. It was defensible against any attack and within an easy distance of good water. On December 23, the majority of the Pilgrims left the ship and began building their new lives. As Sunday was the 24th the Pilgrims didn't work but spent their first Sunday in worship and praise. Work began in earnest the following day. As Separatist, Pilgrims they did not celebrate Christmas day as they thought it to be a "pagan tradition."

During the construction of the meeting house and various homes many of the Pilgrims continued to sleep aboard the Mayflower. The frigid wind off of the Atlantic forced the settlers to build as fast as possible. This meant that the days were long and the blowing winds and snow would begin to take a very deadly toll.

The Voyage of the Mayflower

The ship's manifest listed one hundred and three passengers, one hundred and two by family name. The one hundred and third passenger was listed as, Dorothy, maidservant. In July of 1620 the Mayflower was being fitted and loaded with provisions for its journey to the New World. She was to wait in South Hampton for the ship Speedwell. The Speedwell had sailed to the Netherlands to pick up the passengers, who had been living in Leiden. Once the Speedwell met the Mayflower they would begin the long and dangerous voyage across the Atlantic. It was still nice sailing weather and the monstrous Atlantic should still be sleeping.

By the time the Speedwell did reach her rendezvous with the Mayflower they were already a week behind schedule. The Speedwell was taking on water and in need of repairs that lasted a week. On August the 5th both ships left the safety of the harbor and headed across the Atlantic. Both crews were hoping that even leaving in early August they would not face the horror of North Atlantic storms.

As both ships headed West the Speedwell began taking on water again. The Mayflower and the Speedwell were now three hundred miles out in the ocean. Both ships headed back for England and the port at Plymouth. Upon arriving in Plymouth it was determined that the repairs on the Speedwell would take to long and her cargo was added to the Mayflower. As disappointment and anger grew, many of the passengers on board the Speedwell abandoned their plans for a new life.

With the remaining passengers joining those on the Mayflower, she set sail on September 6th. By this the weather and the seas were not to be trusted, but the decision was made to sail on. For the first half of the voyage the wind and weather blessed the Mayflower and her crew and passengers. That was to end as the Lady passed the half way mark on the Captain's chart.

As the weather changed one Godless crewman told the Pilgrims that he couldn't wait for some of them to die, so he could throw them overboard and steal their provisions. For the next thirty days the Mayflower was at the mercy of the Monster of the deep. On more than one occasion the ship had to bring down her sail and ride out the storms. During an especially fearsome attack by the watery monster a mast cracked and the crew feared the ship to be lost. The ship's carpenter secured the mast till proper repairs could be done.

Some days before the sighting of land the "Godless crewman" became suddenly ill and died. The ship's log recorded his death as "The Hand of God." During the voyage a child was born and three days short of landfall a young lad died.

On November 9th in the Year of Our Lord, Sixteen Hundred and Twenty, land was sighted. The sixty six day journey across the Atlantic was done.

Jimmy Admires His Trout

Jimmy was looking into the net and said, “I have never seen such a pretty fish before. Look at her spots and the color on her belly. I always thought if I caught such a beauty I would want to put her on my wall. I think the best thing is to let her go free.” Jimmy stood up and the other two men agreed. Larry moved the net out into deeper water and pulled the net out from under the magnificent trout. As Larry turned back to shore, he was sure he saw a tear in Jimmy’s eye.

Larry said, “Alright the party is over and if you two boys want lunch, you best be catching some for the pan. I have one, but that won’t make much of a lunch, and I’d hate to eat alone.” Al headed back to his spot and Jimmy went over to the clearing where he caught his Speck. Al was still smiling as he replayed the scene of Jimmy fighting his trophy.

Al’s very first cast upstream was slammed by a fish. Less than a minute later he had a twelve inch Rainbow in the net. “Got one for the pan,” he announced. Larry said, “Not bad for a rookie, but I have two more for my count. That brings our total to four. We best get a couple more because I’m hungry and not feeling very polite, when it comes to sharing.”                                 

