CONFIRMATION
Chapter 22
The youth service had been fun! Several of the kids Denise
knew from high school were there, mostly girls, but a few boys.
Of course, Roger was in charge. He wasn't actually called a
Youth Director, but in effect, he was one, since he taught young
people's Sunday School class and was also the leader of the youth
services. He was really perfect for it since he was young too,
Denise thought, and knew how to have fun with the rest of them.
But, he also knew how to command respect and obedience, which was
essential to a good leader of any kind, she decided.
They had opened the meeting with prayer, then sang several
contemporary worship songs, had a brief teaching, very
informally, with everyone sitting in a circle, and had open
discussion on 'peer pressure vs Godly conscience'. The
refreshments, provided by alternating parents in the church, were
then served.
There was a short time left for a game, Roger said,
afterwards, in which the majority voted for a 'sword drill'.
Roger explained to Denise that it was a game where scripture
verses were called out and everyone tried to be first in finding
the actual verses, and had to read it aloud, as proof. The one
who found the most scriptures first, during the time allowed, was
the winner. Of course, Roger was keeping score!
Denise was so embarrassed! She hardly knew the books of the
Bible, much less which one was where! She made a promise to
herself, and to God, that she would study hard to become familiar
with His Word, and where to find it!
But no one dared mention that Denise had not succeeded even
once, she supposed since she was new in the group. Thankful for
that, she went with the others to the Bible study in the main
auditorium, surprised that she found Roger walking along beside
her. She was even more suprised when he sat down beside her as
she found Nana and Papa's pew.
The 'in-depth' Bible study, led by the Pastor, was
interesting, but left a lot of questions in Denise's mind. Man,
did she ever have a lot to learn. Well, she probably would be
learning the rest of her life, she told herself, refusing to get
bogged down in the details of the things she didn't yet
understand.
In the process of exchanging greetings and good-byes after
church, Denise overheard Papa inviting Roger to go to Todd's
ballgame with them. Oh, that's tomorrow night, Denise realized.
hoping Roger would go. He was fun to be with, and such a sincere
guy, so different from Jon!
She heard Roger comment that it sounded like fun, and that
he would enjoy going. Denise caught Papa's eye and gave him an
approving smile.
By the time they arrived back at the farm, it was already
bedtime. And Denise was feeling sleepy and tired, so they all
went right to bed. Denise was thankful for a clear conscience
and the peace and joy of the Lord as she drifted off to sleep.
A loud, continuous 'beep-beep-beep* aroused Denise, as she
realized it was time to get up, if she was going to get any
studying done before going to the hospital. But she felt so
tired! She could sleep another hour, she decided, and start the
Bible study program tomorrow. One more day won't make that much
difference, she reasoned to herself. But, her conscience was
sharpened, and she made herself get out of bed, get into the
shower in order to get awakened thoroughly. She had made a
promise to herself and to God, and she was going to keep it!
Awake and alert, now, she sat at the small desk in her room.
She hadn't heard anyone else up yet, and was glad, as she still
felt a little awkward about reading and praying. She read,
beginning with the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 1, as Papa had
suggested some time back. She wasn't sure she understood it all,
but she was trying, anyway.
She remembered how Roger had talked about 'putting on the
armor', so she turned to Ephesians 6:13, which was marked for
her. Reading through it once, she started her confession as
Roger had instructed her, paraphrasing the sentences to make it
personal.
Denise still didn't understand all that Roger had told her
about putting on the armor of God, but she did realize it was to
prepare her for spiritual battles. Having done this, she began
to just talk to her new heavenly Father, thanking him for the
priviledge of being His child, and asking to be taught his will.
The day well begun for Denise, she heard Nana and Papa
stirring in their bedroom. Looking at the clock, she put other
things aside and began to dress for the day.
When Denise finally got to the nurse's station, she noticed
all the nurse's busily talking in a group. She wondered what was
going on. Maybe a new patient, she thought, although it was
seldom that one was admitted who could cause this much
excitement!
When they saw Denise standing at the window, Denise noticed
the excitement increase. "What's the deal?" she asked curiously.
"Denise, you wouldn't believe who is in Joanie Weston's
room. She looks just like you! I thought you'd gotten your hair
cut when I saw her! I couldn't believe my eyes when I found out
it wasn't you, after all!
Confused and curious, Denise had to investigate. Surely,
they were exaggerating! But, when she opened the door to
Joanie's room, she looked at Pam, who, with short, curly,
strawberry blonde hair, sky blue oval eyes, and long dark lashes,
looked just like Denise's mirror image, except, perhaps a little
older, more sophisticated.
The girl stared at Denise, evidently thinking the same thing,
Then the two stared at Joanie in disbelief.
"Pam, this is Denise. Denise, I've told you about Pam. my
niece. I'm glad you two could meet. As you can see, you two
look an awfully lot alike. You both look very much like my
mother, Pam's grandmother. She passed away several years ago."
