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You Are Making A Difference

12/31/2014

As 2014 winds down, I thought it would be good to post a reminder to all our readers what a difference you have made this year. This is our first year at Hearts of Compassion Publishing. When I started the company, there were many unknowns as to the viability of such an endeavor. Our mission is to use the sale of God-honoring books and stories to fulfill the call in Matthew 25:40 to provide clean water, food, clothing, and care to those in need.

In our first year, nine months actually, we have been able to publish our first book, In The Image of Man, and raise enough royalties to provide clean drinking water to over one-hundred people, or over twenty-five families, around the world who were in desperate need of clean water. This means less disease, water-born illness, and violence. As well as, more time in school instead of carrying water, greater security, and the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus in the process.

I don't know what God has in store for the coming year(s). Please join me in praying this is just the tip of the iceberg, and that thousands of people can be helped through this simple ministry concept. The first draft of the second book in the Unseen Dominion series is rounding into shape. It is my hope and prayer that as one writer friend told me, "the best contributor to sales of a book is the next book." I am working hard to have the sequel to In The Image out the first half of 2015.

Thank you again for your support and encouragement. Please continue to help me spread the word. Your recommendations, Amazon reviews and ratings, tweets, and Goodreads reviews and ratings all help in growing awareness, both of the book but more importantly of its mission.

'Till next year!

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Thank You and Back to Work

12/26/2014

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It has been a sincere joy sharing the Christmas season with you, my faithful blog readers. I hope you have enjoyed reading the special Angelic Christmas series as much as I've enjoyed writing them. This seven part series provided a great way for me to introduce you to some of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series. If you only caught some of the short-stories, I'd suggest going back and reading all seven.

As is the case with any fiction centered on biblical topics, it is always important to remember that not everything in the story is factual. I did my best to be faithful to the content of scripture while offering a fresh way of considering the events so critical to God's story, which He chose to reveal to us in the Bible.

Now, as we move toward the start of a new year, I need to get back to the work of writing Book Two of Unseen Dominion. Release of this book is planned for sometime in 2015 and I am excited with how the story is coming together. If you haven't read Book One of Unseen Dominion, In The Image of Man, what are you waiting for? Pick up the book or ebook today on Amazon.

And don't forget, all proceeds from this book are going to provide clean drinking water to those around the world that currently do not have access.

'Till next time!

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Angelic Christmas - Huw Joins the Caravan to Bethlehem

12/24/2014

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Huw met up with the caravan shortly before they reached Jerusalem. A wealthy group of scholars from the east travelled westward. Just the way Eitan had indicated he would find them. They discussed a star that had appeared in the sky several weeks earlier. A star—the indication of the birth of the King of the Jews. Now they headed to Jerusalem, the capital city of the region and logical location for the birth of a king. Herod would be furious. Knowledge of the birth of the Messiah would end his illegitimate claim to the title of King of the Jews. As many skirmishes as the angels had already faced with the enemy to protect the birth of the God-child, the true war was just to begin.

The caravan made its way into Jerusalem. Herod’s guards escorted the leaders into the palace and Huw followed drawing the ire of many demons. When they reached Herod, he was accompanied by a large unseen guardian. The prince of the region known as Mael. “Huw, it has been a long time. What brings you to my dominion?”

Huw stood silent as the wise leaders of the caravan inquired of Herod. “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

Mael spun toward the men. “What? What did they say?” Mael smiled. “It is true? He has carried out His plan. He has become a mortal. The God that can be killed. We shall finally have our revenge.”

“Aye, but do not be too quick to presume you can understand His ways, Mael.” Huw stood at the ready, in case the bull-headed demon chose to attack for his insolent response.

Mael did not attack. Instead, he turned his attention to calming Herod. “Find out what they know,” he whispered. “Then you can kill the child.” Herod left the wise men and called the chief priests and scribes to discover where the Messiah would be born.

Huw stood outside the room in the hallway as they relayed the prophecy of Micah. The child would be born in Bethlehem of Judea. Herod dismissed all the people and had the wise men brought to him. “The child is to be born in Bethlehem,” he said. After inquiring as to when they first saw the star, he sent them on their way. “Go and search carefully for the child. When you find Him, report back to me so that I too can go and worship Him.”

