Daisy’S Dreams

By Melissa Lemke and Mary

Daisy Hunter and Abigail Browning are two best friends who have enjoyed the everyday challenges and delights of living in rural Fairfield, New Hampshire. But in the spring of 1856, they feel as though all things familiar are crumbling beneath them. Throughout the coming year, many incidents will try their faith and threaten to hamper their joy. Together, they must continually rediscover their sustenance and hope, all the while resisting the temptation to surrender to defeat.

Interwoven within the two girls lives is a cast of characters as varied as the New England seasons. Excitement mounts for the entire town when a new minister joins the close-knit community, while intrigue is piqued when a mysterious, colorful woman appears, carrying untold secrets from the past. With autumn comes the abundance of the apple harvest, while winters burden bears heavy on many. Will Abbys and Daisys faith be strengthened, or will it simply crumble amidst the challenges? Will they finally be able to declare with certainty that they have delighted in the Lord and obtained their hearts desires?

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Aug 20, 2014
• ISBN: 9781490843056

Melissa Lemke

Mary and Melissa Lemke are identical twin sisters from New Hampshire who married identical twin brothers from upper Michigan. They are former critical-care nurses who now enjoy their roles as stay-at-home wives and homeschooling mothers. They feel blessed to be able to share encouraging words with others.

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CHAPTER 1

A Final Farewell

T he congregation of Fairfield Baptist Church entered the building with a burden on their hearts this morning. Sundays were always a joyous time for the members of the close-knit community, but today the parishioners entered the church realizing that this would be Reverend Nelson’s final Sunday with them. He had been a young and enthusiastic pastor when he first came to serve in the small New Hampshire community. Now, five years later, he was ready to begin a new journey. The God he fervently worshipped and served had now called him to travel west to minister to so many who were searching for material riches. Reverend Nelson knew the need was great and that God would supply the necessary strength. With this in mind, he readily accepted God’s beckoning.

The parishioners knew that their minister was doing what was best. They also realized that they could serve God just as well no matter who pastored their church. However, they had grown particularly fond of this young man who clearly had a heart for doing the Lord’s work. They were sad to see him go, but excited about what God had in store for this remarkable young man.

After the first hymn, Thomas Browning stood at the pulpit. He had been praying for days to have the wisdom to know what to say.

"Today we have the distinct honor of rejoicing in the ministry of Rev. Nelson. Many wonderful things have occurred during these past five years, and I am sure that the blessings will continue for both the Reverend and this congregation if we continue to seek the Lord. To Rev. Nelson, I pray that you will never forget the words of Deuteronomy chapter 31, verse 6: ‘Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is who doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.’ Always remember that. The times of discouragement will fade away because the Creator of the universe is guiding you."

Thomas paused for a moment. It was not always easy to share things from the heart in such a public manner, but he could feel a surge of strength come from deep within. To the rest of the congregation, I would just like to say that God is good. He has opened the door for Rev. Smith to come and begin his ministry with us next Sunday. He and his wife are expected to arrive here on Wednesday afternoon. I look forward to seeing all of you at the parsonage to help the Smiths move into their new home. And now let us continue to worship the Lord with gladness and thank Him for his bountiful provisions.

Relieved that his announcement was over, Thomas sat down in the third pew with his children. His daughter Abigail, known to many as Abby, gave him a sincere smile, indicating her approval. Her twin brother, Adam, gave his father a quick pat on the back. Both children knew how nervous their father had been and how he wanted to make sure he conveyed his message well.

Thomas smiled at both his daughter and son, thanking God once again for blessing him with twins. When his wife died eighteen years ago while giving birth to the boy and girl, Thomas wasn’t sure how he would be able to raise two children at once without his wife. Despite the difficulties along the way, his children had grown into two wonderful adults of whom Thomas continued to be very proud.

The Hunter family sat one row behind the Brownings. All seven of them were intent on listening to the message. Rev. Nelson had chosen to base his final sermon with them on the passage about Daniel being cast into the den of lions. The Reverend stressed the importance of always obeying God despite the possible costs.

