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Jasmine Ruigrok
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Home Archive for September 2011
Memorizing Scripture is important, and I must say I have not paid as much heed to it as I should have. However lying in bed one night not long ago, and dreaming up story plots in my mind reminded me of just how important it is. What if your memory was all that you had?

I had woken up in a cold empty house. The colour was greyscale; like the disturbing parts of a movie where the town/house is abandoned, pieces of newspaper blown across the empty landscape, posters faded and torn, shutters flapping eerily in the ghostly breeze. I remember waking up out of my bed, panicked. For some reason, I ran across the room to where a computer sat, veiled with dust. With shaking hands, and heart beating hard against my ribs, I turned on the computer and waited for it to load. As I sat there, the computer screen suddenly flashed to life, and automatically began compiling a list. I began reading down the column, and I realized it was listing all the people I knew online. A sense of horror made me jerk back in my chair, as next to each name, a red word flashed: deceased.

I leaped from the computer chair, knocking it over. Fear clutching at my throat, it's chill in my heart. I rushed for the door and out into the street. I couldn't find a living soul, no matter how many houses and shops I ran into. It was as though every single person I knew had vanished into thin air. I ran and ran, but I could find no one. I was completely and utterly alone.

Somehow I ended up standing on a street corning, hugging my Bible. It was digging into my ribs painfully, I was holding it so tight. My mind was numbed, and the pain of the edge of the Bible kept throbbing as I clutched it. Suddenly the pain slackened, and I looked down. The breeze that had been tossing the newspaper about had caught my Bible, and as I watched with ever increasing horror, my Bible began to dissolve. No matter how hard I hung onto it, my Bible began to crumble in my hands, turning to ash that the wind bore away mercilessly. The heartless whipping wind eventually whisked the last of the ash from my hands, and my arms were empty. I did not even have the comfort of Scripture to help me through this horrific disaster.

As I watched the last of the ash take to the overcast sky, my fear increased. I could not remember a single verse. All I had left was God to cling to, yet I could not recall a single promise in His Word. I had neglected to memorize it whilst I had it, and now it was gone. All that I would have had could have been inside my mind, but I did not take heed. I did not keep His Words constantly before my eyes. And now I no longer had a link to my Father in heaven. I was lost. Completely lost and alone.

The fear was something so tangible I felt it was suffocating. No, it was consuming me: I was turning to ash; I could feel the fear tearing at my very soul as I gasped...

...and woke up. I rolled over in bed; my Bible was on my bedside table. Never had it's black leather cover looked so inviting. As I turned on my lamp, the golden words "Holy Bible" leaped out at me, beckoning. I took it in my hands, opening it. And with thankfulness in my heart...

...I began to read.

~*~*~*~
Blessings Overflow
By BushMaid
~*~*~*~

No words my tongue can find to voice,
No thoughts that I can say;
My heart so full I can't keep still -
God's praise I must display.

My cup so filled, it overflows - 
Such joy I can't believe.
These blessings great that fill my life,
I dared not hope receive.

Unworthiness! My soul cries out,
Of all that You bestow.
How is it that You think of me,
So way down here below?

Your glory I can't comprehend,
Your grace: can't bear to see:
Such mercy I can't understand
You pour out onto me.

There's no way I could find the words
Of gratefulness to say.
So on my knees I praise You, Lord,
For what You give this day.
~
I am the alone one. The one who is sitting in the far corner of the cafe with no one else. I am the girl who hides her world behind her sunglasses. I am the one who keeps her head down as she walks the streets. I am the one your gaze passes over as you glance around a crowded room. I am alone in my own world. No one ever sees me. Nobody notices me. I am silent. I am the invisible one.

I pull my dark jacket closer, and shift on my chair. My clothes are different. My hair is different. All my looks are different. I am the plain one. The one who sticks out, and yet goes unnoticed. I am not the same as everyone else. Yet everyone else all seem the same. They are different, but I am more so. I am the odd one.

From the safety of my dark glasses, I watch. I observe. I listen. I am the ignored one as people mill around me, and as I am ignored, they are watched. Watched by the very one they don’t even bother to see. People are curious beings, and yet they frighten me. Their bold clothes, their proud looks, and their hurrying steps as they rush about their perfect lives; all of them so much the same, yet all of them so different. So many numbers, but all unique. They are strange ones.

I study their faces from behind my glasses so they cannot detect my scrutiny. My mind ponders their features. Why does that person frown so? Is he worried? Frustrated? What about that lady - why does she smile so cryptically? Does she know a secret? Is she pleased about something? My gaze jumps to each new passing face and my mind evaluates them at high speeds. So many people, but one me. The watchful one.