Huw’s fury with the man flared and he reached for his sword. Would that the Father allow him to strike the man down where he stood.

Mael stepped between Huw and Herod. This was not the time. Huw turned and followed the leaders back to the caravan. They celebrated as they returned to their journey. Once again they saw the star in the sky to the south—toward Bethlehem, just as they were told. They followed the star to the town of Bethlehem.

Huw watched Uri descend from high in the sky to alight on the roof of a house on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Uri shone brighter than any angel Huw had observed since Lucifer. The light, visible both in the spiritual and physical domains, drew the caravan right to the home that Joseph had rented for his family.

With the commotion of the caravan’s arrival, Joseph went outside the home to investigate. When he discovered the nature of their journey, he invited the leaders into their home. The three leaders found Mary and the God-child inside the home. One-by-one they each came before the child and knelt down in worship. They laid gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh before Jesus. News of the child spread to the rest of the caravan and there was great celebration among them.

That night Huw laid his hands on the leader’s head and appeared to him in a dream. “Do not return to Herod. His intention is to destroy the child and preserve his own reign.” The leader woke the rest of the caravan and they departed for their home by an alternate route.

Huw then returned to the home of Mary and Joseph, where he met with Eran and Adiya. He informed them of Herod’s plan.

Immediately, Eran went to Joseph as he slept and warned him in a dream. “Joseph, get up! Take the child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I tell you. For Herod is about to search for the child to destroy Him.”

Huw remained in Bethlehem until Herod’s forces arrived. He fought with Mael for many days as the soldiers wiped out every male child under the age of two. However, with Mael occupied, they never realized that the Messiah and his family had escaped. Mael would have to wait to play his ordained role at the appointed time.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - Eitan's Proclamation to the Shepherds

12/24/2014

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Eitan stood between Eran and Adiya watching the God-child lying in a manger. Mary had swaddled the Creator of the universe in strips of cloth. The love of a mother caring for the love of God. His name was Jesus, salvation come to earth. Emanuel, God with us. The God-child stirred and fussed. Mary spoke to the baby in the universal-high-pitched chatter of baby language. She picked up the God-child and suckled him.

“Stay with them,” said Eitan. “I have business to which to attend.” He walked outside the stable and listened with amazement at the silence of the night. The Festival of Sukkot should be a joyous event. A time for staying outside in makeshift shelters. A time of community celebration to remember a time when God dwelt with them in the desert—leading them in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Once again God dwelt with them, and no one even knew of His presence. It would not do. The God-child would be worshipped by more than the angels and animals.

He spread his wings and rose into the sky. Instead of approaching the town, he made for the hills where the sheep slept. He descended next to a campfire around which a group of shepherds warmed themselves. He pulled out a ram’s horn and gave a loud call that echoed across the countryside.

The fire whipped and sparks flew into the sky as Eitan materialized into the physical domain. The glory of being in the presence of the God-child rippled through his outstretched opalescent wings. Barely more than half his height, the young men fell to the ground in fright.

The mere teenagers studied his wings and the lion embossed on his breastplate. He held his helmet under his arm so as not to induce more fear than necessary.

“Don’t be afraid,” said Eitan, “for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people: Today a Savior, who is Messiah the Lord, was born for you in the city of David.” A couple of the shepherds glanced over their shoulder to where the little town lay. “This will be the sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in cloth and lying in a feeding trough.”

A multitude of the heavenly host had responded to the call of the ram’s horn. Eitan asked the Father to open the eyes of the shepherds to see the host. Not since Elisha’s servant, had a human observed such a multitude of angels.

The shepherds pulled their heads back and shielded their eyes at such a sight.

In a unified melodic voice the angelic host praised God. “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to people He favors!”

The shepherds lowered their hands indicating their sight into the unseen dominion faded. Eitan also slipped back into the unseen.

One of the shepherds said to the others, “Let’s go straight to Bethlehem and see what has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” They hurried into town, leaving the sheep unattended.

