Cigarette Dreams!

She stares at her reflection in the mirror as she combs her hair, as if she’s staring at a total stranger! She doesn’t know who’s that woman any more! That’s not her, those sad eyes aren’t her’s? That yellow skin and the ruins of a delightful smile, who do they belong to?
She has learned to fake her smiles lately, she has learned to play the role of the happy woman. Everyone around her envy her, they think because she doesn’t talk about her problems , that she has none! She starts brushing her teeth, with her sight focused on the sink. She’s ashamed to look into the mirror again, she doesn’t know how to explain herself to herself! That sad reflection is demanding an explanation, is hunting her to know why she’s doing the awful crime of suffering in silence! Oh but what does that reflection knows about life any way? She rinse her mouth with some water, grabs a towel and pat her wet lips avoiding any contact with the mirror! “I’m starting to hate mirrors” she thought, remembering how she used to spend hours in front of her mirror trying on different suits and different styles of make up. How pretty she used to feel, those times seem to be from the ancient past to her now. She feels so old, although she’s still in her early twenties.
She loved him, he loved her. They went on that crazy adventure and stood hand in hand against the whole world. He promised her that she’s going to be his queen for the rest of their lives together, she promised to love and cherish him until death do them apart. Now they’re together, the world that once was against them is now by their side. The people who tried to talk them out of their craziness in the past, are now jealous of how happy they seem to be. He treats her well, so well in fact that its to good to be true !
She hangs the towel back in its place, and leaves the bathroom. It’s time for doing the same boring house chores! As she vacuum clean the living room, she remembers the day they bought those sofa’s. They were still on the run, preparing secretly to get married. They rented an apartment in the country side away from anyone who might know them! They convinced the owner that they were newly weds! They had to furnish the place, she stayed and cleaned while he went out to get some cash from the bank. They were so excited to have their own place! When she saw the sofas she immediately fell in love with them, all she could thin of was all the wonderful love moments that they’ll be sharing on those sofas as they watch TV, or just chill in the evening by the fire-place! She draws a sad smile on her face, oh how cold and lonely these sofas seem to be now!
Into the bedroom she went. She opened the dark curtains, allowing a weak beam of sun ray to enter. She started picking up his pyjamas and socks from the ground. He has that annoying habit of throwing everything on the ground! He doesn’t bother to walk a few steps to put his clothes in the washing basket. She has told him many times that she felt insulted by that behavior, as if she was a maid and her job is to pick up after him. He promised her to change that habit, but promises with him remain promises. she makes that large bed, and spreads new sheets. She remembered that he picked that bedroom! He said he loved it because it had a large bed, on which they can roll freely every night! “We gonna need the largest bed you have”He said to the sales man as he looked at her and winked, her cheeks blushed! “Newly weds ha!”the sales man said smiling at the young couple as he walked them into a large gallery of bedrooms. “You have to know that you’ll be spending most of your time in that bed my lady”He whispered in her ears, and she blushed again! She takes a long look at that bed,oh how did that safe refugee turn into a silent death trap!
She tries to figure out what happened, why did their lives change! Where did all the love go! She still loves him, she knows he loves her, so what happened! Why does she feel so lonely and trapped.
The living room is filled with the echos of what used to be their laughter, and the dust of sweeter times. Their bed has turned into two camps, of back apposite to back. That’s how the go to sleep every night! He says “I love you, good night baby” kisses her on the cheek, turns his back and falls right to sleep! She turns her back too, and falls right into tears!
“He’s been having some problems at work, he needs some personal space to calm down” She told her best friend when she was visiting her a few days ago. “Stop giving him excuses!”Her friend replied! ” (IF) he has problems at work, he must grow closer to you, because when we love someone we only feel safe and rested with him, we forget our problems and troubles in his hug and the comfort of his kiss not the other way around!” she knows her friend is right, but she couldn’t tell her that. “Oh what a lovely vase, is it new”She said changing the subject.
Today its their first anniversary together, something inside of her tells her he forget. Or maybe he’s not into celebrating the occasion.Didn’t he do the same on her birthday! and on his own! Although she insisted on lighting a candle on a home-made cake and wishing him many years to come.
In the evening he came home, kissed her on the cheeks as usual. After he had his shower, they ate dinner quietly as they watched a movie. They had coffee after dinner, and as usual he opened his PC and started playing online games. She calmed herself down “I’m going to have a shower, don’t go to sleep, wait up for me” She said as she held his hand and looked into his eyes. “Ok”He said, looking back at his PC. She finished her shower, and again she was staring at her reflection. This  time she dared to look “Tonight will be different, I’m going to get my husband back. It’s our anniversary, and I must remind him of all our great memories, and all the love we share!”As if she was challenging that sad young woman, She drew a smile on her face, and left the bathroom.
On that large bed, lay her only love, her partner in life, her husband. There he lay, with his back turned and his snoring killing the silence of the night! She couldn’t believe her eyes! She wept rushing back into the bathroom. She searched for her long left pack of cigarettes, she smoked and smoked and smoked until she wasn’t able to see her hands anymore, the smoke formed a large cloud of fog in that tiny restroom.”I was stupid enough to dream, to believe in the “happily ever after” nonsense! Rise smoke, rise and vanish just like my dreams” She puffed the smoke into the clouded area, and tuned off her last cigarette of the pack. “Cigarette dreams, that’s what my love story is. I love it, I can’t quit. But in the end I have gained nothing but smoky fog and a heartache that might one day kill me.
At midnight she woke him up! Annoyed from being awaken, he asked her what she wanted. “Happy anniversary honey” She said sarcastically. He, barely awake, hugged her and murmured  “I Love you, hopefully we’ll celebrate it for many years to come” and he fell back to sleep. She thought, as she pulled herself away from his hands, “Do I really want many more of such celebrations?

