tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10462369361074776662024-03-14T04:25:21.153-04:00BloomingFeaturing: "The Controller"
a nanowrimo novelMarianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.comBlogger687125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-21404320395416429202019-01-28T12:07:00.000-05:002019-01-28T12:07:15.212-05:00The Controller - Installment #18 in which Allen and Jenny choose a path <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick paces
the office for several minutes. “I’ve got other connections.
I’ll invite a few people over and tell them what we are looking at with the
gold mine. There's plenty of money out there."<br />
<br />
When Nick is
safely off the premises, Jenny pokes her head back into Allen's office. “I’m so
sorry Allen, I didn’t mean to get us in trouble.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen's mouth creases into a smile. “Nick is a lot of bluster. But, we will have to pray on our own
time.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Together? You mean, regularly?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I hadn’t
really thought about that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Allen, the
prayers would be so much more effective together. <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">‘</span>Where two or three are
gathered,<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">’</span> you know.”<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Okay, your
place or mine?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Either,
doesn’t matter to me.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You don’t
mind being alone with a man?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Allen,
we’re alone here all day. Has anything ever happened? You are like a brother to
me.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>A brother, I can see Allen deflate with that
realization. If I know human nature, I do believe he was getting up the nerve
to ask that girl out on a real date</i>. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“We can
figure this out after next week.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Why next week? It
seems to me we need to pray now.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen can
see that Jenny has a point. They decide to make Monday evening their special
prayer time, rotating between places. “How about
we meet at my place tonight? I’ll make supper and maybe you can help me decide how to
rearrange my kitchen.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“It’s kind
of difficult to rearrange a kitchen.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I know. I need help. If I’m going to do a renovation I need some input. My kitchen needs an update..” <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Be warned,
this could be an expensive visit,” Jenny laughs. <o:p></o:p></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-39196803691684501702016-11-15T11:10:00.000-05:002016-11-16T21:41:14.572-05:00The Controller - Installment #17 in which Allen and Jenny pray on company time<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen drives home to his big empty house. For the first time ever, he imagines little
children running to meet him, a woman standing in the doorway to greet
him. He shakes the picture away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
At the office on Monday morning, Jenny has
their itinerary drawn up and printed on his desk when he arrives.<br />
“Is the schedule okay?” she
wants to know.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’ll trust your judgement.”<br />
“Well then, we're visiting the local outlets Tuesday and Wednesday.”<br />
Allen nods, “Let’s plan our
strategy. We can kind of experiment with how to go about this, find a best plan, and keep it in mind for next week. We can
always revisit the local places again if we have to. What do you think?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Honestly?
Do you want my honest opinion?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Of
course.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“We should
pray.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Always.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I mean
right now, here, together, about this plan. God already knows what is going on
in the company. He can show us.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Humm…praying on company time?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Saves
time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
Mork and Marvel
are flying cartwheels in the sky above the office. <i>Hallelujah, all praise be to God in the highest.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Jenny and
Allen begin praying in tongues. Then Jenny breaks out in English,
“Lord, give us your wisdom. Show us what’s happening….give us insight into what
Nick is doing….”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
“And, just
what is going on here?” Nick is in the office. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Startled,
Allen and Jenny look up. They are both
blushing a deep pink. They can't even
guess how long Nick has been standing there. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Praying,”
Allen says softly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“This is an
office. I shouldn’t have to remind you.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Praying
speeds things up.” Jenny ventures.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I can see
you are both getting a lot of work done.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Jenny skedaddles to her own office, closing the door behind her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’ve
always thought you a man of good judgment, but now I wonder.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I won’t
let it happen again,” Allen mumbles. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Persecution can make or break a person.
Of course, this is not major persecution by any stretch of even the
human imagination, but this sort of thing makes a human choose his path. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’ll
pretend it never happened and expect it never will.” Nick says. “I was hoping
you’d be able to help me with something pronto. I went to the bank to ask for a
major loan for my ‘other’ business venture and they said I could use the
company as collateral. I need business statements.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“There is
something I’ve been meaning to talk to you about,” Allen says.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Does it
have anything to do with this?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Yes, in
fact it does. Our business is showing a downturn in this last quarter. I’ll be
visiting a lot of the outlets in the next few weeks to get to the bottom of it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’m sure
there’s nothing a little tweaking can’t fix. How soon can you get these
business statements?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“That’s
just it. The way things look at present no bank would give you a loan based on
the latest figures. The direction things are headed doesn’t look good on
paper.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sh#% Allen, I was hoping for half a million to build that plant in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>. Our own
refinery would increase our profits exponentially.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“The very
soonest we could come up with positive figures would be three months from now
and that is pushing it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You couldn’t
fudge the figures just a little.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And, go to
jail, no thanks.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I was
kidding.”</div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-67857313799293166932016-10-19T14:10:00.002-04:002016-11-15T11:16:48.024-05:00The Controller - Installment #16 in which Allen picks up his assignment<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
By the time
Allen returns to the sanctuary, Pastor John is well into his sermon.<br />
<br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“Every one of you should be thinking like a
servant. Jesus was the biggest servant of all. He washed people’s feet. Nothing
was too humble for him. If your pastor asks you to clean the washroom, you
should be only too happy to do it. You know why? Because you will be like Jesus,
willing to do whatever it takes. And you will be blessed. Don’t think God
doesn’t notice this stuff. The best servant is a willing servant. Don’t do
whatever you are asked to do with a grudging spirit. Do it with all you might,
cheerfully. And your reward will be great in this world and the next.” </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">He goes on talking about armour bearers and about serving with an attitude of unquestioning loyalty. “If I ask you to carry my
Bible you should jump at the chance. You are showing God that you do not
despise His anointed.”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen
shifts uncomfortably in his seat. He looks around. The people around him don’t
seem to be bothered by Pastor John’s track. Allen is glad Melanie isn’t
present to soak up the words. Melanie, his naive little sister….</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“God, what
do I do?”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<b>Be here for her.</b></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen sighs. He tunes
out most of the rest of the sermon, all the while praying under his breath, he
prays for Melanie and for all those at Powerhouse who could to be taking every
word that comes out of Pastor John’s mouth as direction from God. He prays that
their spiritual eyes and ears will be opened, that they will </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">recognize</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> the
truth and that the truth will set them free.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After the
service Allen can’t wait to get out into the fresh air, but decides he better
find Melanie first or he could be waiting out in that parking lot a long time.
He follows several young women down a hallway which, as he guesses, leads to the
nursery. Melanie is busy signing over young children to their parents. He
catches her attention and signals that he will wait for her outside. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Once out,
he leans against his car which fortunately is parked in the shade of a
tree. He watches as small groups of people exit the church and either turn to walk up the the street or head over to the cars in the lot. One after another, car doors slam, engines roar and the lot is empty except for his car and one next to the entrance. It is a good twenty minutes
before Melanie arrives. “Sorry I kept you waiting. Pastor didn’t pick up his
little boy until just now.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen lets that
pass. “Where would you like to go? I’m taking you out for lunch.” <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
They decide
on <i>Eddy’s.</i> Neither Melanie nor Allen have
been there for years. “I wonder if they still have those amazing brunches?