Al heard Larry holler at Jimmy, “Hey fisherman, you better catch a couple for lunch. If not you’re gonna be real hungry.” Jimmy responded with his usual nervous voice, “I’m trying real hard, honest I am.” A moment later, Larry heard Jimmy talking to himself. Larry asked, “Hey Jimmy what’s wrong? Don’t talk to yourself.” “Awe Larry,” Jimmy said, “Pretty sure I got my hook snagged on the bottom or something.” Through the cedars Larry said, “Hold on a minute there Jimmy, an extra set of hands might help, I’ll be right there.”

Larry was within ten feet of Jimmy when he saw him leaning out over the water. He was trying to free his line by moving his rod up and down the current and jerking it. Larry hollered for Jimmy to wait. As he did he heard the branch Jimmy was trusting for balance snap.

Jimmy Dances

Al said, “I’m going to find Jimmy, probably next door at Chuck’s, and talk to him about helping me out.” “I think it is a good idea,” Gracie said, “And I hear you and Larry are taking him fishing. You don’t know what that will do for that boy.”

Just as he thought, Al found Jimmy sitting on a stool at Chuck’s place. He sat on the stool next to him and asked Chuck for coffee. Jimmy seemed agitated and Al asked, “Jimmy, you seem kind of nervous. What’s the problem?” Jimmy fired back, “I don’t know, I’ve been kinda upset these past few days. I know it’s been a month or so since Ray left us. But, every time I walk by the paper and come here, I think of him. I just hope he’s doing okay.”

Turning on his stool, Al bent his head towards Jimmy, and whispered, “We’re gonna’ go fishin this Friday morning. Wanna go?” Jimmy exploded straight up and off his stool. In a flash he was up and dancing in a little circle and singing, “Gonna’ go a fishin’, gonna’ go a fishin’. Been a wishin’ and a wishin’, now I’m gonna’ go a fishin’. Goin fishing with Larry, Goin fishin’ with Larry. Gonna have me a shore lunch, fried taters and trout. Makes me so happy, think I’m gonna shout.”

Al sat on his stool laughing and Chuck came from the back to see what the commotion was. Jimmy was still dancing his little jig when Al grabbed him by the sleeve and asked him to sit down. Jimmy was like popcorn bouncing in a hot pan. Even when Al finally got him to sit, his legs were bouncing. Al said, “Now be ready and meet me here at five Friday morning. You don’t need to bring anything. Larry will have all the tackle.”

After the Funeral

Al took Gracie back home after the luncheon. She said to Al that she was exhausted and needed rest. Al spent the next four hours getting the paper run completed. The stock was fed into the press, printed, and then cut. The final step was to run the papers through the folding machine. With the paper run complete Al felt at ease.

Finished at the paper he walked through the front door of Chuck’s place and found him sitting at the counter. He walked around Chuck and behind the counter found a cup and poured a cup of coffee. Sitting next to Chuck, the two shared a minute of quiet. Al spoke up, “Gonna be kinda hard around here without him. Sure were a lot of folks at the funeral and the hall. I think Gracie is gonna be alright. It will take time, but I think she’s gonna be alright.”

Chuck sat in silence, staring down into his cup. He seemed to be in thought and asked Al in a very soft voice, “Do you really believe all that stuff about heaven, and seeing God? What about that stuff the preacher said? Is Jesus the only way to go to heaven? Why can’t people just be good loving folks and see God?”  “Wow,” Al said, “That’s a lot of questions. I’m not a preacher or a scholar in the Bible. I can only tell you about me, what happened to me. I know that I was so messed up. It was in believing that Jesus gave his life for me that brought me peace. I can’t speak for anybody else, but it was Jesus Christ that saved my life.”

Death Strikes Near

Chuck must have known something was wrong when Al burst in the front door. “It’s Ray,” Al said, “I just found him, he’s dead. Call Larry and get him over here and call Bill and see if he is anywhere near here. Tell them what has happened and I need them at the office. I am gonna have to go and tell Gracie. Dear God, how am I gonna do that?”

