Friday Fiction -- Mr. Smarty Pants

Today is a very wet Friday, but Friday none-the-less.  It's also time for Friday Fiction hosted by With Pen in Hand.  Go there for more great fiction stories!  This story was for the blue topic at FW.  I probably came in dead last because I didn't hit the topic hardly at all, which was blue.  lol.  It was fun to write, which was all that mattered that week.  Happy Friday!

Mr. Smarty Pants

Trevor jumped from the top step of the kindergarten school bus. “Mommy!” he yelled. He ran down the driveway.

Next, Jordan gingerly made his way down from the bottom step. He turned around and said, “Thank you, Debbie,” then he raced to his mom, backpack flapping behind him. “Mommy!”

Tori scooped her twin boys into a big hug. “School good today?”

Trevor proceeded to tell all about his day, which included every single thing each friend said and did. Jordan stood patiently, first on one foot then the other.

“Okay, Jordan, what about you? Do anything fun with your friends?”

“Jordan doesn’t have friends, Mommy.”

“Do, too. Debbie’s nice. She let me sit up front today and we talked.”

“What about friends your age?” She tousled his hair and smiled.

“Trevor’s my friend.”

“Yes he is. You guys will always be best friends for Mommy, okay?”

Trevor and Jordan threw their backpacks on the floor, just inside the door.

The boys sat, legs spread apart, feet touching. One set of hands revved a toy car backwards and let it go, the other set of hands readied for the catch. They laughed when Jordan missed and it wrecked into his knee.

“Didja see that? Wow. It flipped backwards.”

“Cool. Do it again.”

“No, we’re getting too old for this game.” Trevor took the toy car and walked away.

“Give it back.” Jordan wailed and Tori ran into the room.

Tori bent down to his level and said, Honey, please don’t yell if you’re not hurt,” exactly the way she learned on her favorite nanny television show.

“Trevor took the car.” Jordan pointed his finger and his brother stuck out his tongue.

“I want you both to sit here until you can say something nice to each other.” Tori left the room just in time before she broke out into a smile.

Trevor grudgingly walked back to his brother. He plopped down hard on the living room floor and bumped Jordan in the process.

“Oww.”

“Sorry.”

They were taught to sit, shoulders touching, when in time-out. Trevor waited until he knew his brother watched then stuck his hand in his pocket. Trevor pulled his hand out and held a treasure close to his face.

“What’re you lookin’ at?”

Trevor closed one eye studying the object.

“I’m telling. Better show me.”

Trevor scowled at his brother. “We’re never going to be able to get up ‘til you’re quiet and we’re nice, ‘member?”

“But you’re not playing fair. What’re you hiding?”

“Guess.”

“Is it a truck?”

Trevor shook his head no.

“Is it ummm… A dinosaur? Crayon? Bubblegum?”

Three more no’s.

“Give me a clue or I’m tellin’.”

“Don’t care. Tell.” Trevor smiled mischievously.

Jordan grabbed hold of Trevor’s hand and tried to pry his fingers loose from the mystery object but Trevor held firm. Tori came into the room and the boys sat, angelic smiles beamed from their faces.

The boys sat shoulder-to-shoulder once again.

“You’re too close,” Jordan whined.

“Can’t help it.”

“Can too.”

“Can’t.”

“Is it red?” Jordan sighed.

“Nope.”

“Blue?”

Trevor raised his left eyebrow, his very own trademark, and a sure way to tell the boys apart. “Yes, it’s blue. So what is it then, Mr. Smarty Pants?”

“Dunno.”

"Let’s just get this over with. I wanna go outside and play with my real friends.”

Jordan started to cry. “I’m not your real friend?”

“Just because we were born at the same time and look alike, doesn’t make us friends,” Trevor explained.

“I’ll always be your friend.”

“Here, big baby. Close your eyes and I’ll give it to you.”

Jordan squeezed his eyes tight.

Trevor put the moist object into his brother’s hand. “Open now.”

Jordan gingerly lifted up his brother’s treasure with two fingers. “What is it?”

“A big boy gave it to me from the junior high. It’s an eyeball from a dead person.”

Jordan screamed.

Trevor covered his mouth with his hand. “That’s why you don’t have friends – you scream like a baby.”

