Whispering Willows By S. Sterns

Once there were a family of willows who moved in near the water with a family of other trees. There were other willows there too, but they were off to themselves. They found a place to take root, but they felt uncomfortable being in a strange place. They all shared the water where they lived, it was their only source of hydration as it had not rained in a good while. They were so hot from the move that they hang their arms in the water to get cooled off. The other trees didn’t know what to think because of what they were seeing. She was lush and green, and the other trees were jealous of her because she was so beautiful. After a while, she turned and saw the other willow and spoke to her. She asked the other willow just how long had she lived where she was living, and the other willow told her that she had lived there all of her life. All of the other trees just looked in disbelief that they were actually talking to one another, but not talking to them. They all wondered if she would ever talk to them, but they kind of thought she wouldn’t because she didn’t look like them. They thought she would only talk to the other willow because they were the same kind of tree.

The birds didn’t know who she was, so, they kept their distance until they saw that she was nice and didn’t mind them taking shelter in her branches. The other trees asked her what her name was, and she told them that her name was Washita. She asked the other willow what her name was, and she told Washita that her name was Lilac. All of the others saw that she was quite shy in the beginning, but they all got along just fine. The bushes that surrounded them whispered about how long her branches were. The flowers just admired her beauty and was very glad that she had moved there. Now that Lilac had someone there who looked just like her, she didn’t feel like she stuck out among the rest of the trees. When night fell, they would whisper and talk about how much they enjoyed being there surrounded by the water and everyone else who was there with them. They all looked out for each other; they were one big happy family.

One day when it was cool, and the sun wasn’t so hot, they heard some walking in the brush behind them. They were wondering who or what it could be because no one ever visited there. Because the other trees were bigger and stronger, they told them not to worry that they would take care of everything. They uprooted themselves and began to walk around to see what it was, or who it was back in the brush. Low and behold, it was a lost little rabbit. She was looking for her way home. Somehow, she got lost from her mother while playing around. The two elder trees told the rabbit that they would help her find her mother. She was so happy that she began to hop up and down. As they made their way through the brush, they found her mother. The two elder trees asked the rabbit if this was her mother, and she told them yes. They asked the rabbit her name, and she told them that her daughter’s name was Mia, and that her name was Dila. They were so happy that they were together again. The two elder trees told them to be careful in the brush because it could be snakes that could harm them. They went on their way home. The two elder trees walked back to stream where they lived and re-rooted themselves where they were. They were so glad they were back home. Everyone was glad to see that they made it back safely. They told everyone the whole story about what went on in the brush; they all were happy to know that everything turned out alright. Later on, that evening, the willows began to whisper about the events of the day. They talked about how brave the two elder trees were for going to see what was going on. The birds sang their melodies to close the beautiful day. Everyone was happy. The flowers closed their petals, the wind began to blow softly, and the sun set behind the horizon. The stars came out, the moon was shining, and the night critters came out as they normally did. Everything was in harmony. It was a peaceful night.

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Power in the Sky

Two toned light and darkness fills the dome above the earth while the sun peeks from behind the clouds as the lightning bolt crackles through it all. Clouds come together to form faces as if the two are having a conversation with the sky. Who would have known that there would be power in the sky. Darkness flows under the clouds protecting what’s beneath them hidden from the naked eyes which wishes to see what’s there. Lightning strikes hard only to divide into the letter Y. A little is seen in the background, but the power in it is still the same; dangerous. Accumulations of anger from all sides erupted into one big cloud of anger. The elements from very high up did not join in the conversation, nor did they make an appearance to be seen. It was all about the sky, the clouds, and the lightening to make things right between themselves, and to respect one another and who and what they represent.

Let the sun shine through the darkness so that light may be seen in you. Don’t worry what things may look like on the outside, but it is what is on the inside that’s important, and that is the soul of the man and woman alike. Whether you are young or old, let the sight shine in you which breaks through the darkness that is keeping you in bondage, which is sin. Get rid of the darkness, walk in the light, and let go of sin. Sure, there will be division among people when the light flows in. Some don’t like the light; they prefer to be in the darkness thinking that nothing that they do will be seen, but the fact of the matter is this; everything is seen in the light and in the darkness by the eyes who sees everything.

Five Things I am Good at are: Encouraging others, helping others, sharing the Word, creating playlists, creating websites.

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When It Rains

When we look up at the clouds in the sky, we often see some of them becoming dark and gray. The first thing we say is that it is going to rain. Sometimes it does, and sometimes it doesn’t. There are times when we can smell the salt in the air when it is cloudy and humid, so we know that the rain is on the way. When the rain starts to fall from the sky, it smells so good. It is so cool and refreshing. I can say that because I have been in the rain before just walking and enjoying it. I remember when I was a kid, we all would be outside playing in the yard, and it would start to rain, those were the best times. I never let the rain stop me from doing what I wanted to do, or going where I wanted to go. It is fun being out in the rain unless it is storming.

Looking at this picture gives me feelings of nostalgia; I don’t know why but it does. Looking at the lights glowing on the bridge, and seeing the lights in the background makes me wish I could really experience that moment in time. Just looking at the water on the ground makes me wonder what’s there. Looking at the sky, it looks as if it was a storm and not just a simple refreshing rainfall. I suppose the person in the picture is enjoying the moment as it has taken place. The feeling one gets when it rain is normally a good feeling. I say this because the ground needs watering, and the atmosphere is clean and fresh. Whether it is warm, or cool after it rains, it still feels good.

I enjoy reading a good book when it rains, and I enjoy just relaxing watching a good movie, or listening to my favorite music. Sometimes I just like taking a good nap. How do you feel when its rain? What do you do? Well, until next time, enjoy the rain when it comes. c.2022 L.A.

Click on the link above to watch the video: Melodies from Heaven by Kirk Franklin. God bless.
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Give Me My Flowers

Life is precious, and we should cherish every moment. We should forgive those who have wronged us, because we never know when it will be our last day on this earth. Sometimes we may not know what to say, or what to do to show someone we love them. We wait until that last moment to find the words to say, but when we find those words, it is always too late to tell that person just how we feel about them, just how much we love them. We wait util they have gone on home to be with the Lord, well it is too late then.

I know it is hard to tell someone just how you really feel about them while they are living, but tell them anyway, don’t wait until they are gone. Don’t wait until they cannot hear you or see the tears in your eyes if any to tell them just how much you love them. Give them their flowers while they can smell them and enjoy them. Give them their flowers while they can smell them and enjoy the beauty of them. Once the eyes are closed, nothing can be seen or enjoyed. Nothing can be seen anymore.

Give me my flowers while I can see them. Give me my flowers while I can enjoy them and behold the beauty of their creation. Don’t wait until I leave, I will not be able to do either one. Show me love, show me kindness, show me compassion, treat me with dignity and respect. Sit with me and help me to remember some of the things I have forgotten about. Don’t push me to the side and forget all about me. Tell me something funny that I may hear myself laugh. Give me a reason to keep on keeping on. Forgive me if I have wronged you in any kind of way, or if I have said something to offend you, but just don’t forget to give me my flowers while I still have my sight, smell, and able to feel the texture of them. Pray with me while my knees will still bend and help me up because it is hard for me to do so on my own. Don’t leave my side when I need your help. Be with me every step of the way. I need you just as much as you may need me, but whatever you do, just give me my flowers while I am here and can enjoy them. c.2022 L.A.

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