Thu, Oct 5th - 2:47PM
Read my short story below
Hi Friends, I posted my short story below called Highway to Heaven... But I have a question, everytime I post anything, the layout is not the way I wrote it...I had to delete the chapters, which this story has 3 chapters, because they combine them, and the paragraphs are not indented..Does anyone know or have pointers on how to do the layout?
Thank you, God Bless
Suzanne
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Thu, Oct 5th - 2:42PM
Highway to Heaven by Suzanne Snosavenski
She sat at the bus depot waiting for her bus to take her to a new beginning. She stared down at her hand with the ring still on her finger and the tears streamed down her face. Her world came to an end, when a stray bullet from no where struck her husband in the chest. The doctors tried to save him, but there was nothing they could do for him. Stephanie buried her husband on their 3rd month wedding anniversary. All their hopes and dreams gone, in a blink of an eye, nothing left but memories.
The bus pulled up, and Stephanie could here the voice on the loud speaker, bus now boarding for Atlanta Georgia at door number 3. Stephanie picked up her carry-on bag, and purse, and then walked over to the line with her ticket in her hand. When it was her turn, she handed the bus driver her ticket, he then tore off the top portion, then handed the rest back to her. She then slowly walked up the steps of the bus, then slowly following the other passengers into the bus to find a seat. She didnt want to sit near the window, because it would be tempted to look out the window and jump out of the bus. But she knew she had too, it was just too painful to stay without Jack. The thought of his name brought tears to her eyes, to where she almost sat on a strangers lap that she didnt see.
Oh, Im so sorry sir. She then found herself looking into the deepest blue eyes she had ever seen. His smile just lit up his face with the pearliest white teeth, very well kept.
That is quite alright. Ah, if you are looking for a seat, there is one right herethat is if you dont mind seating next to me instead of on my lap. Stephanie blushed, but smiled and nodded her head.
Thank you. She took the seat, and of all things it was the window seat. She decided that no matter what, she would not look out the window until they were out of town.
My name is Chad Corbett. He then extended his hand out to Stephanie.
Stephanie Mill-ah I mean Powell. She quickly turned her head away from this good looking young man next to her.
Oh so are you an alias, you are one name, but goes by another? Chad saw how upset Stephanie was when she entered the bus, and he tried to cheer her up, by making a joking statement. But instead of cheering her up, he saw a deeper sadness in her big green eyes. He soon found out why.
Well, I use to be Miller about 3 months ago-I ah got married so Im now Powell. She stopped and automatically looked out the window, she gasped as they just passed the city park where her and her husband Jack spent many times, holding hands under the tree, or just walking through the park. I just got finished burying my husband yesterday. Her voice choked, and she couldnt talk for a minute.
Im so sorry to hear that, life can feel so unfair. But can I tell you that you are not alone with your sorrows. Stephanie looked up and wiped the tears from her eyes.
What do you mean?
When you hurt, Jesus hurts along with you. We dont know why Jesus allowed this to happen to a young newly wed, or why God allows for people to have abortions. But I do know that He feels our pain, and He doesnt approve of killing of innocent babies. I can see that you are deeply in a lot of pain, but, can you tell me how your husband died?
He - he was murdered! He was shot in the chest by a drive by shooter. A stranger, that didnt even know my husband. My husband was a kind and gentle man, who would do anything for anyone. Its just not fair, we had so many plans-and now they are gone. She started to look out the window, but stopped her self and looked straight ahead instead.
I am so sorry to hear that. It is a shame that something like this happened to a very young couple that was just starting outbut youre still young, and life goes on. I know your husband would want you to go on and even remarry with you being so young. God doesnt want us to be lonely. That is why he made Eve for Adam, because he noticed how lonely Adam was. Stephanie looked over toward Chad with a strange look on her face.
My husband use to talk to me a lot about God, and how much He loves us, and that He protects us, and blesses us, but look what happened to him? Why didnt God protect him? He went to the store for a lousy loaf of bread, and he was murdered. Where was Gods grace? Chad studied the young tormented young woman sitting next to him. He wanted to take the pain out of this womans eyes, to embrace her in a brotherly hug, and let her know things will get better.
Was your husband a Christian?
Two weeks before his death, some people came to our house, and started talking about Jesus, and how He died for us, and that He is coming again for us- my husband after listening to them for a couple of hours, said a prayer with them-Then he did something I have never seen my husband do-he cried. Stephanie wiped a tear that had slipped out of her eye, and then looked quickly away, toward the window.