 Chuck was on the phone as Al went out the door. He went back into the office, standing at the old counter he put his elbows on the glass top and held his head in his hands, his whispered prayer was, “Lord, I need your help. Help me support Gracie. Help me to be strong for her. Lord, I have no idea about Ray and you, please be merciful.”

Within minutes Larry was standing next to Al inside the office. As they stood there Chuck came in the door and told them that Bill was on patrol and it would take him about ten minutes to get to town. He also said that nobody should touch the body. The three men walked around the desk and looked down at their friend.

Al said, “He wasn’t well a couple of days ago. He looked terrible and Gracie was trying to get him to the doctor. Yesterday he was doing better and he was sleeping in his chair when I went over.” Larry spoke up, “Has anybody been to the house? Somebody is gonna have to go and talk with Gracie.” Al said, “I’m going to go over in a few minutes, probably should wait for Bill to get here.”

The Demonic Attack Continues

As the images of the fishing trip clung to Al, the smoke scent went down the shower drain. Sitting in his chair in the cabin his mind was fixed on spending time with Ray, and now a new friend, Larry. As he sat, his mind went back to the conversation around the fire. “God has been good to me,” he thought. A wave of emotion began deep in his heart. He was watching Sarah, eating pizza with shrimp and wild mushrooms. How she was laughing while she tried to catch a shrimp before it fell out of her mouth.

 In seconds tears were cascading down his cheeks. As Sarah’s image left, Aunt Bee took her place. He thought of her love and the way she took care of him. He thought, “I never took the time to talk to her about the pain of what happened.”  As he sat, the last image was that of Mrs. Williams. He could hear her praying and weeping over Sarah. With his eyes still wet, he fell asleep.

            He woke up on the floor with the sadistic strobe lights flashing across his eyes. He struggled on his hands and knees to the side of the bed. Exhausted and soaked with sweat he crawled onto his bed. The lights continued their demonic rhythm as the pain descended, crushing his skull like a vice. Covering his head with his pillow, the intense pain caused him to thrash and little moans escaped from under the pillow.

Now with the nausea rising up in his throat he knew he had only moments to try to get into the bathroom. He took one step and fell against the side of his bed, landing between the bed and the front window. Crawling to the bathroom, he just made it to the toilet as a flash of light and a shot of white hot pain pushed the contents of his stomach into the bowl.

Dance of the Innocents

I closed my eyes as the gifted fingers of our pianist brought to life "Amy's Lullaby." With the world around me shut off I envisioned the lullaby. Jesus is standing on a hillside covered in a blanket of daisies. To his right the hillside slopes away and the flowers converge into a blanket of white, as bright as the purest snowfall. The daisies seem to be dancing as a gentle wind moves up the hillside. Up to his knees in the dancing and waving of the petals Jesus is smiling. He is not grinning or cracking a little smile, like one who is trying to be restrained or respectful. He is smiling with his mouth open wide, for all the world to see.

As the breeze moves and the petals dance I am captivated by the sound of giggles and laughter. It is the laughter of children, the music of the soul, giggles and squeaks, and the beautiful blending of the glee of boys and girls. Up the hillside they come, some running, some skipping, some falling and tumbling in the field of dancing flowers. Jesus is standing there with his arms outstretched, with such a smile that he is expecting all of the children to jump into his arms.

As the children run and dance and skip their way up the hill they take no notice of the language, color or clothing of their partner in the dance. There is no language in laughter, for it is universal, there is no disdain of clothes for all are wearing the same white, white as bright as the snow, the same white that Jesus is standing in. Theirs are the colors of every nation and every tribe that has ever graced the earth.

As they dance and laugh I can sense that these precious children are the Innocents. Fragile and helpless sons and daughters of the land. Innocent ones taken from the earth, from the arms of their mothers and the sheltering strength of their fathers. Taken by the evil design of men. Taken by the greed and envy and lust of those whose hearts are consumed with the thirst of power and rule.