Remember when Dad and Mom used to take us?” Melanie says. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
At lunch
Melanie asks the obvious, “So, what do you think of the church?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen chooses
just then to take a big bite of banana covered in chocolate sauce.<br />
<br />
‘Lord, what do I tell her?’<br />
<br />
He chews
very deliberately, then shields his mouth with his hand. “Well, let’s see. It takes a bit of getting used to. You’ll
have to give me a few more weeks before I can answer that question honestly.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Allen, you don't have to come to Pastor John's church if you don't like it. I thought you had a church?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I do or I
did. It just doesn’t satisfy me anymore. Everything is so ritual. There is no,
no real life. You know what I am saying? I’m looking for a place that connects
with Jesus.” He stopped himself from saying anymore. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And you
think Powerhouse might be the place?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I said I’m
looking,” he takes another big bite of banana. Then he remembers the white-shirted
man. Once he’s finished chewing he asks, “Melanie, there was this tall man,
receding hairline, shiny forehead, white shirt and tie this morning. Who was
that?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Shirt and
tie? Nobody at Powerhouse wears that. Nobody.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well there
was somebody this morning.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I have no
idea. How old was he?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I don’t
know.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The spent
the rest of their time together reminiscing about their childhood. Afterward Allen
drops Melanie back at the church, “We’re practicing for <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/11/the-controller-installment-17-in-which.html">that play.”</a></div>
</div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-19477680209805706252016-06-08T14:26:00.000-04:002016-10-19T14:12:29.959-04:00The Controller - Installment #15 in which Mork appears<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
On Sunday Allen drags himself back to Powerhouse. He arrives earlier this time before the Sunday morning hoopla begins.<br />
His sister greets him in the foyer, “Allen, I just knew you would be back. Next thing you know, you’ll join.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen
hesitates, “I was thinking about that.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Really and
truly?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well, I
am…considering...” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Here, let
me introduce you to Pastor John.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The pastor strides up with his hand out, “You must be Melanie’s brother. I
can see a resemblance.” He grabs Allen’s hand and shakes it heartily. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“My brother is
thinking about joining our church.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen cringes and shoots up a silent prayer, ‘Lord, do I have to actually
join?’</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Pastor John
holds onto his hand for an eternity, “Well, I sincerely hope you enjoy our
presentation today. Just keep coming and we’ll consider you one of the flock.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Silently Allen thanks the Lord that he doesn't have to sign anything.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I'm on nursery duty. I'll catch you after,” Melanie says as she heads off. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen sits in an aisle seat halfway up. He observes as all across the room people raise their hands and
jump up and down to the banging of the drums. He wants to
praise the Lord, but he can’t make himself become part of this.
He closes his eyes and prays quietly, ‘What am I doing here? I love
you Lord like the song says. I do love you Lord. Lead me. Guide me. Direct me.’
Surprisingly he feels warmth and a quiet joy. <span style="line-height: 200%;">He smiles. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Mork, the ever attentive angel, hovers. </span><i style="line-height: 200%;">Here comes trouble.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Three young
men approach. One of them taps Allen on
the shoulder. “Allen, would you like prayer?” Allen recognizes these fellows as the prayer team Pastor John introduced at the beginning of worship. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Right
now?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“No better time.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">The young
men surround him, placing their hands on his shoulders and back and begin softly muttering.
Suddenly, one of the men speaks clearly and directly, “Come out of him in
the name of Jesus. Slumbering spirit you are evicted. This man will praise
loudly and freely.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen opens his eyes as the young men withdraw to the back of the room.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
How did
they know his name? Allen prays, “Dear Lord was that real?” He waits, listening with his spirit.<span style="color: red;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 32px;">
<b>You will know me by my love.</b><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">At this point Mork initiates human form</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">with added glow. </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">God did suggest creativity.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> He pulls up a chair on the aisle side of Allen. </span><i style="line-height: 200%;">Hey buddy, I heard what they
were praying…a little disconcerting. Those boys have good hearts, but they’ve
had some rather poor guidance lately. Pray that they will
see the truth and be set free. I know the Lord has sent you here for a purpose.
Pay close attention to His direction. Pray often and I will help you as much as
angelically possible.</i><span style="line-height: 200%;"> He picks up his chair and is gone.</span><br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen definitely wants to ask this fellow some questions. He looks around, and heads toward the back of
the church, searching faces. In the dim light it is difficult to make out
anyone’s features and in his mind he doesn’t have a solid image of the man. He remembers a white shirt and tie, and a slightly receding
hairline. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Maybe the
fellow went outside. Allen tries to walk past the greeters at the
door, but one of them confronts him, blocking his way. “Are you leaving sir?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Did you
see a tall fellow in a white shirt go out just now?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Nobody
has left...we'd know.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen shrugs
and returns to the sanctuary. He makes a mental note to ask Melanie about the
man. He should have asked him <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/10/the-controller-installment-16-in-which.html">his name.</a></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-80381904555955297312016-06-06T13:40:00.000-04:002016-11-16T21:33:27.552-05:00The Controller - Installment #14 in which Allen and Jenny plan a road trip<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">The rest of
the week Allen has lots to deal with at work. The figures for the quarterly report are pathetic. He double checks to see if all the numbers are actually recorded. They are. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Income is down, very down.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
He calls
Jenny in to his office, “I’ll have to visit our outlets. I
know it’s not in your job description, but could you draw up a schedule for me? I can do the two here in the city next week
and then do a bit of a tour through the province the following week. Give me about five outlets per day...I know I can't possibly do them all. Skip the ones in <st1:city w:st="on">North Bay</st1:city>, <st1:city w:st="on">Sudbury</st1:city> and <st1:place w:st="on">Marathon, all the ones up north</st1:place>…they
seem to be doing okay.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Shall I
let them know you are coming?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“No. Surprise visits will get me to the bottom of things faster. <span style="line-height: 200%;">Actually
it might be better if you come along? An extra pair of eyes won’t hurt.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Shall I
book accommodations?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Of course.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>They are all earthly business now, but wait until
they get alone together in the confines of a vehicle for all those hours and
then those evenings together. More work for Marvel and I coming up I do
believe…<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick revisits the office on Friday. “Looks like I won’t need this.” He flips the
$10,000 ABC cheque onto Allen’s desk.
The case is all but settled. Gold will be flowing our way by as early as next
week.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“What about
the refinery?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“We are
still looking for investments for that, but for now I’ve made a deal with a
place in <st1:city w:st="on">Sudbury</st1:city>.
They will be able to help us initially. Okay have to run. ”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick is out
of the office before Allen can even hope to talk to him about ABC. At least <span style="line-height: 200%;"> the cash flow is back in good
order. This will make his next few weeks <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/06/the-controller-installment-15-in-which.html">somewhat easier.</a></span></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-7259387660307258032016-04-26T13:22:00.000-04:002016-06-06T13:47:43.356-04:00The Controller - Installment #13 - trepidation, peace and more trepidation<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Monday
morning, his first day at the office after the one-week hiatus, Allen
uncharacteristically tells Jenny about his week away. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And, the
Lord has asked me to attend that excuse for a church, Powerhouse...for a
season.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Are you
sure?” Jenny asks. “How can you be sure?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>I heard his
voice in my mind.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“It could
be the enemy talking to you.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Really? It sounded like God.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“How did it
make you feel?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Filled me
with trepidation, that’s for sure.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Scummy or
slimy?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“No, just
unprepared and unsure.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Did you
ask Him if it was Him?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“No.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well, ask
Him.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Right
now?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Why not?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Okay...Lord
was that you telling me to attend Powerhouse?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>My ways
are higher than your ways. I am with you always. Trust me.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen feels a settling peace as Mork gives him a mighty angel hug. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“There is
no way this isn’t a God thing,” Allen concludes, <span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">but, to tell you the honest truth, there are a lot of places I'd rather be than Powerhouse.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
“What did God say?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“He said His ways were high and to trust Him. </span><br />
Jenny nodded. <span style="line-height: 200%;">“Sounds like you have an assignment. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">When you're following God's direction, there's nothing better.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I guess I'll find out.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Later that
morning Nick pops in. “I see you looked rested from your holiday. Where did you
go, the <st1:place w:st="on">Caribbean</st1:place>?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“No, I’m
afraid it was a working holiday.” As soon as he says it, Allen regrets what
sounds like misgiving in his comment. “I mean I did a lot of necessary stuff around the house.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick
ignores this entirely. “Good news, Gold is going up in the markets. We’re
richer than we think.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“How’s the
court case?” Allen asks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Not so
good. We need more money. It seems the lawyers have to have some documentation
released and it all takes funds.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> Nick reaches out his left hand, palm up and rubs his thumb back and forth across his fingers. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I have to raise about $10,000 before Friday if
we want to maintain our timeline. I'd like to borrow it against the
