Revival: The True Fairy Tale

By L.K. Thornton

Revival the True Fairy Tale is a Christian science-fiction story that is biblical and scriptural based about a young girl and a little boy who
embarks on a journey and experience great wonders on earth, heaven and hell to have a Revival for Jesus Christ on a very special
land based on biblical scriptures. The characters Nina and Kyle take a spiritual expedition that administers scripture through adventure and suspense.
Not recommended for small children.

You're invited to the land that is not too far away!


http://www.revivalthetruefairytale.com/
http://revivalttft.wix.com/book-web-page

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Mar 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514477236

L.K. Thornton

I, Lydia Thornton felt a calling to write the fiction story; co authored by my daughter Kiya Thornton. We are gratified to be chosen as implements for His Glory, just being a fragment of a receptacle for Him. Revival The True Fairy Tale is a Christian fiction story that leads the reader to Jesus Christ our loving and merciful Lord. It is true Holy scripture administered in a Spirit filled fiction story, that is Biblical based. I have always liked to write ever since my childhood. I used to write short stories and poetry in high school. I have always had an interest in God and the afterlife and things unknown, I also began writing songs; which I believe these interest were God given as they remained in me through out my whole life. I believe God was preparing me to write Revival The True Fairy Tale even then by instilling these interest in me. I do not have any bachelors' or master degrees in literature . I am also dyslexic, so writing the book was very hard. But I felt a strong calling in my spirit to write it. My daughter helped me and after many years and numerous trials the book was completed. Lydia Thornton.

Book preview

Copyright © 2016 by L.K. Thornton.

Library of Congress Control Number:        2016904626

ISBN:                Hardcover                978-1-5144-7725-0

                          Softcover                 978-1-5144-7724-3

                           eBook                      978-1-5144-7723-6

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the

product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance

to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Rev. date: 01/29/2020

Xlibris

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

734164

CONTENTS

Chapter 1: The Little Bottle

Chapter 2: The Animal Forest

Chapter 3: The Farmer and the Cornfield

Chapter 4: The House of Storms

Chapter 5: The Church of the Future

Chapter 6: Lucifer’s Carnival of Illusion

Chapter 7: The Tall Angel

Chapter 8: The Christian Bar

Chapter 9: The Street of Visions

Chapter 10: The Return of the Tall Angel

Chapter 11: The Trip to Heaven

Chapter 12: The Two Redheaded Angels

Chapter 13: The Amazing Sights of Heaven

Chapter 14: The Room of Golden Bricks

Chapter 15: The Dead in Christ

Chapter 16: The Children’s Park

Chapter 17: The Tree Angel Forest

Chapter 18: The Gift Angels

Chapter 19: The Living Water

Chapter 20: The Crying Rocks and the Weeping Tree

Chapter 21: The Trip to Hell

Chapter 22: The Great and Small Pits

Chapter 23: Hell’s Dungeons

Chapter 24: The Sleeping Souls in Hell

Chapter 25: The Chain of Souls

Chapter 26: The Burning Coffins and The Wandering Souls in Hell

Chapter 27: The Brimstone Mansion

Chapter 28: Hell’s Technology

Chapter 29: Hell’s Graveyard

Chapter 30: The Dead in the Sea

Chapter 31: The Return to Heaven

Chapter 32: The Woods of Wisdom

Chapter 33: The Revival

LETTER FROM

THE AUTHORS

Revival: The True Fairy Tale is a compelling Christian science fiction story, with some horror, based on Biblical Scriptures from the Holy Bible. We believe this book was divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. I, Lydia, went under years of work, with the help of my daughter, Kiya Thornton, to write and finish this book with many revised copies. I should point out that no one knows the mind of God. We truly can only go by what is written in the Scriptures. Revival: The True Fairy Tale was written with, what we believe was, God-given imagination, to take the reader on a holy adventure, in the hope that it may help people to think about all sin and their salvation in Jesus Christ alone.

If anyone questions any of the Scriptures used in this book, we suggest they pick up the Holy Bible and read it for themselves. We encourage people to read the Holy Bible. We do not expect to have the approval of everyone, and we don’t mean to offend anyone, but the message in this book is clear. Jesus is the answer for our everyday struggles with sin in all our lives.

God is not like we are. His ways are not like ours. Through His Son, Jesus, all our sins can be forgiven. We believe Jesus Christ is the hope for this lost and dying world. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Praise God! We do have a living hope, and that is God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is the answer and He is the ultimate love who is able and has the power to rescue all people from the grips of sin and darkness that holds us all captive on this earth.

We dedicate this book to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is our living hope with this ongoing spiritual warfare between good and evil. We would also like to thank the Holy Spirit for taking Revival: The True Fairy Tale to the depths and heights in its content that we, the writers, were unable to do without Him. Most Bible verses used in this book are written in italics.

Authors: Lydia and Kiya Thornton.

image001.JPG

CHAPTER 1

The Little Bottle

O n ce upon a time, in the land that was not too far away, was a

young girl named Nina Vee, who was about to go on a spiritual

journey and see why the whole world was led astray:

From dusk to dawn we live each day,

loving our sins, living life our way.

Ignoring the truth of God for a lie,

to please the flesh and the lust of the eye.

One-day a young girl named Nina Vee was rummaging through an old chest she had kept from childhood. There were old toys and other memorabilia in it she treasured. She picked up a doll; an old doll she used to play with when she was a child. Nina loved that old doll.