Joanie hesitated, looking down for a moment. Then, looking up
again, continued, "I've got some pictures, Denise, if you'd like
to see them. I suspect that she is your grandmother, too. I
hope you're not disappointed if it proves out that you're my
daughter!"
Glancing at Pam, then turning back to Joanie, Denise said,
"No, I'm not at all disappointed, Joanie. I've been pretty sure
ever since that first visit, with the birthdates being the same.
It's a real relief to me, to know that I was loved, especially by
someone as sweet and nice as you!"
And in a moment of impulse, Denise leaned forward,
and hugged Joanie tightly. Joanie
returned the embrace lovingly, as Pam watched, speechless.
It was a happy time. Tearful, but brief, as Denise had to
get back to work. Promising to return as soon as she could, she
left the room.
Almost dazed, very happy, and still amazed at the likeness
of her cousin, she made her rounds with the same smile and
attentiveness that her patients loved.
Before leaving the hospital that day, Denise, Joanie and Pam
had a good visit, exchanging addresses, phone numbers, and made
promises to exchange photographs. Denise hugged them both,
promising to visit more tomorrow, then hurried off to get ready
for Todd's ballgame. It was about fifty miles away, so they
would have to leave early.
"Oh, Denise, honey, you're not gonna believe what the Lord
has done!" Nana exclaimed, as Denise walked through the kitchen
door on arrival. I got a phone call from Belgium today! You
mother called to talk to me!"
"Is Dad OK? What happened? Why did she call?" Denise
questioned anxiously. She knew the feelings Mom had toward Nana,
so it had to be something really important!
"Oh, Honey, the Lord is so good! You know that we've been
praying for your mom and dad for years, that the Lord would open
their spiritual eyes, and reveal His love to them. Well, Dorrie
said something about getting 'Peter and Paul' for tour companions
this last few days, and apparently, they ministered to them.
Anyway, Dorrie called just to ask me and Papa to forgive her, and
said that she was so sorry, and that she had been so wrong about
everything! It was a different girl that I talked to today,
Honey, a girl I knew a long, long time ago! Praise the Lord, our
prayers have been answered!"
"Nana, I don't know what to say. Are you sure that's what
she meant? You know, she was pretty set in her theories. Are
they still gonna be home this weekend?" Denise asked.
"No, in fact, she asked if I would go ahead, and help you
get your school shopping done. This couple that they got hooked
up with asked them to tour the Holy Land with them, so they're
gonna be a few days late. But, I'm just thrilled. I can't wait
for my little girl to come back!"
Denise grinned shyly. She couldn't believe her grandmother
was talking like that about her mother! But, who would ever
have thought that a trip to Europe for her parents could bring so
many changes to their lives, hers, Moms and Dads! Yes, it had to
be an answer to Nana and Papa's faithful prayers!
A little while later, riding in Nana's older, but luxurious
car, Papa drove by a farm not far from his own to pick up Roger.
"Papa, I didn't know Roger lived out here! I just assumed
he lived in town!" Denise said suprised.
"Oh, yeah. He's been living out here ever since the
Alexander's moved off to Houston. I'm suprised you didn't know
it." Papa responded playfully, looking at her in the rear view
mirror.
It didn't take Roger long to come out. Nana offered to let
him sit in front, volunteering to ride in back with Denise, but
Roger insisted it would be a pleasure to share the seat with
Denise, and had everybody laughing. Denise caught a pleased
glance between Nana and Papa as Roger climbed into the backseat.
"Well, hello, Denise. How are you, tonight?" Roger asked
playfully, as the car returned to the dirt road.
"I'm just fine, Roger. How are you," Denise responded,
laughing. "You know, I thought you lived in town all this time.
I didn't know you had bought this farm. That's really a nice
place!"
"Bought? Did you say I bought it? I wish! Actually, I
lucked out and got a chance to lease it. But it is a nice place.
Hopefully, I can buy it someday."
Papa asked, interrupting the conversation, "Got any new
calves yet? They're about due, aren't they, Roger?"
"Yeah, I got a new one this morning, a little Angus bull.
Got four more due sometime this month." Roger answered.
"That's neat, Roger, can I see the calf sometime?" Denise
asked, enthusiastically.
"Hey, you, back there! I've got some calves and you haven't
even stepped out the door to see them!" Papa reminded Denise.
"That's not fair. Papa! Your calves are half grown and
they're not cute like newborns!" Denise defended herself.
Nana was laughing continuously at this friendly bantering.
But, the conversation eventually lulled, and Denise's mind began
to wander.
This would be a strange weekend, she thought. Mom
and Dad wouldn't be home this weekend, after all. And it would
be her first weekend without Jon to think of, and plan for. Life
would never again be 'normal'. Jon would be coming home on
weekends, but not coming to see her. It would be really strange.
She hadn't changed her mind about Jon, but still, it would be
strange seeing him in town on weekends, and not being with him.
And what was it going to be like when Mom and Dad did come
home? If Nana was right, and they had changed their minds about
the Lord, then things were really gonna be strange! But, good,
she concluded. Perhaps, then, they wouldn't be disappointed
about her decision to follow Christ. She could hardly believe so
much had happened since they left for Europe-it had only been
five weeks!
