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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: River (08/31/06)
Once in a dream, I found myself in a lush garden of many wonders, to stand and watch a beautiful fountain of multi-colored stone. Clear as polished diamonds, the water rained down over many layers to fill great pools of sculpted forms, and finaly spill into a small pond at its base, carved from the living rock of the earth. From there streams formed to run outward, building into turbulent rivers as it passed beyond the garden's edge.

As I followed their course in my vision, some to run through fertile plains, farm lands of grain and fruit baring trees, then on to great forest that covered the world. Yet others dwindled in muddy sand and desert rock, soil cracked and broken. Ground that swallowed the life giving water without a trace. Hills alive with growth, and the wastes deprived of even the slightest drink.

Where my heart had shouted for pure joy in the presence of the garden, soared with hope in the fields of plenty, it wept for the lost in the dead-lands. Here I saw the worth of man's life, both the blessed vine and the withered branch, as a moment of pleasure turned to barren horror of nightmares. My soul wept for the clear water's flow, and I longed to return to the beauty of the crystal streams.

There once more, I beheld a sight of sorrow, as the Creator appeared above the fountain, tears pouring out like rain. I saw what had been held back from me at the first, the depth of the life giving waters. For the River of Live flows outward from the emotions of the Father's heart, both the joyful love, and endless sorrow for His creation.

The torment within my soul was over-powering as I realized His greatest pain was my own lack of faith in His willingness to guide me. For I was that barren land without life, wasting up His blessing without remorse. My tears mixed with those of my Lord and King, freely flowing now, in rivers of joy for His forgiveness.
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This article has been read 1646 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Donna Haug
09/07/06
Truly our reactions to the Father's blessings determine their effect on our lives. Quite the word picture to think of the Father's tears being the source of the fountain and stream.
Marilyn Schnepp 
09/08/06
Beautiful ideas formed in your dream of God's tears and sorrow; I beieve it should be "fruit bearing"...instead of baring. However, a beautiful picture of God's love. Nicely done.
david grant
09/08/06
loved this line " For the River of Live flows outward from the emotions of the Father's heart, both the joyful love, and endless sorrow for His creation." Great work.
Jan Ackerson
09/11/06
What a beautiful illustration of sinfullness and redemption!
Deborah Bauers
09/11/06
As I read this, I am reminded of a passage of scripture that talks about God capturing our tears in a bottle. How blessed we are that our tears can flow freely as we realize the magnitude of His forgiveness. Very thought-provoking piece.
Crista Darr
09/11/06
This piece inspires a vision within me. I see a parallel with "I am the Vine, you are the branches." God's saving, healing tears of compassion are the Living Waters. We, His people, are the streams that flow from Him. So, I wonder about the land I dwell in and the people I live with - are they being nourished by the Living Waters flowing through me? Thanks for writing this. I am truly blessed.
Joanne Sher 
09/11/06
Wonderful word pictures. I especially loved the last paragraph. This was SO visual! Great job!
Donna Powers
09/12/06
Very lovely description. It painted a vividly poignant scene. I was very moved by this. Thank you for sharing it
Sharlyn Guthrie
09/12/06
What a beautiful picture! Thanks for sharing it!
Joanne Malley
09/12/06
I loved the vision of God's tears filling up the streams and riverbeds. My favorite line was where you speak of your heart that wept for the lost in the dead-lands. The sorrow over lost people can surely fill up many oceans. Beautiful descriptions and very well done. Compact and to the point. Bravo! :)