As she picked it up, a little bottle fell out. She stopped looking at her doll and picked up the old bottle. It was still shiny and new looking after years of it being in her old chest. Nina marveled at the bottle, looking at it sparkle, just like she did when she first got it. She sat there gazing at it, thinking about her childhood and how she came to receive that old little bottle.

Her mind went back reminiscing in thought of how she was a shy little girl, but she was always full of wonder. One thing she liked to do was sit around and listen to adults talking. No matter what the conversation, she was always interested, especially around her grandmother. Nina remembered her Grandma Susie used to always say, One day when God lets my ship come in, I’m going to do this! or I’m going to do that!

Nina always sat there listening, picturing in her mind a ship coming in on a lake of water for her grandmother. But her grandma died and that ship she always talked about never did come in.

Nina remembered feeling sorry for her grandmother, thinking about how she never really got to see the ship that she always talked about come in. Her grandmother talked about God a lot too. The only time she heard the name Jesus was from her Grandmother, Susie. She remembered her grandma saying, If God enables me to live to see next Christmas, I’m going to do this! or I’m going to do that!

That would scare Nina, because she did not like her grandmother talking about dying. Nina would say, Don’t say that, grandma! Don’t say that!

Her grandma would always smile and comfort her by saying, Don’t be afraid, child, it’s okay. Besides, we all can’t live forever. We all have to go someday, dear.

But I don’t want you to die, grandma! whined Nina, looking up at her, teary-eyed.

But her grandma would steadily comfort Nina, hugging her shoulders and saying, Oh, I feel like I still have a whole lot of time left, dear.

That would always make Nina feel better. But her grandma did not have a whole lot of time left. She died when Nina was just a little girl. Nina remembered what a sad day it was when her grandma died. She always wondered where her grandma was; if she was in heaven, and how does someone even get to heaven?

Lindsay, a little friend of Nina’s, told her one day, You have to go to church to go to heaven.

Nina knew that her friend went to church every Sunday, so one Sunday Nina went to church with her. She heard the pastor call people to the front of the church, telling them to come if they wanted to be saved and go to heaven. Nina looked around and no one got up to go to the front of the church. As shy as she was, she got up from the pew from the back of the church and walked down the aisle all by herself to be saved. Nina was just a child and the pastor seemed very tall to her back then.

He looked at Nina and bent down and asked, Do you want to be saved, my child? Nina just nodded her head ‘yes’. The pastor took her hand and told the congregation, "The Bible says: ‘Hinder them not the little children that come unto me.’" And on that day in Nina’s young life, Jesus became real to her.

Nina remembered how fascinated she was by everything. Hearing how ‘God created all things and without Him was nothing made.’ She loved nature and animals even more than what she used to. Nina remembered one strange day when she and her friend Lindsay were going to the store on their scooters. She saw a huge squirrel try to run across the street, but it didn’t make it, it got hit by a car. Nina remembered when they ran to the squirrel, it just had a bad nosebleed; it wasn’t flattened at all. Nina saw how huge the squirrel was. She was so amazed by its size, she felt she had to go show it to her father, because he liked squirrels.

She lived blocks up from the store and wondered how she could get to her house with the squirrel. She knew not to touch it with her hands, so she had an idea. She took her scooter and leaned it over, rolling the dead squirrel onto it with her foot. Her friend laughed thinking she was crazy, but Nina remembered how determined she was. She happily rode the scooter with her sneaker gently on top of the squirrel, riding for six blocks. She was so excited thinking about what her father would say about the squirrel. At each block, the squirrel would fall off, but she took her time and leaned the scooter over to roll it back on.

Cars rode past, beeping their horn. Some laughed and some shouted, What the heck are you doing?! She just simply answered, I want to show my dad this big squirrel!

Nina remembered how her friend stayed with her, even though she knew it might have been embarrassing for her. Eventually they made it to her block. Nina was so happy she was going to get to show her dad the huge squirrel. She rode her scooter down the street, finally reaching her house. Nina ran inside and told her mother. She was surprised because her mother got upset.

That squirrel could have rabies! … It could have woken up and tore you to pieces! yelled Nina’s mother. Get rid of it!

Nina remembered that her sister was troubled with her too, not wanting her to touch her newborn baby.

But I didn’t touch it! she explained. I just rolled him onto the scooter with my sneaker!

Get rid of that squirrel, Nina! Go drop it in the sewer on the corner! I should put you on punishment! Nina remembered her mother spoke sternly.

But I just wanted to show Dad, said Nina.

He’s sleeping! her mom continued to yell. He has to go to work! And you’re not going to wake him up to show him some dead squirrel! Now go drop it in the corner sewer right now!

Nina remembered how sad she felt after all she went through to get the squirrel to her house to show her father, but she never did. So sadly, she rolled the squirrel onto the scooter for the last time and rode to the sewer on the corner of her street and rolled the squirrel into it.

Bye, Mr. Acorn, said Nina, sadly.

After that Nina remembered she and her friend Lindsay put their scooters away and began walking back to the store again to get them some penny candy. But the strange happenings that day weren’t over yet. She remembered they both were walking along talking about the squirrel, passing by an old woman. The woman looked very old and feeble. She was rolling a cart filled with junk and trash. She was dressed in old raggedy clothes with holes in her shoes. A mysterious shiny gold bracelet with tiny golden bells was around her right ankle, making a jingling noise as she walked. Her face and hands were smudged with dirt, the old woman kind of frightened Nina and her friend. As they kept walking, they quickly tried to pass her, but the old woman called out to them.

Come here, little girls! she said.