company.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“This could
severely challenge your cash flow if it goes beyond the new year.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Oh, I’ll
have it paid off way before the new year. Not to worry.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen draws
up a cheque for $10,000 and Jenny co-signs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After Nick
leaves, Jenny knocks lightly on Allen’s door. “Can we talk? I am concerned.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“About?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Nick.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Nothing we
can do about it. He is the boss. It’s his company.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And our
jobs.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I think we'll will be okay. He has lots of time to pay the money back into the company and
he’s got the potential to do it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Are you
sure?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Don’t
worry Jenny, this will come out with us on top. I may even invest in that
goldmine.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You better
pray first.” Jenny heads back to her desk.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen has a
pile of emails to answer and doesn’t give <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/06/the-controller-installment-14-in-which.html">the issue another thought.</a> </div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-49899735275617148962016-04-22T14:07:00.002-04:002016-10-18T09:53:41.475-04:00The Controller - Installment #12 in which Mork frolics in gleeful anticipation<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">That
evening Allen decides to walk through his house as if he is seeing it for the first time. He sees the worn and shabby furniture. He sees the pictures on the wall that haven't been changed since he was a child. He sees the layers of dust which have settled after Melanie moved out. Where did that girl put the duster? Regardless, Allen knows the place needs more than a good dusting. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen books a holiday-week to purge his house. <span style="line-height: 200%;">He cleans and
sorts, chucking things he doesn't use and replacing things he considers tired or tacky or just plain worn-out like his mattress and bed coverings. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">By the end of the week, the house is a different place although he still hasn't done anything about the wallpaper....</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“Now what?” he prays.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>This is
a picture of what I am doing in your heart.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen tours his home once again, this time asking God about his heart. In the master bedroom he allows himself to fall into the luxurious new pillow-top mattress on the king-size bed he inherited from his grandparents. Allen wants to stay here forever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Rest in me. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After several minutes, he reluctantly gets up and heads toward the upstairs bath where he admires his new shower curtain and the freshly painted walls. He thinks briefly about the Jacuzzi Shirley had mentioned. That would mean tearing a wall out and giving up a spare bedroom.<br />
<br />
<b style="line-height: 200%;">Your sins are washed away.</b><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Downstairs in the living room where he has eliminated chunky side tables, along with several extraneous chairs, and three ancient lamps, he sees that his remaining furniture has to be rearranged. The way it is, the large-screen TV has become the main focus. This won't do. He shoves a few things around until the room is centred on the brick fireplace crafted by his grandfather. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>I am your centre.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">The dining room looks good. Allen thinks he should use this room more often. He remembers the days gone by and special family dinners when they all gathered round the large oak table laughing and feasting on his mother's roasted chicken with mashed potatoes and three kinds of vegetables. Those were the days. These days, he mostly stands at the kitchen counter eating out of the pots. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><b>I am the bread of life. Feast with me</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">When he gets to the kitchen Allen knows he has to remodel. The the cupboards are decrepit and the drawers stick. Surely, he can afford a new kitchen. </span><br />
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></b>
<b style="line-height: 200%;">I am making all things new. My ways are higher than your ways. </b><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen feels convicted. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“God your ways <i>are</i> higher than my ways. What do you want me to do? Anything, Lord...I'll do it.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Sunday morning
the spirit of God impresses upon Allen to attend Powerhouse. He groans. The conviction to do whatever the Lord asks is not quite so strong this morning. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></b>
<b style="line-height: 200%;">I have an assignment for you.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“God help me.” </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">By the time he crosses the </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">threshold at</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> Powerhouse, the service is already going strong. Pastor John is in the midst of
delivering a mini-sermon on the joy and rewards of giving. “You can’t out-give
God. The windows of heaven are set to pour blessings into your life. All you
have to do is tell God you are ready to receive. Tell him by giving. The more
you give, the more you get. It is a law of nature.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen, who
had found a place in one of the back rows, lets the collection plate slip past. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
When the
worship music begins he sees Melanie near the front with her hands raised.
Despite everything else, he wishes he could worship that freely. Nobody was demonstrative in
his denominational church. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>I’m
asking you to change churches.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Lord please
don’t ask me that. I don't like this place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Only for
a season. They need you here.</b> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen’s
heart is in turmoil. He prays in tongues under his breath. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Mork on the other
hand is flying around the church in gleeful
anticipation. <i>What an assignment. right in the heart of enemy territory.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen's misses
most of the rest of the service. <span style="line-height: 200%;">He leaves </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">during the benediction in which
Pastor John tells his flock to <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-installment-13.html">go out and be blessed. </a></span></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-29620195002249745162016-04-20T11:51:00.000-04:002016-11-16T21:07:50.398-05:00The Controller - Installment #11 in which Allen delights the angels<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Mork leaves Allen to make his own way home. He surfaces directly into the throne room.<br />
<i>Yes,
God. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>I see
your frustration, Mork, but things are about to break. Be attentive. Jenny will be
praying for Allen in the next little while. Your instructions will be rather
vague, so be creative, take liberties. Now, go enjoy your assignment. </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The next day before Jenny shows up, Allen bounces into work with a bouquet of red and white carnations which he arranges in a vase and sets on her desk with a note, “Thanks for listening.” <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Mork, more
attentive than ever, waits for a clue, any clue for action on his part. What in
the world did God mean by take liberties? Surely God didn’t want him to act on
his own. He needed to minister to his person. Mork knew better than to initiate
anything. Look where that got Satan. He would have to wait for instructions and
maybe use creative liberties in the initiation of those instruction. God wasn’t legalistic but he had his standards. Justice and mercy. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Marvel
appears that morning with the glow of joy, which Mork recognizes as the joy of
angel work. He tells Mork that Jenny had skipped breakfast. <i>She’s
decided to fast and pray for the next three days. Powerful.</i> Mork is impressed. <i>There is hope</i>.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
For three
days nothing much else happens to match the expectation in the air. Then on
the third day, Allen kneels beside his desk. Tears stream down his face. “Lord
forgive me. Lord, forgive me. Lord, forgive me.” <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Mork
cradles him in his wings and whispers forgiveness. Jenny can obviously hear
the commotion but stays at her desk, praying under her breath in tongues. Her
language is the language of angels. Mork and Marvel understand every word and listen in amazement as Jenny, who doesn't know what she is praying, prays clarity into every one of Allen’s dilemmas. She even prays answers to dilemmas he doesn't know he has. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
In that
instant Mork and Marvel have a salad-plate full of assignments. They clap their wings and fly around the offices in delight. Allen gets up speaking in
tongues which he has never in his life done or even wanted to do. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Jenny, I
have to share this with you. I feel so free. I feel clean. My life is so worth
living. I have dedicated myself to do the Lord’s will. He spoke to me. He
said...” and here Allen chokes up, “He said He loves me. And, and He forgives me
for living without him. Funny, all this time I thought I was living with Him, but
really I’ve never even heard Him before.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Mork flies around the room again. <i><a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-installment-12-in-which.html">Glory, glory, glory, glory Hallelujah!</a></i> </div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-81600495726354511262016-04-19T11:11:00.000-04:002016-11-16T20:55:07.062-05:00The Controller - Installment #10 in which Mork gets called up<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I pray when I am having trouble deciding
about stuff,” Jenny says matter-of-factly as she sticks a baby
tomato on her fork. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I did
that. But, I still have to decide.” <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Pray,
shmay, hello, It’s two-way. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Jenny tries a different track, “How many
ingredients do you have in this salad?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“About
seven. Maybe six.<span style="line-height: 200%;">” Allen knows he is not going to mention Shirley.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I think I’m in a rut. I live in this big old family house, by
myself—now that my sister has moved out. I go to work every day, the same
work, year after year….”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Now I have
a chance to change things up a little. I think I’m stalling. Maybe I don’t like change.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
They each take another bite of salad. “You still haven’t really told me
anything about what you are looking at,” Jenny says. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“For one,
the house. Melanie wants her money out of the house. She has every right to
that. On the other hand, I’m her big brother and I’m not too sure she would be all
that wise with her money especially looking at the church she is attending. I don’t trust that place.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“A church?
You don’t trust a church?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Maybe I’m
off, but they seem to be a lot about giving money and as far as I can see they
don’t have any causes except themselves.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Have you
been there?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Once.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I see.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“So, do I
buy her out, sell the house, fix up the house or what? Do I buy a
condo? Should I be looking for someone to share my life with? I always thought
I would have a wife and kids. I’m 37 now and the clock is ticking.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sounds
like mid-life crisis.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>These
people, they have a label for everything. When they don’t live to their full
potential, of course they get bored. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I could
invest in Nick’s gold mine and use the money to start my own business.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Your own
business?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Just a
thought.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The main
course comes. They eat in silence. “I like this. Thanks so much,” Jenny says.