At the conclusion of the service, the congregation said their final good-byes to Rev. Nelson. Tomorrow he would leave to begin his new journey. Abigail Browning and Daisy Hunter were two of the last to bid their minister farewell. Daisy held out her hand first: You’ll always be in our prayers.

As if to finish her thought, Abby chimed in, We’ll never forget you, Rev. Nelson.

Since birth, the two girls had been nearly inseparable, and they cherished the precious friendship they shared. Daisy was just four days younger than Abby, but slightly more outgoing. Being one of five children, she had to know how to speak up.

After bidding their good-byes to the man who had faithfully served their community over the past years through joyous and solemn occasions, the girls walked slowly away. While they were sad to see their respected church leader go, they were excited to hear of the stories he was sure to encounter as he trekked across the wide west. A sense of pride welled within them as they realized the dangers and opportunities that awaited the man in the untamed land. Although the year was 1856, tales of peril were still mingled with those of prosperity.

The air was crisp on this day in early April as the winter still threatened to linger. Although the sun shone brightly, the wind drove away any sense of warmth. Daisy and Abby wrapped their shawls tighter around their shoulders as they scurried toward the wagons where the rest of their families waited.

The Browning and Hunter families were very close to each other and shared many memorable moments together. As was their custom, the Hunters led the way in their wagon to their homestead to share Sunday dinner together with the Brownings, who followed close behind in their buggy. Since Thomas had been left alone to raise two babies, much advice was often graciously accepted from Clara, the mother of the Hunter clan and longtime friend of the twins’ mother.

Clara certainly had expertise in raising children. Her first child, William, Jr., or Billy, as he was known by most, arrived when Clara was only twenty years old. Billy, now nineteen, was a rugged lad who was ready to take on the responsibilities of his own household when the opportunity presented itself. In fact, it was often surmised that he and Abby Browning would make a perfect pair. Although the two often enjoyed each other’s company, they were simply very good friends and never even thought of themselves in a marriage sort of way.

Clara Hunter had always had a passion for flowers, ever since she was a little girl and picked dandelions for her mother to place in a glass of water on the kitchen sink. Hence, it seemed natural for her to name her daughter Daisy after one of her favorite flowers which always seemed to brighten her spirits. Like her namesake, she was a bright, cheerful girl, full of exuberance.

Clara’s next child, also a girl and now blooming at age fifteen, was also named after a flower. This time, Clara chose the name Rose. Roses were delicate, soft, and sentimental. They symbolized love and passion. Such a name certainly suited the whimsical girl.

Clara’s clan was rounded out by two boys: Mason, age twelve and Freddy, age eleven. The two youngest were of the rough and tumble type and always seemed to be in some sort of mischief. However, Freddy’s pronounced dimples often got both boys out of the type of punishment they usually deserved.

Although William and Clara were blessed with five children, they encountered their share of trials and discouragement with the loss of three in between. However, their faith in God never wavered as they continuously reminded each other that their Heavenly Father loves them tremendously and has the best plan in store for them. Through their losses, they grew closer together as a couple and as a family, cherishing each other all the more.

As the farmhouse came into view and stomachs began to rumble, talk gradually turned to dinner preparations. Before the horses came to a stop, Mason and Freddy leaped out of the wagon and bounded for the yard, chasing each other in a friendly game of tag with the family dog in hot pursuit, tail wagging furiously. The females of the families headed straight for the kitchen to get the meal on the table as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, the men took care of the horses and then sauntered into the house to wash up.

William Hunter spoke as he dried his hands: We’re all really gonna miss him. I pray this new Rev. Smith has as much vigor as Nelson did.

God won’t fail us. He never has, Clara added softly.

With that, dinner was served. The chatter around the table was pleasant and reminiscent of times they shared with Rev. Nelson.

The afternoon was drawing to a close and evening approaching as the Brownings said good-bye and headed to town. They rode back to their home with little conversation as each sorted through their own thoughts, realizing that change was imminent.