Eitan ordered a few of the angles to look after the flock. Then he followed the shepherds. They arrived at the stable and fell to their knees before the God-child. Eitan also prostrated himself when he entered the presence of the Creator-become-creation.

The shepherds quietly told Mary and Joseph all that had occurred in the fields, of what the angel told them about the child. With the commotion of the shepherds entering town, gradually others filtered out of the homes to see the source of the excitement. Word spread from the shepherds to others who were amazed at their message.

All who saw the child, left rejoicing and praising God. Especially, the lowly shepherds whom God had chosen to elevate to the place of proclaiming His good news.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about Eitan and the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - Tabernacling in Bethlehem

12/23/2014

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By Joseolgon

All around them people grumbled about having to travel to their hometowns. Some headed north, some east or west, and some like Mary and Joseph headed south to Bethlehem, the city of King David—ancestor of Joseph. They had already traveled for most of the Festival of Sukkot, or Tabernacles. With so many people traveling and accompanied by many foes as well, Adiya and Eran remained quite busy. Wave after wave of demonic enemies attempted to bring ill-will to Mary and more importantly her unborn God-child. With the presence of the Shekinah glory of the Lord growing daily in the womb of Mary, the battles took almost no toll on the angels.

On a normal assignment, Eran would grow weary and worn between visits to the temple for the various festivals and sacrifices. His wings would shade dim and colorless. However, since Mary returned from her visit with Elizabeth, his wings maintained their brilliant swirling rainbows of energy from the Spirit. He glanced at Mary. She sat atop a grey donkey with a black mane. As her stomach grew, so did the intense light within. Now full-term, the form of the God-child shone complete through flesh and tunic—though only in the spiritual domain.

Ahead of them people yelled and dogs barked. As they drew closer, it became evident that a wagon wheel had fallen off. Next to the wagon stood Captain Eitan. “Somehow the iron keeping the hub tight snapped.” He smiled at Eran. “Do you think Joseph might be able to lend a hand?” He returned a flaming sword to its sheath.

Eran placed a hand on Joseph’s shoulder. The man walked with a brisk pace, unstirred. Perhaps he would not help after all. Eran cast a glance to Adiya, who rode next to Mary. She already whispered into Mary’s ear.

“Joseph,” said Mary. “I could really use to stop. The child kicks and I think it would help to walk some.”

Joseph slowed and nodded. “I’ll see if I can lend a hand with the wagon.” He sighed. Clearly, he understood the intent of his lovely young betrothed. He walked to the wagon. “Looks like you lost the iron strap?” The man with his hand to his head just nodded.

After a couple hours, two strips of tanned leather, some pounding, and a group effort to lift the wagon, Joseph had the wheel repaired and back on the road. However, the sun sank low and with it the hopes of reaching Bethlehem before nightfall.

This meant they would arrive on the seventh and final day of Sukkot. Joseph worried for his betrothed. He indicated often his desire to already have arrived in Bethlehem—to have time to make the necessary arrangements, he said.

Eran approached Eitan. “It would appear that the time is quite near.” The God-child in Mary has shifted and is moving less by the hour. “It could be tonight.”

“Not tonight,” said Eitan. “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; One will come from you to be ruler over Israel for Me. His origin is from antiquity, from eternity.” Eitan smiled. “Soon, but not tonight.”

The next day when they arrived in Bethlehem. Joseph went from household to household with no success. No one offered a room in which to birth their child. Despite limited resources, Joseph even tried the local inn. No rooms remained anywhere.

“It is a shame,” said Adiya, “when the people of King David’s own town should be observing the command passed down from Moses to celebrate the exodus from Egypt by spending the night outside in shelters. The mother of God Himself cannot find accommodations.”

“Shame?” asked Eitan. “That the people are not outside to witness what God is about to do—yes. That the God-child, even in his unborn state will observe the command—no.” He pointed toward Joseph, as the innkeeper walked him and Mary toward a shelter in which the animals were kept. “Tonight, God Himself will once again tabernacle among his people. And yet, all but the lowliest, will miss the event, because they do not keep the instructions of Moses.”