A lone person meets my probing eyes, and my heart leaps. Do they know me? Have they guessed my game? Why do they look at me so? Before I can panic, they break into a smile and greet a person coming their way. I relax. It was not me. How could it have been me? I am nobody, I tell myself. The unknown one.

I see a girl my age get up and leave her table, slinging her handbag over her shoulder. What if for a moment I could swap my life for hers: that I would leave the cafe in her shoes, walking her life? Where would I be going? Would I have a home, or a family? Would I be meeting friends I didn’t have, or going to a school I didn’t know? Would she like sitting as I am: watching time flow past in a river of different faces? No, I say to myself. She would not. She would not be content with my lot: the solitary one.

At last I bring myself to leave the safety of my unshared table; the safe mask of my sunglasses firmly in place, protecting my eyes from the curious glances of the strange people I would mingle with. With a confidence I don’t feel, I hold my bag close to my side and begin walking through the mall, my eyes darting here and there at the multitude of passing faces. All of them: same, but different. None of them me. How could they be? I am the only one. And as I walk through the crowd, though I am surrounded by my fellow people, I am alone. Watchful, invisible, silent, unknown - I am the alone one.
We went to our town's show this weekend. (Australian equivalent to American fairs) My siblings and I have been going to the yearly show for as long as we can all remember, and our parents went as children before us! I love traditions. There is so much to see and do there, and it's very exciting!

The scent of showground food lingers in the air the second you step out of the car mixed with the smell of horses and cattle. Dust kicks up around your feet as you walk across the well trodden grass. People wander past carrying huge stuffed animals from the side ally games. Hot dog stands are dime a dozen, and music peals out of every booth. The loudspeaker blares with the sound of the announcer's voice, heralding the next event. Rides spin in crazy circles, and the screams of their riders' fill the air with excitement. It's enough to bring a grin to your face as you gaze delightedly at the multitude of sights.

We went to the pavilion first where all the art, cooking and craft exhibits were. A few of our friends won prizes for their cooking. Some of the cakes were spectacular! Even had a cake that looked like my favourite hat. I of course made a beeline for the art corner. The arts have dwindled over the years, but there were still some very beautiful pieces. Art judges make rather peculiar choices in winners, so I didn't really agree with their choices, but I loved looking at the various works and their mediums. As a pencil drawer myself, I can very much appreciate a painting since I find it so difficult. There were some gorgeous photography too. I must remind myself to enter some pieces next year... like I tell myself every year!

Here's a photomanipulation I did during some spare time on a verse I found intriguing.


You can also see it in the HolyWorlds Art Gallery. =)
Some thoughts on paper. A late night and a heavy heart coupled with a blank notebook page creates things.

~*~*~*~
My Burden
By BushMaid
~*~*~*~

Lashing words that wound like darts,
Bruising looks and crushing hearts.

Bitter truths and hurtful plies,
Burdened souls and sorrowed eyes.

Cutting thoughts and biting acts,
Losing sight of friendship pacts.

Anger and hostility
No thought for humility. 

Sleepless nights of anguished tears,
Mourning for their hurting peers.

Trying to get through each day:
Aching heart - must stop and pray.

Stressful mind and worried frown,
Quivering lips with eyes cast down.

All afraid to show their face;
Scared to show each other grace.

Mighty Hand and Words of Life,
One I know can end this strife.

On my knees I wage a war - 
Knocking at my Master's door.

Ready with my Sword of Prayer,
I know God is working there.

Healing wounds that once did bleed,
Being all the help they need.

Mending hearts and lifting souls;
Fixing breaks and filling holes.

Look to Jesus and you'll see,
How a servant's heart should be.

Trusting Him with all my cares,
Knowing that He hears my prayers.

Prayers for hearts of purity,
Prayers for minds of unity.

Prayers for joy and prayers for peace;
Prayers that all discord would cease.
~

Psalm 133:1, Romans 15:5
Ok, so I guess I should probably explain that incomprehensible title. I am excited! Why? Because a very good friend of mine from HolyWorlds is about to publish her first book! I had the great honour and pleasure of being a test reader for Aubrey Hansen's book, "Red Rain" which is due to release tomorrow.


And it gets better! I have pre-ordered a signed copy! *cue the happy spazzy dance all the way around the room*

So! This is only a short post, but if you would like to learn more about this wonderful book and its awesome author, head on over to her blog, and visit the "Red Rain" page!
Second story in the 100 Theme Challenge. 98 to go...

