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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Bark is Worse than His/Her Bite (10/17/13)
Shanna heaved the bag of groceries up to her chest as she stepped off the curb to cross the busy streets. As Kenny fell in pace beside her, he clutched his bag under one arm. Peering inside at the intoxicated patrons, they scurried past Cassidy Bar and Lounge. Some people chugged beer from glass mugs while some played pool, and others just sat around lounging. The ambiance seemed inviting, but they knew such entertainment was not recommended.

Idle chattering from some teens heading towards them now caught their attention. These teens were embellished in revealing, trendy outfits. One girl wore a tight mini dress that advertised a tattoo on her thigh of a skull with a rose in its mouth. She laughed vulgarly and gave an high-five to another one of the girls in the clique who sported a tube-top, baring her midriff to the world.

One fellow shouted, “It's gonna be turned up at the club tonight.” The gregarious youngsters laughed vivaciously and threw their hands up in agreement as they passed Shanna and Kenny.

Turning her head and trailing them with her eyes, Shanna said almost absentmindedly, “Sometimes I wish it was cool for me to get dressed up like that and go clubbing.”

“I know, right. But our father is too strict, he won't approve of provocative dressing or going to those places.” Kenny shook his head in disappointment as they continued walking home.

Sighing, Shanna whined, “He can be such a buzz kill at times.”

“Sometimes it feels like I'm in prison. There are too many restrictions.”

“I know what you mean. It's always, 'No you can't go there; that place is no good for you' or 'Don't eat that; it's unhealthy.' Grrrr!”

“How about this one? 'You can't do that; how will it make me look? Drugs, drinking, and casual sex are not for my children.'”

Stepping into the house, Kenny locked the door behind them, and they went to the kitchen to unload the heavy grocery bags. Shanna poured herself a glass of orange juice and strode across the room. Clutching the TV remote, she clicked the on button and started flipping through myriad channels.

Kenny was busy pulling items to make a sandwich from the fridge and out of the shopping bags they had just brought. Shanna's eyes were now fixed on the television screen. Hearing the harsh language, Kenny looked up with a mouthful of bread. “Uh-uh, turn that off. You know better. Our father will not be pleased.”

“Here we go again. I don't think I can keep up with all these commands. Don't watch this; don't listen to that; be a peacemaker; forgive. Whew. I really love him; I just wish there weren't all these confinements. They make me feel intimidated.”

“You know what's intimidating? The deadly punishment we stand to face if we break all these rules.”

With a concerned look, Shanna replied, “Yeah you're right. I guess knowing keeps us in check. Though the reward we stand to gain isn't such a bad motivation either. It's hard work, but we have to obey.”


***************

Kenny stretched up high and picked a juicy pear off the tree. He took a giant bite out of it and sat beside Shanna. Juice trickled down his chin.

A gentle breeze caressed Shanna's face as she petted a tiger who laid beside her with its head in her lap.

Words would be inadequate to describe how pulchritudinous this place truly was. Shanna surveyed the surroundings made just for them and smiled in approval.

Wiggling closer to Kenny and sighing with contentment, Shanna broke the silence, “Isn't it amazing how our father loves us?”

“It's wondrous in deed. He did tell us that he had gone to prepare a home for us so that we can live with him. He kept his words; he came back and got us.”

Shanna tossed a pebble in the lake and watched the ripples. “His commandments now makes sense. It's a good thing we obeyed, but most importantly, we're here because we chose to accept his anointed son, Jesus.

“Now there is no more pain, suffering, or hatred. Everyone and everything is dwelling in perfect harmony.”

Standing up Shanna started prancing around. She exclaimed, “Yes, now we are in Heaven walking on streets of gold. Our father is the best.”
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This article has been read 912 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
C D Swanson 
10/24/13
Awww. I loved this! I truly thought this altogether delightful and interesting read. Thank you!

God bless~
Larry Whittington
10/26/13
I could not tell if the bark was from the earthly father or the Heavenly Father.

Obeying just to be obeying is not exactly what God desires. He says, "If you love me, keep my commandments." so it is the love connected to obedience.

You have a good mix of conversations and the MC talking.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/27/13
You did a nice job on this piece. I like your message. I did see that you pointed out that deeds alone don't get us to Heaven. Only accepting Jesus will accomplish that. I also totally understood that you were talking about the Heavenly Father giving us guidelines, not because he is mean, but because he loves us. :)
PamFord Davis 
10/28/13
Creative writing. Keep Winging His Words!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/31/13
Congratulations!! Happy Dance!!
C D Swanson 
10/31/13
Loved it! Congrats and
God bless~
Bea Edwards 
11/08/13
Hey I had too look pulchritudinous up...and what a fantastic word for our future heavenly home. Congratulations on your first place ribbon. Well written and unique take on the topic.
Toni Babcock 
01/05/14
Interesting story! And I learned a new word - pulchritudinous! Thanks for sharing a very well written piece.
Dusty Fontaine
02/08/14
I know this is late, but congratulations on your 1st place ribbon. This was a great story. Very intriguing and a great way to show that keeping God's commandments is a blessing, not a burden. I loved it! Though it was evident by the way you used it in a sentence, I too had to look up the word pulchritudinous. Nice work.

Dusty