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Shucks.
I changed Ruth’s name to Hope in one sentence. I was almost positive I had on accident.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
I guess I was sort of confused by Joseph’s fears about talking to Ezra, then. He seems to have multiple flashbacks to the soldiers, which is a good way to show how the events have affected him. I was probably confused (I’m assuming now that this scene is replacing the one before where he talks to three young men) about why he was so worried about Ezra in specific.
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Yes.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
Looks good. This will definitely help it not to feel too fast.
At that moment, the door crashed open. Ezra jumped, and Joseph started to his feet, gripping the arm of his chair so tightly his hands went white.
“Hello father! I didn’t expect you home so soon!” Quin exclaimed as he bounded into the room.
Didn’t your mother teach you not to slam doors around?
After everyone had been seated, Mr. Caddick gave the blessing. As the family passed dishes and ate, Joseph noticed Ezra beginning to relax. Joseph looked at the faces of the Caddick children, and he watched as the easily welcomed Ezra and treated him as though he was part of the family. Oh, to have their naive innocence again. To go back to a time when I didn’t know the evil men are capable of, he thought. But then, he paused. Their church was torn apart by the Empire, and they too watched people die. They lived through the siege and fall of Ardenta. Stephen and David were threatened by people they once called brothers and sisters in Christ. Joseph slowly shook his head. It’s not naivety, it’s Christ-like love and true faith.
Yes. This is a good moment where we see progress in building the church while at the same time Joseph is moving backwards feeling he isn’t strong enough. I felt him slipping deeper into this throughout the section. The way he slips into it feels real as well, where some of his thoughts are out of control, and he is trying to stop them, but they come anyway. (I wonder if he will get to a stage where he is trying so hard to stop them that as a result, he only thinks those thoughts more.) But at the same time, he feels he is the only one struggling with this, and everyone else seems to be strong in faith, so he becomes depressed. Someone’s going to need to snap him out of it eventually, but for now, this is good.
The one thing I’m having trouble with the Caddicks is since they were all introduced together, I’m having trouble keeping track of who’s who and how old they all are (especially the girls). The letter to Sabina you provided in the previous section was very helpful with that.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Oh good. I saw this and I was like, “Oh no, it’s a long response. This might be bad.”
Didn’t your mother teach you not to slam doors around?
Didn’t you ever accidentally do it when you were in a rush and weren’t thinking? lol.
Someone’s going to need to snap him out of it eventually, but for now, this is good.
Good. Good.
The one thing I’m having trouble with the Caddicks is since they were all introduced together, I’m having trouble keeping track of who’s who and how old they all are (especially the girls). The letter to Sabina you provided in the previous section was very helpful with that.
The main ones you will want to keep an eye on are the older three, (David, Stephen, and Amelia) Being closest to Joseph’s age, they will have the most interactions with him.
Glad the letter helped. I felt like it was a good way to do it instead of just saying, here’s this person and this is how old they are, and then here’s this other person, etc.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
Alright, I believe now we are back on track.
I’ll put a little from the previous section in here. We are now back to just after Joseph’s letter to Sabina.
…….
Sometimes I feel so inadequate teaching the people, especially when I train up Mr. Caddick, David and Stephen, who are older than I am. Sometimes they understand something that I never did, and I worry that perhaps I wasn’t the right one to teach them. Yet, they tell me they learn so much from me, and I know they wouldn’t lie about it. I was so sure this is what God called me to, and that feeling has not changed. Still, there is doubt, and I begin to wonder if I am enough. Can God really use a man like me to bring salvation to a whole town? I’m scared Sabina. I haven’t even worked up the courage to speak of my faith outside of our small circle of Believers. I have heard a little of what happened to some who were taken prisoner, and the fear in the eyes of those who speak of it is enough to terrify me. Can I go through that? I don’t think I’m ready. Oh God help me! I don’t think I could do it!
Still, the church is growing stronger, and stronger. David and Stephen continually put me to shame by their boldness. They say they are ready to go out and speak of Christ to the unbelievers, and I am too terrified to say I will go with them. What is wrong with me? I was supposed to come here and bring this town back to Christ, yet those of the town are braver than I am!
I don’t know what to do. I continue to seek God in prayer and teach among the believers. And seeing the church grow as it has is truly strengthening. I am excited to see what God will do. How have things been in Darvora? How is Asher? Is he doing better? Is Eric still causing trouble in the kitchen? How are you? What has been happening in the church? Have any of the young men I was studying with begun to teach? Tell Asher, Eric, Noah, and Darrien that I miss them all desperately.