CHAPTER 2

Sudden Surprise

E arly morning sunlight streamed through the window, its rays dancing off the delicate glass vase which was intricately painted with dainty wildflowers containing a palette of hues. Abby awoke as the vivid blues and yellows twinkled before her eyes. She had been told that her mother painted the vase while she was expecting the twins. It had been a delicate pregnancy which required a great deal of rest, thereby allowing the expectant mother to spend time nurturing her artistic talent. Abby looked longingly at the vase, wishing not for the first time, that one day, she too would be able to create such beautiful work.

Across the hall, Adam was already awake and eager to begin a new day. With a final glance at his room, he shut the door, making a mental note to repair the hinge later when he had a spare moment.

Adam gently rapped on his sister’s door. Abby! Are you up? The Blakelys will be by early to drop off some fresh eggs and milk, and we still haven’t eaten breakfast.

Abby sighed and opened her door. It looked like today was going to be busy at the family’s general store. Customers were eager to get started on some spring repairs after the long and difficult winter. Many farms had sustained a great deal of damage during the heavy snows which were common in New Hampshire, even up through early spring. In fact, patches of snow could still be seen throughout the area, but they were quickly melted by the warm rays of sunlight which glistened on the snow-covered ground.

Browning’s General Mercantile was first established by Thomas’ father, and it continued to be a mainstay for the citizens of Fairfield. The customers knew that they would always be treated fairly by the Browning family; thus, the mercantile was looked upon as a reliable establishment in the community.

The two-story wooden structure housed the store, a small kitchen, and a comfortable sitting room on the lower level. Above the store were three small bedrooms and lots of storage room for extra supplies. Thomas had also sectioned off a little area to be used as an office of sorts. It certainly was not an elaborate existence, but it suited the small family well.

Abby loved the kitchen. The men knew enough to leave her alone while she was cooking. But they also knew that whatever she was making was worth the wait. Thomas was not sure how she had attained her cooking abilities, because the best he could ever do was make burnt bread. Before Abby had grown old enough to cook, he often relied upon canned goods from his store or the pity of church women.

Abby gingerly slipped her navy blue apron over her neck and tied it around her waist, covering her maroon checked gingham dress. Daisy made the apron for a Christmas gift five years ago, and Abby still cherished it. Her best friend even embroidered her signature daisies across the pockets and at the hem.

Before beginning breakfast preparations, Abby smoothed her shoulder-length brunette hair. Although she knew she would have to do something with it before going into the store, it felt good to let it hang free for a while. Abby knew she would not be able to fully concentrate once it was pinned back, and she wanted to make sure she was thinking clearly this morning. The enthused cook planned on trying a new recipe she had read about which mixed meats and vegetables and cheeses into an egg mixture. With a sparkle in her eyes, Abby began to tackle the complex task.

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Daisy took a quick peek into her small mirror and attempted to adjust her unruly blonde curls fighting to be released from the pins which had been carefully placed. Spring was finally coming, and since Daisy felt in a festive mood, she chose a light blue dress with small white and yellow flowers dotting the material.

As was the custom of Monday mornings, Billy drove the wagon and dropped Rose and the two younger boys off at school before heading into town to deposit Daisy at the mercantile where she would visit with Abby for a few minutes before walking next door to work as a seamstress at the dress shop. He then usually had something else to do in town, whether it was to have his horse shoed at the blacksmith’s or to pick up some supplies at the general store. He also knew that Abby always had a delicious snack ready for him before he headed back to the farm for a day of hard work. If truth be told, he really would not mind having Abby for a wife if it meant he could always eat her food. His mother cooked tasty meals, but nothing could compare to the love and energy which Abby put into all of her concoctions.

Good morning, Abby greeted her friends as they entered the building. There’s some buttermilk biscuits and blackberry preserves in the kitchen for you, Billy. I’ll certainly be glad when your orchard starts producing some apples. I’ve found lots of recipes which I can’t wait to try.

Well, you’ll just have to be patient. We still have the spring and summer to go through. Then, we’ll have plenty of crisp, juicy apples. My mouth waters just thinking about them, Billy replied.

