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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Blessed (10/11/12)
God abides in my fridge. He does. Of that I’m convinced. Not all the time, mind you, just between 1:00 and 3:00 AM.

I know this to be true because I’ve heard His still small voice whispering to me from behind the expired mayo and forgotten pickle jar many times. And, wow, when he gives me those frigid messages, they are so cool!

The first time He nudged me this way was back in 2000. I remember tossing and turning, unable to sleep and feeling so unhappy. My unhappiness was served with a whole bunch of guilt as I knew I should be thankful for all His blessings. Why wasn’t it enough? Why did I feel so unfulfilled? So . . . blank?

When in despair, I look for chocolate. Flinging my legs out of bed, I made my way to the fridge. Digging around the grimy jars, I began to seek the Lord as well.

‘Who am I, Lord? What have you called me to do? What is my purpose beyond the home?’ Saying the words out loud brought me to my knees.

‘Why do I feel so . . . so . . . so incomplete?’ I had fulfilled most of my dreams. I bought a house and gave birth to two beautiful, healthy children. What was next? What did I have to hope for?

Sitting at the kitchen table, mulling through my tears as I sucked on a Nutella-covered spoon, my heart heard,
'Hope for rest'.

Rest. Like a spa day or a holiday. We hadn’t had a real vacation in years.

Looking out the window, I wondered how many other women were awake, crying into their children’s toast spreads.

‘Write about it,’ He said to me.

I began to vibrate with fear and cautious anticipation.

Really? Was I crazy? I had always wanted to be a writer, but . . . really?

Afraid I was about to wake up and find it was all a dream, I slid across the floor, turned on the desktop and with shaking fingers, began to draft a few short columns. My index finger hung above the send button as I debated, for but a moment, before hitting send to our local paper.

Hope Forrest came to life as did the whole not-so-fictional Forrest family: ‘Rain, Ash and Sherwood.

The publisher liked my ‘stuff’ and the rest is history. Weekly, over the next four years, God continued to give me stories.

All because He loves me, wants to bless me and sometimes whispers to me from out behind the nasty mayonnaise jar.

'You are not expired . . . I will do a fresh, good work through you, if you let me.’
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This article has been read 1031 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Ellen Carr 
10/18/12
I enjoyed your article. Your opening sentence was great as a way to keep me reading. Good to hear that your writing has taken off.I like your finishing sentence too. 'You are not expired...etc.' Great message.
Noel Mitaxa 
10/20/12
That's a really cool message. But then it should be, if it's come from a fridge. Nice touch of reassurance and 'shelf'-deprecating humour tucked into the challenge.
Danielle King 
10/20/12
The devil lives in my fridge. He keeps filling it with fresh cream cakes and huge chocolate bars! I think you've done a great job with this entry. The opening sentances drew me in and kept me reading on. Good message and good job!
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/21/12
This is a great story. You had me chuckling and right away I was intrigued about this voice from the fridge (Hmm they say there's a man who lives in there and turns off and on the lights) But as soon as the MC fell to her knees I know the voice was the Lord's.

The only thing I might suggest would be to save exclamation points for dialog and use ellipses sparingly.

I think you did a great job of writing on topic. I can so relate to that late night eating too as I tend to sleep eat. Seriously, it's horrible to wake up because ice cold milk from the cereal bowl just spilled down my chest and I have no recollection of getting up and pouring it. Your message is great too. If we listen, God will talk to us. The cool thing is we can talk right back.
Genia Gilbert
10/22/12
I love your title and all that follows. This is unique and tells the story well. Good writing.
Hiram Claudio
10/24/12
This will speak to so many on so many levels. I'm sure I'm not the only one reading this who can identify with that fear as they began writing. Your well written piece gave me "jars of hope" to keep going on ... even when I get down and don't have confidence in my own work. Thanks!
Vicki J. Cypcar
10/24/12
You went out on a limb with this entry. I really appreciate your honesty.
C D Swanson 
10/25/12
Nicely done. Creative and on topic, I enjoyed it.

Thank you. God Bless~
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/25/12
Congratulations! Happy Dance!!
Hiram Claudio
10/25/12
Well deserved 3rd place ribbon. Congratulations!
Noel Mitaxa 
10/25/12
Many are frozen, but you've been chozen, for a well-deserved third place! Well done.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
10/25/12
Congratulations for placing third in level three and 13 overall!