I pray for all of you every day.
May God be with you, dear Sabina.
Joseph
***
The next morning, Leon and Julian left. With them they took the letter, carefully protected in Julian’s satchel. It was a sad parting for Joseph, for seeing friends he had known since childhood brought back many memories, and he wondered how many of those he knew and loved would be lost to him forever.
Once Julian and Leon were gone, Joseph threw himself back into the work he had begun. It would be Sabbath very soon, and he decide to talk to Mr. Caddick, David, and Stephen. The four gathered in Joseph’s room, and Joseph began. “I’ve really enjoyed studying with you…” he trailed off, suddenly feeling awkward talking this way to three men who were older than him.
Mr. Caddick smiled. “Go ahead.”
“Well, I can see that all three of you have a strong grasp of God’s Word and will make excellent teachers,” Joseph said. “I wondered if one of you felt ready to lead the Sabbath meeting this week.”
Stephen and David shook their heads. “No,” David replied. “I don’t think I’m ready to do that. You know so much more, for you have studied with the intention of leadership for years, and you know the Bible well. I don’t think I’m ready to do that if you could do it instead.”
Stephen nodded. “I feel the same.”
“I won’t be here forever,” Joseph said. “I need men who will rise up and take my place when I am gone, and who will share this load and work beside me,” He looked at Mr. Caddick. “I need companions and brothers, who can help me and work with me. I can’t do this alone.”
Mr. Caddick was nodding. “Joseph is right.” He looked at his sons, a question in his eyes.
The two were silent for a long moment. At last, David spoke. “Will you give us one more week to pray about this.”
His father nodded.
The next Sabbath came and went. Joseph paused to wonder how the soldiers never came and questioned them as to what the meeting was about. He felt a chill at the thought, and hurriedly shook it aside.
The next few days came and went, and to Joseph’s great delight, Leon and Julian returned. With them they brought more Bibles and a letter for Joseph.
For a moment it was chaos in the hall, everyone laughing and talking at once. Julian managed to get off his rucksack and handed it to Stephen. “These are for your town.”
“What are they?” David asked.
“Bibles that the team in the capital copied,” Leon replied.
“Come in and eat,” Mrs. Caddick called from the kitchen. “You two must be starving!”
David and Stephen were exclaiming over the Bibles, touching them with reverent hands and laughing in excitement. Quin and Andrew pranced around Leon and Julian, begging for stories. Amelia ducked passed her brothers and took the two travelers’ cloaks.
Leon turned to Joseph and pressed something into his hand. “This is for you, from Sabina.”
Joseph held the letter tightly, a bright smile on his face. “Thank you.”
“Supper!” Mrs. Caddick called again.
“How were they?” Joseph asked.
“Very well,” Leon replied.
“Did you have to escape soldiers?” Andrew asked eagerly.
“Julian, how soon do you need this back?” Stephen asked, motioning to the rucksack.
“Sabina has been up to something new,” Leon told Joseph. “I’m sure she’ll tell you all about it in the letter.”
“Leon has my things, but I’ll want that back before I leave,” Julian said.
“We can hide these after dinner,” David replied.
“Children!”
Everyone stopped talking and looked to the doorway. Mr. Caddick stood there, his mouth firm but his eyes smiling. “Your mother has prepared dinner. Why don’t you come in and eat?”
After the meal was over, Joseph found a moment to escape, and he tore up to his room. Closing the door, he dropped down on the bed and hurriedly opened Sabina’s letter.
My Dear Boy,
It was such a delight and blessing to receive your letter. I am so, so thankful that you are in a good home and have strong Christians with you. Stephen and David sound like wonderful young men, and I am so glad that you are with them. I hope you are all a great encouragement to each other.
Oh Joseph, don’t doubt this is what God has called you to. Doubt is a weapon of the enemy. As are lies. David and Stephen are both being filled with the Holy Spirit, just as you have been. If God choses to reveal things to them sooner than He did to you, do not doubt that you are not to do what God has called you to. ‘As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.’ God is using them to sharpen you, and you to sharpen them. He reveals to each of His children what is right for them in the time that is right. Not everyone will have the exact same relationship with God because we are different. Just as people never have the exact same relationship with one another. God knows what is best for each of us, and He will give to us what we need in the time we need it. Continue to grow closer to God, call on Him and seek Him constantly. He will hear you and He will help you.