Happy in the heart of Jesus (3) “The pure in heart”!

Jesus Says :”Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God” Matthew 5:8

Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.

BIBLE, Titus 1:15

When I was just a kid, I was very attached to my late grandmother. I used to cry until my parents agree to let me sleep over at her place. During the rainy winter nights, my grandma would let me share her bed, and she would brush my hair with her thin, delicate fingers and tell me stories from the ancient past! I used to fall asleep between her arms forgetting my fear from the storm outside! My Grandma passes away four years ago, may God have mercy on her soul. I’m a grown woman now, a wife and a mother, but I have to admit I’m still afraid of storms, especially during the night! Whenever there’s a storm outside I would curl up in bed and approach my husband who knows my fear, he puts his arms around me and kisses my forehead and keeps hugging me until I fall asleep! Tonight Its a fearful storm outside, the wind is blowing violently, and my husband is working late.

  A phone conversation with an old friend lead to a debate, she insisted that a person should experience all things in life whether good or bad before he makes up his mind of what works for him! I, on the other hand, stressed on the experiences that others had before us, and how they tried to pass on their wisdom to us so that we  avoid falling into the trap of bad experiences! The conversation seemed endless, but we finally agreed to disagree! After I hang up with her, I made myself a warm cup of tea and sat by the side of the fireplace, I was now debating myself whether my opinion was right or wrong! The mood of the warm fire beside me, and the rain falling outside my window reminded me of my grandma, and of a story she used to tell me:

   Long long ago, in a far away land lived a wise king. The king was very much-loved by the people because he was fair, nice and generous. His kingdom was known for being peaceful and wealthy, and the king was known to be a man of God. He was very religious and ruled his kingdom according to the laws of the Lord. The king’s wife passed away after giving birth to a twin boys “Omar” and “Salim”, the king raised his boys to be strong men, and he loved them equally. It was hard for the king and everyone who knew  “Omar”and “Salim” to tell them from each other since they were identical twins! They even used to play tricks on their old man because of their similar appearance. But the king knew that no matter how alike his sons’ looked from the outside, their hearts and their loyalty to laws of God will not be the same.

The king was growing old, and weak and he needed to choose one of his two sons to be the next king. It was a hard choice to make knowing that the two men have shown nothing but courage and good behavior for the past twenty years. The old king had to make sure that the son he chooses to run the kingdom, has to be a man of God, that was the only way that he would treat the people fairly and save them from misery and poverty.

One day the king called his two sons into his chamber, he said: My two sons, you have grown to be brave young men and its time for you to start participating in ruling and protecting your kingdom. I have heard of a strong Empire in the far east, called China. This Empire is known for its strength, and wealth. I’m sending you to China to learn their ways, live among the people and try to figure out the reasons that this Empire is one of the greatest in the world. Maybe we can benefit from its experience and help make our kingdom stronger and better. You’ll be provided with a three-month expenses, and you’ll be leaving tonight. Remember, when you reach China you are no longer the sons of a great king you’ll be the sons of life!

“Omar” and “Salim”started their trip on that same night, and after three months they returned to the kingdom to find their beloved father on the deathbed. Everyone in the kingdom was sad, they loved their king so much, and they were afraid that his sons won’t be as fair and just as him.

The two young men waited outside the king’s chamber as he was informed by their return. The king called his son “Omar” first.