She had found out about her 'real' mother, and loved her,
and met her 'real' cousin, whom she immediately liked very much,
and believed they would probably be great friends.
Of course, Denise hadn't shared this story with anyone?
Perhaps, if she prayed about it...
Denise hadn't seen Amanda, Jon's little sister much lately,
but she did miss her. Maybe, during the week, when Jon was gone,
she could still spend some time with her. She wondered if
breaking up with Jon would affect his parents' feelings toward
her. Hopefully they would still like her, especially, since they
were good friends with Mom and Dad.
Interrupting her thoughts, Nana asked Denise how things were
with Joanie today.
"I still haven't gone to meet and visit with
her. I have continued to pray for her, though." Nana explained.
Denise leaned forward in her seat to answer Nana. "She's
probably going home tomorrow. She's out of traction and the
physical therapist is teaching her to use crutches. Her niece
from Colorado came down to stay with her for a while after she
goes home. I met her today, and she's really nice. I got
Joanie's address and phone number. We've agreed to stay in
touch," Denise said, wondering what Nana would think if she knew
the rest of the story.
"That's good. It sounds like everything has worked out well
for her. Look! There's the ball park! It sure is crowded."
Nana continued, changing the subject.
They just had time to get seated on the bleachers when the
game started. Todd's team was up to bat first, and Roger, Papa,
Nana and Denise joined the crowd in cheering.
The team was playing good, with two runs already in when
Todd's turn came to bat. The tension was mounting! And he
struck out!
Yelling, "it's OK, Todd", his family responded as if he had
done great, anyway. "Better luck next time around!" Denise
heard others calling to her little brother, too.
The visiting team soon had their turn outfield. Todd was
playing first base, and it was soon plain to see he knew his job.
And he was hustling!
Roger and Papa left for the concession stand during the
second inning, returning with a lot of goodies to munch on. Then
it was Todd's turn to bat again. This time, he got a good hit at
the second ball thrown, but by the time he got to first base,
they had it! He was out, again, but the runner on third base got
home, so it was not a total loss. The score so far was 10-3, in
the Todd's team's favor.
The next inning went even better for the team. Todd
got three players out on first base, ending that round, then, up
to bat again. This time, Todd hit a good ball, getting to second
base before his ball was secured. The game continued and
the tension mounted during the fifth
inning, when the opposing team scored four runs! The hour and
half game ended with a score of 10-7, Todd's team's favor!
Everyone in the stands were going crazy, Denise noted
happily. And she was one of them. She was so proud of her
little brother. It was a real shame that Mom and Dad couldn't
have been here for the game.
They sought out Todd immediately, pounding him on the back,
telling him he played a good game. After congratulating the
players, finding, and visiting briefly with Grandma and Grandpa
Whitaker, they began the trip home.
The engine purred along in the darkness, as Roger leaned
toward Denise. "How are things with your boyfriend," he asked
quietly. "Needed any rescuing lately?" He smiled, jokingly, but
in the dim light of the car, Denise could see him watching her
closely.
"No. And you won't have to worry about that, anymore,
Roger. I broke up with Jon, Sunday, right after church. "
"Really? How do you feel about that, now, Denise? You
seemed to really care for him."
"I thought I did, Roger, but I found out that the love I had
for Jon was a selfish kind of love. I enjoyed his attention, and
he made me feel secure. But, it doesn't compare at all to the
love and security that I've found in the Lord! I've never been
happier, Roger! And, though I wish it could have been different,
I know that Jon and I just couldn't have made it over the long haul!
But, I know now that my Heavenly Father knows
what I need, and I believe that He has someone better for me.
"I'm so glad, Denise! Your grandparents and I have been
praying for you a long time. He has sure answered our prayers!
I'm very proud of you", Roger said, the sincerity showing in his
eyes. "And isn't it wonderful that your parents have come to the
Lord! That's quite a miracle, from what I understand. But, you
know, our God doesn't just work with individuals, he works in
families!"
"Yeah, it really is fantastic. I was really worried about
how they would accept 'the new me'. But, I guess there's gonna
be a lot of changes around our house, for all of us!"
Denise remembered all the times she had sat, and listened to Roger
teaching Sunday School lessons. And the time he rescued her
after Jon had pushed her out of the car, leaving her in the
middle of nowhere. She remembered the time her patient had died,
and Roger comforted her. And the times he had spent praying with
her, and the recent Bible studies.
The Lord had used him to help her, to try to reach her many
times. He hadn't been there every time she needed help, but God
had.
Her God, her Lord! He had loved her even when she wasn't
walking with him, wasn't trusting Him, didn't even believe in
Him, but He had been there all the time. What a love! A love
that would never hurt her, or leave her. A love that would last
forever!
"Roger," Denise said softly, as she gently layed her hand
on his, "thank you. Because of you, I've found the love I was
looking for. I've finally found what really counts! A love from above!"
THE END