Word #2: Complicated

~*~*~*~
Behind Bars
By BushMaid
~*~*~*~

A figure crouched in the dark shadows of the building. Though the streetlights lit up most of the street, their light did not reach him in the alleyway, where the night held a multitude of secrets. Dressed completely in black, he watched the building across the street, his eyes darting about nervously. He let his fingers run over the cold metal of the pistol he carried, trying to calm his shaking hands. This was his first assignment, and he was afraid. He had never done this before, and he hoped everything would go smoothly. He eyed his watch, also hoping that his teammates would turn up soon.

The gravel of the nearby sidewalk was crunched underfoot, and the figure pinned himself against the wall, shrinking away from the light at the end of the street. He held his breath as an ordinary business man made his way past, unaware of him watching. Just as the young man relaxed, a hand suddenly shot out of the blackness and clamped over his mouth. Fear and panic flooding his mind, his knees sagged and he slid down the wall. Discovered!

A deep chuckled brought him to his senses, and the second figure pulled down his balaclava revealing a set of gleaming white teeth, grinning devilishly.

“Scare you, Joe?” His smug voice asked.

Joe tore the hand away from his mouth contemptuously. “Mick, you fool!” He rasped out. “I could have shot you!”

Mick continued to chuckle as he kicked a metal object on the ground. “It would have been difficult without your gun.” He flashed another grin at Joe’s discomfort.

Snatching up the gun scowling, Joe wiped the water from the barrel before concealing it inside his jacket. “Where’s Clive? Why isn’t he here?”

“He’ll get here when he gets here,” Mick answered, serious now as he pulled the balaclava back up over his face. He produced a similar pistol and, withdrawing a cylindrical tube from his pocket, Mick proceeded to screw the silencer on the end of the stubby barrelled automatic.


Here is the second runner up story from the story competition. Congratulations, Ashley! Well done!

~*~*~*~
Dance
By Ashley M.
~*~*~*~

“It’s a shame you have to stand here alone like this.”

The young woman did not turn to see who was addressing her, but kept her eyes on her sister as she spun gracefully.

“It would truly be a shame if I were to embarrass myself by doing anything else.”

“Then I suppose you would turn me down if I were to ask you to dance with me.”

At this she turned, one eyebrow raised. “Well you’re certainly not shy. And why, might I ask, would I accept such an offer from a perfect stranger?”

He laughed. “That I cannot answer.”

She smiled slightly as she turned her attention to her sister once more. “Sarah would be disappointed if she learned I've stood watching all evening.” She studied her sister’s joyous expression for a moment before turning back to the young man beside her.

“I suppose I couldn’t turn you down if you were to ask.”

His blue eyes twinkled as he bowed slightly, smiling. “May I?”

She nodded, and they walked out into the room.

The young woman found herself dancing not nearly as badly as she had feared. She stumbled once or twice, but the tall, smiling stranger before her didn't seem to mind.

“So what brings you here? I can’t say that I have seen you before.”

“An old friend,” the man replied. “I don’t think you would know him. I haven’t seen him in years, but he invited me here for a visit. Unfortunately I must depart tomorrow.”

“A friend you say? But I know nearly everyone around. I would have thought we would have been properly introduced.”

“He’s not one for introductions. I don’t think you’d like him very well anyway.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Most people don’t really want him around. I must admit, I wasn’t sure how to handle him at first. I thought he would drive me mad. But you learn to see the good in people. In fact, he has taught me to enjoy life.”

“Sounds like an interesting person.”

“Indeed.”

With the conversation, she had nearly forgotten her dancing, but the temptation to feel self-conscious nagged at her as she saw her sister, beautiful as always.

“Is there a problem?”

“Not really. Only that I’m afraid I may be wasting your time.”

“Quite the opposite. I have enjoyed myself very much this evening. Thank you.”

The music came to an end, and he bowed, then turned to leave.

“You must at least tell me your name before you go.”

He smiled sadly, looking distantly at the night that had fallen. “It matters not. In a week’s time you will have forgotten.” He looked her in the eye as he continued. “You have my gratitude, however little it is worth, Elizabeth. I had hoped this evening would help me to forget, at least for a time, all that is to befall me. Indeed, my last day here has been hard. I am pleased that someone has given out of their time to help a poor soul such as mine.”

She would have questioned his words, had he not bowed again and left before she could make sense of any of it.

“Who was that, Liz?” Sarah stood nearby her younger sister, watching the young man leave.

“That is a very good question.”
~

Here is the first runner up entry of the story competition. Congratulations, Jonathan!

~*~*~*~
A Different Kind of Snake
By Jonathan Garner
~*~*~*~

At first Jessica thought the knocking sound was her father’s foot tapping as he played guitar. She smiled as he played. But when he finished the song, she heard the knocking sound again.

Someone was at the door.

Jessica remembered when they used to welcome visitors. Her mom had always been a charming hostess, and now her mom was dead, but that wasn’t the only reason few visitors came to their country home any more.