– Come “Omar” sit by my side, I’m a dying man I can’t see or hear very well.

-” Yes Father!” Omar said sadly.

-Tell me of your journey my son. What do you think about China? Why is this Empire so strong?

-But father, this isn’t the time for stories!

-Come on son, you were my eyes in that far land, show your dying father what he has failed to see!

-” Very well father!”Said Omar with a broken voice, “China is a land of love, work and religion. Everybody there live to work and pray, they all love each other and share good things. They treated me as if I’m one of them, opened their homes and hosted me. I think that were this Empire’s strength comes from. Their strong belief in God and his laws give them strength.

-Very well “Omar”I have heard what you think, now I need to see through the eyes of “Salim”, send your brother in please!

“Salim” went into his father’s chamber, as “Omar”waited outside worrying about his father’s health.

– Come “Salim” sit by my side, I’m  a dying man I can’t see or hear very well.

-“Bless you father” Salim replied sadly.

-Tell me of your journey to China my son, did you find out why this empire is so strong?

– This Empire is guarded by the devil father!

-Why do you say that “Salim”?

-People in China, are bad, they spent their time in hurting others, stealing and killing! Prostitution is everywhere! They make a living by invading helpless villagers, raping their women and killing the children. No one dares to attack such an evil empire, that’s why it’s so strong!!

– “very well Salim” the wise king replied, “I have seen China through your eyes indeed but now I need to rest for a while, I’m tired and weak!”

-“Bless you father!”Salim said as he kissed his father’s hand and left his room.

Two days later, the king called for his sons. As the two brothers entered their father’s chamber they were surprised by the huge crowd of ministers and consultants in the room, usually their father talks to them in private!

-Come now my sons, I’m too weak to tell the difference between you. “Omar come and sit to my right. “Salim” come and sit to my left. As you know my boys, I’m dying and I need to think about my kingdom and who will rule it after I’m gone. One of you is going to be the next king, usually the kingdom is ruled by the elder son, but since you’re twins I had to make a choice! You’re trip to China was a test for both of you, to see who is worthy of ruling this kingdom and serving the people.

“My sons, he who is pure see’s everything pure because his pure spirit leads him to be where the good exists! Omar, you have a pure spirit that’s why you went to good places in China, were love exists and people are kind and religious! Salim, Alas my son, it breaks my heart that you have chosen the wrong path away from God! Your soul is not pure, it lead you to the places where the devil lives, you have seen only the wickedness in Man because that’s where your soul chose to be! “

And I remember every time my grandma reaches this part of the story, she would look into my eyes and ask me: Who do you think the king chose between his two sons to rule the kingdom?

– “Omar” I would answer.

And why he chose Omar?

-“Because he’s good! ” I’d reply so innocently !

and My grandma would smile and say : “Yes! Because: “ Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”

Now I’m smiling! I finish my tea and wash my cup and dry  it, the debate within me came an end, I know I’m right! We don’t have to try bad things to know that it’s bad for us. God has taught us what is right and what is wrong and gave us the enough intelligence to distinguish between them, but making that choice is eventually up to us.

When An Angel Cries

A few days ago I decided to participate in Picture Worth Your Words Contest which was started by our fellow blogger Aisha: http://ashscrapyard.wordpress.com/2012/01/06/picture-worth-your-words-contest/ and as the contest requires I have chosen the picture which inspired me to write down the below short story. I hope you’ll enjoy reading my post as much as I enjoyed writing it as a part of the challenge!

She has been an angel for quite sometime now. But on that rainy winter morning she was particularly excited! She had been assigned as a guardian angel the night before. Her first real job since she passed away three years ago in a terrible car accident. Ever since she became a spirit! She was going to visit earth again, and this time for a noble mission!  Her real surprise was when the name of the person she will be guarding was announced! “Georges Smith”her husband in life for five years!  She hasn’t learned anything about Georges since she died, but she knows that he has suffered a lot, he has loved her more than anything in the world! From now on she will be with him all the time,  she promised to watch over his dreams, and protect his spirit as much as she can! Oh how she misses looking into his lovely green eyes!

She revised the information given to her, his current residence: New York City , Current status: widowed , Current job: recently unemployed, was dismissed from his work as a graphic designer for a major company due to the world-wide economical crises! Last Guardian angle: retired several weeks ago!

“Oh, my poor Georges, you’ve been unlucky lately ” She thought! “Funny! I used to think that female guardian angels guard females only!” She released a sigh lifting up her shoulders  “Oh well, I’ve  missed you more than you know, I’m just so happy I get to see you again!”

