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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Conversation (face to face) (10/07/10)
It all started with a conversation with God. I asked God to send me a visual sign that he was present in my life and help me not be afraid.

It was that night I had dream. I didn’t know that this dream would shape my days ahead and change my life forever.

I was standing on top of a mountain looking down at a beautiful valley of trees. I distinctly recall Maples and a Willow tree.

I felt at peace as I leapt confidently into the world below, from the cliff edge covered by a blanket of trees.
My body didn’t react to the motion of falling.

I woke in the morning feeling happy. Although it was today I would say farewell to a member of my family at a funeral.

The service was like any service, tears of sadness. A convoy of cars drove together to embark on Jim’s final journey within this life. As we arrived at the lawn cemetery I felt a strong feeling of being here before.

I turned to my mum and asked, “Have we ever been here before mum?”

“No, you haven’t been here before”, mum replied as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

I felt the warm sun upon my skin, happiness within a smile imprinted upon my face and fragrant smells of spring flowers as I breathed the salty air.

It was at that moment I noticed an old Willow and Maple trees. Also there before me was a mountain. My heart sank and goose bumps, burst into frenzy upon my arms, although I felt courage and excitement within. It was then that I realized I came here within my dreams.

In memory of Jim, I had written a poem about his life. As I stood in front of somber family and friends, with tissues in one hand and a poem in the other, I felt a spiritual presence. All fears and sadness vanished, confidence pumped through my blood as I read.

”The time has come to hang up your hat,
Place your jacket upon the rack”….
……………………………………

I looked up at their empty sad faces as they rubbed tears from their eyes.
There was also laughter and giggles, smiles and nodding.

I felt the spirit of God within my words and within their faces as they pushed past their tears, with smiles of love.

I did not cry, nor was I afraid.
I finally understood that this was truly a moment of celebration for Jim.

The wooden casket, draped in native plants, was being slowly lowered into the rich dark soil, into the earth’s crust. For this is the moment I sensed Jim handed his life to God. Jim was taking a leap of faith into the hands of God into the next world, like falling into a valley of trees.

After the service, I was standing by the burial spot talking to my cousin.

Teresa said "There’s a strong spiritual essence about this place, it’s very peaceful here under the trees”.

I said “It is very relaxing and I’m sure there are angels within the trees. I can almost feel the presence of angels here with us”. I then added” I’m sure Jim is at peace now.”

All of a sudden I received a thank you.
ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS!

An angels whisper as a magnetic wind of suction zapped the tissue from my hand, the tissue swirling over the hole in the earth. The tissue was dancing like a beautiful white butterfly dancing in the wind. Yet there was no wind.
The tree branches were calm, still and dormant yet the tissue dazzled and landed resting beside the head end of the wooden casket, draped in flowers.

“Oh my, did you see that?” John replied, pointing his finger.

Teresa smiled with amazement in her eyes. With a smile she said, “Jim is so happy he’s wiping the tears from his eyes”.

I smiled, and thought it was his way of saying thank you.

It was at that moment I realized God was communicating with me, using visual communication.

My conversation of prayer had been answered, as I took that leap of faith into a valley of trees in my dreams and watched Jim take his leap into God's world.

Fear was engulfed by the power of courage, faith and Gods love.

WE MAY FALL, BUT GOD WILL ALWAYS CATCH US.
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/21/10
This is a beautiful vision. I've had a similar experience and it was nice to read your encounter with God. My only advice is to have someone read your piece aloud to you then you might catch those little spots where a word is missing. You did a nice job with the descriptions and describing what sounds like a very special moment.
Jan Ackerson
10/24/10
Interesting!

I'd have liked to get to know the characters better, and I felt this lacked a bit of focus. Perhaps not as strong on topic as it could be?

You had some strong imagery--well done, and keep writing!

Lollie Hofer 
10/26/10
I liked the story line and how the dream becoming a reality gave your mc the courage to stand up and read her poem. Keep writing...you do have potential.