“Sorry. Is it a real eye?”

“Dunno but let’s go scare Mom.”

Minutes later Tori screamed. The boys broke out in peals of laughter and held hands. Trevor momentarily forgot his ‘coolness’.

“Best friends, right, Trev?”

“Yup. Jordy, now’s the time.”

“For what?”

“Dad said to always use our twinness for the good.”

“You wanna scare him, doncha?”

“Oh yea.”

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Monday Manna -- Who Am I?

Who Am I?

³ When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—
the moon and the stars you set in place—
⁴ what are mere mortals that you should think about them,
human beings that you should care for them?

Psalm 8:3-4 New Living Translation

Jim and I love to sit in the hot tub together and look up at the nighttime sky. It's amazing how vast it is. Invariably, Jim will see a star fall. I always miss them for some reason. On especially clear nights, Milky Way is so bright it boggles my mind.

It's amazing to think that God set each star and planet in place with great care. If He cares that much for objects, how much more does He care for us, people that He created in His own image. Such an amazing thing to think!

And He sent His Son to die so we could have eternal life with Him. That is a BIG love. A love that we will never fully understand - an amazing love indeed.

Who am I that God would care for me? I am the daughter of the King, the maker of the universe, the placer of the stars and all the planets. I come from good stock:) Who am I? I am a woman loved by God in ways I will never truly understand. That's who I am.

For more thoughts today on this verse, visit Monday Manna links on Joanne's blog, An Open Book. Happy Monday.

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As the Rope Ends...

Sometimes, many times, life gets to be too much. We feel we're at the very end of the rope. We can only hold on for so long before arms get too tired and our mind begins to not care anymore. We were not made to go through life alone. When we're too tired and discouraged to go on, we need to remember that God is there. He's lifting us up, even if we forget for a moment. He's proven Himself time after time. He's always been faithful, so why would this time be any different?

This is my time of discouragement, a discouragement I can't handle alone. Each day is getting harder with my health. Sometimes I'm not aggressive enough with my neurosurgeon because I know there are many much worse than me that needs his time. Maybe I feel like that with God, too. So, as the rope ends... I reached out to find verses that encourage me and I hope they encourage you today.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6


Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30


Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14


Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6


And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:3-4


But I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7


"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4


Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9


Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 42:5-6


Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3

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Friday Fiction - Swine Flu

Someone - somewhere, is hosting Friday Fiction. I'll figure that out. For now, here is mine. It was my 'Red' topic called, Swine Flu. Don't worry, it's not contagious. A fun, light entry for a time that isn't very fun or light. Hope you enjoy!

SWINE FLU

I tremble. Sweat slides off my hair and down my shirt. My stomach flips and I’m queasy. The symptoms clear; I ponder my choices. Maybe I should drive back home, but I’m already so close to work. I shake my head. I begin to lose all reasoning and thought processes.

I turn on the windshield wipers only to realize it’s my eyes watering. I should stop and call 911 but I can’t. I’m doomed. Worst case scenarios fly through my head at amazing speeds.

I admit it. I’m an addict - truly. The search online was long and hard but when I discovered it, I knew it was ‘the’ one. I coerced my husband to stop by the store. I walked right to the display case and staked my claim. My eyes delighted at the crisp, clean white and I practically swooned at the sporty red border. Victory was mine when told only one left – surely a sign from God. My husband, poor guy, didn’t really buy my ‘sign from God’ case but soon gave in to my wiling and conniving. I felt a tiny bit bad about that, but honestly, he didn’t stand a chance.

I make it to work, barely. Co-workers can tell something’s wrong. I walk into the bathroom and stare at my reflection. My eyes look sickly. If I blow my nose and feign a sneeze or two, I’ll get kicked out for sure. We don’t get our swine flu vaccines until next week. It just might work. But what if I really do get the swine flu before then? I’m a mess. I need an intervention.

I reach deep into my pockets but find nothing but an old tissue and lint. To ‘phone a friend’ is no option. Panic washes over me. Passersby pass me by – at a wide berth. Maybe it is swine flu. Maybe that’s what made me forget my cell phone. Maybe, just maybe…

My eyes light up. My husband could bring it to me, but then reality settles back in place. No way on earth would he go home, find my phone, drive into town, park, walk into the building, and pass security, just to feed my need. No. Even in my sick, weakened state I was able to come to that conclusion.