She spread  her wings, and left her heavenly residence! Holding her compass as she approached earth, she managed to locate Georges. But soon her excitement turned into frustration, as she caught a glimpse of him standing on the edge of a high bridge, above the sea. There he stood under the rain, with arms wide-spread and  eyes full of pain, he was trying to jump! “Oh no! He’s trying to kill himself!” She rushed to where he stood, “I have to stop him!” She thought “No one told me how to deal with this!”

“Forgive me Lord!” Georges said looking up towards the cloudy sky above “This life has been too much for my weak soul to bear, I’m in so much pain. Whenever I find a reason to laugh, destiny throws upon me a hundred reason to cry! I miss her so much, my life has been so vague since she left! I tried to get over the pain, I swear I did. I feel so lonely, as if I don’t belong to this earth. Accept my soul Lord, join me with her once again!”

“No Georges, don’t do this!” She screamed as high as she could, but she knew he couldn’t hear her “I feel I’m dying again!!”.  She was heart-broken, because she wasn’t able to grab his hand and pull him back. She wasn’t able to hug him and tell him that soon the sky will clear out, soon spring will be here and soon hope will blossom again in his heart , he only needs to believe! For that one second, she wished she could be human again! To do all these things and save him.

A tear escaped from her eyes, and rolled down her cheek “I thought angels can’t cry!” She held the tear on the tip of her finger, and looked sadly at the man she so honestly loved, he pushed down his weight making his last jump! A strong wind blew, in so much anger and the little tear became a wave, splashing in his face and throwing him back into the bridge! There she stood, she couldn’t believe her eyes! A miracle just happened, God has saved his life! She remembered what her late grandmother used to say “When an angel cries, a miracle happens!

There he was, lying down in the middle of the road, soaking wet as the wind blew harder and louder. “Georges” a worried voice down the road was calling, it was his mom, who has read his suicide note!

The innocent angel clapped her wings and drew a smile on her lips, as she watched his mother hug him and hammer him with kisses. The old woman and her son shed tears and hugged . The angel knew it was a part of what is going to be a long healing process. “Thank you God!!” she said looking up and smiling, “I better keep a close eye on him, he’s going to be a lot of trouble, but I sure don’t mind”!

Today I’m Sad

Today I’m sad! As if my heart wanted to share the  whispers of the rain falling out side my window.  Sadness, This feeling inside that I try to avoid.  I learned to fight it as hard as I can, and I always declare its defeat as I succeed in putting back a smile on my face, and lighting up the hearts of the people around me.

But today, I have no strength to fight back! I sit silently by my window side, staring at the angry nature. I could almost feel the pain of the trees, as the wind viciously tears their leaves one by one!

I’m a person of joy, and hope! But today, I gave in to that little tear begging me to set it free, so it could run down my cheeks. Through my foggy eyes, I catch a glimpse of a stray cat, meowing in pain, calling for help, seeking a shelter from this upset storm. I wished I could offer her shelter for sometime, but as lightning filled up the sky I was distracted from my thoughts, and then thunder strikes!  It felt as If a dagger is stabbed into my heart! Someone I love is hurting, someone I love is in pain, and there’s nothing I can do to help! Destiny has been unfair to him! I wipe my tears, and look up into the skies, through the clouds my spirit flies and I hear myself saying out loud “: Oh forgive me Lord I know you shall comfort him, my merciful father forgive my earthly doubt. ”

I light a candle and place it beside the pictures of my beloved saints, “Dear lord ” I prayed “please ease his pain, grant him your justice, your protection is all he needs, accept my prayers my heavenly father, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”Amen

The phone rings, interrupting the cruel silence that took over my house, once more I wipe my tears, clear my throat, draw a smile on my face and answer an eager friend with a fake pleasant voice.

Help! I Think My Brain Is Leaking!!!

I’m totally technology proof! I’m always out of date when it comes to anything having to do with technology. I always catch up late, if ever! And you know all these technological terms that people nowadays use, I don’t understand the majority of it! Talk to me about poetry, and I will love you. About history, and I can go on for hours listing the history of most well-known nations, wars, epidemics… Arts, philosophy, psychology, you name it and I have the needed information. But not technology! That word is so heavy on my ears!

Whenever someone discusses anything related to this subject I feel like the lazy kid who sits in the back of the class, half asleep, with no idea of what the teacher is talking about, praying that she doesn’t ask him any questions!