Her dad put the guitar in its case and went into the hall. When he returned, Jessica felt as cold as the barrel of the shotgun he held. Silently, she followed her dad to the front door, knowing what to do.

Six feet from the door, her dad stopped and raised the shotgun. Jessica walked to the door, and with her hand shaking, turned the dead bolt. As the door swung open, she hid behind it.

She had done this many times before. They never looked to see who was at the door, because the people they were afraid of would look normal, so they wouldn’t be able to tell who was good and who was evil.

All the other times, it had turned out to be someone good. There had been no gunblast. She closed her eyes, praying that this would be like those times.

Then the gunblast came.

She heard a gasp and the sound of a body tumbling off the porch onto the ground. She was too scared to cry. Besides, she was sixteen, a young woman, not a little girl.

“Daddy?” she whispered.

“Close the door and lock it,” he said softly.

She did as she was told.

“Now,” her dad said. “There’s going to be at least one other man around back. You stay here in the hall where there are no windows, and I’ll go see.”

Jessica nodded.

Her dad headed down the hall and out of sight. A moment later, she heard a shotgun blast, followed by several pistol shots, and finally another shotgun blast.

Then silence.

She started slowly down the hall, terror and curiosity getting the best of her. Her dad appeared in the hall in front of her, holding his side, his hand red with blood.

“You’re hurt!” she cried.

“He got me once.” Her dad grimaced. “But I’ll live, if I get treated soon enough. He’s beyond the help of doctors.”

“I’ll call the police and an ambulance.”

“You know we can’t trust the police, at least not until the government has decided whether I’m a hero or a villain. As for an ambulance, the phone’s out. I checked. They must have cut the line.”

“We’ll have to drive to town, then.”

Her dad started to nod, then his face grew pale and he toppled to the floor.

“Daddy!” She ran to him and knelt by his side.

“I’m fine,” he whispered. “Just hurt worse than I thought. I guess I won’t be driving.”

“I can ride Strider to the Williams’ house.”

“No. There might be another man.”

“It’s the only chance. Otherwise you’ll die.”

Her dad sighed. “All right. Just be careful. I’ll go with you outside.”

“But you can’t--”

“I can do whatever it takes to make sure you’re safe.”

Her dad slowly got to his feet and started down the hall, holding the shotgun with one hand and leaning against the wall with the other. Blood dripped onto the ground.

“Let me bandage the wound,” Jessica said.

“No, I’ll do that once you’re gone.”

“But--”

“Oh, just so you know, the papers the government wants are in a secret compartment in the guitar case.”

“I’ll remember that.”

Her dad made it to the back porch. A dead man lay on the ground nearby.

“I’ll cover you,” her dad said. “Be careful.”

Jessica nodded and stepped off the porch, then ran across the yard to the barn. Inside, she quickly saddled Strider, the family’s beloved horse, whom her mom had chosen and named long ago.

As she rode Strider out of the barn, she heard another shotgun blast, and saw a man nearby topple to the ground.

“Go!” her dad cried.

She urged Strider to speed up, and he galloped across the yard and onto the trail that led through the woods to the Williams’ house. Near the end of the three-mile-long trail, she slowed Strider down.

A figure burst out of the woods, and she screamed. But as the figure pointed a gun at her, another figure appeared behind the first and shot him in the back. The other figure was Tom, the Williams’ eighteen-year-old son.

Jessica brought Strider to a halt on the trail.

“I heard the gunshots and knew what they meant,” Tom said. “Then I saw a stranger go through our yard and get on the trail to ambush you.”

Jessica stared at the gun. “Is that your family’s snake-killing revolver?”

“Yeah. I just killed a different kind of snake today.”

“I didn’t want you or your family to get involved in this.”

“I know. But we’re not afraid. We know your dad is doing what’s right by holding the government accountable for what they did. Soon the government will realize they can’t get away with it, and throw a few people in jail. Suddenly your dad will be a hero. If he survives. We keep telling your dad to let us help guard you two. Maybe he’ll listen now.”

“Oh, you know him.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “Anyway, I need to call an ambulance. I just hope this is all over soon.”

“I hope so, too. But until then, our family will stand with yours, and God will watch over you and your dad.”

Jessica nodded. “And the truth about my mom’s death will finally come out.”
~
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Why hello! This blog is a scrapbook of my stumbling along in the footsteps of my Saviour-Friend, Jesus. This long obedience in the same direction of knowing and loving God is the most amazing, crazy adventure, and I'm so excited to share it with you! So whilst I put the kettle on for coffee, feel free to explore these pages. Thankyou for stopping to sit a while with me in His presence. It's where the journey begins.

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