Abigail’s 40 Days

My next novel…

Here is a sneak peek, from an early draft, of my story “Abigail’s 40 Days”. The story revolves around the “so-call” rumors that Jesus rose from the dead. There’s been several sightings, but Abigail doubts as her mission is to find who killed her brother. Join her as she lives through a time when the early church was being established.

I had never seen Nathanael so worked up.

“I heard from the other disciples that the guards watching over Jesus’s tomb had been given a large sum of money to claim we disciples stole the body under the darkness of night.” Nathanael’s voice filled with rage as perspiration beaded on his forehead.

Joanna and Silas had been in a deep conversation when they had become aware of Nathanael frustration. Even Mary had finished her cleaning as the last of the clanging pans where hung on the wall. All three joined us where we stood.

“What has you so concerned Nathanael.” Silas put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Calm down, brother, can we pray about the problem?”

I saw Nathanael turn a shade of red.

He stopped pacing. “I’m sorry friends. Sometimes I get angered over the injustice shown to us Jews. I just do not understand the rumors and lies that are building up over Jesus’s resurrection.”

Silas broke out in laughter. “My dear friend, it is not every day a dead man returns to life. Some think Jesus caused great problems for the priests while He was on the earth. Can you image what they think He will do now that He has come back to life?”

Prayer

It’s quiet here where slice of day

finds its courage to slowly blink, as

birds fluff their dry feathers from dust;

which forms mini clouds in hot sun.

The stalks of corn bow low to cracked

earth unable to perspire due to drought.

It’s quiet here where dollops of doubt

find its way into corners of the heart;

tears flow, drip down once dry cheeks

which pool in trembling, empty hands.

The God of almighty resources waits-

for those hands to stretch towards Him.

It’s quite here where a pinch of hope

finds it’s way into the doubting soul,

as prayers rise like incense to the One

to whom clouds, man and all were formed.

The blessed hope lies in power of prayer

not in the fragile strength, or pride of man.

“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” Mark 11:24

Magnolia

How tight plum petals cling,
like lids of a sleeping babe.
Now, dew drops drizzle down
stiff foliage, as tears shed
from battered, broken heart.
How slowly the bud unfolds,
like those of butterfly wings!
Then slowly does the bloom
retreat, and falls back to earth,
one day to stir a new rebirth.

“… be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4;22-24

Skunk Cabbage

Perennial pearled plant;
what a hooded wonder!
One, mild maroon model
striking solitary spadix,
fleshy petal-less posy;
wading at winter’s end.

Wetland wonder, most
native animals avoid,
bitter is your tasty bite.
Roots dangle deep about
melting spring streams;
my steps silently stirred.

One seeks, the changing
warmth of coming season,
as your color unveils a
common green growth!
Snow has passed, the bud
now faded and too it’s work!

Today, I went a-wandering
along woodland lane pressing
path; to seek a single slice
wondering of this rare plant.
Your passion in frozen earth,
ever melting spring’s snow.

The leader lifts its face!

“For behold, the Lord is coming out of His place; He will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. The mountains will melt under Him, And the valleys will split like wax before the fire, like waters poured down a steep place.”
Micah 1:3-4

Last Quilt Challenge: Facing Your Fears

For this challenge, I chose the trails of the world. Grief, pain, suffering, war and the unknown. I used these verses as my inspiration:

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not grasp it.” John 1:4-5

Knowing that through the darkest trials that we may face, Jesus is the Light. Thanks for the great challenges!

https://kimlapacek.com/2023/03/14-6-conquer-a-fear-challenge-6-of-project-quilting-season-14.html

Goodbye Winter

Drip, drip, drip

down the ivy lattice;

past the butterfly haven

and onto my frozen garden.

Snoozing, snoozing

are the tiny purple crocus;

nestled with bulgy tulip bulbs

in rock solid soil stiffer than ice.

Drip, drip, drip

are dangling wet icicles;

all pooling atop the mounds

gathering crystals in the snow!

Snoozing, snoozing

on my comfortable bed,

pup curled at my frozen feet,

just waiting for the drip, drip, drip;

March melting once again!

Spring’s Cleaning

“From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’”
Matthew 4:17

Clouds veil the sky;
it’s the first of March
cheery birds in grey
sky; passing winter
spring comes slowly,
steadily, with stealth.

Crows call, call,
endlessly calling
geese on the wing
destination north;
honk, honking,
honking high in sky.

Patches of snow
puddle, dirt rising
resembles sin;
unclean hearts
unlike lives
unrepentant sin.

Spring comes
with the geese,
with melting snows,
it’s grey, cloudy skies;
and spring cleaning.
Consider life’s purpose.

Trapezoid Tote

My reverse Trapezium bag made from scraps and stash. The bottom piece is from my last project and the back piece was a leftover from an Operation’s Christmas Child sundress. The only thing new is the batting. I’ve just run out due to all these wonderful challenges ☺️

Big enough for a Bible!