“I haven’t been out much lately, since I broke up with my boyfriend.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I didn’t
realize….”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Let’s just
say he was a jerk. I found out he was cheating on
me—a lot.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’m sorry.
You never said anything.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I didn’t
want to bother you with my personal stuff.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
As they
walk to their cars back at the office, Allen thanks Jenny for listening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sorry, I
wasn’t able to help more.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“It was
just good to get it out.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Man,
your life could be so much more exciting. Please God give me a better
assignment next time. </i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<b style="line-height: 200%;"><i>Mork, report to the <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-installment-11-in-which.html">throne room</a>.</i></b>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-14054975644415831862016-04-06T18:38:00.000-04:002016-04-21T15:36:44.705-04:00The Controller - Installment #9 - in which Allen tries to make decisions<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen quietly prays, “Oh
God, help me with this.” <span style="line-height: 200%;">Then he grabs a notepad and makes three
columns. At the top of the page he writes, 'decisions to be made.' He labels the columns, past, present and future. On the left side he writes 'issues,' and underlines this. Then he sits
and thinks. Finally, he writes in the present column, 'sell house' and under that he writes 'buy house.' He draws
a line under that and writes 'dress up house' and under that he writes 'renovate.' He works his way down the page: 'invest in gold mine,' 'find a new job,' 'ask Shirley out.' He doesn’t know why he has written past, present and future as everything hinges on his present.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen walks around contemplating his list. In the front hall, he notices the mail scattered across the floor where it always lands when the mail carrier pushes it through the slot in his front door. He gathers up an assortment of flyers and several envelopes. One of these appears to be from Powerhouse. He rips it open. Inside he finds a note.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Dear Mr. Jenkins,</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Thank you for visiting our church and
filling out our questionnaire. We hope you get to know us in the near future.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Blessings, </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b>Pastor John </b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen goes back to his list and writes 'keep an eye on Melanie.' </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Lord help me to make some decisions.” Allen is feeling himself getting annoyed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
He stares at his list and can’t make up his mind on any of it. If only he could
talk this over with someone. He thinks of Jenny. She always has a
listening ear about work-related stuff. She might be able to help him
sort through this. He’ll ask her tomorrow. Maybe take her out for dinner after work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The next morning Allen seizes the opportunity when Jenny tells
him she had had a rather mundane evening catching up on laundry and politely
asks about his evening. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well actually, Jenny,” Allen says, “I was trying to make some decisions. I
didn't get anywhere. I guess that never happens to you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“What kind of decisions?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Personal.” He looks at Jenny with
pleading eyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You want my help?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“How did you know?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“That’s the look you give me when you don’t understand
something in my bookkeeping.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Maybe we could go some place for dinner. I’ll
pay.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> Allen says. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">And, you could help me by listening. I used to talk about these things with my sister, but not since she moved out. I
hardly see her any more.” Suddenly Allen feels foolish. Why is he
allowing Melanie to see this personal side of him?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Melanie appears to be thinking about it.<br />
“Well?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
“Okay, after all, my laundry is done.”<br />
<br />
Mork and Marvel exchange glances.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
At 5:30 Jenny and Allen leave the building. ABC headquarters
is in Unit 6 of row 5 in an industrial complex. Allen locks the door. They
decide to walk to a chain restaurant a short kilometre away.<br />
<br />
Mork and Marvel follow two steps behind, smiling their angel smiles.<br />
<br />
"Table for two?" the hostess asks. She shows them to a <span style="line-height: 200%;">booth in a corner. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">There is plenty of room for Mork and Marvel to fill in beside them. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">While munching on garlic bread appetizers, Allen works
through what he might say. He blurts, “This was a dumb idea. Why would you want
to hear my personal dilemmas…they aren’t even dilemmas. I’m just having trouble
sorting through some decisions that I need to make.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Fire away. I’m generally a good listener, or so people say.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen looks down at the table, “It’s like this salad. Lots of stuff going on at the
same time. Different stuff but it all works together and I want to sort it out, but it gets all scrambled up together. Why can’t I just put it into a
spreadsheet and see the obvious?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“A real
man’s problem,” Jenny says.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“What does
that mean?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Men like
to compartmentalize.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“And you
don’t? Miss Bookkeeper.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You got me
there.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Mork
here. I would love to add some clarity to this conversation.
These earthlings don’t know much. Wisdom from on high is at a whole other level. Sure, Allen has been been sending up prayers, but as I mentioned before he doesn't listens for the answers and I don't think he even expects them. He could be sitting here totally at peace knowing that God is on this.</i><br />
<i>Marvel here. Don't underestimate <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-installment-10-in-which.html">my girl Jenny. </a></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-88965298767297453512016-04-01T14:34:00.000-04:002016-04-21T15:36:30.951-04:00The Controller - Installment #8 - in which Mork complains<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Back at the homestead, Allen walks through the various rooms, musing about his life. Did he want to stay here? He could buy a condominium...sell this place. What would he get for this old house? Probably a lot more if he spruced it up. Never mind selling, he needed to update. There were only so many times you could glue the wallpaper edges back down. Maybe he should talk to a decorator.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen inadvertently finds an opportunity to do something about his home, when he calls Nick’s designer friend to have a
look at the offices. Alphonse waltzes into the workplace first thing one morning, takes a quick peek around, then drags a chair into a corner where he sits with
his laptop. “Don’t mind me, I like to get the feel of a place.” Two
hours later he leaves promising to have the work done while the office is
closed on the weekend.<br />
<br />
The following
Monday, Allen and Melanie have a hard time recognizing their offices: the walls
have been painted, the floors recovered throughout and the
furniture rearranged. <br />
“Everything is so bright and fresh,” Melanie declares.<br />
Allen looks around sceptically, “I have to get used to having my desk over here by the window<span style="line-height: 200%;">.”</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Yet, it takes him less than a day to realize that Alphonse is a genius. His filing cabinet, his computer, everything is in exactly the right place.<br />
At the end of the day, Allen phones Alphonse to
thank him. “And by the way, do you do homes?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">They arrange for an evening consultation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
At the appointed time, a trim, attractive young woman knocks at Allen's door. <br />
“And, who are you?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I’m Shirley, I work for Alphonse.
Pleased to meet you,” she extends her hand.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen feels electricity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Shirley steps in and looks around, “I love these old homes.” She rubs her hand down the rich wood oak trim of the door frame into the living room. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“The place needs a bit of something possibly,” Allen says suddenly wanting to apologize for the wallpaper.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Is it okay if I wander through? I like to take pictures if that's okay.” <br />
Allen nods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Later, they sit down at the kitchen
table. “<span style="line-height: 200%;">You keep a very neat home…but it does need some attention,” Shirley lays out several options from the cheapest simple advice to the most expensive complete overhaul by Alphonse. They settle on a middle
ground with Shirley providing a plan. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>I assure you the added value on your home will more than pay for this,” Shirley says. They shake hands and again Allen feels a tingle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Shirley shows up the following week with
two plans. The first is a simple cosmetic makeover, paint and up-to-date accent
décor. The second plan involves renovation opti<span style="line-height: 200%;">ons for a new kitchen and an expanded bathroom with a whirlpool tub on the second floor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen decides to think about it. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Okay, Allen you’ve been so busy that you
haven’t even had time to give me a stitch of work. My next contract I think I’m
going to ask the Lord for someone who takes this spiritual realm seriously. My
friend Leman over in China is getting a lot of amazing work right now. His
human is one of these guys without a material concern in the world. He doesn’t
usually know where his next meal is coming from or where he is going to be sleeping.