Oh Joseph, we have come back to that age old enemy; fear. Joseph, open your eyes! Do you not know that all of us face fear? I am sure that Stephen and David are just as frightened as you. Maybe even more so! But they are trusting God and leaning on Him. You must do the same! Trust your Father in heaven, as so many have before you, and so many do around you. He will NOT fail you. He has said so. He will not call you to face any trial He knows you are not ready for. He will not cast upon us a burden to great too bear. When you are ready, you will face what He calls you to face, but only when you are ready, and only when he calls you. I pray for you every day, and I’ll continue to pray for you. Be bold, be ready to give an account for the hope that is within you. Trust the Lord and lean upon Him. He will guard, guide, and sustain you. He will never leave you. God can use anyone and anything for His glory. He can use you to do things we could not even imagine. You must decide if you will do as He calls you to do, and if you will let Him use you. He loves you, Joseph. Praise God that He has already used you to begin the restoration of His church in that town. Darrien and Noah are just as excited as I am, and we all thank God so much that you have chosen to walk in the path He has laid before you.Things here have been as well as can be expected. No more arrests for the time being, thank God. The guards and soldiers are swamped with keeping order in the city with so many people flowing in and out. People have started packing up and leaving by the hundreds for other cities, villages and towns, and the same amount seem to be flooding back into the city. About half the church left, and with them two of the young men you studied with—Isaac and Joshua. Asher is back on his feet and is working as hard as ever. He and Eric have been a wonderful help, and a good amount of the Bibles we sent were copied by their hands. Asher did catch a cold, and he has a lingering cough that worries me at times, but he grows stronger as the days pass, and I pray he will recover soon. Another thing the change has brought is better food. We can now get things from the farms easier than we could, and the markets are simply flooded here. Of course, the Empire extracts generous taxes, but the food is affordable, and it is healthier and hardier than it was.
I am doing well. Thank you for thinking to ask, it really touched me. There is something new happening here, and I am sure you will say that it was completely to be expected. Still, it came as a great surprise and blessing to me. With so many people coming and going, orphaned children have been crawling out of their little hideaways and recking havoc in the markets as they desperately steal what they can. Well, I was in the market one day, when a boy of about fourteen was caught stealing bread. The soldiers had him publicly wiped! I was so angry, that I ran right up to them and snatched the whip from the soldier’s hand! I don’t know how I had the courage to do it, and afterwords I nearly fainted from fright just thinking about it. I took the boy’s hand and told the soldiers he was my son, and I would see to it he was properly punished.
Then, they let me go! I still can hardly believe it! And, what’s more, they let me take the boy! I brought him home and cared for him. He told me he had stolen the bread for his little sisters and some other children he knew. I told him to take me to them. At first, he wouldn’t, but after a time, he learned to trust me, and he took me to a dirty part of the city I had never been to. It seems he was the leader of a little group of orphan children, and after coxing them out, we took them home. The next day, I went back with a basket of fresh bread and called for children. No one would come, and after two hours I sat down on a step and called out that the bread was for them, all they must do was come and take it. I promised not to hurt them.
Then I sat and waited. I ended up falling to sleep. When I woke, the bread was gone, but there was not a child in sight. I was so excited! For a whole week I repeated the same thing. At last, a little dirty boy crept out of the shadows and took bread out of my hand! More and more began to do it each day. They were like frightened little rabbits. It was so sweet and a little funny the way they would creep up, sometimes coming sideways or backwards to ensure they had a better chance to run.
Oh, I wanted to take some good soap and water to their little faces! They were so dirty I could hardly see them!
Between the children at home and the ones in alley, I have been very busy. I love them all so much, and sometimes I cry with joy. I always wanted children, and now God has given me so many, I hardly know want to do with them! I hope to get the ones in the alley to come home with me. Today I was able to get some cold meat to bring to them, along with the bread. They have never spoken to me, and their little eyes are so big with terror that it makes me want to cry. Still, they do come, and one little one paused to hold my hand a moment when he took the bread. He wouldn’t look at me, but he stroked his fingers over my palm as if trying to remember the feel of my hand. Then he scrambled off and vanished. I love him so much already, and I pray one day he will be mine. I never thought to have children again after you, Asher and Eric grew up. But now, I have more than I ever did.