As old and dirty as the woman looked, her voice was very pleasant and kind. Nina and her friend were hesitant and scared, but they both slowly and very timidly walked over to the old woman. She looked down at them and said, Do you know that children are little gifts from God?

Nina and her friend just looked at each other wide-eyed and scared, then looked back at the woman nodding their heads yes. The woman smiled at them and patted them on their heads and said, Blessed are the little children. They abide and accept their fate in life. That’s why their hearts are so pure before God.

Nina and her friend did not know what to think of the old woman. Then the woman started to tell them a story. Nina’s eyes widened, as she stood there looking up at the old woman, listening to her. The woman sat down on a bench and said, One night when I was sleeping, Jesus came to me.

When she said ‘Jesus’, that made Nina’s eyes widen even more. The old woman continued, He was standing in front of my bed and woke me up. When I sat up, He threw a bottle at my heart. A tiny small bottle and told me all about my life. He even told me when I was going to die.

Nina and her friend did not like to hear the woman say that, so they both started to slowly back away from her. But the old woman laughed a little and said, Don’t be afraid, it’s okay. I’ll be going to heaven soon, and I am very happy. I’m going to be with Jesus. That’s what He told me.

That made Nina start to think of her grandmother again. Then the old woman reached in a pocket from her raggedy clothes and pulled out a little bottle with a chain on it.

She looked at Nina and her friend and said, Here, one of you can have this bottle. This is the little bottle that Jesus threw at my heart. I won’t be needing it anymore, because I will be going home to heaven soon.

Nina’s friend shook her head no, but Nina looked at the woman and reached her hand out for the little bottle. The old woman placed the bottle in Nina’s hand with joy on her face and said, Oh! You’re the one! I knew there was something about you, little one … You’re just like me. I can tell you’re full of wonder, with all the wonders of this world.

Then the woman leaned forward and whispered to her gently, looking Nina right in the eyes and said, Now, you take this little bottle and keep it. Don’t lose it. If you do as I tell you, you will see many wonders. I don’t know what kind, but the wonders will be about Jesus.

Nina nodded her head, looking at the woman and smiled a little, Will I see my grandma again? She’s gone to heaven … I think, said Nina.

You might! the old woman answered, There’s no telling what you might see. The wonders are endless.

Nina looked at the bottle and marveled at it. It was small but shiny and clean, with a little cork on the top. Then the woman told Nina, Now, when you get older, you start to fill this bottle with rainwater. Do it for seven years. Each year pick one rainy day out of each year and let seven drops of rain fall in the bottle. Keep the cap closed tightly so the rain won’t evaporate, because if the rainwater dries up, you will have to start all over again. By seven years the bottle will be full. Then place the bottle around your neck, close your eyes, and say seven names of Jesus that you like the most. Nina frowned, because she did not understand.

Jesus has seven names? she asked, bewildered.

Yes, little one, Jesus has many names He is called by. You find out what some of them are and say seven of them that you like the most, then drink the rainwater in the little bottle. Remember, place the bottle around your neck … Don’t take it off—and oh! the old woman said strictly, Don’t forget to close your eyes and hold the bottle close to your heart while you’re saying the seven names. Then you will find the land that is not too far away, where your wonders will begin. And remember, never take the bottle off, or you will come back, and you won’t be in the land that’s not too far away anymore. So never take it off, unless you want to come back. You will see wonders … Many … many of them, the old woman said to Nina, joyously.

Nina smiled happily, holding and looking at the bottle, What is the land that’s not too far away? And how will I find it?

Oh, it’s a very special land. And don’t worry, Nina, the old woman said, "The land will find you. There will be a message waiting for you there, telling you what to do, guiding you.

And don’t worry about the squirrel, little one. He will live and rise from the sewer and be back in the trees; back among the beauty of the trees," said the old women, happily.

Then she stood back up, smiling, looking down at Nina and her friend and patted them on their heads and said, Goodbye, children, may God always bless and watch over you, then she slowly began walking away, rolling her old buggy with all her junk and the sound of the bells jingling around her right ankle. Nina and her friend watched her walk away slowly down the street.

Nina’s friend turned to her and asked, How did she know your name?

Huh? said Nina.

Well, we never told her our names and she just called you Nina, and how did she know about the squirrel? …

Nina just shrugged her shoulders and looked back at the lady, but she was gone. Nina remembered she and her friend just stood there with their mouths open in surprise, looking at each other.

As Nina sat there thinking of all those memories gazing at the little bottle, she thought to herself, ‘Maybe I should try what the old lady told me to do with this bottle now … And in seven years see what will happen. Being that I have grown in the Lord more. I know that it’s not going to church that will get you into heaven, but only through Christ Jesus. I even have other names that Jesus is called by that I like.’

Nina kept the little bottle outside of her old chest, and every year she would remember the bottle. She would pick one day out of each year that brought rain, and let seven raindrops fall into the little bottle, then closed it back tightly. She did this for seven years, marking her calendar.

The seventh year came. It was a rainy and thunderous day. Nina sat there on the side of her bed, gazing at the bottle full of rainwater. She remembered what the old lady told her years ago. So, she put the bottle around her neck and put on her favorite black-and-white checkered blouse. At first Nina was a little hesitant, but thought, ‘Well … I’ve come this far, so I might as well keep going to see if anything will happen.’

Nina gazed at the little bottle again for a moment. It was still crystal clear; the rainwater just sparkled in it. She placed it up to her heart, closing her eyes, and said seven names of Jesus that she liked:

Lion of Judah; Prince of Peace; Bright Morning Star; El Shaddai; The Light of The World; Eternal Salvation; Lamb of God.