Many of the dancing Innocents move towards Jesus and I can tell by the purity of their smile that they are laughing and dancing by the grace of God, as their lungs never filled and their feet never felt the earth. I know as a certainty that these that are dancing the Dance of the Innocents are so happy to see Jesus. They feel his embrace, their spirit, innocent and free does not sense the wrong that has been done and wish for the day that all mankind will join them in the Dance of the Innocents.

Staring Trout

Larry hollered over at Al and told him to drop the tailgate on Old Gettem-Up and get the plates and cups ready. Al got the plates ready and brought them over to the fire, setting them on the crate. Larry announced, “The best a man can eat will be ready in a minute.” Then he turned over the redskins and set the pan back. He turned over the trout and mumbled to himself, something about life, the river and food. The rest, neither of the men understood.

            “Grab a plate and enjoy,” Larry announced.  Ray and Al must not have been paying really close attention to the master chef as he utilized his culinary genius over the fire. When Al, plate in hand, was getting ready for his trout his surprise was evident. “What in the world did you do?” he said. “They still have their head. How we supposed to eat fish that are still looking at us?”

Larry started to laugh so hard he choked and had to take his pipe out of his mouth. Coughing out, “They may be staring, but they ain’t seeing. That’s the way we serve trout up here. You’re respecting his contribution to your life when you have to look him in the eye.” By this time Ray was laughing so hard he started to cough. Between the laughing and coughing tears were running down Ray’s cheeks. He said, almost choking, “I guess if it was up to a vote the eyes would have it.” In a second all three men were laughing, at each other, the trout and their sightless stare.

Al meets Nuttin and Butta

“Ok Willie,” Bill said, “Let’s get the hounds out and get started,” Willie opened the first door on the kennel and put a long leather lead on the first dog. Before he could even move to the second door the freed hound was pulling and tugging. With the lead on the second hound Willie reined them in and took them over to the abandoned car. Bill, about ten yards away, yelled at Willie, “Hey Willie, how bout you introducing your hounds to our members of the press.” In an instant Willie shot back, “All right, make fun of my hounds, but they are the best in the north.” And, Bill shot right back, “Cause they are the only blood hounds in the north.”

 Turning to Al and Ray, Willie said, “Now don’t make fun of my dogs. Both are males cause they have the best nose.” Pulling the larger of the two away from the car, Willie said, “The big boy here, he is Nuttin, the other boy, he is Butta.” Ray couldn’t contain himself and his barrel chest laugh echoed down the river. He replied, “I’ve heard it all, here we are a stone’s throw from Canada and we have a southern boy with hounds named, Nuttin and Butta.”

Willie announced, “I’m gonna let the boys work loose. That way I don’t have to keep up with em. Gonna let em get the scent from the car and let em go work.” Al asked, “Mind if I go along with you? I would love to watch Nuttin Butta.”

First Investigation

Al asked, “So, what’s up?”  “Well,” Ray answered, “I just got off the phone with the sheriff up in the town of Wausoneke. It seems like an elderly man went missing. They found his car by the river and no trace of him.” “Wausoneke,” replied Al, “Where in blue blazes is Wausoneke?”  Ray said, “What do you mean? You have been reading all the old papers, haven’t ya? It’s up on the river, close to fifty miles north of here. Over the years it’s been the spot of a few of the strange occurrences. We are going to meet the sheriff at the river, take pictures for him and wait around a while. Sometimes they call me to show up and just take pictures. Their cameras are junk. And, they know a professional when they see one.”

An hour later, Ray pulled the four wheel drive up next to the patrol car. The sheriff was standing down by the river tossing rocks into the swift current. With the wind picking up, Ray hollered out, “Hey Bill, don’t shoot me.” With that the sheriff turned around and said, “Now tell me Ray, it's dark out, how did you know it was me?” Laughing Ray said, “Well, I guess it could have been another officer, if he had stolen your cruiser. You are the only sheriff who drives car number 21, aren’t you? And, I get paid for paying close attention to details. Who knows, someday you might be famous around these parts.” With a laugh Bill said, “For an old fart, you’re pretty observant.”