Eran reflected on the instruction passed down from God through Moses. This is a permanent statute for you throughout your generations; you must celebrate it in the seventh month. You are to live in booths for seven days. All the native-born of Israel must live in booths, so that your generations may know that I made the Israelites live in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God.

That night, after much screaming, God once again tabernacled among His people.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.
Image by Joseolgon (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - Eran and Joseph's Dream

12/22/2014

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Eran approached Joseph. Though never a highly expressive individual, Joseph proved more difficult than usual to interpret. He stood beside the road, which ran south into the mountains and toward Jerusalem. Zechariah and Elizabeth had sent word of the birth of their baby boy, John. With the birth of the child, Mary would return home—today if his source proved correct. Eran placed his hands on the man’s tense shoulders. Mary’s return had not been the only rumor passed along to Joseph. Thus the excitement, anticipation, reservation, and fear the man bore with the return of his betrothed.

Eran liked Joseph. He had accompanied him for many years. A tradesman, Joseph worked hard to earn a meager wage. Since the betrothal, he worked even harder to build a home that would be worthy of his bride when the day came to bring her home as his wife. He loved Mary. And though at first her immaturity made it difficult for her to understand the ways of arranged betrothals and marriages, Mary had grown to know his kindness. Unless Eran misread her, she had grown to love her future husband as well. Which made the rumors all the more difficult to believe.

Dust rose from the road to the south.

Eran anticipated Mary’s return. He longed to discuss the situation with Adiya, a fellow angel assigned to the protection of Mary. Like himself Adiya was a warrior. He had fought beside her in many battles with the enemy. Surely, she would either dispel or shed light on the rumors.

In the shadows of a house a demon lurked, waiting for a time of vulnerability. A time to bring despair, bitterness, or anger.

Joseph kicked at some gravel alongside the road. As much as he trusted his betrothed love, the rumors obviously weighed heavily in his mind. He looked up and saw the dust. Fear and uncertainty got the best of him. He turned and walked away from the road. Eran wondered what Joseph would do if the rumors proved true. It seemed as though Joseph also wondered.

Soon, Mary arrived with a caravan of people travelling to town from Jerusalem. She climbed down from a wagon and thanked the family for their kindness. Her eyes locked with Joseph.

The rumors were true. The demon slithered toward Joseph with the appearance of a snake. “Ss-she has-ss been unfaith-thful.” He hissed the accusation of Mary at Joseph. “Ss-she des-serves-ss to die.”

Eran unsheathed his sword. Turning to Joseph, he waited for a response.

The man’s smiling gaze moved from the girl’s charming eyes to her slightly-bumping belly. The corners of his lips drooped. The decision he had dreaded, since first hearing the rumors, now smacked him beside the head like a piece of his woodwork. “I won’t do it,” he muttered to himself. “I will not add to her disgrace.” Then Eran knew—Joseph, demonstrating his righteousness, would divorce her in secret. He would not seek her demise. Even though he could not see the intense light emanating from her, Joseph chose mercy. A difficult decision for sure.

With his jaw tight and moisture threatening his eyes, Joseph turned and walked away.

Eran waited for Adiya, but kept an eye on the demon. “She is with child?” But even as he asked the question, he knew. This was no ordinary child. The light, from The Light. She bore the Messiah. The promised Deliverer from the line of David. The Son of God. “How? Why?”

She explained the past months events, including the work of the Spirit in Mary.

He knew not what to say. He prepared to prostrate himself before the Creator in Mary, when Adiya pointed to the demon who slithered toward Joseph. “Go,” she said. “The enemy endeavors greatly to prevent this birth. Joseph will be needed.”

Eran returned to Joseph and the demon slithered back in the shadows.

That night as Joseph slept, Eran approached him and reached his hands into the man’s head. God gave him a message for Joseph. He stirred a dream in Joseph’s mind. “Joseph, son of David, don’t be afraid to take Mary as your wife, because what has been conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.”

Eran pulled back his hands.

The man’s breathing deepened and a smile formed on his face.

The words of the prophet Isaiah began to take form. “See, the virgin will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and they will name Him Immanuel, which is translated ‘God is with us.’”