She took the tiny cork off the bottle and drank the rainwater, then put the top back on, still keeping the little bottle around her neck and close to her heart. After she did all this, she began to feel very sleepy; not being able to keep her eyes open. All she remembered was falling back on her bed and going into a deep sleep. She saw nothing but darkness. It was funny though, because as Nina was going into that deep sleep, she could hear the sound of those bells jingling that were around that old woman’s right ankle years ago.

Suddenly, Nina’s eyes popped open. She sat up quickly. She was sitting under a tree. She quickly stood to her feet, looking all around, and indeed she was in a land—a beautiful land that stretched out far and wide. It was unbelievable, so green and plush. But there was just this one tree right in the middle of the valley.

The day was sunny and warm with a beautiful blue sky above. Nina did not know where she was, but she felt happy and peaceful. Nina twirled around and around under the tree, looking out over the land that seemed to go on forever.

Wow! said Nina, as she touched the little bottle around her neck, looking on with a smile. That old lady was right … But I wonder where I am ?!

Just as Nina said that, she saw a white scroll that was tucked in a hole in that only tree. She went up to it and pulled it out cautiously. She remembered that the old lady told her she would have a message and guidance when she got there. So, Nina quickly unrolled the scroll and on it was written:

You, Nina, will have a Revival for Jesus on this land in three days. You must go and invite the people, as many as you can. There is a dirt road circling this valley. When you find it, walk the road. You will be guided as you go on your journey. You will see a little boy sitting under a tree also. Befriend him and take him with you on your journey, for he is a troubled child and God has plans for him. He was brought here also from very far away. You will return to this land in three days and have the Revival. Now go and begin your journey."

Nina finished reading the scroll and was beginning to roll it back up, but before she could, a little wind came from out of nowhere and blew the scroll away. It kept blowing the scroll until it was almost out of sight. She stood there watching it for a moment, as it blew completely out of view. Nina turned around and started running through the land that was not too far away. She ran down a small hill, running through the valley, and began her journey.

At the end of the valley, she found the road and began to walk along it. In the quiet of the day, she heard a whimper, the sound of a child crying. She looked over just a little way and saw a little boy sitting under a tree, crying all by himself. The boy looked to be about five or six years old. Nina remembered what the scroll read. So, she walked over to the child and knelt down and asked the boy, What’s wrong, little man? … Why are you crying? He lifted his head and looked at her.

I am confused, the boy said. very confused.

Confused about what? Nina asked.

Well, everything, said the boy. I don’t understand things, especially about God. I would like to know why certain things happen to certain people … Like nice people. And why we are here? What is life all about? I’m always full of wonder like that.

Well, me too, Nina replied. What do your parents tell you? she asked, as she sat down on the ground, facing the young child.

I am a runaway, the young boy said, wiping tears from his eyes. I ran away from a foster home. I go from home to home a lot, and sometimes I’m not treated very well. My own parents I never knew … So, I guess I have no parents. So, I call myself an orphan child.

Oh, said Nina, as she looked to the ground. but that’s not good, running away like that though … Don’t you think that your foster parents are worried about you?

I don’t know, the little boy said. I don’t think they even notice I’m gone …

Oh? How’s that?! Nina replied.

Well, they never noticed any other time. I always run away and come sit under this tree, that’s not far from my home. Although this time I fell asleep for a little while and when I woke up, I was under another tree … This one … And I don’t know where I am, or how I got here.

Nina thought about the scroll and what she read, to befriend the child.

Hey, listen! said Nina. Why don’t you come with me, because I don’t know where I am either. Maybe we can find out where we are together and learn more about God. Hey! said Nina, excitingly. I’m going to have a Revival in the land that’s not too far away in three days. I know it will be a wonderful and joyful experience. I know the Lord will help you and lift you up. And He will open your heart, so you will have an answer to some of the things you wonder about. Remember, God is the father of the fatherless, you have to believe that. And believe me, He will show you … He is able. And besides, I heard that He has very special plans for you, Nina said, looking at the young boy, smiling.

The boy nodded and smiled back at Nina.

For me? the boy asked, happily. He has plans for me?!

Yep, for you! she answered.

Okay! the young boy said.

Nina stood up, Now, come with me. You will see and learn many things about God, just like me. Now wipe your eyes and let’s go!

The boy stood to his feet, dusting his clothes off and took Nina’s hand. Just then, Nina noticed a little bottle like hers around the little boy’s neck.

She looked down at it and asked the boy, Where did you get that little bottle around your neck?

The little boy touched the bottle and said, Oh, it was on my bed one morning when I woke up. This old lady I met, she told me an angel left it for me. She told me to always keep it.

Oh? said Nina, standing there in thought, touching her bottle too.

Hey! You have one too, just like mine! the little boy said.

Yeah, said Nina. I was told not to take mine off too.

The little boy looked up at her smiling.

Well, said Nina, let’s go. We might as well find out where we are.

Okay! said the little boy.

They both began their journey walking down the dirt road.

By the way, said Nina, what is your name?

LaKyle Baker, but everyone calls me Kyle.

Great! she replied. Kyle it is then! … My name is Nina Vee, but people call me Nina, she said, jokingly.

They began walking, smiling and laughing, getting to know each other, as they went on their way.

CHAPTER 2

The Animal Forest

As they continued down the road, the path they were on led them through a small forest of trees.

Aren’t these trees beautiful? said Nina. Want to know what my favorite tree is?

Aren’t they all the same? questioned Kyle. I mean, besides Christmas trees, aren’t they all the same?