Ray is on the edge

Ray almost spilled his coffee at Al’s remark. In an instant he poured out, “How in the hell do you aggravate a tumor? Aggravate a tumor, I never heard of such a thing. What are you supposed to do, walk around with a helmet on?” “Listen Ray,” Al said, “My life has been in God’s hands and it still is. God never promised me that I would be pain free or even tumor free. I know that He cares about what is going on. When it comes right down to it, my life is in His hands.”

Al could sense Ray struggling with what he just said. After a moment of silence he got up and brought the coffee pot back. Refilling their cups he said, “Listen Ray, what is the real problem here? You knew what happened to me, you knew about the dreams and the headaches. Why does this eat at you so much?”

Ray’s cup was jiggling on the chipped table top. As he was fumbling with the cup and for words, Al spoke up. “Ray, my friend, do you think for a second that I hold you responsible for what happened to me? Do you feel guilty about what happened? Remember, I asked for the assignment, I was the one who wanted to go, go and make a big name for myself. That was all me, not you.”

As Al finished, Ray moved a bit in his chair and looked at him. He was clearly lost for words and choked up. Clearing his throat, he said, “Al you don’t know how many nights I have tossed and turned with images of you strapped down inside that plane. Knowing that you were working for me, I felt responsible.”

People Just Vanish

As the sun was inching down in the valley, the reflection off Salmon Stream River was enchanting. It appeared as if thousands of diamonds were dancing on the surface. The evening was cooling off as Gracie, Ray, and Al each sat on a wicker chair on the porch. As folks walked by, Gracie or Ray greeted them and exchanged small pleasantries, mostly about the weather. Al picked the chair near the far end of the porch, somewhat hidden behind a mammoth spruce tree.

            Al asked, “So, what’s with the name of the paper? I never did get that figured out. I know enough of Latin to know it means something mysterious or weird, even freaky. Who in the world gave it that name?” Ray said to Gracie, “You give him the short answer and I’ll tell him later on.” At which time Ray lit another cigarette.

Gracie adjusted herself in her chair so she could look at Al a bit better and said, “Going back a couple of hundred years seems that this entire area has a history of strange events. Most of them connected to the river. The old timers tell stories of things they can’t explain. The library has local history books going back to the time of William Rogers. And, they tell stories that are pretty hard to understand.”

Al sat up in his chair a bit straighter as Gracie continued, “Some even say the Native Americans recorded strange things along the river.”  Al asked, “What do these stories all have in common? What ties them together, anything, or are they just different random events?” Gracie looked at Ray and he nodded, Gracie responded, “Seems that all the events have to do with people, young and old alike.” Al noticed that Gracie was obviously nervous about the conversation. He asked her, “So, what about people, and what is the rest of this about?” “People just vanish,” Gracie said.

Al believes his baby is in heaven.

Ray asked, “What happened later on, after you came back, I mean, you know, with your injury?” Al said, “I started having bad headaches. I never knew when they would hit me and for how long they’d last. And, then the nightmares started.” Al was hesitant to begin again. “I would have dreams where every second was playing back in slow motion. I could hear the explosions; I could see the little girl, her tears, and the dirt on her white shirt.” By this time Al was having difficulty talking and Ray cut in, “You don’t have to tell me again.” Al’s voice trailed off, “Dear God Ray, she just vanished right before my eyes.”

Al continued as Ray emptied his cup, “After I recovered and began the Northern Virginia gig, I went to D.C. to cover a protest. That is where I met Sarah. She was at the protest and we hit it off over coffee. It didn’t take long, and I was in deep, I fell for her really bad. All I had to do was close my eyes and I could see her hair blowing in the breeze. And she always smelled like Lilacs. We spent a lot of time together. The weekends on the coast were the best times in my life.”