To make things even worst, my husband is an electron mechanical engineer with a passion for technology! While I surf the net for poetry, literature and philosophy, he surfs it for the latest upgrades, inventions, computer programs! When he manages to download a rare application he’s as happy as a child on a Christmas morning! Some days, he would come home, excited to show me the latest technology he downloaded into his N8( this phone is his spoiled baby boy!) and I start nodding, and saying :” hmm! Wow! “you know like someone who gets it, but in fact I’m not even there! I’d be thinking about my baby’s diaper, or what to have for dinner! And then the deadly questions are asked:

-Do you like it( off course I nod in approval to God knows what!)

-Isn’t it something (I know) ,

-Do you know its a break through in the history of mobile phones ( yes, I know),

-What was I talking about (I don’t know!)

Yesterday I made him a nice dinner, gave him a neck massage, and then after I made sure his tummy is filled and his nerves are relaxed, I asked for a new laptop.

“Sure” he said.”what kind of laptops would you like

I was about to say “the kind that has a screen, a keyboard and can get me online faster than this old thing I have now” but I knew I’ll just sound stupid!

“You’re the expert, which do you recommend”

And all I remember after my question, was hearing all sort of names, types, features which I understand nothing about! I even thought “why did I have to ask! My laptop is just fine! sure its 4 years old, and very slow, but it’s just fine!

What Is wrong with my brain! why can’t I comprehend anything related to this subject! When my husband tells me that my computer has a virus, I feel sad as if its sick and I wish I could make it a warm cup of tea and give it two tablets of Panadol, maybe it will feel better! but then I remember it’s a machine that we’re talking about!

Another embarrassing thing about me, is that I have the memory of a fish!!! ( you know fish’s memory is wiped out every 5 seconds) especially when it comes to the names of pharmaceutical drugs! before our monthly visit to my daughter’s doctor I memorize the names of the drugs I’m giving her just like a student getting ready to take a difficult exam! But once that red hair man asks me: what did you give her for her ear’s infection, or for her tummy pain I black out ! “ehhhhhhh, ehhhhhhhhhh, ehhhh I squeeze my brain, but I can’t remember! I give my husband that desperate look that says : Help! and my hero runs to the rescue. Thanks God he has a good memory!

I’m starting to think I have a brain leak !

The positive side of this matter is that I don’t remember fighting with people! I would have had a dreadful fight with someone and two days later I greet them and talk to them as if nothing has  happened. At first people used to be surprised, but now they know me well, and it’s something they like about me (especially my mother in law!)

Personal Thoughts About This Year’s Christmas!

My baby girl is taking a nap, so I’m taking this chance to write down what’s been on my mind for a while now!

Christmas  is just three days away and I haven’t been able to do any shopping yet! shopping! ” Anna” my baby girl starts crying every time I go out to buy something. I cant leave her at home with anyone! She’s been causing some nervous break downs through out the family, she’s getting seriously attached to me, but that’s another story…

I’ve been anxiously looking for posting more of my Christmas stories from the sequel teach the children “Happy In The Heart Of Jesus!”but that seems almost impossible now, because of my newborn. but I know that some of you have been waiting to read more, so I promise to post more after the holiday’s even if that comes a bit late, but Its never late to teach our children all the moral and religious values that the lord has taught us in the form of fun and simple stories.

Another point that’s been on mind as well, is the outrageous theft that happens around the holidays! Why is everything so expensive by this time of the year! A plastic Christmas tree costs 400$! Not to mention the price list of all the gifts and even the food! This is outrageous! When mother Mary gave birth to our Lord Jesus, she did it  “in a crude stable. She wrapped the baby in cloths and placed him in a manger.” Do you know how much it costs to decorate a sample crude stable and place it under you Christmas tree!

Please don’t misunderstand me people, I’m not a cheap person, but I’m logical enough to think that the needy and the poor are more deserving  of all those expenses we pay around Christmas which goes directly into the pockets of large, rich incorporation most probably managed by mason leaders who are anti -Christ to begin with!

Now here’s another thought,  ask your child this ” What does Christmas represents to you”and most probably you gonna here the first word goes something like this “Santa”! or “Gifts“!

Santa  has been the popular figure that children wait for all year long, and that’s very healthy for a child. But we as parents have been committing the horrible mistake of not explaining the real meaning of Christmas to our young generation! The child must know that Christmas is to celebrate the birth of our savior, he who has endured all the pain of the world just to wash our sins away and save us. And perhaps we should, as adults, study the real story of Santa in order to be able to put things in better perception for our young ones: The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus’ words to “sell what you own and give the money to the poor,” Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. If you would like to read more please visit the following link: http://www.stnicholascenter.org/pages/who-is-st-nicholas/

Last But Not Least:

Merry Christmas, May it be full of blessings for all the people living on this earth!

