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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Spring (the season) (07/23/09)
Callie let out an exasperated sigh as the tornado siren began its eerie wail. It wasn't unexpected after watching the radar all afternoon but she was hoping maybe the inclement weather would pass them by. She had many things to accomplish and now she had to stop and deal with this. There was also the inconvenience factor: since she didn't have a basement, Callie had to depend on the kindness of others. While grateful that her neighbors were willing to help, she disliked imposing. Glancing across the street and seeing no sign of life, a wave of relief washed over her for the key they insisted she have. And they always let her bring Lilly along, something else she greatly appreciated. As she snapped on the dog's leash and grabbed her purse, she tried not to grumble with annoyance at the interruption to her day.

"Oh well," she muttered, "You'd think after all these years, I would get used to tornado season--it comes every spring like clock work." The dog gave her a quizzical look as if to ask why she continued to live in Michigan. Callie mulled over thoughts about the big tornado that did so much damage several years ago and how this area always seemed to be a target. As much as she loved spring with colorful flowers, trees awakening after the long dreary winter, and warm temperatures, the weather instability was one thing she could really do without. As she let herself into the neighbor's house and headed downstairs, she sent up a prayer for protection...
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General Montoya cocked an ear as Callie's prayer reached the heavenlies. Nodding to himself, he made a note to pay special attention to the young woman huddled in a basement, hugging her dog in fear. With a brisk gesture, he summoned his troops as it was time to be going: the battle was about to begin.

Unsettling events had been brewing all day. Satan and his mercenaries had been hard at work in the small town and the Lord had assigned Montoya's division of angels to be on high alert. A stronghold of evil had long chained the area and it seemed that it was about to implode. The atmosphere crackled as electrical currents shot through boiling clouds and thunder rumbled in the distance. The air seemed super-charged, yet at the same time, heavy and still. All of nature was holding its collective breath in anticipation, sensing that something was about to happen.

As Montoya and his militia appeared, enemy guerillas were taken completely off guard. Unprepared and outmaneuvered, they immediately instituted evasive tactics. The battle exploded across the mid-afternoon sky as supernatural forces and nature's fury collided in epic proportions.
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Callie crouched under the stairway, her heart about to pound out of her chest. The thunderous roar, a combination of nature and the fear within, was almost deafening. As she hugged Lilly closer, the animal quivered, sensing her owner's terror. Whispering softly to calm her, Callie battled to keep her own panic at bay. When the windows began to rattle from the hail pinging, Callie wondered how long it would be before the house collapsed on top of her. Minutes dragged on like hours as she hung her head and began to sob...
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Swords clanged as the celestial legions battled the dark forces of their enemy, sparks flying in every direction. From his vantage point, General Montoya nodded in approval. Despite their valiant efforts, Satan's troops were beginning to weaken-victory would elude them once again. The King would be pleased.
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The storm seemed to culminate in a final crescendo and then just as suddenly, silence. Callie raised her head and strained to listen. Swallowing back her fears that it was only a temporary reprieve, she freed the struggling Lilly and stiffly got to her feet. Creeping to the nearest window to peep out, Callie saw clouds quickly clearing, raindrops retreating, and the sun beginning to break through. With a sigh of relief, she grabbed Lilly's leash and said, "Come on, girl, let's go see how bad it is. We are so very fortunate, aren't we? Once again, God protected us-all we needed to do was trust Him." As they came out of the house, Lilly was distracted by the gentle whisper of angel wings blending into the breeze as Company B departed. Their mission complete, General Montoya would be waiting for their report.
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This article has been read 1375 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Laura Manley
07/31/09
I like the way you have alternated between what is happening with Callie and then separately, but at the same time, what the angels are doing. Very cleverly written! Laura
Karen Pourbabaee 
07/31/09
Effective portrayal of the power of prayer and spiritual warfare through your story...excellent!
Jackie Wilson
08/01/09
Interesting story. I enjoyed reading it. Thanks!
Connie Dixon
08/02/09
I loved the ending: Lilly was distracted by the gentle whisper of angel wings blending into the breeze... This was a great reminder that there is a spiritual world out there that we pretty much ignore. Very creative story. Good job!
Ada Nett
08/03/09
very interesting...it grabbed my attention and held it!
Amy Michelle Wiley 
08/04/09
Very interesting perspective on storms. Very creative!
Eliza Evans 
08/06/09
Huge Congratulations on your 1st place ribbon, Kathryn!! Very. Well. Done! :)
Seema Bagai 
08/06/09
One of the best entries I read this week. Excellent writing. Congrats on your well-deserved win.
Marita Thelander 
08/07/09
Congratulations! I have never experienced a tornado. I do live at the base of three volcanoes, though. It is awesome to feel the protection of God in our times of needs.
Denise Martin
08/20/09
I loved the story. It's hard to believe you're a begining writer. It is very reminiscent of Frank Peretti's "This Present Darkness" series. Great insight into spiritual warfare and the duties of angels.