Leman is constantly arranging divine appointments and setting up miracles. The
last ‘almost work’ I had was getting Nick out of Allen’s office. What kind of
assignment is that? I don’t know why the Lord doesn’t just call me into a
special project. I’m next to useless here. </i><br />
<i>Wait a minute...look at this…a small miracles: Allen
is praying. Praise be to God. Although he's probably praying about what kind of tiles to <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-instalment-9-in-which.html">buy for the kitchen.</a> <o:p></o:p></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-37752873550472049822016-03-21T15:56:00.000-04:002016-04-21T15:36:18.424-04:00The Controller - Installment #7 -- a bite to eat <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After church Allen invites Melanie out
for a bite to eat. They decide to walk to a little place around the corner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
On the way, Melanie asks Allen what he
thought of the service. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Not really my style, sister. I think
your pastor is a bit of a showboat, as mom would say.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“He’s really caring and I like him. He
listens to what God tells him and speaks it out…Hey, look there’s that old yellow dog the
pastor mentioned.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After they order lunch Melanie surprises
Allen with a question, “What should we do about the old place?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I live there!”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well, mom left it to us, both of us, and I moved, so shouldn’t you be buying me out or something?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I thought you might be moving back,
after you got this out of your system.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I don’t think so, bro. No offense but I
can’t see myself living with you for the rest of my life. And, you’ll be
wanting to get married sometime.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Who, me? There is no one like that in my
life.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Right now, maybe not, but there could
be.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen decides to bring the topic back to a comfortable place, “You are saying you want me to buy you
out?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Or, we could sell the place and divide
everything. That would be fair.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Let me think about it.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sure.” <br />
<br />
<i> If I’m not mistaken—and I rarely am—this is a God set-up. Allen would like some money to invest with Nick. Selling the house would get him that. These are big decisions. Is he going to pray about them? More critically, is he going to listen to what God tells him? Or, is he going to need his guardian angel to rescue him as some future point?</i><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After lunch, Allen pays the tab, “My treat.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
They walk back to the church parking lot together. “Do you want a ride anywhere?” Allen asks when Melanie stops to say good-bye.<br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>A few of us are practising for a play.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>Where?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>Here.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>Really?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>It's a fundraiser.<span style="line-height: 200%;"> We are putting on as a fundraiser. Do you want to come to it?</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">If you're in it...maybe. What's it for?</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I told you to raise funds.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>For?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>The church <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/04/the-controller-instalment-8-in-which.html">of course.<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span></a><br />
<br /></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-71469583060764784352016-03-17T15:58:00.000-04:002016-04-21T15:36:01.000-04:00The Controller - Installment # 6 in which Allen is introduced to his sister's "church"<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
When Allen gets home that evening he finds Melanie, his
sister, packing her things. Melanie and Allen have been sharing the living space
in the family homestead ever since their mother died three years earlier. “I’m
moving out.” Melanie tosses her long blonde hair sideways as she throws the
things on her dresser into a box. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“What?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Don’t worry. It’s all good. You know that church I’ve been
going to…well a place in a house a few streets over from the church opened
up and they invited me to live with them. It will be so much handier to get to
stuff.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“You sure this is a good idea? You already spend most of your
spare time at that place.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“That’s just it. Now I can walk there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“It’s your life, but….”<br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>But, what?<span style="line-height: 200%;">” </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>Never mind.” Allen leaves her to it in her room
and heads for the kitchen. He doesn’t want to say too much, after all he has
never set foot in Melanie’s church. He just knows church has become a very
big chunk of Melanie’s life since she started there a few months back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Melanie pops her head into the kitchen, “You should check my
church out sometime. You might really like it. The music is great. So is the
pastor. He is so funny.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Okay, how about this Sunday?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
That settled it. They arrange for Allen to meet Melanie at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Powerhouse</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> that very Sunday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i>
<i>Mork here, again. I’ve
been talking to Mercy, Melanie’s guardian. Mercy has had her work cut out for
her.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Sunday comes and Allen sets off for Powerhouse. He gets there
just as the worship team finishes the sound check. Drums, electric guitars,
huge amps…soon the place vibrates with sound. People, mostly young people start
jumping up and down to ‘There is no God like Jehovah.’ Melanie finds Allen
standing at the back of the darkened room. She leads him to a seat about a
third of the way up in the long narrow room. She almost shouts as she
introduces him to the young man in the seat next to her. “This is Ian. He lives
in the house next to the one I live in.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Five songs later, the pastor stands up and introduces himself
as Pastor John and asks visitors to stand. “We’ve got a gift for you.”<br />
Two
ushers sweep the room handing out little packets to the visitors sprinkled throughout the congregation. Allen tries to
stuff his packet in his pant pocket.<br />
Melanie stops him. <span style="line-height: 200%;">“You are supposed to use the pen and fill out the questionnaire.” </span><br />
Obediently Allen follows her
instruction. Pastor John is doing a talk on tithing, the best way to get favour
with the Lord. He is rather passionate. When the collection plate comes by,
Allen slides in his questionnaire with a $5 bill. He knows Melanie gives
something as well, just how much Allen can’t tell.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Pastor John, head down, struts back and forth across the
stage at the front of the church. Finally on his third pass he stops
dramatically just left of centre stage. He lifts his finger and points at a
woman seated directly in front of him. “You,” he says, “Yes, you. God wants you
to know you need to make a clear decision. Don’t let anyone sway you. Not your
parents, not your pastor, not anyone. You have to know in your heart what you
have to do. It may not be easy, but sometimes you have to let go of things that
are dear to you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The pastor puts his head back down and continues strutting. Then
he turns, points at the drummer, “Hit it.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The worship team members, who have been standing as still as idols, spring to life with, “Where you Go, I will Follow.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After the song the worship team quietly
leaves the stage and it becomes the Pastor John’s show. “I was walking to church today
when I met some boys out there close to the church. They looked about ten and
they were all looking at that old yellow dog that’s been hanging around here. I
thought maybe they were thinking about hurting the dog so I asked them, ‘What
are you doing to that dog? One of the young fellows told me, ‘This is a stray
dog and we all want him, but only one of us can take him home. We decided that
whoever tells the biggest lie can keep the dog.’<br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span>I was a little taken aback and
told them they shouldn’t be telling lies and told them what God thinks about
that. I told them that when I was their age I NEVER told a lie. So they gave me the dog. He’s out in the
parking lot.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Melanie pokes Allen’s rib. “See, I told
you he was funny.”<br />
Allen grimaces, “Heard it before.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i>
<i>The
pastor is rambling on and Allen looks like he's somewhere else. I can tell he is thinking about Nick’s
offer. Guardian angels can sense these things. Humans are in some ways very
predictable. You basically have to watch the body language. His eyes are down
and every once in a while he rubs his chin. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>I
can also see that Pastor John is sensing he is losing his audience—time for
another joke. Ohhh, sorry, I got that wrong. He is saying something shocking
instead.</i><br />
<br />
“So that church the worship team and I visited last week, we don’t
want to go there again. No siree. Not with the way the head pastor there is
using the backroom to roll the secretary.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i>
<i>He
has the people paying attention now and he’s going right on with his sermon.
Half of them are wondering if he actually <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-7-bite-to-eat.html">said that.</a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-37833683183335348852016-03-11T13:49:00.000-05:002016-04-21T15:35:48.987-04:00The Controller - Installment # 5 in which Mork, the angel, acknowledges frustration<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
A month later, just as Jenny and Allen finish inventory and Allen is ready to call Nick, Nick breezes in. He looks around. “I see the decorator hasn’t been
here yet. Here’s his number...better give him a call.” Nick pulls out his
phone and rattles off a number. “His name is Alphonse.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen obediently writes the number on a notepad. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
After they go over the list of company assets, Nick leans across Allen's desk, “I have to get your take on something...be truthful with
me.” He fixes his smoky blue eyes on Allen. “Years ago I made a major investment
in a goldmine in <st1:place w:st="on">South America</st1:place>. Well, it’s
paid off. They hit a major vein. It looks very much like I’ll have returns rolling in for at least 10 years. I want to invest that money into this company.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sounds like a plan.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“So, I’m counting on you to come up with an extensive
expansion plan for ABC. Think big. We will have the money.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Right. Is next March still soon enough?” Allen asks.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sure. There is just one other thing.” Nick sits
down in front of the desk. “I need to set up a way to get my money out of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region> and into <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>. That involves the courts.