The boy I rescued in the market, Cedric, and two girls of about sixteen, named Jenny and Adeline, help so much at home. The children thrive, and they are learning more about God each day. Adeline and Cedric have accepted Christ, and I am sure some of the others are not far behind. Darrien and Noah love the children, and it is so funny to see them play with the little ones. They have become boys again. We are so, so happy and blessed. I love tripping over children and toys, hearing shouts and laughter, feeding, dressing and washing, cuddling and comforting. They are such little treasures.
Well, the church is smaller than it was, now that half of the members went away to resettle. But we are in less danger then we were; at least for a time, and some of the new people of the city have come to join us. A few are those who were torn away from us by the Empire so many years ago! It is so wonderful to see them again. As I said, Joshua and Isaac have begun to teach in the new church they established with those that left the city. Also, Matthew is teaching here, and Darrien says he has grown so much. Matthew told me to send his greeting to you when I write, as did James and Mark. Darrien and Noah send prayers and greetings, and hope to see you some time in the near future. Asher told me to tell you that he’s praying, and Eric sends a greeting as well.
May God bless you, my dear boy.
I love you.
Sabina
Joseph smiled as he set down the letter. It did sound just like the Sabina he knew and loved to take in all those orphaned children. The joy she felt touched him even through the letter, and he was refreshed and strengthened by it. “Thank You Father for blessing her in this way. Thank You for filling her with such love and strength so that she can care for these poor little lost ones. Bring them all to You, just as she gathers them to her. Thank You for the blessing of this letter.”
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@ellette-giselle awww Sabina caring for the orphan clan is so cute!!!
"When in doubt, eat cheese crackers."-me to my charries who don't even know about cheese crackers
I know!! It’s so perfect for her!!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@ellette-giselle I love that idea too!! 🥰
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
Leon turned to Joseph and pressed something into his hand. “This is for you, from Sabina.”
I was kind of expecting it to take longer for a response to come in. But this isn’t a pacing issue this time. It’s fine we got one so quickly and I was happy to see it.
I took the boy’s hand and told the soldiers he was my son, and I would see to it he was properly punished.
Bold.
Good section. I guess Sabina doesn’t have to worry about Joseph, Asher, and Eric all growing up and leaving her now that she has some other little ones to look after.
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
So fun to work with!
I know! Sabina is gonna get herself killed.
But, she’s like that. I mean, remember how spunky she was when she was being a total snark to Aaron and Turin. She hasn’t lost all of that.
still, it scares me when she does stuff like that!
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@hybridlore @linus-smallprint @koshka @keilah-h @elishavet-pidyon @grcr
NEXT SECTION
Stephen and David continued to grow, and Joseph found himself looking up to them in many ways. Mr. Caddick was always a source of wisdom, and Joseph found himself coming to him often. It seemed so strange to Joseph that they all looked up to him, and he looked up to them. It was with great pleasure that Joseph saw David lead his first Sabbath meeting. The next week, Mr. Caddick led, and the following week it was Stephen.
Joseph was continually terrified by the Caddick’s boldness, which only seemed to grow as each day passed. Yes, men like Ezra had come to Christ, but what happened when someone decided to turn them in?
One afternoon, Joseph, Stephen, and David made their way back from work. It had been a long day, and Joseph had felt particularly uneasy working so close to one of the Imperial mounted men who supervised their labor.
All at once, David stopped. Joseph and Stephen turned, but David walked away from them toward a woman who was on the other side of the street. He fell in step beside her and they began speaking together.
Joseph turned to Stephen. “A friend of yours?”
Stephen shook his head.
“Then what’s he doing?” Joseph demanded, a cold sense coming over him.
Stephen shrugged. “Come on, we had better head home.”
Joseph reluctantly followed, glancing behind him at David and the woman.
It wasn’t long before they heard running steps and David caught up with them. “Do you know her?” Joseph asked.
“No,” David replied. “I have never seen her before. God told me to go invite her to the Sabbath meeting, so I did.”
Joseph started. “David, what if she turns your family in?” He couldn’t bear the thought of what the soldiers would do to the children, or to David and Stephen.
“If God told me to tell her, then I must. The rest is up to God. My parents are in full agreement with this.” David turned to look at Joseph. “I would die to keep my family safe. But, if God tells me to go save a dying woman, I must do it. My family is in His hands.”