 As he was talking about Sarah, it was easy for Ray to see just how much Al cared for her. Al asked, “Ray, do you believe in heaven?” Ray sputtered and asked, “Well I guess, I would like to think of such a place. We’ve both seen hell. Why do you want to know that?”  Al responded, “Sarah was going to have our baby. She decided she wasn’t ready to be a mother, so she ended the pregnancy. I believe I have a baby waiting for me in heaven.”

Al meets Popcorn Jimmy

            “Hey, you Al? I’m Jimmy,” Before Al could get up from the bench the young man was right in front of him. “I’m Jimmy, from Salmon Stream Crossing; you gotta be Al, right, nobody else around here.” Al replied, “Yea, I’m Al and I bet your first name must be Jimmy.” Al held his hand out and his first introduction to Salmon Stream Crossing grabbed his extended hand and shook it with gusto.

A torrent of words spilled out of Jimmy’s mouth, “Well I’ll be, face to face with a real-life hero and newspaper reporter. The folks up home are really looking forward to meeting you.” Al stood there trying to take in this first impression. Jimmy seemed to know only one speed, fast and somewhat reckless. In an instant he had grabbed Al’s bag and tossed it on the first bench seat. In one motion he had the front passenger door open and was swinging his arm, like he was trying to sweep Al into the van.

            Al got in the front seat and fastened his seat belt. Jimmy looked at Al and said, “You big city fellers wear them seat belts. I don’t ever wear em, I want to be able to jump out if I have to.” Bouncing  his rear on the driver’s seat, with one fluid move of his right arm he shifted the van into drive and hit the gas. “Man, I can’t believe it! You are really coming to the Crossing. Are you going to live in town? Where ya gonna stay? I know a place, rents cheap. O’man I still can’t believe it. Ray has been talking about you.”

Al’s head was shaking as Jimmy finished. Turning just a bit in his seat, he looked at Jimmy, already liking the kid, “Jimmy,” he said, “Do you always talk as fast as you drive? Do you have only one speed, that is, pedal down and hang on?”  Jimmy snapped his head around so fast it startled Al. “Awe man, I’m sorry, I did it again, Ray warned me, that I better get control of myself before I met you, forgive me man, I didn’t mean no harm.”

Grandma Edith

Entering the diner, Al turned to find Edith right behind him. He asked, “Would you like to join me? We can sit at the counter or a table?”  “The counter is just fine”, Edith said. The young waitress came from the other end of the counter and began to ask Al what he wanted. Edith spoke up, “Oh excuse me for being forward, but I think I know what my friend wants. I think he likes his coffee strong and black, along with a piece of peach pie, if the crust is made the old fashioned way, with lard.” 

Al turned his head so fast to look at Edith he almost fell off the stool. He asked, “How in the world did you know that was the way I liked my coffee? And, what about peach pie, with the crust made with lard, was I talking in my sleep or something?” Edith snickered at Al’s remarks and just very politely said, “I could just tell by looking at you, you’re the kind of young man that likes the basics in living and nothing more basic that strong black coffee and peach pie.”

The two sat quiet for the next few minutes. Al drank his first cup of coffee and ate his pie.  Edith sipped at her English Breakfast Tea and nibbled at her piece of rye toast. As Al was nearly done Edith turned on her stool, looked right at him and said, “You know, Al, I can see in your eyes a great love, but I also see seasons of great pain and suffering.”

A Tender Heart Confesses

Reverend Williams took Al’s hand and said, “We’re gonna pray in a minute, but there is something you need to hear from me.”  Al could see tears beginning to form. “You know, you saved my son’s life. I know that you didn’t even know it at the time, but that doesn’t change what God allowed to happen. You saved his life so he could save the lives of  those precious children in the orphanage.”

Neither Al, nor Mrs. Williams, could look at the massive preacher choking back soul cleansing tears.  He continued, “Nobody but God knows this, but I was mad at God for allowing my Joey to be taken from us. In Joey we saw the promise of God touching the lives of our dear people. When God allowed him to be taken I was mad, mad at God and mad at the world.”