Thank you for all my followers and readers, you have given me all the encouragement I need to start writing again!

“Lord please give us the strength to hold on to our faith, and the correct vision to see how well you surround us, and the logic to give and be grateful.

Lord, please help our leaders see the light of your wisdom, and the power of your actions, help them to let go of their ignorance and follow your virtuous path”

Amen

Rana Armoush

Pictures displayed on this blog are taken from Google, and  or from different sites. The writer of this blog, doesn’t claim any copyrights of the above pictures.

Happy In The Heart Of Jesus(2) “The Joy Of Forgiveness”

In Matthew 6:14-15 Jesus says, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

It was a sunny morning, some how warmer than the day before. Little Angelina opened her eyes, and looked outside the window. She was happy to see that the wind has stopped blowing violently, and that yesterday’s storm left in defeat leaving behind the most incredible crust of white snow. She got dressed in a hurry, full with excitement, remembering her Mom‘s promise “If it snows this year , I will buy you the lovely pink skate board you’ve always wanted!

She ran downstairs, the smell of morning coffee coming out of the kitchen informed her that her dad is awake. “Good morning Angy, did you look outside this morning”

“Yes! There’s snow everywhere!”She replied in excitement.”And Mama promised to buy me the pink skate board I wanted if it snows!”I’m gonna wake her up right now!”

Angy soon woke her mother up, demanding her of the gift she has promised!

An hour later, Angy went to town with her mom. They were entering the ski equipment store when they met Mrs. Davis.

Mrs. Davis was their neighbor, a seventy year old woman, with grey hair and yellow teeth. Angy never liked Mrs. Davis, she always refused to say hello when Mrs. Davis visit them, she thought to herself “She’s old and ugly and has really bad smell!” But her mother insists that she has to be kind to old people, and be polite no matter what. She remembers that her mom, delivers a warm dish to Mrs. Davis house every time she cooks a nice meal. Angy asked her once why she does that and her mom said ” I feel delighted when I share a meal with our neighbors, especially Mrs. Davis because she’s living alone and sometimes she gets sick and can not cook, so she calls me and I drop by her house with a warm meal and help her with some chores. You should come with me next time you’ll enjoy it! “But Angy never understood how cooking for a stranger and clean their house could be fun!

Mrs. Davis wasn’t alone at the store, along was her friend Mrs. Springfield. “My best friend since we were thirty years old” said Mrs. Davis introducing her friend to Angy’s mom!

“”It’s an honor” her mom said smiling at the two old ladies.

Inside the store Angy and her mom were busy looking for the right skate board, Angy wondered away from where her mother was standing, into a row of colorful ski shoes. From the shelf behind her, she could hear two old ladies gossip “Yes, that’s right! Whenever I don’t feel like cooking, or whenever I want to save some money on food or I want to get my house clean, I call her!

But why does she do all that for you!

“I pretend to be sick, and she thinks she’s helping an old helpless woman! She doesn’t know I’m in better health than her!

Her friend giggles in sarcasm, but was surprised to see Angy’ head  popping out from behind the shelve and looking shocked! she nods at Mrs. Davis to look, and both of them blush in embarrassment! Mrs. Davis was sure that Angy was going to tell her mom of what she’s heard!

And Angy did tell her mom, she was so angry, so furious as she was explaining to her mom the details of what has happened. Her mother listened silently. When Angy finished talking, she was expecting to see her mother mad, and that she would call Mrs. Davis and tell her she knows all about her evil plans. Instead, her mom smiled at her, and asked”So, wouldn’t you like to try your lovely skate board before the snow melts down!

Angy didn’t understand her mother’s reaction “But mom!”

“come on, go outside and play before it gets dark!

The next morning, Angy’s mom woke her up at eight A.M “Come on Angy, you’re coming with me today!”

“Where”Angy asked while rubbing her sleepy eyes.

“You’ll see, now get dressed baby”her mother replied as she left the room and walked down stairs.

Her mom held her hand, and in the other hand she was holding a plastic bag. They walked for two blocks and then crossed the street towards and old wooden house. Angy was wondering where was her mom taking her in this early morning!

Her mother rang the bell, and they stood waiting for someone to answer the door. The door soon opened, and to Angy’s big surprise it was Mrs. Davis at the door! “Maybe my mom came here to ask her why she said what she said, or maybe she’s here to tell her that she’s not doing her anymore favors!”Angy thought to herself.

“Goodmorning Mrs. Davis, how are you this morning” The mother said with a smile.

“Fine thank you”Mrs. Davis replied, looking confused “please come in”She invited them.