Nina looked down at Kyle and said, No! There are a lot of different kinds of trees; oak, pine, and the redwoods.

They all look alike to me, except Christmas trees, Kyle said, as they continued walking.

That’s not true. My favorite looks very unique, she said, proudly.

All right then, he said, holding Nina’s hand, looking up at her, what is your favorite tree?

Nina exclaimed, The weeping willow tree! I love weeping willows. Their stems bend all the way down, sometimes touching the ground. They are so beautiful; seems like they’re just showing off the art of God.

I’ve never seen a weeping willow tree, said Kyle.

Oh! They’re quite a sight to see, she said, especially when they are hanging way down, touching the ground. They’re just so beautiful!

Kyle noticed how happy and nice Nina was.

Well, what is the ugliest thing in the world to you? Kyle asked.

Well, let me think … she said, thinking to herself. Hmm … Well … I’ll say, a spider … I hate spiders … I never could stand a spider!

Me neither! Kyle agreed, shaking his head.

Suddenly, a voice from out of the forest disturbed the quiet.

Why? Why do you hate spiders? the voice asked.

The voice startled Nina, so she stopped and grabbed Kyle, and began looking all around.

Did you hear that?! asked Nina, in a slight whisper.

Kyle looked up at her.

Hear what? he asked.

I just heard a voice ask me, ‘why do I hate spiders?’ Nina answered, looking around.

A voice? questioned Kyle.

Yes, replied Nina, a voice … I think. Didn’t you hear it?

No, Kyle said, looking around.

They slowly started walking through the forest again, cautiously.

Well?! the voice spoke out again. Answer me! Why do you hate spiders?!

They quickly stopped again.

I heard it this time, said Kyle, still looking around, wide-eyed.

Yes, I heard it again too, Nina said, under her breath. It seems to be coming from the trees.

Here I am! said the voice. Look up! I’m hanging from this tree!

They both looked up and there was a black widow spider hanging from a tree. Nina screamed and grabbed Kyle.

Ewww! A spider! shrieked Nina.

Don’t be afraid, said the spider. I was just listening to your conversation about how you love weeping willow trees … but hate spiders.

Nina stood very still, looking up at the spider in fear and hiding Kyle behind her back. The spider stared at them.

Well? said the spider.

Well?! said Nina, with a shocked expression. I can’t believe you’re talking to me … And you’re a spider!

The spider questioned, Why?

Nina just stood there, still looking up at the spider in shock, and answered, How are you talking? … You’re a spider!

So? the spider said. If God can open the mouth of a donkey, then why can’t He open the mouth of a spider?

Nina and Kyle kept looking up at the spider, not knowing how to answer, because they were still surprised by it speaking to them.

Well? the spider gestured. Do you believe God can open my mouth and let me speak too?

Nina looked slightly down at Kyle; peeking out from behind her back, then looked back up at the spider, still a little shaken, and answered, Well … I … I guess He can …

Yes, He most certainly can, because it is I, a spider, who is surely talking to you! … Now, answer me, why do you hate spiders?

Nina felt funny talking to a spider, so she just stood there for a moment, hesitating. Then she cleared her throat, trying to compose herself, and answered, Because, she exclaimed, you’re … creepy and … crawly … and … icky … and you have too many legs!

That’s it? the spider said, as if it expected to hear more. That’s all?

That’s all?! …That’s enough! Nina said, in disgust. Spiders give me the creeps! And not only are you creepy, you’re also talking to me … And that doesn’t help much!

The spider laughed and said, Talking will help plenty, because I have some things to explain to you. I’m God’s creation too! He takes care of me too! He even gave spiders a purpose to be here and share this earth with you.

O-oh? said Nina, still in fear, looking up at the spider. Well … what is your purpose? … Besides being so creepy looking?

The spider started to swing back and forth on its web string and answered, Well, not all God’s creations are so beautiful, but we still serve a purpose here, which is what I’m about to tell you. First of all, spiders help with the population of insects in the world, especially in warm climates where insects mostly flourish. We catch them in our web, or you would be overpopulated by many of God’s crawling and flying little insects. It’s my job. It’s what God placed us here on earth to do—making webs and catching the bugs—but it’s also what we need to do to survive. The spider lowered itself more and proceeded to talk, while Kyle stood there looking at the spider in amazement, peeking out from behind Nina’s back.

There are many different kinds of species of spiders in the world; some are very small and some very big. But we all are a part of the arachnid family. We all have eight legs and most of us have eight eyes, but not all of us make webs. God made all kinds of different spiders living on this earth. But do you know what our main purpose is?

Nina stood there staring up at the spider, with a disgusted yet interested expression.

What?! she asked, disgustedly.

The spider cleared its throat and began again, Listen very carefully, the spider lowered itself a little more. That made Nina lean back a little more, with Kyle still peeking out from behind her back, then the spider said, "This is what all creatures would tell you, if they could speak. They would say, ‘I was created to manifest the glory of God.’"

Nina was speechless for a moment, staring up at the spider.

Excuse me? said Nina, baffled.

Yes, we are! said the spider. Aren’t I amazing?! Look at me! Look at my design. Am I not a wonder?! Just think how I can spin a web. I can throw my web from here to there. Can any man create me by just his spoken word? … Well?!

Nina shifted her eyes and answered, Well … no.

Exactly! said the spider. God just spoke, and I was. God speaks things into being. He’s an awesome God! See?! I am here to manifest the glory of God! the spider said with much pride. But most humans don’t even notice that! You all are too busy looking at what I do and how I live and complaining about how creepy I am! But I was created to manifest His glory all right … To make man wonder and think about the awesomeness of God.