 As the words were penetrating the souls of Al and Mrs. Williams, Al watched the wife of this massive man of faith, as she choked back her own pain. “Al,” Reverend Williams said, “That time of being mad at God ended when you came to us and I began to understand His ways. You are my son now. You will always be a part of us and I hope we will always be a part of you.”

A Son's Last Letter Home

 She said, “That is the last letter my Joey wrote to us. He wrote it just three days before he was killed. There is a part of the letter I want you to read.” Al said, “No, I don’t think I should be reading your son’s letter. It is far too private for me to read.” She replied, “The man who saved my son’s life is now part of our life. Please do this for me.”

Al opened the envelope, with the care that what he was holding in his hands was close to holy script and took out the letter. The salutation jumped out at Al. It read, “Dearest Mum and Pa”. Instantly Al recognized the intimacy and tried to hand the letter back to Mrs. Williams. She refused his offer and said, “Skip down to the middle of the page where it starts with; I know God has a plan.”

 Al found the sentence and began to read what followed. Along with the intimacy of the letter Al noticed that her son had printed it.  He thought, not too many young men have the patience to print their thoughts. The visible thoughts of her son went on. “I know God has a plan for my life, just like He does for all life. Living among the people here, knowing their struggles and trials, I believe that I am a much better man for being here. Yes, I have witnessed far too much death and brutality, so do most people living here. But, I have also seen the hand of God. The reporter who saved my life, he had no idea what was going to happen that day. But, God used him, for my benefit and I believe in some time to come for the good of many more people. I wonder how he is doing?”

At the last line, Al’s hands were trembled and tears were flowed freely. The bedroom door opened and Reverend Williams, standing at the end of the bed, understood within seconds what had taken place. Al’s trembling hands held out the letter to Mrs. Williams. Taking the letter from his hands she held it close to her chest as if she was cradling her newborn son. Slowly she folded the thin airmail paper and slid it back into the envelope. As if she was saying goodbye, her frail fingers tucked the flap inside the envelope. Quietly she glanced up at her husband and placed her hand on top of the letter.

An Old Cigar Box

“Would you please go into the other office and get the box?”  Al looked puzzled as she got up and came back carrying an old Dutch Masters cigar box.

Mrs. Williams stood in front of Al holding the old cigar box. One of her hands was under the box and the other was across the top. Then she said, “All of your friends gathered up a gift for you.” Stretching out her frail hands Mrs. Williams handed Al the old cigar box. Al’s hand rested on hers for a moment and they both sat down on the squeaky sofa.

Reverend Williams said, “We are not really sure how much the trip north will cost, but this should help.” Al opened the old cigar box to find a mixture of coins and paper money. A few folded and crumpled bills were atop the coins. As Al held onto the box his hands shook and his lip quivered as he tried to talk. Mrs. Williams took Al’s hand, causing the cigar box to slip on his lap. Reverend Williams said, “I didn’t count the money and tomorrow we will go to the bus terminal and find out how much the ticket is.”

Back at the Williams’ home, Al sat on the edge of the bed, with the cigar box next to him. He opened the box and tuned it upside down. He pulled the bills out and very carefully, almost cautiously, straightened them out and positioned each one facing the same. After he had each bill straight he counted them, nineteen dollars in all, a five-dollar bill and fourteen single dollar bills.

Soon and Very Soon

Nearing the end of the service Reverend Williams seemed to be enraptured. He said, “Someday King Jesus is going to return to this old earth and make all things right and peace shall reign.” No sooner had those words left his mouth, Mrs. Williams began playing, “Soon and very soon we are going to see the King, Soon and very soon we are going to see the King.” Most of the folks in the gathering didn’t know the song, but they sure enjoyed Reverend Williams singing. He was as joyous as they had ever heard him.