I’m positive by now, my friends think I’ve died. I haven’t sent one text since I woke up late. My body begins to shake. I attempt to do some work but instead I have to sit on my hands to quiet them. It’s then I make the decision.

I haul my middle-aged body up off my chair to go see my boss. She doesn’t let me within five feet of her. Word sure spreads quickly. I’m sent home with her blessing, but first she hands me a twenty to pay the co-pay for a doctor’s visit. I must really look sick. I feel a twinge of guilt as I reach out to grab the money.

I slowly and sickly make my way out the door; sweater and bag drag behind me. My act must be Emmy-Award-Winning. I turn around just in time to see the secretary follow me with anti-germ spray in hand.

Each mile I get closer to home, my heart grows lighter. I make it without incident. Almost before I come to a complete stop, I run to the porch, open the door, trip over the dog, give him a quick pat, and race to my room. I stop and admire the object of my affection as it perches daintily on the table. The sun shines down on it, making a rosy sparkle. Reverently, I pick it up and lovingly press it against my flushed face. The cool plastic gives me chills. My heart flutters. My flu-like symptoms disappear. Loyal to the core, it has been recording messages all morning. I shamelessly admit to my addiction and promise myself I will get help – tomorrow. For now, I plop onto my bed and catch up on missed texts and voicemails. Before I know it, I fall asleep, the phone firmly grasped in my hand.

I feel a drop of water slip down my cheek. I open my eyes and see my husband hovering. Sweat beads his brow and his eyes are glassy. It must be the flu. I jump out of bed and grab his arm. “We’re going to the doctor.”

He looks at me like I’m crazy and asks, “Honey, where did you put the remote?”


Laury Hubrich, October, 2009

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Monday Manna - God's Rhythm

To find other Monday Manna blog entries, go to Joanne's, An Open Book.

This past week has been extremely hard on my heart. I watched a friend deal with difficult situations that appeared to have no good ending but God did intervene and so far, things appear to be going pretty well.

My family also took a big hit. Past sins of an older generation forced itself onto a younger one. It was sickening and disgusting. The good thing is that he was caught and will now pay for his sins.

Beason slayings: Manhunt is on after family slayings

Not only that, the small community of Beason, where my husband is the Fire Chief/EMT, is dealing with brutal murders of an entire family. A person believed to be the murderer has been caught but not before he showed up at the funeral. How sick and brazen is that?

Today's Monday Manna verse is from Deuteronomy 30:6 and is perfect for this week as I look back and ponder the happenings.

GOD, your God, will cut away the thick calluses on your heart and your children's hearts, freeing you to love GOD, your God, with your whole heart and soul and live, really live. (The Message)

At times it's hard for our hearts not to get callused. We watch the news and everything is negative plus much of it doesn't deal with us or affect our lives. We grow numb to world events.

Entire villages were decimated in Samoa from a tsunami. Does that pull at our heart strings at all? Do we think to pray for these people who have lost family members, homes, and businesses? I'm embarrassed to admit that I don't. If it doesn't happen in my own little piece of the world then I most probably am not paying any attention.

Truthfully, I think it's too overwhelming to take on any more grief and pain. When thinking of that, it makes me realize the load Jesus carried when He died for all of our sins - the whole world's sins. Amazing.

And now, as God sees what's happening on the earth - the murders, liars, deceivers - how that must break His heart but He never grows callous towards us.

It's important now more than ever to lose that hard heart we've managed to grow in our bodies. All we have to do is ask and God will do heart surgery on us. And when He does do this, He is giving us a life of freedom -- life that is truly one to be lived and enjoyed.

He can change us from the inside out. All we have to do is ask. Surgery is painful, but when God is The Surgeon, it is never botched. It is most successful. Our hearts won't be bandaged up anymore or stitched together haphazardly. We'll have a perfectly healthy one that beats in God's rhythm. That's what I want, no matter how long it takes.