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - In the Presence of the Infinitesimal Infinite

12/21/2014

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The elderly Elizabeth groaned as she knelt and picked up the basket that had held their evening meal. Eldwyn mused at the challenges faced by a woman dealing with normal aging woes and carrying a child of six months. She put her left hand to her back, arching her rounded belly forward, and waddled to the shelf where her towel lay. She brushed out the basket to ensure no crumbs remained. With the basket on the shelf, she turned back toward the mat where their cups remained. She sighed, clearly contemplating another trip to the floor for the cups.

The room grew bright.

The sun had already set, but the intensity increased. Shadows, once dancing in candlelight, all but disappeared—washed away by that of a million candles. Eldwyn knew the light. The Light! The Shekinah glory of the Creator. Why here? When he accompanied Zechariah into the temple, yes. But, here—in their home?

“Good evening Elizabeth,” said a young woman’s voice.

Elizabeth inhaled a quick breath and gritted her teeth as a ripple passed through her belly. Movement evident even through her loose tunic which draped itself over her growing stomach.

Eldwyn observed Holy Spirit descending like a flame on Elizabeth. Soon, her belly glowed like that of an ember pulled from a fire. It had been quite some time since he observed the Spirit falling on a person. Yet, even the light coming from Elizabeth paled in comparison to that filling the room.

Eldwyn spun to see the shadows of a fellow angel and a young girl, barely visible against a point-source of light bright as any star. His eyes squinted as if looking at the sun. Though not the sun—the Son. Eldwyn fell prostrate on the floor before the speck of Shekinah glory. Rise Eldwyn. He felt the instruction rather than hearing it. He obeyed.

“I am Adiya,” said the angel. “I am blessed to be the guardian of the chosen one.” She stepped between the tiny manifest presence of the Creator, residing in the abdomen of the young woman, and Eldwyn. “I believe you are the one known as Eldwyn?”

“Chosen indeed,” said Eldwyn. “Correct, is your assessment of my identity. An incredible burden she bares.”

“Truly. We have endured many encounters with the enemy in the days of travel since Gabriel announced her blessing.” Adiya walked to Elizabeth and patted the glowing sphere which contained the one who would be called John. “They will be good for one another.”

Eldwyn nodded. “Yes, Elizabeth can benefit from the youth of Mary.” He turned and studied the wide eyes of the young woman who would nurture the Creator of the world. “And, Mary can benefit from the years of Elizabeth.”

Adiya stepped beside Eldwyn.

“You are the most blessed of women,” said Elizabeth, “and your child will be blessed!” She approached Mary and placed her hands on the girl’s shoulders. “How could this happen to me—that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For you see, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped for joy inside me! She who has believed is blessed because what was spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled!”

Adiya grinned and looked at Eldwyn. “Yes, they will be good for one another.”

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord,” said Mary, “and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because He has looked with favor on the humble condition of His slave. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy.” Tears crept into Mary’s eyes. “His mercy is from generation to generation on those who fear Him.” She touched Elizabeth’s belly with her left hand and her own with her right.

“He has done a mighty deed with His arm;” she continued, “He has scattered the proud because of the thoughts of their hearts; He has toppled the mighty from their thrones and exalted the lowly. He has satisfied the hungry with good things and sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, mindful of His mercy, just as He spoke to our ancestors, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Eldwyn leaned on his staff and looked at Adiya. “Such grace and humility for one so young. The Father’s plan is perfect.” A blessed assurance given the assignment set before them.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - Adiya Witnesses the Immaculate Conception

12/20/2014

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Adiya stood next to the betrothed Mary. A month prior, Captain Eitan assigned her to the protection of this rather obscure young woman in the small town of Nazareth. At the age of fourteen, Mary’s parents had agreed to her marriage to Joseph, a carpenter in town. Adiya liked Joseph. He was a good man, a hard worker, and he sought God’s will in his life. How many times had Adiya seen a young girl, a boisterous energetic child, become a reflective young woman when her parents announced her betrothal? Mary proved no different.