I know how hard this is talking about it, with the death of your husband, with it not being that long ago. But, if you think of it-God is an awesome God. He knew your husbands fate, and He sent those people to him, to get his life right, before the devil took it. Your husband is with Jesus Stephanie, and he is up there preparing your mansion, so that you can join him, when it is your time. But you have to understand salvation. Do you know how to be born again?
My husband tried to explain it to me, but I just dont even know if there is a God-I mean I never went to church growing up, in fact I was an orphaned. I never knew my parents.
Stephanie, there is a God. He is our Heavenly Father. Even if you dont know your real father, just a word of encouragement, that you do have a Heavenly Father, and He will never leave you or forsake you. He is always there for you. He loved us so much, that He sent His son Jesus to die for us
I know you mean well Chad, but I dont want to talk about this right now. It is going to be a long ride, and Im kind of tired.
Sure Steph, it is getting late
What? Did you just call me Steph?
Ah yes, was that being to informal?
No, its just that Jack use to call me Steph-I ah I miss him so much. He was all I had. The tears came again. Chad reached into his pocket and took out a handkerchief that he used as his prayer cloth, it had been anointed. But he figured that she needed it more, and maybe the anointing on the cloth, will help him to win her soul to Jesus.
You keep the cloth. Chad told her. He looked at her face and saw the pain, and loneliness she must be feeling. Why dont you try and get some sleep.
Yeah I think I will, and ah thank you for your kindness. Chad wished he could see what this beautiful girl, with deep dark auburn hair, must look like when she is laughing, and smiling. How he would love to see sparkle, in her beautiful green eyes. It didnt take long before Stephanie had fallen asleep. He closed his eyes in prayer, and prayed for this lost sheep, that had no idea where she was heading to. His heart went out to her more and more, as he could feel her pain. He opened his eyes and watched for a few minutes, before he felt his eye lids getting heavy. Finally he couldnt fight it any longer and fell asleep.
It had been a long night, and Stephanie was surprised that she had slept so long, but the morning sun woke her up, or she would have slept even longer, even on a cramped Greyhound. She looked over to the handsome man next to her, and watched him sleeping so sound. He seemed too perfect, he didnt even snore with his head leaning back on the seat and his mouth opened just a crack. He had long eyelashes that almost touched his cheek bone, and so thick. His complexion was medium, as if he was a life guard at a pool, to get that tan look.
The bus slowly came to a stop at a bus stop for the passengers to stretch their legs and get something to eat. The bus driver announced over the intercom that they will be leaving in one hour. With that Chad woke up and turned toward Stephanie and smiled.
Well, I dont know about you, but Im starving. Stephanie wasnt as hungry as she should be, but she knew that if she didnt eat something now, that it would be awhile before they would stop for something to eat later.
Yes, Im a little hungry. As soon as the bus driver opened the door people started to stand up and depart the bus. When Chad got up and into the aisle, he stopped long enough for Stephanie to get out and walk in front of him, and out the bus.
The restaurant was a small, and looked out of place out in no where. It just barely sat off of the freeway, with a little gas station a few hundred yards from it.
Once inside Stephanie decided to sit in a small booth with Chad, since he was the only one she knew, sort of.
I bet I look a mess. She said wiping the sleepy from her eyes. And seeing black on her fingers, from her mascara from crying.
On the contrary, you look very lovely for someone who just woke up from sleeping on a bus.
Youre just being nice-ah would you excuse me for a minute, while I go and splash some cold water on my face?
Sure, would you like me to order coffee?
Yes, that would be nice, thank you. Stephanie then got up and went to the rest room, where there was a small line waiting to use the bathroom. She made her way to the sinks, and looked at herself in the mirror. Oh god, I look like a raccoon! And he said I looked lovely? He needs glasses. She thought as she saw that her mascara had ran all over her eyes, making her look like she had two black eyes. She looked behind her, to see if there were paper towels, instead of a blower, she was glad that most of the women had gone. To her luck she saw the paper towels next to a blower, so you can choose which one you wanted. She then took some paper towels, and got a corner wet, then wiped the mascara from under her eyes. She ended up having to put some soap on it, because it didnt want to come off very easy. After a few minutes, she succeeded in getting all the mascara from under her eyes without getting any soap in them. She then reached into her purse to put on some makeup to look a little presentable. When she was done, she headed back to her table.
I thought for a minute that you had fallen in. Trying to get ah smile out from her, but didnt succeed. He did notice that she had freshened up her makeup.
Why didnt you tell me I had two black eyes? I looked a mess.
Oh, I thought you looked cute. I figured it was the latest fashion on make up. That did it; a smile appeared on Stephanies face. He had finally succeeded. But even though she had smiled, it still didnt show any sparkle in her green eyes. You need to smile more often; you have a very attractive smile. Stephanie blushed. The waitress arrived just in time to save Stephanie, and to take their orders.
