I shake as fear grows
And feel my heart thump.
I’ve heard the decrees—
They’re rules everyone knows.

To break the decree
Likely means death.
Yet I see no way out
Of the problem before me.

To obey my calling
And save those in need
I must disobey the rule
And risk ev’rything.

Must I obey?
Must I do it?
Can’t I refuse
And just turn away?

I fear the punishment,
I fear for my life.
Why on this errand
Am I now sent?

A few years ago, I had a radical meeting with Jesus which ended in a marriage proposal. It was achingly beautiful, and wholly moving. I could not resist the tug on my heart or the meaning of His words whispered into the depths of my spirit. "Be my bride my beloved, I will love you no matter what." I said yes of course, tears flowing down my face. I was in complete disbelief, but from the deepest part of my soul, I wanted what He offered. The next day I woke up, looked down at my ring, and realized wow, that really happened! Now I’m married!

I did this story/essay when I was twelve, so excuse me if it isn't the best I've ever done.

~* * * *~

This story happened when I was ten years old. My friends, Bree, Avery, Ben, Isaac, Sarah, my older brother Zay and I all went on a hike. Our guide was Isaac and Sarah’s great-aunt Martha. When we first started, we all picked out our own staffs (walking sticks) to help us along the way. I picked one about 5.1 because I was only about 5 feet back then. (Uh huh, you heard me right.)

I surrender, to obey,

Everything He says, day by day.

I surrender, all my sin,

So I will win, to please Him.

I will try to no longer fall,

I answer His call,

I surrender all.

I apoligize for not posting more of this sooner. It's been done almost a month now, though I just finished editing it today. It's been a bit of a crazy month. There's one more section after this, and then hopefully a summary poem... which I've yet to write any of yet, so we'll see if it ever shows up.

 st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } 4. Holiness Leviticus 18-22. “Grandfather,” I said. He turned to see me. “Why does God care about even the little things in life?”

            “What do you mean, Josiah?” I asked.