We know where his love lies, don’t we, Abby? Daisy teased.

Yet, Daisy’s words were truly spoken. Everyone looked forward to the beautiful New England fall season when leaves burst with color and apples ripen for picking. It was amazing the number of different tasty temptations the women always managed to invent from the delicious fruit.

After engulfing Abby’s treat, Billy stepped into the store where Adam assisted his friend with the items on Mrs. Hunter’s list. With packages in tow, Billy headed back to the farm. Meanwhile, Daisy walked to her employment after promising that she would be back to eat lunch with Abby.

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As Daisy walked along the wooden sidewalk back to the mercantile at lunchtime, she almost crashed into the store’s proprietor. Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Browning. I guess I wasn’t watching where I was going. It’s such a beautiful day. Everything’s budding. I suppose I was daydreaming for a minute. Such a concept was not uncommon for Daisy.

That’s quite all right, young lady. I have a mind to daydream myself. God’s creation certainly is beautiful. Anyways, I was just heading to the post office. Enjoy your lunch.

Thank-you.

The girls were finishing their lunch with gingersnaps and tea when Mr. Browning walked into the kitchen. His face no longer contained the smile with which he had left. In fact, the look he displayed caused the friends some concern.

What’s the matter, Pa? Abby anxiously queried.

I can’t believe it. Just can’t believe it. Tom Browning finally looked down at the concerned faces of the girls and answered the question solemnly. Rev. Smith can’t come. It seems his wife has taken ill, and it will be too much for them to move here from eastern Massachusetts.

The poor woman, Abby compassionately responded.

The magnitude of what Mr. Browning was saying finally struck Daisy. What are we gonna do? Rev. Nelson left early this morning. We don’t have a minister! How are we gonna get another one? Who’s gonna preach? The questions flowed freely from the anxious girl’s lips.

Daisy, calm yourself, Abby commanded. Pa will figure something out. Right, Pa? Abby glanced speculatively at her father. More than once, she had trusted his wisdom in difficult situations. She just knew there must be a logical solution to this sudden problem.

I don’t exactly know what to do right now. I guess we need to have an emergency town meeting. I’ll have Adam spread the word. We’ll meet at the church tonight. Maybe then I’ll know what we’re to do. Tom spoke calmly and rationally, but he was as uncertain inside as Daisy outwardly appeared. Silently, he prayed simply, God, give me wisdom.

CHAPTER 3

April Blessings

T he sky had not yet darkened as the town assembled at the church that evening. Chatter was plentiful while concerned citizens wondered what would happen next. Finally, Mr. Browning, a deacon and the one appointed to facilitate the transition period of the church, took charge. By now, everyone knew the circumstances surrounding the Smiths. Folks were now concerned with what they were to do next.

I realize this is a rather sudden shock to all of us, Thomas began. But, we can’t fall to pieces. We must stay calm and trust in God’s wisdom. Remember, He’s our Rock to lean on, and He’ll never fail us.

Well, how do you explain this mess? someone called out angrily. A few nods and words of agreement from others followed.

I can’t. I don’t always understand what God is doing. Yet, He promises never to leave us if we will simply trust in Him. I realize this is difficult. I’m just as confused as the rest of you. But, I know God has a plan. Let’s all just leap out in faith and trust that plan. Mr. Browning’s commanding words were followed by some enthusiastic, Amens.

Although Rose Hunter was very shy and soft-spoken, she felt that she could make an important contribution to this conversation. Timidly, she raised her hand and held it high until Thomas acknowledged her.

Rose stood and quietly began to speak. Ever since I heard the news, I’ve been doing some praying and some thinking. I realize that it’s important to have a minister, but it’s even more important that we continue with Sunday services. I know that we can worship God anywhere in any circumstances, but Sundays have always been special for me. Anyways, my point is that I think we should work together so we can worship unitedly every Sunday as we always have. I’m sure God will provide a minister when the time is right.