Are you ready to order? The waitress asked them.
I know what I want Chad said to Stephanie. But you havent had time to look at the menu. Would you like a little more time?
No, Im not that hungry, I thought I was, so I just might have an order of toast. She said.
Are you sure? They have a good variety of food here. He knew she should eat more than toast since they would be traveling a long time before stopping again.
Yes, Im sure. I very seldom eat breakfast anyways.
Ok then, the young lady would like an order of toast
White, whole wheat, or rye bread? The young waitress asked her.
Whole wheat.
And you sir, what would you like?
I would like the number 3, sunny side up.
White, whole wheat, or rye bread? She asked Chad.
Ill take rye.
Anything else to drink, milk, or juice?
Just keep the coffee coming for me, what about you Steph-ah Stephanie?
Nothing more for me, thank you. The waitress then picked up the menus, and left their table to turn in their order.
Do you always eat like a bird, hardly anything?
I just havent been a big eater these days.
I know it is hard for you to realize this, but it will get better in time. I know you are going through mourning, but you will go on. I know your husband would want you to. She looked up at him with pathetic eyes. He thought she was going to cry again and smear her freshly done make up. But to his surprise, she forced a smile.
Yes I know I will. Jack and I talked about if anything ever happened to either one of us that we would go on, and remarry. But, I never thought it would really happen this soon. I honestly thought we would grow old together.
Well, like I said, on the bus, I dont know why God allows things like this to happen. But, He did show you that life is short, and that we shouldnt take it for granted. He wants us to live for Him, so that if our life is cut short that we will go to be with Him.
I just still dont understand why, God would allow an innocent man like my husband, which loved God, to be killed. When there are so many evil people in this world that deserves to die.
Well, God said that as long as we have air in our lungs, that there is hope for them. So, it could be that maybe if it wasnt for your husband that another person might have been killed that, maybe in time would have turned to the Lord, but wouldnt have had the chance, if he or she got killed. But like I said, only God knows the reason why He took your husband. It might have been, since God knows our future that your husband might have turned away from God in the future, and He decided to take him now, while his heart was pure. Stephanie took those comments in, thinking real hard about what Chad just said. She thought about it, and she knew Chad was right. He was struggling with his faith- one minute he would be high on the Lord, then he would get home from work, he would be upset, cussing and then he would get on his knees asking God to forgive him, and to help him be strong, and to be an inspiration at work. He had told her that his co-workers started making fun of him, and teasing him about his belief, which made him almost give in to them. He told her that he loves the Lord but that it was hard being a Christian, and that he didnt know if he was strong enough to continue living that way.
Yes, I believe youre right, I was just thinking of what my husband went through. She then told him about what he had told her about his job, and his weakness, to continue living up to Christian standards.
You see-God took your husband before he lost his soul to the devil, because of his co-workers tormenting him. He knew where his heart was, and the struggle he was going through. He knew your husband was very weak in his belief. But God also knows the pain this has brought on you, but He is your comforter, He will help you through this, if you will just let Him-Your husband is right, being a Christian isnt easy. God never said it would be an easy road. But, if we are willing to be crucified for His name sake, then we will have riches in Heaven. This is just our temporary home, our permanent home is Heaven. God never intended for man to go to hell, man has a free well, and they are the ones that put themselves there by rejecting our Lord Jesus Christ, and their sinful nature. Chad was interrupted by the waitress bringing them their meals.
Heres your toast maam, she handed Stephanie her toast. And a number 3, with eggs sunny side up.
Thank you. Chad said as she sat his plate down in front of him
Can I get you anything else?
Maybe Ill have some more coffee, thank you. She smiled and nodded, then headed off to get the coffee pot. She soon returned and filled both cups. Chad looked at his watch, and noticed the time.
Well, it looks like Im going to have to eat a little faster than I normally do. We have to be on our bus in 20 minutes. He decided to motion to the waitress, so he could pay for their food now, so he wouldnt have to wait in line.
Is there something I can get you? The waitress said.
I was wondering if I could pay now, since we are on a time limit. The waitress knew that most of the people in there came off the bus.
No problem, I can take care of it for you sir. Chad then gave the waitress his card, and she took it and left.
Chad, I am not broke, I could have paid for my order.
Nonsense, it is my pleasure to pay for a beautiful young womans meal-even if it only consists of toast and coffee.
Well, thank you for paying for my meal, and for the compliment.
