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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Appointment (02/09/12)
The hard winter was finally over and spring had come to Paradise Valley. Crocker Daily could think of no better way to spend this lovely day than sitting on the river bank with Rosa Heaton, their fishing poles in the water, their fingers entwined . . . . But there would be no fishing today. It was Sunday and Crocker was in church. Again. What a way to waste a beautiful day.

He looked over at Rosa. Funny, he’d never noticed her before the spell down at the log school house last winter. Oh, he’d known her, everyone in Paradise Valley knew everyone else but, he’d never noticed how pretty she was until that day. Something had happened to Rosa over the long, winter break. She’d grown up and filled out in pleasant places making his heart do funny things. Yes sir, he’d sure like to take her fishing.

“ . . . divine appointment, I have one and so do you. The Bible says: ‘it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment:’”

Crocker’s daydreaming about Rosa did a nosedive from daydreams of living to the realties of dying. He fidgeted in his seat. His heart was doing funny things again but this time it was the preacher, not Rosa causing his heart to flip flop.

He remembered the day of the spell down. The whole settlement was at the school house when they were suddenly trapped inside by a blizzard. Crocker thought they’d all starve to death, or freeze. He was plenty scared. He’d prayed then. Made promises. He dropped his head in shame. Once the crisis passed and he was safe at home – warm and with a full belly he’d forgotten all about those promises. Till now. Now he didn’t feel so good.

The preacher’s words reeled in Crocker’s attention again. “The Israelites called on God and He delivered them. But they soon forgot about the goodness of God and went back to their selfish ways until they were in trouble again.

“What about you? Have you made promises to God? Promises you didn’t keep? Is today an appointment God has set for you? Meet Him here at this mourner’s bench and get things settled between you and God. Don’t put it off because there is an enemy of your soul and he also has made appointments for you. If you don’t keep God’s appointments you most certainly will keep Satan’s.”

Crocker slunk down in his seat. How had the preacher learned about the promises he had made to God? Was this God’s way of reminding him he had broken those promises? Did God want him to go up there in front of all these people? Such action was unthinkable to Crocker. Still, all was not right between him and God.

Crocker stood. He paused for just a breath of a moment, then turned and walked out. He was going fishing.

Hebrews 9:27
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This article has been read 1138 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
02/16/12
Wow - I wasn't expecting that ending! That was a surprise. Good job with this. Thanks. God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
02/17/12
I like this and didn't see the ending coming at all. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting.
Noel Mitaxa 
02/17/12
The end surprised me as well, which shows that we can only control our own thoughts rather than controlling the thoughts of others. Credible insights into your MC's mind. Well done.
Kathleen Langridge
02/17/12
Sad ending but hopeful if Rosa has a chance to influence 'Crocker's Choice.' Great lead in for future episodes. Well written.
Cynthia Carter
02/18/12
I enjoyed this. I loved the names of your characters.
Leola Ogle
02/18/12
Well, count me in with the rest. I just knew Crocker stood up to go down to the front of the church and make it right with God. I love to be surprised, but hope Crocker makes it right. LOL Good job! God bless!
marcella franseen
02/22/12
A well-written story. I like that the ending wasn't wrapped up tidy-like. So often that is the choice made. Thank goodness we serve a patient God whose mercies are new every morning!
annie keys
02/23/12
CONGRATULATION! Well done!
Nancy Bucca
02/23/12
That quote really got to me: If you don't keep God's appoints you'll most certainly keep Satan's. What a story!
C D Swanson 
02/23/12
Congratulations! God Bless~