Sun Rays. Joshua Livingston

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      Sun Rays

      Tales for Children of Every Age

      Joshua Livingston

      Illustrated by Judy Langemo Roth

      Sun Rays

      Tales for Children of Every Age

      Copyright © 2011 Joshua Livingston and Judy Langemo Roth. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, 199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3, Eugene, OR 97401.

      Resource Publications

      An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

      199 W. 8th Ave., Suite 3

      Eugene, OR 97401

      www.wipfandstock.com

      ISBN 13: 978-1-61097-261-1

      EISBN 13: 978-1-63087-598-5

      Manufactured in the U.S.A.

      “New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”

      Illustration for Great Ideas based on a photo by Shadman Ahmed.

      The Hymn Book and Sunrise over Bad Boll are based on actual events in the lives of Johann Christoph Blumhardt and Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt, respectively. Johann Christoph Blumhardt (1805-1880) was first a pastor in the small village of Möttlingen, Southern Germany and later the house father at Bad Boll, a spiritual retreat community. His story is told in the biography Pastor Johann Christoph Blumhardt: An Account of His Life, by Friedrich Zuendel (Cascade Books/Plough Publishing House, 2010). His son, Christoph Blumhardt (1842–1919), took over his duties at Bad Boll once he passed away. The witness of the two men is uniquely and irrevocably one.

      Thomas the Apostle Finally Goes to India and Bel and Daniel are variations of apocryphal texts. The former is based very loosely on a story found in The Acts of Thomas, a third century manuscript of the early Christians. The latter tale is found within the hidden gem Bel and the Dragon.

      Peter Walks on Water, Elisha and the Bears, and Let the Little Children Come are merely anecdotes adapted from that Good Book.

      The Final Hour of Oscar Romero is a fictional account inspired by the life and death of the martyred Salvadoran Archbishop.

      This book is dedicated to all children of God: All of the apostles, prophets, and martyrs that have gone on before us; the saints, the sinners, and the poor; and all of the brothers and sisters that have found the way of true life through the giving of self.

      The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.

      —Is. 11:6

      To the Reader

      This book is divided up into three separate sections to clarify the intended readership. The first is for fresh, inquiring minds; the second is for the seeker who knows there’s more than meets the eye; and the third is for those who’ve come to the end of their rope, to utter emptiness, realizing that at that end, there is absolutely nothing except Christ and his eternal glory.

      All the same, these three sections comprise a singular whole. To state it simply: this is a book for children. Of course, this has nothing to do with age groups, but for practicality’s sake, it could be said that section one, “The Spark,” is intended for babies up; “The Light,” is for ages nine and up; and “The Fire” is for teenagers up.

      Of course, it’s good to read to oneself at leisure, but a story truly comes to life during its telling. In that sense, the following fables are mere skeletons in need of flesh and blood, meant to be shared in families and community. For spontaneity’s sake, it would serve them best if they could be told from the heart. Improvisation, elaboration, hand gestures, and sound effects are also encouraged and should be practiced, for tapping into the imagination in this way only nurtures the child-like spirit.

      J.E.L.

      Acknowledgments

      I am eternally grateful for those who have encouraged this project, provided inspiration, and simply pushed it along. Mom and Dad: I’ve finally taken your advice! I hope this helps you to see where we’re coming from. Judy: This couldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for all of your long hours and hard work. It is all so beautiful. To Jesse and Lenore and all at the Bayboro House: The life in community presents more questions than answers for the human heart. Every one of these stories is the fruit of that inner struggle. Charles and Leslie Moore: Many thanks for your encouraging words for this project and for our family in general. Most of all, loving thanks to my dearest Bethany, Solomon, and Anna Marie, for always making sure I’m giving it my all.

Part One: The Spark

      The King’s Three Sons

      As usual, the three sons of the king were hard at work in the fields. The sun was at its highest point when their father drew near to them.

      The king was never seen in the fields, so when he appeared the three boys knew something was amiss.

      He proclaimed, “My sons, in a short while I will have to go away. Where I am going you cannot come. I am looking for the son who is willing to lead my people, for my kingdom is in utter ruins. But I will not leave you alone. I will send you the Helper, without whom you can do nothing. But I leave you my solemn word: in the end, all shall be restored! There will be many trials and tests, much pain and suffering, but if you remain faithful, you shall overcome. What say you? Who among you has the courage to fight for the restoration of my kingdom?

      The eldest son spoke up immediately. “Father,” he said, “it is quite funny you should say this, for I have seen how the kingdom has taken a bad turn, and for the last five years I have been quietly making a plan to fix all of it.” So, the eldest son relayed his entire plan, but just as he was giving his last words, his heart stopped beating and he dropped to the ground.

      The middle son then spoke up. “Father,” he said, “it would appear that my older brother will not be able to carry out his plan. He had many great thoughts, but I know how I can expand upon them, and then the kingdom can be restored even faster!” He proceeded to tell of his better plan, and indeed, it was much better. However, just as he was giving his last words, his mind ceased to function properly and he fell down on all fours like a dog. A rabbit darted by and off he went across the field to chase it. He was never seen again.

      The king looked down to his youngest son. The boy’s eyes were turned downward and he had no ideas or words to give.

      “Speak, my boy.” It was as if the king was placing special words into his son’s heart.

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