As the sun moved beneath the western horizon, Mary’s family stood around the eight-branched candle holder. A reverent joy inhabited the room as the household prepared to light the first candle of the Festival of Lights—a celebration of God’s deliverance of his people from the oppression of the Seleucids, many decades before.

Adiya stood next to Mary with a hand on the young woman’s shoulder. A sheen formed across Mary’s eyes as her father offered the traditional blessings. So difficult to observe the many lasts a woman faces with their family while awaiting marriage. For the last time, Mary watched her mother begin the festival with the lighting of the first candle. She joined in the closing prayer of blessing and then turned toward the doorway.

She walked outside and sat on the ground with her back to the house. She shivered as the air chilled.

Adiya knelt next to the girl—not in an effort to console her but out of respect for their new visitor. She bowed her head before Gabriel, General of the Heavenly Host.

“Rejoice, favored woman!” proclaimed Gabriel. “The Lord is with you.”

Adiya turned to Mary. The young woman who shook at the greeting of the stranger standing before her. She wrapped an iridescent wing around the child.

“Do not be afraid, Mary,” said Gabriel, “for you have found favor with God. Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will call His name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.

Mary recognized the nature of the messenger before her. Her voice quivered as she lifted a confused look to Gabriel. “How can this be, since I have not been intimate with a man?” Mary looked left then right. Adiya followed suit. No people wandered the streets. A single light flickered in the window of a neighboring home.

Gabriel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy One to be born will be called the Son of God. And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Mary lowered her head back to the ground. “I am the Lord’s slave. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Gabriel returned to the unseen domain and smiled at Adiya. She still knelt with a wing wrapped tight about the girl. “She is a special young woman. I fear your role of protection will become much more perilous.” He extended his wings and began to rise into the air. “She will feel compelled to visit Elizabeth. Eldwyn will assist you in protecting her.”

Adiya contemplated the meaning of the Creator and Lord being born of a woman. God’s plan was perfect. That certainly did not mean Adiya understood. Many of the prophetic messages of the past millennia began to take shape in her mind. She stood and followed Mary back into the home.

Mary bid her parents “good night” and went to lay down in her bed.

Adiya sat and watched the child-become-woman sleep. In the stillness of the night, blinding light flooded the room. Adiya’s eyes struggled to adjust.

The figure of a dove with wings like tongues of flames descended and alighted on Mary. The True Light had come into the world to provide deliverance for His people.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about Adiya and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Angelic Christmas - Eldwyn joins Zechariah

12/14/2014

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Eldwyn escorted Zechariah into the outer sanctuary of the Lord. Such an honor to be charged with the protection of the priestly division of Abijah, at a time when so many angels daily encountered the enemy in a spiritual Senet match. Eldwyn blessed the Lord for his assignment with Zechariah. He enjoyed the presence of the priest and his dear wife Elizabeth. But nothing compared to the joy of having Zechariah selected by lot to burn incense in the sanctuary.

His wings shuddered with reverence in the presence of the Shekinah glory of the Almighty Creator. By the time they reached the altar of incense, Eldwyn’s very nature drew him to the ground. He fell prostrate before the curtain of the Holy of Holies. Though to the humans the curtain separated the priest from the manifest presence of God within the inner sanctuary, in the spiritual domain nothing contained His glory. In the brilliance of the Creator, Eldwyn’s snow-white robe, with its red blazoned cross on the front, appeared as black as his fallen brothers that followed Lucifer in his rebellion.

The fragrant aroma of the incense rose from the altar and brought joy to Eldwyn. Soon he sensed another presence in the sanctuary with them. A towering angelic form bowed prostrate next to him. He glanced to his left and shock rippled through him. “General? What brings you here today?”

“I have a message to deliver to your charge,” said Gabriel, General of the Heavenly Host.

“Good news, I pray.”

“Yes, I believe he will find it so.” Gabriel stood and faced Zechariah. The air chilled briefly as he took physical form.

Zechariah saw him standing next to him and nearly fell into the curtain. Eldwyn stabilized him with a wing over his shoulder.

“Do not be afraid, Zechariah,” said Gabriel, “because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. There will be joy and delight for you, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Gabriel went on to give instruction and insight about the child to Zechariah.