 He had no sooner finished that song when Mrs. Williams went right into, “Some glad morning when this life is over, I’ll fly away.”  Most of the folks knew that song, and they began singing, clapping and smiling. Al was smiling as he watched his friends, some dressed in rags, unshaven, unwashed, and uncaring about the world outside Agape Station. And he thought, “How great it would have been to witness this wonderful Godly black preacher with his rural congregation.”

It took a few minutes for things to settle down in that converted grocery store. The blessing and glory of God lingered for some time. Even then, Al was looking around at the gathering and most were still smiling and enjoying the afterglow. With a wave of his hand Reverend Williams got the attention of the folks and brought the focus back to the front of the hall. He said, “Folks, I need your attention. Now listen up. Not that long ago the Lord brought a man to us, into our life and into the lives of all of you. Al, come on up here.”

Knowing What is Right

Al asked Reverend Williams, “How do I know what the right thing to do is? How do I know the voice of God?”  Reverend Williams replied, “At times it is hard to understand the voice of God. Some people look for signs from God. Other people think God will openly talk to them. I have found that when I look at the circumstances that surround a situation and pray earnestly about the options the Lord has a way of giving me light.”

Shifting his position, Reverend Williams’ continued, “Now, Al, take this place. We’ve told you about Joey wanting to have a place of love and redemption. It was just days after we buried him it was plain to me and the Mrs. what we were supposed to do. I was happy being a pastor in the country. I loved the folks and most of them loved me.” At that point he chuckled and continued, “You see son, in our heart we knew that this was the right thing to do.”

Al was focused on the words of wisdom coming from a Godly man who had witnessed the blending of faith and real life decisions. Reverend Williams continued, “You will do the right thing if, you clearly look into your heart, understand your passion, and then the direction you sense, is the right thing. Your sense of the right thing is the right thing. Commit it to God, He cares for you and he has brought you this far. He is not going to leave you alone and if you make a mistake, big deal, every person who does something makes a mistake. The only person who never makes a mistake is the lazy slug that does nothing.”

Pain and Praying

 He looked at her and said, “I was going to be a dad. Sarah was gonna have a baby but thought it best to end the pregnancy. She told me she wasn’t ready to be a mother.” As the words come out of Al’s mouth Mrs. Williams seemed to bear the words on her shoulders. She began to slump, with her head bowed low as if to pray.

Al heard her praying, it was not like other times. This time as she prayed it was as if she was in a great struggle. As if she was battling a great hidden force, a force that even claimed her right to pray.  “Precious Father,” she said, “Giver of life, Author of creation, a great evil is befalling our land. You just heard your son talk of the life he fathered being blown out like a candle. I fear our land is coming to the edge of a great cliff and if we take another step, we are lost. How can we be at the place where we say it is fine, our right, to kill a precious life within us? Father, please forgive Sarah for such a decision. I know her mind has been blinded by the spiritual influences of selfishness and ignorance. I know she wouldn’t have destroyed her child if she had only known that her baby was a gift. Dear Father, forgive her.”

            Al listened as she was still praying. Now her voice was whispered and hardly able to be heard. Sitting close to her he placed his arm around her shoulder as if to support her in her struggle with angelic and demonic forces. She continued to pray for quite some time. When she finally looked up at Al, she looked tired and drained. Her face was wet with tears and she hesitated to talk. “Dear Al,” she said, “I am so afraid for our land. We tell children they can’t pray in school, that it isn’t right to talk about God in public. And, now our country is going to allow the killing of innocent babies.”

In her whispered voice, she continued, “Mark my words, it won’t be months from now and killing the innocent unborn will be the law of the land. I have heard and listened to young women who don’t want to be tied down. I talked with women who have been victims of rape and abuse and my heart breaks for them. I ask them to bring their child into the world and give her child as a gift to a childless couple. They tell me that it is a wonderful idea but that I don’t understand. I am not going to judge Sarah for what she did, that is over and past. Let’s remember that the Good Lord is the giver of all life.”