Nina backed up a little more with Kyle.

Okay, she said, feeling a little bad about the things she said to the spider. I’m sorry. I-I guess I never thought of a spider that way … I’m very sorry.

That’s okay, said the spider. I must go back up in the tree now and finish making my web.

The spider went back up the tree to its unfinished web. Nina and Kyle looked at each other in amazement.

Okay? Kyle said, bewildered.

Just then a squirrel ran up the side of the tree.

Hey! the squirrel shouted, getting their attention. Me too! I was created to manifest the glory of God! Don’t you want to know about me?! I want to have my say to humans too! the squirrel said, excitedly.

Nina looked at the squirrel in surprise and said, Okay!

The squirrel looked around eagerly, after running onto a branch, Well, first of all, check out the fur coat … Nice, huh?

Yes … It’s nice, Nina chuckled, as she started to feel a little more at ease hearing the creatures talking to her. Kyle even started to smile a little, as he stayed hiding behind her back, peeking out.

The squirrel continued to talk speedily, Yeah, and not to mention my glorious tail. And let’s not forget my trademark buckteeth!

They stood there staring at him, as he babbled on.

And I stay busy as a beaver gathering acorns all the time. My teeth help me to crack the hard shells. I can hold many acorns in my jaws, because they expand, so I can hold them, as I go from tree to tree to store food. And boy can we squirrels climb trees very quickly! God endowed us to go up and down and all around them with precision. I mean, look at me! Check out my design! Aren’t I a wonder?! God created squirrels and He knew exactly what we needed!

The squirrel stood upon his hind legs, smiling and waiting for them to comment. Nina and Kyle just stood there, smiling, looking back at the squirrel, inquisitively.

Just then a fox came out of a bush and distracted them.

Hey! the fox said, as he approached Nina and Kyle.

The squirrel looked down at the fox in fear. Nina pushed Kyle behind her a little more, as the fox got closer. He stopped and spoke in a sly voice.

I was created to manifest the glory of God too, the fox said, as he started to slowly circle around them.

Oh? said Nina, keeping Kyle behind her, as she turned along with the fox; she never took her eyes off him.

The fox stopped circling around them and sat down and said, Well, people love our fur; they kill us for it. Years ago, we were killed for our fur to keep mankind warm. Now we are mostly killed for only a fashion statement. We gave our lives for mankind’s warmth. We are also omnivores and we keep down the population of many wildlife. We are swift, sly and we are also excellent hunters. We are also the hunted. That’s how God manifests His glory through the fox and all the fox family. The fox turned to the squirrel, smiling and said, Isn’t that right?!

Time to go! the squirrel said, running further up the tree.

The fox laughed and turned back to Nina and Kyle and said, Look at me! Look at my design. Aren’t I a wonder?!

Then a deer family appeared out of the forest—a buck, a doe and a fawn. So are we! they exclaimed. We were created to manifest the glory of God too! the little fawn said, walking up to Nina. Look at us! See our design? Aren’t we a wonder too?!

Nina bent down smiling in awe of the little fawn and said,

Well, yes! Of course you are!

Then she turned and said to Kyle, Isn’t she cute?

Kyle rolled his eyes and answered, Yeah, yeah … and how do you know it’s a she?

Because she sounds like a she, Nina replied, smiling at the little fawn. Aww, can I call you Mandy? she asked, smiling.

The little fawn answered, But my name is Daisymae …

Oh, giggled Nina.

At that moment, the buck walked towards them. Nina and Kyle backed up. The buck stopped and spoke with a low voice, "All of God’s creatures, rather they are mammals, reptiles, birds, insects, fish, and all the rest of the animals in the sea, on the land or in the air. We were all created to manifest the glory of God. All of us creatures on earth were created before God created man; ‘On the fifth day of earth, He created the creatures in the water and the birds of the air. He made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all creatures that moved along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. Then on the sixth day God made man in His own image, in His likeness male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them: Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. He let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that moved along the ground.’"

Just then, all kinds of creatures appeared out of the forest; Bees, butterflies, ants, other insects, frogs, owls, sparrows, crows; all kinds of other birds, caterpillars, rabbits, beavers, chipmunks; and many other creatures in the woods came out and gathered around Nina and Kyle, saying, Look at me! Look at my design, aren’t I a wonder?! I was created to manifest the glory of God too!

The animals kept talking over one another, explaining their purpose to them. Nina and Kyle stood there looking surprised at all the animals that were coming out of the forest circled around them.

How are we going to get out of here? Kyle asked, looking up at Nina, with a worried face.

She tried to calm all the animals down.

All right! All right! All right! Nina shouted.

All the animals quieted down.

Okay! … You are all right! … You all have a meaning, you all serve a purpose, and you all were created to manifest the glory of God. I have to admit though, I never thought of you that way.

Me neither! agreed Kyle.

Nina explained, I guess I was taking some of you for granted. I guess I never looked deep enough to see God in certain things, especially the small and creepy.

She looked up at the spider, as it came down again to speak.

Oh, you don’t have to look deep; that’s what scientists do, said the spider. All you have to do is look at us and you will see God’s glory.

The squirrel ran down the tree, still in fear of the fox.

"Yeah and remember, ‘All things were made by God, without Him was nothing made!’" the squirrel said, quickly running back up the tree.

Yes, that is very true, said Nina, and thank you all so very much for taking the time to let us know … I’m glad that you all were able to talk. I guess if God opened the mouth of all creatures, they would all say that they were created to manifest His glory. Believe me, I’ll never look at animals the same again!