Stephen nodded in agreement. “Come along, I’m starving.” He quickened his pace, but Joseph lagged behind.
David dropped back beside him. “You good?”
Joseph looked down. “I am sorry. You were right to speak to her.”
David was silent for a moment. “Joseph, it scares me to do things like that,” he said quietly. “I’m terrified of what the Empire can do to me and those I love. But I must give that fear to God. If He is calling me to do something, I can’t let my fear get in the way of that. I must ask Him to give me strength and courage when all I have is fear.”
Joseph nodded slowly, but inside he felt as though he was slowly losing his grasp on anything sure and stable.
***
The next Sabbath, the woman was there. She seemed nervous and ill at ease, like she would bolt at a moment’s notice. They had just finished the blessing over the meal when she arrived, but Amelia and Mrs. Caddick hurried to see that she was welcomed and given a place at the table. Joseph felt the anxiety in the air as many people stole glances at the woman. The same thought was in every mind. Is she the one? Is this the day we are betrayed?
Despite this, no one left. It was better to face what ever came together.
When the meal was over, people slowly trickled into the main room of the house. They were hard pressed to all fit, and many young men and children sat on the floor so others might have a place to sit.
Taking his seat on the floor, with David’s shoulder against his, and Quin’s elbow in his back, Joseph had a fleeting thought of what good crossbow targets they made, completely trapped like this. There was no way any of them could get up with real speed. A child couldn’t miss.
Stephen was leading the meeting, standing in the middle of the room so as to be seen and heard by all. He bowed his head and closed his eyes. “Father, we are gathered here in Your name. We do this against the commands of the Empire, but we all know we must serve You above men. We knew the cost when we began, and we know the cost now. If this be the day that we fall into enemy hands, then so be it. We are Yours, Father; do as You will. Fill this room with Your Spirit and Your peace. Give us comfort and help us to keep our eyes fixed upon You, not the world. Oh Lord our God, give us peace! Help us now as we feel the pressure of evil. Take our fear and give us courage. Lead me today as I guide my brothers and sisters in Your word. Speak through me. I give this meeting to You. We are Your people; we are Yours to command.”
Stephen looked up, and as he did, Joseph felt a wave of peace sweep over him. He looked up at his friend and smiled. Something was slowly starting to fall into place, though Joseph couldn’t quiet grasp it.
Stephen opened the Bible in his hand and began turning the pages. At that moment, a sound caught everyone’s attention. Joseph turned and saw the woman, her head in her hands, sobbing.
Amelia worked her way to the woman’s side and wrapped her arms about her, gently stroking her back. At last, the woman caught her breath. She looked up and smiled at Amelia. Then she slowly stood.
Joseph watched her, wondering what on earth was about to happen. He could feel David tense at his side, and wondered what the young man would do if she tried to leave and report them to the soldiers. He wondered what he himself would do.
The woman smiled at the people gathered, wiping her eyes. Then she spoke: “Yesterday, I came to this town from one of our more prominent cities. This was the place I was born and raised. This is my home. When I came here, I was horrified by the idolatry of the land. You see, almost nine years ago, I was in the capital city as it lay under siege. My husband died on the walls defending it, as did my son. There was a young man there named Aaron. He brought my husband, son, and I to Christ. When the Empire separated the people, I never thought to encounter Christians again. In the city I come from, there was a small underground church, and for years the Empire wrecked havoc in it. But no matter how hard they tried, they could never wipe it out.”
The woman wiped her eyes with the corner of her skirt and took in several breaths before continuing in a steadier voice. “When I came here, I hoped there would be more freedom to worship as this town is so much smaller. But all I could see was evil. It was everywhere, and… and I almost gave up hope. Then, yesterday, this young man, David,” she nodded to him as she spoke. “Told me to join him at his family’s home today. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I felt God urging me to go. I had hope, because David seemed so different, and this is the Sabbath; but it was a faint hope. Then, when you began to pray, oh I can’t tell you the joy that filled me!”
Joseph felt a wave of relief and joy wash over him. Amelia was hugging the woman again, as were several others. The atmosphere was suddenly cleared of dread, and many laughed with relief and joy. Joseph closed his eyes. “Oh, Father thank You. Thank You for keeping us safe, and for bringing this dear sister to us. Help me to always trust you and to never doubt again,” he whispered.
And for the moment, Joseph felt true peace.
