Sheila's Dribs 'n Drabs

Does the world ever change? Or do laborers still get blown up in their fields, women get shot as they stand in the kitchen, children die at play and priests at prayer? Thankfully, God never changes either, and He's still there to save us - and to save "them." 27. Fall of the City The laborers worked the fields, tilling the ground, and guarding the flocks. In a moment, some were dead and others fled. The women stood at the wheel in conversation, grinding flour. In a moment, some were dead and others fled. The children were playing, the singers making music, the priests at prayer, and no one seemed afraid. But suddenly the soldiers came, wrecking the houses and tearing the temple down, not a stone left standing. Then nothing was left but rubble thrown on the ground. The survivors looked out from their caves in the hills, crying their prayers to God. Thank you God that nothing can separate us from you.

The Old Testament books are shared and beloved by those of many faiths. But what happens when the Old Testament days are done. Then Rome invades. Then cruel powers dictate. But even then, we should gather to be thankful. 26. Fall from Power "If I ask for your cloak, you give me your cloak. Okay?" the soldier demanded. The poor man nodded then shivered with cold while the soldier wrapped up his sword and marched away.  "If I tell you to carry my load, you carry my load," said the loud official. And the poor man lifted the heavy pack and walked a long slow mile without complaint.  "If I strike your face, and knock you down, you stand up again and you smile." So the poor man smiled.  The conquerors understood how to make certain the conquered knew who was in charge. Thank you God that you are in charge; when we are weak you are strong to save us.

Okay, it's not really Hanukkah today, but it's the 25th of the month of Thanksgiving, so it's not entirely inappropriate. 25. Hanukkah! How do you rebuild what is broken and dirtied and destroyed? Where do you begin? They ripped out the altar and built it anew. They set new stones to reform the walls and cleansed the undergrowth that had wrecked the pavement. They brought back the lamp and incense and table and laid them in their proper place. And they prepared the sacrifice. But all their labors were in vain; there was scarcely oil even to light the lamp. How do you rebuild? You pray to God. Then the teaspoon of oil lasted eight days long and the Temple was restored. Thank you God for the festivals  that bring us back to you.

More drabbles for thankfulness: 20. The Politician The Queen arrived in pomp and style, resting on cushions in her chamber as the ship sailed the seas. She came to port, then rode through bustling streets to the city of gold, seeking audience with the King. The King received her in pomp and style, resting on cushions in his chamber surrounded by glory. He gave her food and talked of wisdom, business, kingdoms and power. He told of sacrifice and faithfulness, and the wondrous blessings of the Lord. Sealing friendship with gifts, promising alliance, giving praise to Him who reigns, they parted then to rule their God-given domains. Thank you God for the society that surrounds us.

More drabbles for Thanksgiving and thankfulness: 19. The Musician He made music in the fields where sheep trod soft green paths on the hills of his home. He made music in the palace where the old king groaned and raged with an anger unknown. He made music in caves where soldiers sang, where walls rang out with war. And he danced his joy before the throne of God. When they brought back the ark through city streets, the king rejoiced and sang. His wife poured scorn and laughed at the scene, but David’s song was born in the heart of the Lord. The music and the psalms survive forever. Thank you God for the music  that uplifts and pleases us.

Thanksgiving is worth at least 100 words a day: 18. The King "Have you seen my father's donkeys?" the young man asked. The prophet made him sit and eat, gave him a place to sleep, then told him God's message: "You've been chosen as king." Strangers were standing by Rachel's tomb. "Have you seen the donkeys?" "Yes," said the strangers, "but they went home. Your father's looking for you." "Have you seen...?" he asked the men with three goats, three loaves and a jug of wine. They gave him bread. "Have you seen...?" He danced with the seers. "Have you seen the new king?" the people asked. The prophet showed them Saul. Thank you God for the people who lead us.

Still celebrating Thanksgiving in daily 100-word tales: 17. Gideon Enemies were all around, and the women and children were starving. Gideon hid in a wine-press to thresh wheat so his masters wouldn't see. Then a stranger appeared. "Mighty warrior," the stranger said. "Who. Me?" "The Lord is with you." "Then why doesn't he help?" "He's sending you." In the dark of night, Gideon threw down all their statues to strange deities. He sacrificed a seven-year bull on the altar of his God. "The Lord is with us," Gideon said. "Why doesn't he help?" "He's sending us." Three-hundred men—and God's right hand—went into battle and redeemed the land. Thank you God for letting us take part in your plan.

Still celebrating Thanksgiving with a month of drabbles: 16. Jericho Land of the enemy--land of plenty; hand of the adversary--hand of God. "They can't win," said the leader. "Our walls are solid. We have water and stores. We can wait them out." All the same, he sent guards to the battlements to keep watch. "Don't waste ammunition. Just observe, and if they attack we'll send them packing." So they looked on while strangers in royal garb carried a treasure chest around the walls. Marching, sounding trumpets, nothing more. "They're crazy!" But they weren't. On the seventh day, the walls of the city fell down. This land was God's. Thank you God for your faithfulness.

Still celebrating Thanksgiving with a month-long book of thanks... 15. Desert Days “Hold the tent-pole still.” “Steady…” “Now fasten that peg.” The frames were slowly fitted in place—purple curtains, embroidered in crimson, threaded over their poles; gold loops and bright bronze buckles shining like fire in the desert sun. And the holiest place was covered and safe, with table, lamps and altar arrayed around. They were settled again. “I’m hungry Mom.” “Don’t worry son. After the prayers, we’ll have meat.” “I’m tired Mom.” “Don’t worry son. After we’ve eaten we’ll sleep.” “I want to stay here Mom.” “Don’t worry.” But then they packed the tents away and wandered the desert again. Thank you God for your guidance.

Are you going to the Festival of Drabbles? Will you read short stories, at 100 words apiece, and find the best of short short writing available on the internet? Will you join these short short writers and add your own pieces - there's even a competition? It all takes place from November 9th through 15th, on the world-wide internet, so... find out more at  http://thecultofme.blogspot.com/2015/08/festival-of-drabbles-2015.html and join the Facebook Event at  https://www.facebook.com/events/375605662648575/ What are you waiting for? Meanwhile, to celebrate the event, I'm going to post a drabble a day from my my Thanksgiving drabble book, all through November. Join me on a virtual journey through history - no religious conviction required - from Eden's alpha to Eternity's omega. Hope to see you along the way. Or I guess you could buy the book and get there before me :) http://www.amazon.com/Thanksgiving-Eden-Eternity-words-Bible-ebook/dp/B00DUQ5HWC/ on kindl...

In space, the word made light. The light made stars and galaxies And night made earth And heaven shone so bright When child was born. With thanks for creation, big and small

Say please and thank you, say the word Where child is seen and never heard For silent child can hear and knows Deception’s fatal blow. With thanks for good teachers

Gray skies were crying A memory of tears Pitter-pattering Rain on the ground All around me And gray. Came the sunshine’s bright dawning Of day. With thanks for sunshine

Red is the last leaf of fall Orange sunset and gold But green feathers in pine tree Paint blue in the sky Indigo Violet night. With thanks for rainbows and promises