It’s just a regulatory thing. Anyway I need about $5,000 to get that done. I am
wondering if I could borrow from this company. You know a temporary loan, a
month at the most.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen sits down and writes the cheque. He calls Jenny in to
co-sign. He hands the cheque to Nick. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick waves the cheque on his way out, “here’s to a bigger and
better company.”</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Mork here. Sitting on
my hands. What is the use being a guardian angel that can’t do a bloody
thing? Excuse the language. Allen could have said at least one little prayer
before he handed over that cheque. Not that the money doesn't actually belong to Nick, but a word of wisdom would be helpful here. All I can do is watch my boy fall into a trap. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
A month to the day Nick comes back to the office<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">again waving a cheque</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">this
time it is one that he made out to the company. “Here is the $5,000. The money will be flowing now. And the gold
vein is richer than originally predicted. That mine is worth at least $14
million and possibly over a billion. Listen if you have any extra money looking
for a place to in</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">vest, let me know.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“How so?” Allen's curiosity is piqued. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick sits down to explains, “To get maximum benefit out of
our mining operation we are setting up a refinery—our own gold refinery right
on site. That takes an initial investment, but by my calculations our own refinery will easily
double our profits. Any investment you make at this point will bring in one hundred percent profit for you within two years, guaranteed.” Nick stands up to leave.
“Let me know. I’m only making the offer this generous for a few insiders, so to
speak.” Before Allen has a chance to respond, Nick is out the door.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Okay he better pray
about this one is all I have to say. Well, look at that he is.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
Allen looks down at his desk, “Lord, what should
I do with this?” he mutters.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>That’s a start. Now, listen for the answer buddy. You might be thinking a prayer like that would
give me some work to do, but I will have to wait and see. In a case like this
the Lord just might speak to Allen directly, in fact that’s what I’m thinking
he will do. He really likes talking with his children. He calls it communing
with them. If, say, He tells Allen to invest $10,000 and that the money
will be there for him to invest, then He will definitely be telling me to
go about helping Allen get the $10,000 to invest. Fat chance that will happen
though, and I will tell you why. I suspect Nick doesn’t have a gold mine.
We’ll have to wait and see, but all the signs are pointing that way. I also
suspect Allen is in for a life lesson here. Hopefully he learns it. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Okay, I see the Lord’s
answer coming in. The Lord’s answer is one word: <b>nothing</b>. The problem is Allen is already finished praying. He's back on his computer. <o:p></o:p></i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Jenny comes in a little later surreptitiously to check some figures, “I couldn’t help but hear what Nick was
saying. So, what are you going to do?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“I think I just might invest a little something. This sounds like a once in a lifetime deal.”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Sounds like something you should think about...maybe even pray about.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen looked up at Jenny. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">I actually did say a prayer."</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">And?"</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">What do you mean, and?"</span><br />
“What did the Lord say?<span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“Nothing, of course.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">” </span>Allen looks somewhat confused, <span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Jennie, I'm a bit concerned about you. God is real, but he doesn't actually talk to us.</span><span style="line-height: 200%;">”</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<i style="line-height: 200%;">You see what I have to
<a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-6-in-which.html">put up with?</a></i><i style="line-height: 200%;"><a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-6-in-which.html"> </a></i><br />
<i style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-14101771658132619822016-03-03T21:56:00.000-05:002016-04-21T15:35:29.574-04:00The Controller - Installment # 4 in which Nick applies his charm<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -6.75pt;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">The next morning Nick shows up with Star Bucks' for both Allen and Jenny. “I don’t know how you two take your
coffees.” He pulls a handful of creams and sugars out of his suit-coat pocket.
While they are fixing their coffees, Nick agrees that Jenny take notes during their meeting. “It will keep us accountable. I
think</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;"> </span></span><span style="line-height: 200%;">this company has to run on integrity.” </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-style: italic; line-height: 200%;">Like the good book says, "Evil people say things to make themselves look good, but they keep their evil plans a secret."</span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.8571px;"><i>* </i></span></span><span style="line-height: 200%;">Mork is standing in the window frame behind Allen's desk. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -6.75pt;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“This company has always valued integrity.” Allen reminds Nick of the company motto, ‘Rental equipment you can count on.’ When your dad was alive and running this place...." </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -6.75pt;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Nick cuts him off. “I’ve been thinking, I would like to
change our name…not right now but within a year or so. ABC is
so</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; line-height: 16.8667px;">...</span></span><span style="line-height: 200%;">so basic.” Nick looks at Jenny. Maybe you could come up with a name.” He
smiles a warm friendly smile and leans back in his chair to sip his coffee. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“So, Allen, what I want to know from you
is exactly what this company is worth…a list of all the assets, so to speak. I
also want to make it worth more. Whatever it is worth I want it to grow. And, that is where I need advice from you.
What is the best way to move forward?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Now it is Allen’s turn to lean back in
his chair. He strokes his chin. “Well, there are a few things to consider. This is not a simple question." </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I'm not expecting an immediate answer. How long do you think you need?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Jenny waits, ready to write whatever Allen
says. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen continues to stroke his chin. “He looks at his calendar. We have inventory coming up this next month.
After that would be a good time to formulate a plan. Something like this needs
some solid research.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick pulls out his phone. How about I set a deadline for
next March, six months from now?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen nods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Nick smiles and finishes his coffee. He sits back and looks
around the office. “You should get your office spruced up. I know a
decorator. I’ll send him over. You just tell him what you want it to look
like.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen looks around as if he is noticing the surroundings for
the first time. “Really Nick, I don’t need this place redone. It is perfectly
functional.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I insist—we can’t have my most essential employee working
out of a hovel. I don’t want to hear no for an answer. Besides, this
decorator owes me a favour.” With that Nick stands. On his way out he turns to
Jenny, “When he’s here, you tell the decorator how you want your office done as
well.”<br />
<br />
<i style="line-height: 200%;">"Many people are nice to a generous person. Everyone wants to be friends with someone who gives gifts."** Nick knows a few things.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen and Jenny make sure Nick has left, before they speak. </span><span style="line-height: 200%;">“Well, things aren’t looking so bad,” Jenny comments as she looks
over what she has written. “He wants a list of assets and recommendations on
how to grow the company, not to mention a spiffy new look around here.” She
slaps her notes down on Allen’s desk.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Thanks Jenn.”</div>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">“You are more than welcome. I’m going to mull over a new look
for my office.” She skips out, once more nearly tripping. </span><br />
<span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span>
<span style="line-height: 200%;">Marvel catches her
just <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-5-in-which.html">in time.</a></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">* Proverbs 26:24 ERV</span></i><br />
<i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">** Proverbs 19:16 ERV</span></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-46936894405342116452016-03-01T15:37:00.001-05:002016-11-16T20:30:54.438-05:00Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-34352013522585213592016-03-01T15:37:00.000-05:002016-11-16T20:30:40.453-05:00The Controller - Installment # 3 in which we glimpse the inner workings of the workplace<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen bows his head and then looks up. <span style="line-height: 200%;">“Jenny, we may be in trouble...Nick is our sole boss now.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Serious?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“He told me the board is a thing of the
past.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“So maybe that's good. No
more waffling on decisions. There is only one guy to say what goes.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen strokes his chin. “And no one to stop him from doing whatever he bloody-well wants. There are over a hundred happy people in this company. I want
it to stay that way. This has always been a good place to work, even if
the decision-making process is...was a little convoluted.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I think you are just a typical
accountant. You want things to be predictable.” She smiles a little knowing smile. “We’ll just have to pray that all goes well.” With that Jenny
bounces out of the office. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>For