***
Joseph loved seeing the church grow, and that dread of what might happen to them that had hung over him for so long began to slowly recede. He was still cautious, and they all knew what would happen if they were found, but he was able to push the fear to the back of his mind, and though it was always present, he could force himself not to think too much about it.
It had been almost seven months since Joseph had first come. He could hardly believe the way time had flown by. Harvest was over and winter was well into its season. It was late February, and the air was cold. Ardenta never had very violent weather changes. Winter was cold, spring was cool, summer was warm, fall was cool. There was light snowfall and heavy wind.
The boys began to wear shirts under their vests and pulled out their cloaks. Girls wrapped up in shawls and hoods, exchanging shoes for tall leather boots.
Food wasn’t running out, but it certainly wasn’t as nice as it had been earlier in the year. Still, to eat the labor of his hands was something Joseph loved. Knowing he had worked hard, sweating and bleeding in the fields, and was now enjoying the fruit of that work, was something that could never be replaced.
Well, it could be better if the fields had been his, and he hadn’t had to buy the food he had worked to grow. But then, it was better than it had been.
As Joseph sat eating a slice of homemade bread after supper, he was thinking over these things, and he started to smile.
“What is it, Joseph?” Quin asked.
Joseph looked up, surprised. “Oh, I was just thinking about how we worked in the fields this food came from, and what a wonderful feeling it is to know that I worked to grow it. It is a feeling I haven’t had in a long time. Then I thought how much better it would be if the fields had been my own and I had not been forced to buy what I grew. Then the thought came to me, that life is often like this. There are good times, and they could be better, or they could be worse. I could spend my time complaining about the injustice of the Empire and weeping over the home that was torn from me, or I could thank God that I am no longer trapped in the city but I’m able to work in the fields I love and eat the fruit of my hands. God gives us a situation where we could have equal opportunity to rejoice or complain. What we do shapes who we are,”
“You are absolutely right,” Mr. Caddick said. “I was just having a similar train of thought. I was thinking of the church, and I was thinking of how blessed we are. Then I was wishing that we could be free to worship, and we could meet in a larger place, and I was angry that the Empire would do so much evil and try to separate us from God Himself.”
“But no one can separate us from God, father,” Quin said his eyes serious. “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.’ Isn’t that right father?”
“It is Quin,” Mr. Caddick replied, smiling down on his son. “I couldn’t be prouder to see you so familiar with the Word of God. It will serve you forever. Never turn away from this path you have begun.”
“‘How can a young man keep his way pure?’” Stephen quoted.
“‘By guarding it according to Your Word,’” Andrew finished, smiling at his older brother.
“That’s right boys,” their father nodded. “Now, let’s all continue to keep our way pure, and rejoice in everything.
***
As time passed, Mr. Caddick, Stephen, and David began to take on more and more responsibility, and Joseph was able to turn his attention to other things. It was at this time that Joseph took up the work of making more copies of the Bible. This was long and tedious at first, but soon other young men came to him asking to help, and it wasn’t long before they had a well-organized team. Amelia gathered some of the girls and they began to sew leather covers for the Bibles.
Spring came, and it was an exciting day for everyone when Quin stepped outside, did a double take, and came flying back in, tearing off his vest and shirt. “It’s spring!” he hollered, putting on the vest again and racing outside to leap in the warm sunlight.
Soon the farming force had been regathered and out to the fields they went–– under Imperial supervision of course–– to begin planting.
Tilling had begun, and Joseph dropped to his knees, lifting a handful of rich black dirt and breathing in the scent. He looked up at the bright blue sky and then at the small flowers peaking up through the grass. “Oh Father, thank You,” he whispered. “Thank You for everything.”
The time spent working the ground was refreshing and invigorating for everyone, and Joseph was sorry Mr. Caddick had been assigned to a blacksmith’s shop in the city. As they walked back home, Joseph gathered a handful of small wildflowers. When they arrived at the Caddick’s house, he went straight to the kitchen, bringing with him dirt and the smell of fresh air. “Gather round girls, I have a treat!”
Ruth and Beth, raced to him. “What is it, Joseph? Show us! Show us!” they clamored.
“Not until your mother and Amelia come,” Joseph laughed, keeping his hands behind his back.
The two women came, laughing at the excitement of the little ones. Joseph pulled his hands from behind his back.
“Flowers!” Ruth cried.
“Oh!” Beth gasped.