I'm praying that this coming week is less dramatic, at least in my family and friend's lives and in our nearby communities but if it isn't, I know that God is constantly with me, working on me as I allow. I also pray that God will allow me to see the world through His eyes as I watch the news. It is sad and depressing but how can we pray if we aren't aware?

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War-Faring - Friday Fiction

Friday Fiction is hosted today by Karlene at Homespun Expressions. War-Faring got a 2nd place EC. I didn't think it would because it's a heavy topic. The topic was up/down. For more fiction, go to Karlene's blog. Happy Friday!

War-Faring

A lanky youth sat on the rocky bank of a stream as his line hung lazily from a pole. Brady watched the still water and then became mesmerized by the soft ripples his toes made when he poked them gently in the water.

“How’s your mom doing, Brady,” Grandpa Joe asked.

Brady put his head down to hide tears. “Not real good but we deal with it.”

Brady reeled in his line then cast again. It made a perfect arc, up above the water, then a tiny splash back down. “Gramps, I wish life was calm like the bobber just sitting there. Think things will ever change?”

Joe cast his line as he gathered his thoughts. “We can pray, Son. We can pray.”

***

The intruder didn’t bother to enter quietly. It clanged and banged as if it owned the place. It knew no fear because it was Fear. The creature cracked its gnarled knuckles in preparation for the attack.

The victim laid in bed, curled up in a fetal position. She heard it. She knew the intruder was coming. Terror filled her soul. Every noise it made was louder than the last.

It came so close to her that she could smell its rancid breath. The monster bent down beside her. Hailey could see its face, etched with deep wrinkles and eyes that bulged. It hissed in her ear, “Where is your god now? Let’s see him stop me from doing – this!”

Claws came at her face and then grabbed her shoulders. She couldn’t fight it off. The creature let go and then reared back its hairy body and jumped.

Hailey tried to shield herself but it was too late. With each wave of pain, she grabbed her head and moaned. The being worked from the inside – it pushed and prodded – it never let go.

She whispered, “Lord, where are you? What have I done wrong?” Tears fell across her cheek onto her pillow. Hailey began to spiral down into a quick free fall.

Hailey wasn’t surprised when she plopped down into a murky lake. She had no fight left in her. No extra breath to cry out to her Lord. She sank to the bottom and there she stayed.

The creature held up his fist in victory. Doubt had been planted once again. This day was indeed a victory.

***

Brady’s eyes grew big. “Grandpa.” Brady pointed to a spot where the water splashed. He cast his line to the exact place.

Joe watched his grandson’s face turn white. “What is it, Brady?”

Brady whispered, “I’m not sure. Something’s wrong. I feel like we’re supposed to fish and pray.”

Joe didn’t understand but he trusted this young man. Together the two prayed and fished like they never had before.

***

Hailey was familiar with this place. She knew she needed to call out to God for help but she convinced herself that God truly did abandon her this time. Just when she was ready to give up hope something caught her eye. She reached up and grabbed hold of a line.

***

“I’ve got something, Gramps. It’s a big one, too. But Gramps, we gotta keep praying.”

“Brady, it’s your mom we’re praying for, right?” Joe asked as the realization hit him.

Brady never let his eyes pull away from the line. “Yes, Mom’s in trouble.”

“Son, we’re doing some spiritual war-faring, so the devil better beware.” The young and old together stormed heaven’s gates.

***

The closer to the surface Hailey got, the more her faith grew.

***

“Help me Gramps.” Brady jerked the line and a large fish soared up out of the water and hung down from the line. The boy’s knees buckled. “We did it, Gramps!”

***

Hailey burst out of the water. It refreshed her to feel the warm sun on her upturned face as she floated on her back. But then – just as suddenly as she fell, she found herself back in her darkened room.

***


Brady rushed to his mom’s side, his prized fish hanging from a stringer.

Hailey hugged her son. “It was you and Grandpa that prayed for me today, wasn’t it? I saw a line and all I had to do was reach out and grab it.”

“Grandpa said we did some spiritual warfare.” Brady smiled.

Satan’s fist of victory turned into one of defeat. He spat on the two and muttered murderous threats as he left the way he entered. “Next time…”


Authors Note:
Ephesians 6:12 (KJV) “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

Laury Hubrich, April 9, 2009

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