Youre welcome. Chad finished his meal, with 5 minutes to spare. He placed the tip in the center of the table, and then escorted Stephanie out of the restaurant and onto the bus. Within a few minutes later, everyone was back on the bus and in their seats, the bus than pulled out to head back onto the freeway.
Stephanie laid back in her seat, while she looked out the window, with Chad next to her taking a nap. The bus was half way to her destination; she had no idea what she was going to do when she got there. Someone mentioned that Georgia was a great state to start over, but she wasnt sure if any place was the right place, to start a life over. She closed her eyes, but soon fell asleep. She fell into a deep sleep but was soon awoken by squealing breaks, the bus skidded sideways. People started screaming as the bus headed for the soft shoulder of the road. Then before anyone could brace themselves, the bus flipped onto its side, sliding across the pavement of the road with the passengers flying out of their seats, crashing into other people, seats, and windows. It seemed like eternity until the bus finally came to stop. Stephanie could hear moans and cries from the passengers as they tried to regain their composure. She looked around, until she spotted Chad, he looked like he was still sleeping, but the blood on his forehead told her otherwise. She crawled over toward Chad to see if he was still breathing, but before she reached him, she heard his moan. Thank God.
Chad are you alright? She said as she crawled closer to him, with blood dripping down her face. She wasnt even aware of her own injuries, all she was concerned was for this sweet man that has been so nice to her. When she reached him, she tried to wake him up, but he wouldnt. He stopped moaning, and just lay there, breathing very shallow. Stephanie decided to do something she has never done before in her life. Not even when her husband was shot and lying in the hospital dying, she prayed.
God, I dont even know if you exist or not. But if you are realshow me by saving this young man. He seems stronger in his belief than Jack was. I can tell that he has a purpose here; I just wish I knew my purpose. Please be real and save him-amen.
Stephanie kept her eyes closed for a few more minutes, until she realized how quiet it was in the bus. No sound of any moaning, or crying. When she opened her eyes, she saw a bright light shining through the windows of the bus, which was now lying on its side. It appeared to be shining on Chad, and it was very bright. She then thought she saw a figure in the bright light- a hand coming out of the light, and it went to Chad. As soon as it touched Chad, it was like a bolt of lightening went through his body which made him jerk several times, as if he was having convulsions. Then the hand went back into the light, the light disappeared so quickly that Stephanie thought she was hallucinating. She was still in amazement when she heard people moaning again and crying, she looked down at Chad, which now laid there with his eyes half opened. He let out a moan, and then he opened his eyes wider. Stephanie couldnt believe it, was that a smile on Chads lips? He was near death, and he comes to with a smile on his mouth.
Thank you Steph. Chad said in a very low voice that she almost didnt hear.
Thank you for what? That puzzled her, why was he thanking her?
For praying for me. He said.
How - how did you know that?
I dont know - I just know - What happened? He heard the people moaning, and the sirens off from a distance. They both could hear talking and yelling out side of the bus, they figured it was people stopping to try and help. But the bus was on its side, how were they going to help? Just then someone from inside the bus pushed hard on the back emergency door. Slowly one by one, people were staggering out of the bus. Stephanie looked back toward Chad, to make sure he was still breathing. He was staring up at Stephanie, as if he was preparing a speech for her.
What? She said as if she knew he wanted to say something to her.
We came close to dying Steph.
Yeah I know.
If we would have died, I am sorry to say, but Steph you would have gone to hell and be tormented for all eternity- Wouldnt you like to make peace with God? You made the first step by praying. Now all have to do is ask Jesus into your heart, and pray for forgiveness for your sins, and to live for Jesus. Would you like to have Jesus as your personal savior? Before Stephanie could answer Chads question, which she already knew the answer to. She wanted to share with him, what she had seen and experimented.
Before I answer your question, I have to tell you something. She didnt get a chance to tell him, when the paramedics came in. All the passengers that were able to walk out, was already out of the bus, so the paramedics came in to see how many seriously injured there was. They started to get Chad first, but when Chad saw a man across from him, he motioned for them to get him out first. They didnt object, which Chad was glad, he wanted to spend a little more time with Stephanie, to win her to Jesus.
Okay, what was it you need to tell me?
After I prayed for you, I ah I saw something when I opened my eyes.
What did you see? That really got Chads attention.