“How pretty!” Amelia exclaimed.
Joseph separated one from the bunch and gave it to Mrs. Caddick. She smiled and thanked him. Then he turned and gave one to Beth, who cradled the blossom close to her chest, her eyes wide with delight. He gave another to Ruth, and then turned and handed the last to Amelia. “Thank you so much, Joseph!” she exclaimed, touching the blossom with a gentle finger.
“Yes, thank you, Joseph!” Ruth said.
“I love flowers,” Beth breathed.
“I hope you like dirt just as much,” Stephen said, coming into the room. “I’m covered in it!”
“Oh, you smell so good!” Amelia laughed, hugging her brother. “I love the smell of fresh dirt! Don’t you mother?”
“I like it outdoors better then in my kitchen,” Mrs. Caddick replied with a smile.
“We’ll get cleaned up right away,” David reassured, coming in and bending to give his mother a kiss. “Come on Stephen and Joseph, let’s get cleaned up.”
“I rather like the attention dirt brings,” Stephen replied, an arm still about his sister.
David jabbed him in the ribs playfully, and the two hurried to wash up, followed by Joseph. Joseph stepped into the room and was met by a cry of “On guard!” from Stephen, followed by a splash of water taking him in the face and chest.
“Oh, you are not getting away with that!” Joseph exclaimed, leaping after the laughing culprit.
Joseph tackled Stephen, and the two tumbled to the floor. David couldn’t resist the opportunity to dump the washbasin over their heads.
Stephen and Joseph spluttered, rolling apart, and David was in deadly danger of being massacred, when Mrs. Caddick came to the door. “Well boys, I’m glad to see you having such fun,” she said with a slight smile and lifted eyebrow. “I’m even more happy to see that you have started mopping the floor for me. It certainly needed it. I am pleased by your perceptiveness and eagerness to help.” With that she tossed them a handful of rags and walked from the room.
“Was everything alright?” they heard Amelia ask anxiously.
“I’m afraid your brothers and Joseph have a terrible case of spring fever,” her mother replied.
There was laughter in the kitchen.
“Well,” Stephen said. “I guess scrubbing the floor is the next thing to do.”
“You have to love mother,” David added. “We were acting like Quin and Andrew, and all she did was make us clean the floor. It’s worth it though. You should have seen your expressions when I dumped the water on your heads.”
Stephen laughed and flicked water at his brother.
“I love spring,” Joseph said.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
The woman wiped her eyes with the corner of her skirt and took in several breaths before continuing in a steadier voice. “When I came here, I hoped there would be more freedom to worship as this town is so much smaller. But all I could see was evil. It was everywhere, and… and I almost gave up hope. Then, yesterday, this young man, David,” she nodded to him as she spoke. “Told me to join him at his family’s home today. I had no idea what was going to happen, but I felt God urging me to go. I had hope, because David seemed so different, and this is the Sabbath; but it was a faint hope. Then, when you began to pray, oh I can’t tell you the joy that filled me!”
Heartwarming.
“‘How can a young man keep his way pure?’” Stephen quoted.
“‘By guarding it according to Your Word,’” Andrew finished, smiling at his older brother.
“With my whole heart, I seek you
Let me not wander from your commandments”
By the way, what translation do you use? This sounds like it could be ESV, but I’m not sure.
David jabbed him in the ribs playfully, and the two hurried to wash up, followed by Joseph. Joseph stepped into the room and was met by a cry of “On guard!” from Stephen, followed by a splash of water taking him in the face and chest.
“Oh, you are not getting away with that!” Joseph exclaimed, leaping after the laughing culprit.
…
“I love spring,” Joseph said.
I’m glad to see another scene like this. These give us some time to rest from all the seriousness (especially the tension building up in Joseph.)
Sometimes it is necessary to paint the sky black in order to see the stars.
Looks like this section is a hit!
I mostly use ESV, but sometimes I’ll use another version if I find it translates the Hebrew/Greek better for the particular verse/passage.
I’m glad you like that scene. It’s one of my fav.
Spring Fever is a real thing. Especially among the teenage guys at our church.
lol.
Man is born for the fight, to be forged and molded into a sharper, finer, stronger image of God
@ellette-giselle I’m sorry I forgot to respond to this. I had like ten emails from KP in my inbox, so I just forgot. XD. I liked it a lot though.
INTP 🧡 Homeschooler 🧡 WIP: The Color of Hope
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