Eldwyn felt both exuberant joy and unexplained sorrow at the declaration that the prophecies long foretold by Isaiah regarding the coming Messiah were at last coming to pass. Soon there would be no need for this building. The True Sacrifice would enter the world and Zechariah’s son would have the honor of proclaiming his coming.

“How can I know this?” asked Zechariah. “For I am an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

Eldwyn looked up at his General. “They have heard the stories passed down through generations. He has even taught them. Yet, it is so difficult to accept that God would do the miraculous for oneself.”

Gabriel looked back to Zechariah. “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and tell you this good news. Now listen!” His voice resonated within the sanctuary. “You will become silent and unable to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.”

Zechariah’s eyes sheened over as he simply nodded his acceptance of the judgment.

Gabriel transitioned back to the unseen domain. “He is a good man.” Gabriel placed his hands on Eldwyn’s shoulders. “As you no doubt suspect, this is just the first of my proclamations. These are exciting times. Protect Zechariah and Elizabeth. The enemy will be intent on disrupting His will.” Gabriel walked to the entrance of the sanctuary and turned before walking out the door. “Eldwyn, remove Elizabeth’s bonds. When the child comes, untie Zechariah’s tongue. That one day his child, ‘John’ may proclaim His coming.”

That day when Zechariah left the sanctuary, the people were abuzz with excitement because he had seen a vision. Though he was unable to proclaim the good news to the masses, when he saw Elizabeth he just looked at her and wept.

Pain filled her eyes as she approached her husband. Eldwyn suspected that she wanted to run to him, to take him in her arms, to share in his experience. But, she would not touch him. Had she done anything to make him unclean? It was a risk they were unwilling to take, for reverence of his remaining service at the temple. Yet, he did manage to explain, through much non-verbal communication, the message of Gabriel. Her expression filled with awe, but not disbelief.

After Zechariah completed his service at the temple, Eldwyn accompanied him home. Elizabeth met them at the door to the home and embraced her husband. Joy overflowed from her as she welcomed her best friend home. She had waited in faith and expectation for him to return. His inability to speak fueled her belief in God’s promise.

That night Eldwyn laid his hand on Elizabeth’s abdomen and blessed the Great Physician for His promise of restoration to this wonderful woman. Eldwyn rose to the roof of their home to stand guard and ensure that their time together would pass without interference.

All Scripture from Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 by Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville Tennessee. All rights reserved.

You can read more about Eldwyn and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

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Book Review - The Road by Cormac McCarthy

12/6/2014

2 Comments

I must say this is one of the most unique reads I've encountered in a long time. Cormac possesses considerable skill in weaving a believable apocalyptic story in a setting of little hope. The author exhibits an outstanding ability to get the reader to fall in love with characters who have experienced such disheartening trials.

As an author, I love the fact that this story was so successful, while breaking some of the most substantial "rules" of writing. For example, I think there are more quotation marks in this paragraph than the entire book. Whether the choice to omit such basic elements of writing is intended to emphasize the dire situation of the story, I can't say. What I can say is that it isn't missed. It stands as proof that story triumphs over form or expectations.

As might be expected of an apocalyptic themed story, this book contains some disturbing imagery and descriptions that would not be suitable for young readers and the faint of heart.

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Angelic Christmas - Huw Joins the Caravan to Bethlehem

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - Eitan's Proclamation to the Shepherds

You can read more about Eitan and the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - Tabernacling in Bethlehem

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - Eran and Joseph's Dream

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - In the Presence of the Infinitesimal Infinite

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - Adiya Witnesses the Immaculate Conception

You can read more about Adiya and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Angelic Christmas - Eldwyn joins Zechariah

You can read more about Eldwyn and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Book Review - The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Author -
Robert Roush

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You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about Eitan and the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about Adiya and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

You can read more about Eldwyn and the rest of the angels of the Unseen Dominion series in Books One and Two of the series. Book Two coming in 2015. In The Image of Man - Book One of Unseen Dominion is available today at Amazon.

Author -Robert Roush

Archives

Categories

Author -
Robert Roush