a moment there, I thought I might have something to do</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">—</span><i>Allen actually looked like he was going to pray...w</i></span><i style="line-height: 200%;">ishful thinking on my part perhaps. Well, maybe, there will
be something heading down the pipes. I can feel it in my wings. If I know
humans, and I’ve been around for thousands upon thousands of years and seen a
lot of them, I judge that Nick could get a little sleazy. Too bad I can’t warn Allen...might save some grief. That’s
the thing about my BOSS, he always holds out for the best to show up in
everybody, and I mean everybody.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Hitler is a prime example. That guy was one bad apple. Yet</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i>and I still don’t truly understand it</i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">God gave that man every chance under
heaven to turn his life around. That’s another thing about God: He is true to his
Word. He said He’d give man charge over the things in this world and that is
what He does. It’s totally up to them to ask for His help or He stays out of it
even if Satan gets in there messing things up.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i style="line-height: 200%;">I just hope Allen asks for more
help than he has been or this will not go well and I have to be here sitting
on my hands doing absolutely nothing. </i><i style="line-height: 200%;">My boy's spiritual ears, are closed and his spiritual eyes are
totally undeveloped. What's an angel to do? At least h</i><i style="line-height: 200%;">e reads his Bible…when he has time. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
A week later Nick calls Allen, “Listen I
need some advice. Do you have time to see me?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Sure, boss. Any time that works for you.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
They decide Nick will come in first
thing the next morning. “It shouldn’t take more than an hour, I don’t think.” Nick
says.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i> I can see that Allen is somewhat baffled. He goes back to work,
but every ten minutes or so he looks up, ponders, wrinkles his nose, twitches,
and generally looks confused—you get the idea.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Finally Allen rings Jenny to come
in. “Jenny, tomorrow the boss is coming in to
seek my advice.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“He is?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Don’t look so baffled. I give sound
advice.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but
since when does he take advice?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Well, that’s why I want you to be
involved. I’m thinking this might be the start of something good. I'm guessing Nick has realized he needs us to make this company run smoothly. The thing is we both know he doesn’t always...how shall I say it? He doesn’t always come away from a situation with an understanding of what took place. A little ADHD possibly. So...I would like you to
be taking notes. Of course, I’ll ask him first. Tomorrow
morning if I call you into the meeting that’s what I would like you to do. Any
questions?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Okay, I’ll be there with my steno pad...and I thought you hired me for bookkeeping. Good thing I’m flexible.” She
winks at Allen <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-4-in-which.html">and leaves.</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-73000127598444538712016-02-29T13:25:00.000-05:002016-04-21T15:34:50.141-04:00The Controller - Installment # 2 in which Mork introduces angels<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen reaches for the intercom and asks
Jenny, the bookkeeper, to come into his office. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Jenny is one door away. I like Jenny. She comes with Marvel who gets more work than I
do. That’s because Jenny can be a little clumsy…big feet. Here they come. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
The door falls open and Jennie would have
tripped on the sill where the carpet begins, but Marvel is there
to lift her foot that extra few millimetres. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Very
dexterous, that Marvel. You might be wondering why Marvel can help Jennie
with stuff like that and I don’t have the pleasure with my human. Marvel is allowed to be a very
attentive guardian angel all day long because every morning when Jennie
awakes, she prays to the Lord for help. Marvel told me about his daily instructions. I am so jealous. The instructions even vary from day to day, absolutely engaging for Marvel. He has the liberty to be creative, not quite like humans</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i>we angels can’t make things</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i>but he has a lot of answers to implement. </i><br />
<i>Helping Jenny
not to trip on the way into the room is not an exciting big deal and you might call it mundane, but any work is better than no work and is probably an answer to the prayer, ‘keep
from being clumsy today’ or maybe ‘send your angels to guide me today.’ We angels love work and thrive on it. Of course the bigger the assignment the better. I'm patiently waiting for some juicy assignments.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -6.75pt;">
<i><span style="line-height: 200%;">You
may be wondering why I refer to Marvel as ‘he.’ It’s a preference that’s all. We’re sexless angels so using sex-</span><span style="line-height: 32px;">differentiating pronouns</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> doesn’t entirely work, but to refer to one of us as an 'it' would be totally inappropriate. We’re not things, we are beings. We serve. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="line-height: 200%;">I love our job. Well, I'll admit mine is a little boring right now, but
there is potential in my human…especially if Jenny has a say</span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">I’m not holding
my breath but that could happen</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i><span style="line-height: 200%;">they might even become </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">romantically attracted. They</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> are both single. He’s a little older.
They look good together, would make a good couple</span></i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">just my opinion of course. He is clean shaven, with trusting brown eyes, square
chin, thick wavy hair, square shoulders, slight dimple in one cheek</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">what else
can I tell you?</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">strong hands. She is
tall, slim, with short blonde hair</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">cute really, always smiling. I already told
you about the big feet. The two of them actually have the same shoe size,
something they haven’t yet discovered. </i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Marvel
and I are secretly rooting for them as a couple, not that we have a say. We are the
servants, and content with that. </i><br />
<i>We angels realized just how good we have it when
we saw what happened to those who weren’t satisfied. You’ve heard of Satan? I
don’t know a human who hasn’t. Well he wasn’t satisfied with the servant thing.
He wanted to be the BOSS and he actually got what he wanted, sort of. He is a
boss now…boss of a lot of us. He was able to convince one-third of all the angels to go for his
spiel. It is hard to blame them. What he said sounded so plausible at the time that I almost got taken in. Basically he lied. He said
anyone who followed him would have it made, no more servant stuff</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">not true.
Anyone who followed him could know everything God himself knows</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">not true.</i><br />
<i style="line-height: 200%;"> I am
grateful everyday for not following him. </i><i style="line-height: 200%;">All those angels</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">demons now</i><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><i style="line-height: 200%;">have to listen to their new boss and resent every minute of it. Most of them take
it out on you humans. That’s where a lot of our work comes in these days,
undoing the work of demons. Take Nick for instance. He came in here with a
couple of demons. Not the really bad ones, just a few minions. That’s the way
it starts. A person attracts the minions who influence him until he asks them
for help and they call in the bigger guys, the strongmen, and pretty soon there
is this huge fortress we can’t access unless the person seriously wants out and
asks God for help. I could tell you stories about battles. <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/03/the-controller-instalment-3-in-which-we.html">No time now, looks like I may be needed here. </a></i></div>
Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-41797113447799614222016-02-11T15:39:00.000-05:002016-03-02T12:05:34.594-05:00The Controller - Installment # 1 in which we meet Allen the Controller<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 16.8pt; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333; line-height: 200%;">"I'm not sure you understand
what I am supposed to be doing for this company...." </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Nick backs off, pulls up a chair
and sits directly in front of Allen's desk. "Well, tell me. This is my company
now and I need to know what my controller thinks."<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">By my wings, if that guy would just
send up a simple prayer! </span></i><i style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="color: #333333;">I’m Mork, Allen’s guardian angel. I used to have more daily work when
his mother was alive. Now, there was a prayer warrior, always praying for Allen and for his sister Melanie, and myriads of other people.
We angels had plenty of interesting and entertaining work when that woman was
alive.</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Oh, just got an order. Don’t quite know what to do with it. I mean
Allen could use some tips from his mom. “Get this guy out of my office.”
Can you believe that? What kind of powerful prayer is that? Send my problem
away. Does he not know this problem could use attention now?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Well, mine is not to question. Mine is to get Nick out of here. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 7.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Too bad Nick doesn’t have a guardian angel with him, I could use some
help with this. If a guy doesn’t come with a guardian angel you know that God
knows he is unlikely to ask for a stitch of help. The Nick-type guy thinks he
can run the world on his own, thank you very much. Never asks for help. If and when
he does, a bunch of us have orders to be ready to get on the case. That’s when
you see amazing miracles. In the meantime
his angel gets to do temporary assignments other places.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
Allen pulls up a job description on his computer.
He reads out, “My job is to safeguard assets and assure accurate and timely
recording of all transactions by implementing disciplines of internal audits,
controls and checks of this company.