That’s an excellent idea, Rose, Adam affirmed his young friend. There must be lots of people capable of delivering a message. In fact, we could all take turns for as long as it takes. For starters, I’d like to propose that Mr. Hunter give the sermon this week.

Well, I’m not sure how I’ll do, but I’ll certainly pray about it and do my best to be used by the Lord, Mr. Hunter pensively agreed. Thomas, have you contacted anyone about finding us a preacher?

Actually, I wasn’t sure who to ask. Rev. Smith was our last hope. I know that there’s a school somewhere in Massachusetts that trains men to be preachers. Maybe they would know of someone.

I know of that school, Clara Hunter added. In fact, my cousin has taught there for several years. I could wire him in the morning, and we should have a response shortly.

The concerned looks which covered the faces of those who entered the church that evening no longer remained. After much discussion and an even greater amount of time spent talking with God, the folks who left the building appeared confident and satisfied that everything would work out. This close-knit community had a wonderful way of working together in triumph and in tragedy, and they weren’t about ready to let that record waver.

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As lunchtime was drawing near that Friday, Clara Hunter came running into Browning’s General Mercantile, her bonnet flapping carelessly behind her.

Is everything all right, Clara? A concerned Mr. Browning came out from behind the counter.

Everything is wonderful. Just wonderful, Clara panted. While taking a few seconds to catch her breath, she held out a piece of paper for Thomas to read. Adam and Abby both drew close, along with the handful of customers in the store. After quickly scanning the note, Thomas read it aloud:

HAVE MAN CALEB PARKER STOP WILL SEND

AFTER GRADUATION STOP WILL ARRIVE FIRST

FRIDAY IN MAY STOP BLESSINGS STOP

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The exciting news traveled fast, and preparations immediately began. Abby volunteered to organize a breakfast for the entire congregation on Rev. Parker’s first Sunday. Men offered to help the young minister move into the parsonage. The women of the church made a schedule to coordinate meals for the new man. After all, things would be hectic enough for him without having to worry about what to eat.

The entire month of April flowed by smoothly for the people of Fairfield. Sundays continued much as they always had. The weekdays were filled with plenty of productive and satisfying work. It was definitely a happy time of year. God had blessed the town bountifully.

CHAPTER 4

Embarkment

"G od be with you," the older man pronounced to the younger one as the two grasped hands firmly.

Thank-you, sir. I appreciate all you have taught me. With God’s help, I can apply it to my first pastorate in Fairfield, New Hampshire.

You have a deep, real love for God. Let that love show to the flock you are about to lead. The wise professor gave Caleb a firm pat on the back before adding, Remember, God will never leave you. You’ll be in my prayers.

Caleb swallowed hard. It certainly would not be easy to leave this institution of higher education where he had learned so much about his Creator and where his faith had been nurtured with love. Today he graduated from that seminary grounded in the faith and would soon leave its beautiful campus to embark along the new path God had set before him. What the future held, he did not know. Yet, he had confidence that his Heavenly Father would direct him along each step and would give him the daily strength he needed.

Despite the assurance he had in God’s guidance, Caleb could not help but feel sad to leave the faculty and friends he had grown to cherish. They had become his family after his parents perished in a deadly house fire his second year of college. Soon after the tragedy, his two brothers moved west to find their fortune. His sister, badly injured in the blaze, had married last winter and settled with her new husband in Rhode Island. Therefore, sadness mingled with excitement and even with a hint of nervousness as Rev. Caleb Parker rode away from the place he loved.

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Dusk was descending on the land when Caleb entered the town that was to be his new home. He could not help but revel in the sweet smell of the countryside’s fresh air as he drew in a long, deep breath. After riding a little further, his eyes took in a large patch of verdant grass in the center of town where a rainbow of wildflowers were sprinkled abundantly. Quietness surrounded the young man as he marveled at the peaceful, serene atmosphere surrounding him. A twinkle entered his eye and a smile curled at his lips as he whispered like the psalmist, How marvelous are Your works, O God.

Finally, the church where he would lead came into view. Its wooden boards, which appeared to be newly painted, were a