You’re very welcome, the buck said to Nina, walking back in the forest with his family.

No problem, the fox said going back into the bushes.

Anytime! the squirrel shouted from up the tree.

All the animals started to leave. Nina turned to Kyle and sighed, Well, Kyle, I guess we can leave now—oh, wait a second! Nina shouted to the animals. I’m going to have a Revival in the land that’s not too far away. Maybe all of you would like to come and celebrate our creator with me. If He can able you to talk, He can able all of you to come to the Revival.

Kyle gave her a confused expression and said questionably, Huh?!

Yes, we would love to come, the doe answered.

The fox came back out of the bushes and asked, When is it?

In three days, okay? Hope to see you all there! They waved goodbye to all the animals and continued on their way.

All the animals in the forest just stood around watching them leaving out of the forest. But what Nina and Kyle didn’t know, was all the wonders that were yet ahead of them. This was just the beginning, of a wondrous journey!

CHAPTER 3

The Farmer and the Cornfield

Nina and Kyle continued on their way, walking through the forest and staying on the path. They were excited to start telling people everywhere about the Revival in the land that was not too far away. Soon after they came out of the forest, they stumbled-upon a farm. A beautiful farm, wide and rich with many different crops growing all around.

Look, Kyle! Nina said, in amazement. Look at the beautiful fields of corn! Look at how tall the stalks are! Aren’t they amazing?! Wow! Look at the grapes on those vines, aren’t they big and plump?!

Yeah! said Kyle. They’re making me hungry!

He ran over to pick him some grapes from off the vine, but Nina stopped him and said, No Kyle, you can’t do that. This is somebody’s land we’re on. They might get upset at us picking their grapes. We just can’t take things from off of other people’s property.

That’s right, young fella, a voice said, coming from behind her. She quickly turned around and a man with blue jean overalls was standing a little way behind them.

Nina gasped, Oh! … You scared me … We didn’t know anyone was around. We were just passing through this way and we happen to come upon your farm … This is your farm, isn’t it? Nina asked, with a smile.

The farmer started to walk up closer to Nina and Kyle, while wiping his hands on a rag that he had pulled out of his back pocket.

Yep, said the farmer. I’ve been farming since I was a boy. My old man left me this farm about fifteen years ago. My father started this with one acre of land, but now I have fifty acres. Farming is my life.

Nina and Kyle stood there listening to the farmer, as he continued to speak.

My father taught me everything I know. He was a good man, very hardworking.

Well, he would be very proud of you, she said, You sure have a beautiful farm.

Well, thank you kindly, ma’am. I’m kind of proud of it myself. the farmer said, looking out at his crops, as Kyle grabbed Nina’s hand and glanced back at the huge grapes. Of course, I could not have done anything without the good Lord above.

Oh yeah, said Nina with a nod.

Oh yeah! said the farmer. God supplied the land, the dirt and the seeds. Our very earth obeys Him. There’s seed time and harvest. God supplies the sunshine and the rain. At times when we would go through droughts or too much rain, He would always somehow pull us through. Oh yeah, He’s a good God all right!

He’s a Mighty God! Nina exclaimed. You know the Bible speaks of seed time and harvest.

Yes, it does, agreed the farmer. As long as there is life on earth, there will always be seed time and harvest. My mama used to tell us kids that the Lord said, ‘Unless a kernel of wheat dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ the farmer said, gesturing with his hands. The Lord was talking about His death on the cross and His resurrection, you know?

Yes, I do, said Nina, but some parables are still a little confusing sometimes. I need someone to explain more about the parable of seeds in the Bible, so that I could understand it better.

What’s a parable? Kyle asked, looking up at Nina.

Well, she explained, a parable is when someone compares a story to a situation that’s totally different from the story, but still relates to the point of the situation.

Oh, Kyle said, still looking confused.

Nina laughed and patted him on his head.

I’m sorry, said Nina. I guess I can’t explain it any better than that.

That kinda went over my head too, son, chuckled the farmer, looking down at Kyle.

Believe me, I know how he feels, Nina said to the farmer. I get confused about things too … like the parable of the seed sower.

Well, seeds are my specialty, said the farmer. I understand a great deal about ’em and why God used seeds as comparisons in the Bible.

God did talk about seeds a lot in the Bible, didn’t He? she expressed.

Indeed, He did, said the farmer, because the seed represents something that needs to be treated as a seed itself.

Kyle looked back at the big purple grapes, wishing he could taste one.

Exactly what does the seed represent? Nina asked.

His Word, the farmer said, as he reached in his pocket and pulled out some sunflower seeds.

Nina and Kyle looked at the seeds in his hand, as he started to explain, Now, for every seed that is planted it acquires time, patience, care and understanding. Why? Because you need understanding, so you’ll know what to do and what not to do, you need care, so you can work at it to make it prosper and grow, and you need time and patience to see the success of it all.

Uh-huh? Nina said, being observant, as she looked at the seeds in his hand.

Now just like the seed, the farmer continued, God’s Word requires the same time, patience, care and understanding.

Ohhh, said Nina, nodding her head, okay, I see.

Yeah, said the farmer to Nina, and it’s important to know that, because if you don’t have all or any of those qualities, you’re not really gonna get anywhere with either one of ’em. God’s Word or the seed.

I get it, said Nina, impressed. That was very wise.

Why, thank you, ma’am. said the farmer, with a smile. Wisdom. I guess the good Lord answered my mother’s prayers, the farmer said, laughing.