This includes managing <span style="color: #333333;">the accuracy and
productivity of day-to-day activities of accounts payable, cash disbursements,
invoicing/billing, customer credits and collections, payroll, perpetual
inventory integrity, fixed asset records, entity accounting, cost
accounting, etc.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="color: #333333;">Way to go Allen. You will bore him out of here in no
time. </span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Develop,
improve and issue timely monthly financial records for the board of directors.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“There is no
board of directors. I am the board,” Nick says.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“When did
that happen?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Yesterday. They all resigned.” Nick looks at Allen stone-faced. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">Allen
winces and continues, “I also have to assure financial plans are consistent
with organizational goals, provide financial analysis tools to evaluate company
ventures or special projects, etc., manage banking relationships, assure that
assets are not awkwardly encumbered with personal guarantees or unrealistic
commitments…”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“What does
that even mean?” Nick asks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Basically I
have to make sure this business is about this business and other commitments
don’t get in the way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Okay, I get
it.” Nick stands up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“There’s
more.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="color: #333333;">“Send me a
memo.</span><span style="color: #333333; line-height: 200%;">”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Nick
is doing the glance at the watch thing. I don’t think he actually looked at the
time. That’s just my opinion, of course. </i><span style="color: #333333;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Nick
is out of here. Prayer answered without my help. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
Allen puts his head in his hands. “Lord, what will I do?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Okay,
that prayer will go directly to the throne room of God and if Allen tunes in he
will hear an answer. My guess is that he is not expecting an answer and won’t
hear it. There it is, “<b>Trust me.</b>”
Clear as a church bell. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
“Lord, why don’t you answer me.” <span style="line-height: 200%;">Allen looks up at the ceiling,</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: -6.75pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i>Told
you, he is not listening. Sometimes I would just like to give him a little
seminar. Not in my job description. <a href="http://mariandenboer.blogspot.ca/2016/02/the-controller-instalment-2.html">Too bad! </a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br clear="all" style="mso-special-character: line-break; page-break-before: always;" /></span></i>Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-92084084679274329602016-02-09T16:48:00.000-05:002016-02-09T16:48:01.458-05:00Dealing with my NaNoWriMo Novel In November 2015 along with 1000's of other people from all over the world I signed up to write a novel in a month. For a month I wrote 2000 words per day, six days a week.<br />
<br />
At the end of the month I received a NaNoWriMo certificate, which I have since misplaced, and a Winner's T-shirt which I let myself buy...for big bucks if you include the exchange rate.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iDt_0PXAmY/VrpS-TpQciI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/L5dyiKANEOc/s1600/DSC_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--iDt_0PXAmY/VrpS-TpQciI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/L5dyiKANEOc/s640/DSC_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
Oh yes, and I also have a 202-page manuscript which I printed out in January and finally finished reading in February. This manuscript needs work, lots of work. Right now I have a rough first draft with inconsistencies and extraneous details.<br />
<br />
So now what? I've decided to share my work with you. As I work through this thing, I'll be posting the edited bits. My hope is that the story will capture your attention. My other hope is that since I am brave enough to post this thing in its imperfect second draft, you will be equally brave enough to point out the flaws. Comments are solicited and welcomed. If you start reading and then decide you can't be bothered, tell me why. If the story is confusing or annoying, or just plain boring let me know. If you are appreciating the story, let me know that as well.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>The Controller</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>Random bit:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<i>Allen feels like a waffling procrastinator. "Lord I hate my life."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>I love you Allen.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>Lord, You can't love me; I don't deserve your love.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>I love you Allen.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>I'm cheap, nasty, uncommitted, judgemental and hateful. How can you love me?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>I love you Allen.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>I can't even do what you ask me to do I don't want to go to that church. I hate Pastor John. I hate my job. I hate going to work and not doing anything. I hate making decisions. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>I love you Allen.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>I haven't even read your Word for the last month, how can you love me? Jenny and I don't get together to pray any more. My life is pretty well meaningless.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>I love you Allen.</b></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<i>Allen puts on his alligator pyjamas and crawls into bed. It's only seven o'clock. He dreams strange crazy dreams that don't make sense. </i><br />
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Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-14037317146787015512014-06-15T16:37:00.000-04:002014-06-15T16:37:43.991-04:00A Pregnant JesusI saw Jesus from the waist down. He was wearing a white robe and had a very round belly.<br />
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"Why do you have such a big stomach?" I dared to ask.<br />
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"It's about the things I'm pregnant with."<br />
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"What?"<br />
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"You can't do anything about it or the timing, but you will know when it happens."<br />
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This conversation led me to think about the pain in childbirth.<br />
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Jesus said, "Rest in me."<br />
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Then I got a picture of the birth of my youngest child. There was a trust between the Doctor and myself as the doctor directed me when, and when not, to push as she guided my awkwardly positioned baby through the birth canal.<br />
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Jesus impressed upon me that we are a team and that there is trust involved. He is training my spiritual ears. This made me feel special. He gives me a picture of what He is doing so I can cooperate. He said, "I love you. Don't give in to fear. Trust."<br />
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I left the session feeling pregnant.<br />
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Timing is His part. My part is to trust.<br />
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(This must be why I am craving salted herring.)<br />
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<i>This Immanuel session happened about eight months ago. Tomorrow I'm going to the lab for an ultra-sound because I have the belly of a pregnant woman about four months along. The problem is I'm 62 years old and I've already done the menopausal thing. </i><br />
<br />Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-64746016332216293692014-05-16T09:25:00.000-04:002014-05-16T09:25:35.517-04:00Jesus Stopped By to Smell the RosesI thank Jesus for being the grand manipulator without being manipulating. He always seeks my co-operation during His operation.<br />
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I was sitting on the couch beside my friend the coach, staring at the beautiful deep red roses on the coffee table in front of us. Then I saw Jesus. He was smelling a rose and smiling at me. I was the sweet aroma of a rose to Him. This was good. Then I noticed He had his finger on a thorn. He said, "There are thorns as well."<br />
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I felt convicted. He had His finger directly on the thorn. He was still looking directly at me, still smelling the rose, enduring the wound I inflicted.<br />
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Thank you Jesus.Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-1279619403670992332014-05-14T15:55:00.001-04:002014-05-14T15:55:22.687-04:00Heaven's Wisdom AvailableDuring this session Jesus showed me a picture of a cone, like an ice-cream cone, wide at the top. There is light across the top of the cone and darkness underneath. He impressed on me that he could direct heaven's wisdom down through that cone to one simple point, a point that hits the mark. He can reveal to me what has to be done or said in any given situation, all I have to do is tune in with my spiritual ears.<br />
<br />Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-21823819431366254412013-10-24T18:10:00.001-04:002013-10-24T18:10:55.505-04:00A Few Ways Jesus has Shown Himself in Immanuel SessionsAs a canopy of light.<br />
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As a star-filled night sky.<br />
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As a sweet aroma.<br />
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A soft fluffy cloud all around.<br />
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As a very tall man in a white robe and smiling.<br />
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As the Jesus in a Bible Storybook.<br />
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As a warrior with a sword.<br />
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As an owl with very wise eyes.<br />
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As a felt presence.<br />
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As a friend with his arm around me.<br />
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As a dancer.<br />
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As a king.<br />
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Only from his waist down and in a white robe and with a very large pregnant belly.<br />
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As a teacher.<br />
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As a window.<br />
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<br />Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1046236936107477666.post-49144879831620151362013-10-23T08:13:00.000-04:002013-10-23T08:13:08.489-04:00Jesus Says, "Trust Me"At the beginning of this Immanuel session, Jesus reminded me of the time I left my purse hanging on the back of a chair in Tim Horton's. I got home before I realized I didn't have my purse with me. It took me a few minutes to figure out where I might have left the purse and that just about everyone who walked into that Tim Horton's would have to walk past the back of that chair to place an order. Yikes. I prayed it would still be there. Then I headed straight back to the coffee shop. A good half hour had passed by the time I dashed in hoping and praying some kind soul had turned the purse in.<br />
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To my surprise the brown leather purse was right where I left it, hanging on the back of the chair. No body noticed as I snatched it back. I thanked the Lord all the way home. Then He impressed on me that He was taking care of my daughter, the same way as He had taken care of that purse. (My daughter hadn't been home for some time and I didn't trust the people she was with.)<br />
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At this point in the session I thanked Jesus for being trustworthy and for doing what He says He will do. I thanked Him for loving me and for taking care of my family.<br />
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Then the coach in the session asked me if I could see Jesus in the room we were in.<br />
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I saw him, but he was turned away from me, sitting talking with his hand on someone else's shoulder. I asked him what he wanted me to know.<br />
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Jesus said, "You've removed yourself from me."<br />
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I asked him to forgive me and told him I wanted to be back in his presence.<br />
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He came over and put his hand on my shoulder.<br />
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I feel warm and forgiven in his presence.<br />
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He assured me that his way was the best way.<br />
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He asked me if I trusted him.<br />
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Even though a few minutes earlier, when he reminded me of the purse incident and I thanked him for being trustworthy, now I said it was a scary thing to simply trust.<br />
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Jesus said, "I'm right here. I'll take you through the things you are going through. My way is the best way."<br />
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His hand is still around me and I know he will take through everything I am gong through right now. I can definitely trust him..<br />
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<br />Marianhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12990101542996298555noreply@blogger.com0