Inside, Angy sat by mother’s side on an old grey sofa. “Everything in this house is very old, even the sofa’s”She thought.

“I brought you some steak with boiled vegetables and a mushroom soup! I hope you’ll like them!”Angy and Mrs. Davis both looked at her in suprise “what’s my mom thinking” Angy asked herself.

“I’m sure her daughter told her, why is she still so nice!”Mrs. Davis thought silently.

“Angy”, Mrs. Davis said” loulou my puppy is feeling lonely in the kitchen, can you play with her while I talk to your mother

Angy looked at her mother, who nodded in approval.

In the kitchen, Angy didn’t play with loulou, instead she stood behind the door, listening to the conversation which was taking place in the next room.

She heard Mrs. Davis apologize for her rude behavior, and confess that she was pretending to be sick to get warm meals, and a clean house. She said she was sorry, and she feels very ashamed, and regrets it. and asked for forgiveness.

Her mother’s answer was “If any one forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.”Angy told me what happened and I’m not here to accuse you, I’m here to help you as I have always did, whether you’re sick or not.”

She could hear Mrs. Davis voice change, now it’s filled with regret and sadness “Will you forgive me dear”she asked “I’m terribly sorry”.

“I know you are, that’s why I want you to forget what happened. and let’s carry on the way we were before, but at least now I don’t have to worry about you being ill, it’s comforting to know that you’re in a good health.

On their way back, Angy was unusually quite.”What’s wrong Angy”her Mother asked.

In hesitation she answered”I don’t understand mama

“You don’t understand what baby

How can you forgive someone who was talking behind you back, and was using you and lying to you

Her mother smiled down at her” but Any, we’re human too and we have our share of mistakes and wrong doings, God will show us the same mercy we show to others! If we forgive those who hurt us, God will forgive us as well. That ‘what our lord Jesus taught us!

“But why do you seem so happy and calm, although she did all those bad things!

It’s the joy of forgiveness honey, when you forgive someone you feel happy and proud, you’ll be truly happy in the heart of Jesus!.

God is mercy, think about all the times you prayed in regret and asked that your sins be forgiven. And  How peaceful and happy you feel after praying. This month, try to be merciful as your heavenly father, try to clear your heart from grudges and forgive, believe me its you who’s winning every time you forgive, because a sin is being deleted from your page in heaven at that very moment. That’s one way to be Happy in the Heart Of Jesus!

Rana Armoush

Pictures displayed on this blog are taken from Google, and  or from different sites. The writer of this blog, doesn’t claim any copyrights of the above pictures.

Happy in the heart of Jesus!(1) “The Joy Of Giving”

Matthew 21 “Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.”

Little Angelina was so delighted when the school bell rang at 2:00  PM! “Happy holidays everyone, don’t forget to study as well!” But she couldn’t hear her teacher last words, she was running out of the class with so much excitement. Tomorrow the Christmas– New year holiday start and she already has so many plans on how to spend the vacation.

That night her uncle Mike came to visit, and she just loves spending time with him. Especially when they walk to the nearby market and do some shopping for candies and toys. Mike held her little hand and helped her cross the road, she was jumping up and down in excitement. They entered Mr. Clerck‘s ‘grocery as usual, and her eyes started gazing at the sweets section in eager. When Mike told her to go pick all the sweets her heart desire, she didn’t wait until he finished talking.

As they were heading back home, Angelina was holding her big bag of sweets close to her heart. She suddenly stopped walking, and squeezed her uncles hand, wanting him to look at something. Across the street was a little blond girl almost her age, sitting on the side walk beside her mother. They lit a fire in a garbage box and stood there in their old torn clothes trying to get warm. Angelina watched in surprise as the little girl picked up a left over sandwich from the garbage that a stranger just thrown, and started eating it in a hurry. The girl then stopped eating, and divided the sandwich into two pieces, and gave her mother one.

“Why is this girl eating from the garbage uncle”Angelina asked innocently and disgusted at the same time. “This girl is very poor Angi, she doesn’t have money to buy food.”Her uncle helped her cross the street to where the girl was sitting, he took out his wallet , reached for a 20 $ paper and gave it to the mother. The woman’s eyes lit up with sad happiness, and a shy smile “May Jesus bless you, and your little girl”she prayed. Angi replied with her eyes fixed on the little girl who hid behind her mother “No, he’s my uncle not my dad”. “You have a wonderful uncle”the woman replied. Angelina was more interrested in the girl, she asked her”aren’t you cold, why dont you wear a jacket”

– “I don’t have one” The girl replied head down.

-“Why doesn’t your father buy you one” Angi insisted.