Youre going to think Im crazy, and maybe I was hallucinating, but when I opened my eyes, there was a bright light shining through that window. She pointed above her. And what was also strange is that I couldnt hear anything, not the traffic in the street, or the moaning and crying from the other passengers, it was as if time had stood still, and when I looked back at the light, I saw a hand come out of it _ it touched you for a few seconds. Your body jerked like it was being electrocuted, and then the hand went back into the light and disappeared. You then woke up shortly after that. Chad didnt say anything at first, but he knew that what Stephanie had just seen, really happened. He also knew he was very close to death, because he saw a bright light, and a man was in the light with arms extended out toward him. He knew it was Jesus, that Jesus was taking him home. But through Stephanies prayers, and to convince her that Jesus is real, He allowed Chad to go back.
I believe you, now that you saw the hand of Jesus- are you ready to ask him into your life?
Yes- yes I am ready- and to think I thought this bus was taken me to hell, but instead, this has been a bus ride to heaven...
The End
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Sat, Sep 23rd - 1:37AM
Praise report (but need prayers)
I have been away for awhile, but I just had to share some exciting news. I have been searching for an agent for my books, and when things seemed hopeless, I finally got a positive response. They wanted to see my work, so I sent them two manuscripts from my first two books. Well, yesterday I received a letter saying that they are very interested in my second book. But I need prayers that this is the right Agent that God wants me to be with. I will keep you all posted.
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Mon, Sep 4th - 2:12PM
RE: Satan's meeting
SANTAN'S MEETING !!!!!!!!!!
SATAN'S MEETING: (Read even if you're busy) Satan called a worldwide convention of demons. In his opening address he said, "We can't keep Christians from going to church. We can't keep them from reading their Bibles and knowing the truth. We can't even keep them from forming an intimate relationship with their Saviour. Once they gain that connection with Jesus, our power over them is broken. So let them go to their churches; let them have their covered dish dinners, BUT steal their time, so they don't have time to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.." "This is what I want you to do," said the devil. "Distract them from gaining hold of their Saviour and maintaining that vital connection throughout their day!" "How shall we do this?" his demons shouted. "Keep them busy in the non-essentials of life and invent innumerable schemes to occupy their minds," he answered. "Tempt them to spend, spend, spend, and borrow, borrow, borrow. Persuade the wives to go to work for long hours and the husbands to work 6-7 days each week, 10-12 hours a day, so they can afford their empty lifestyles. Keep them from spending time with their children. As their families fragment, soon, their homes will offer no escape from the pressures of work!" "Over-stimulate their minds so that they cannot hear that still, small voice. Entice them to play the radio or cassette player whenever they drive. To keep the TV, VCR, CDs and their PCs going constantly in their home and see to it that every store and restaurant in the world plays non-biblical music constantly. This will jam their minds and break that union with Christ." "Fill the coffee tables with magazines and newspapers. Pound their minds with the news 24 hours a day. Invade their driving moments with billboards. Flood their mailboxes with junk mail, mail order catalogs, sweepstakes, and every kind of newsletter and promotional offering free products, services and false hopes." "Keep skinny, beautiful models on the magazines and TV so their husbands will believe that outward beauty is what's important, and they'll become dissatisfied with their wives. Keep the wives too tired to love their husbands at night. Give them headaches too! If they don't give their husbands the love they need, they will begin to look elsewhere. That will fragment their families quickly!" "Give them Santa Claus to distract them from teaching their children the real meaning of Christmas. Give them an Easter bunny so they won't talk about his resurrection and power over sin and death." "Even in their recreation, let them be excessive. Have them return from their recreation exhausted. Keep them too busy to go out in nature and reflect on God's creation. Send them to amusement parks, sporting events, plays, concerts, and movies instead." "Keep them busy, busy, busy! And when they meet for spiritual fellowship, involve them in gossip and small talk so that they leave with troubled consciences." "Crowd their lives with so many good causes they have no time to seek power from Jesus. Soon they will be working in their own strength, sacrificing their health and family for the good of the cause." "It will work! It will work!" It was quite a plan! The demons went eagerly to their assignments causing Christians everywhere to get busier and more rushed, going here and there; having little time for their God or their families, having no time to tell others about the power of Jesus to change lives. I guess the question is, has the devil been successful in his schemes? You be the judge!!!!! Does "BUSY" mean: B-eing U-nder S-atan's Y-oke? Please pass this on, if you aren't too BUSY! I hope that is article has blessed you as it has blessed me when I read this in an E-mail that was sent to me. From: His Bondservant Forever In Christ Jesus \0/
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Sun, Sep 3rd - 2:12PM
Things are really looking up
I am so excited, I finally recieved a positive response from one of the agents I sent a letter to. They asked me to send back a cover letter, along with a synopsis on both my manuscripts, along with a copy of both manuscripts. I should hear something in approximately 2 to 4 weeks. I pray that they will accept my books. They are good, and very spiritual.
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Name: Suzanne Snow