-“My father is dead”the girl answered looking sadly at the big bag of sweets in Angi’s hand.

“Give her some chocolate Angi”, her uncle encouraged her. But Angi stood there silent for a moment, and then she said “No! these are mine!

Angi that’s rude and unkind, come on give her a chocolate bar!

“I Dont want to! “She said, she pulled out her hand from her uncle’s hand and started running. Afraid that she might get hit by a car, her uncle ran after her.

When he finally caught up with her, he asked her why she ran. “Why did you give that woman money! and why you want me to give the girl my chocolate! do you love them more than me!

“No! off course not. I don’t love anyone more that you. But I was trying to make a good deed to unfortunate people, just like our lord Jesus Christ taught us”.

“What do you mean”

Her uncle explained to her as they walked home how God has granted her with countless blessings, but not everyone is as fortunate as her. That’s why Jesus asked the blesses ones to help those who are in need.”That little girl is cold and hungry, she doesn’t have a place to sleep so she sleeps on the pavement. All she has is the mercy of the lord and the love of her mother. If you have given her that chocolate bar, you would have made her little heart happy, and her weak body a bit stronger, and you’d still have a lot of chocolate left for you! Imagine you were in her shoes! Cold and scared!

That night, Angelina couldn’t fall asleep. All she could think of is that little girl. And she kept imagining herself in her shoes “homeless, cold and hungry!

When the morning came, Angi’s parents searched the house for her. She wasn’t there! On her bed was a letter, I’m with the girl, I’ll be home soon.

Her uncle knew where to find her”, back in town Mike saw Angi sitting on the pavement talking and laughing with the little girl, as they were sharing Chocolate bars and sweets. Mike noticed the girl wearing Angi’s coat, and her pink shoes.

Uncleeeeeeeeee! Angi yelled in excitement when she saw him, he gave her a big hug! “Why did you leave the house without telling anyone! why didn’t you ask me to come with you!

Angi answered with her head down “But uncle, Jesus told us if we do a good deed we should not tell anyone about it!

Mike couldn’t be more proud, his eyes filled up with tears! “oh Angi, one day I wish I have a baby girl just like you!

As they walked home, Mike asked her “Are you ok with sharing your candies and clothes with that poor girl!

Yes uncle, I’m happy”She said jumping up and down!

“That’s the joy of giving, now you’re happy in the heart of Jesus”May he bless your pure soul.

As you decorate your Christmas tree, and plan Christmas dinner menus, as you go shopping for clothes and gifts this month. Please don’t forget that there’s always someone round the corner less fortunate than you, and a small gesture might save his life, warm his heart and make him pray for you. That’s how you’ll truely be happy in the heart of Jesus this season.

Rana

Pictures displayed on this blog are taken from Google, and  or from different sites. The writer of this blog, doesn’t claim any copyrights of the above pictures.

An unexpected Goodbye

… she hugged him for a few minutes as she brushed his black hair with her delicate fingers, she kissed him a couple of times on the forehead and smelled his neck.”hey I’m just going to pick up my friend from the airport, it’s not like I’m traveling or anything!”
Hours later when the phone downstairs rang, she was afraid to answer it! as if she knew what news she was about to receive. Her baby next room began to cry, she felt as if ages passed before she could reach his room and pick him up.She took her newborn in her arms and broke into tears as she shook him gently into sleep.
The phone kept ringing, as if the caller insists on making her worst nightmares come true.
She went down the stairs as if she was an old woman crawling towards her final destination “Yes,”She finally answered, and Amy’s eager voice replied “Where have you been I have been calling like forever!
“Oh Amy you can’t believe how relieving it is to hear your voice!”
“well that’s certainly the first time you show it! Listen up Hun, Thanksgiving dinner is at our place this year. Betty is coming over tomorrow at four to discuss some ideas, I’m making my special cheese cake, we’ll be waiting for you to join us.”
“Yeah, sure.I’ll be there.You take care now.”
She was about to release a long sigh of relief, when the phone rang again.
“Yes.” she answered…
  Today, She recalls the horrible night of the unexpected goodbye .She wipes the sad look off her face, and kisses the cheeks of her child.”don’t worry baby, you’ll do just fine.I’m sure all the other kids will like you.School is fun I’m telling you”…she wondered as she watched him take his first step inside the school, what if it wasn’t raining that night, what if the other drunk driver didn’t pass on that exact road, wouldn’t John be standing by her side now to witness his son’s first day of school”.

Pictures displayed on this blog are taken from Google, and  or from different sites. The writer of this blog, doesn’t claim any copyrights of the above pictures.