I thought you only eat sunflower seeds, Kyle said, looking at the farmer. You mean you can plant them too?

Why, sure, son, the farmer answered Kyle, that’s where sunflowers come from. But these right here are for eatin’, the farmer said, as he ate one. I like to nibble on ’em while I work sometimes.

The farmer pulled out a little bag of sunflower seeds from his pocket.

You like sunflower seeds? he asked Kyle.

Yes, sir, Kyle answered quietly, with a nod.

Well, here you go, said the farmer, as he handed him the little bag of seeds.

Thank you, said Kyle, with a smile.

You know, it seems like a never-ending process of learning about God’s Word. I’m just always learning something new, Nina said to the farmer.

That is the truth, the farmer agreed. It’s a never-ending process of learning.

Nina noticed he looked like he was in thought as he spoke.

No matter how old you get, you can always learn something new, the farmer said, as he held his chin.

Is something wrong? she asked.

You know, said the farmer, there’s something on my farm that I would like to show you. It’s something very special. It will help you learn more about some of the seeds that God talks about.

Something very special? Nina questioned.

Yes, said the farmer, very special. I don’t show just anyone this, because of their lack of understanding. But you’re someone that is filled with much wonder and the love of the Lord, I can tell! So, I’m gonna show you.

Well … can Kyle come? Nina asked.

Of course, he can, said the farmer, walking toward the cornstalks. You just bring him right along now and follow me. And stay really close, because this field is wide, and the corn is tall, said the farmer to the both of them, you could get lost in this field. Believe me, it took quite some time for me to know my way around.

The farmer motioned to them to follow him, Now make sure you keep hold of the young fella’s hand. I don’t want anyone to get lost.

Okay, said Nina.

She took hold of Kyle’s hand, as the farmer started to lead them through his cornfield. They went through the field, going past cornstalk after cornstalk. Nina kept looking back at Kyle, making sure he was getting through okay.

Nina, what do you think it is? asked Kyle.

I don’t know, but I bet it’s something amazing! said Nina, going past the stalks.

It’s not much farther from now, we’re almost there, the farmer said to them.

They were making their way through the field. Finally, they made it to the other side and stopped at the last row of stalks that separated them from a big open space.

The farmer turned to Nina and Kyle and said, What you are about to see is a revelation.

Nina and Kyle looked at the farmer in curiosity and wonder, as he walked up to the stalks. The farmer took his two hands and parted open two tall cornstalks. And there before them was a field full of people covering the land and planting seeds. Nina and Kyle looked in amazement.

There were many different races of people from every walk of life just planting seeds everywhere.

Wow! Nina exclaimed. My goodness! Who are all these people? And what are they doing here?

These are people receiving the Word of God, the farmer answered, as they all stood there peeking out of the stalks. This is the parable of the seed sowers that Jesus spoke about.

Oh, this is amazing! said Nina. What are they doing?

The farmer answered Nina, They’re all planting seeds. The seeds represent the Word of God. The ground represents how they receive the Word of God in their hearts, the farmer continued to explain, as he pointed over to a group of people. Now look over here at the ones who are planting their seeds along the path. Now remember, the farmer said, turning to Nina, the seeds are God’s Word and the ground is their hearts.

Okay, she said, observing the people.

Just then huge-looking black birds came down, flying around them and landed on the ground. They looked like crows with disheveled awkward wings. Their beaks were crooked; their feathers were ruffled and falling off. Their eyes bugged out. Nina and Kyle looked in grotesque at the sight of the deformed demonic-looking birds. Every time the people planted their seeds on the path, the ugly birds would peck at them, eating their seeds. But the people that were planting the seeds did not seem to know that the birds were there, eating their seeds.

What’s happening here? Nina asked.

The farmer answered, The evil one comes along and takes their seeds away, so that they won’t believe and be saved.

The birds would spread their awkward wings and start flapping them around, as if to scatter the seeds even more. They let out horrific noises of screeching, as if they seemed to enjoy scattering the seeds. Drool hung from their crooked beaks, as they kept pecking and pecking the seeds until they ate them all up. Kyle grabbed hold of Nina, because the birds frightened him. She held him gently to her side.

The sad thing is, the farmer continued, they don’t even know that the Word of God is being stolen from out of their hearts, he shook his head a little in shame. They don’t even know the evil one is there.

Nina looked at them in sadness, as the farmer continued to talk.

Now look over here … See those people? He pointed. Well, they’re planting their seeds on rocks. See how joyful they are?

Yes, confirmed Nina, they are really happy.

The people were smiling, jumping, dancing and singing while they were planting their seeds on rocks. But soon dark grayish clouds came down and started hovering over their heads. The clouds formed hands that began touching their faces. The people became distracted by the clouds, which made their joy turn into sadness. They did not notice that the seeds they had planted on the rocks did not stay in place. Nina and Kyle watched, as some of the seeds had fallen off the rocks, never to be seen again. Some were swept away by a mysterious wind that came from the dark looming clouds.

Kyle looked up at Nina and the farmer and whispered, The seeds are gone.

Now what is that? asked Nina, looking at the farmer.

He answered with a frown, They planted their seeds on rocks. Now even though they received the Word of God with joy, they believe for a while. But in times of testing, they fall away. Their faith could not take root. In other words, they wouldn’t keep their trust in God in times of trouble. And because of that, they fall away in times of trial … and God loses them also.

Why don’t they pick up the seeds? Kyle asked the farmer. Why are they letting them blow away? Don’t they care?

The farmer looked to Kyle and answered, They’re so distracted by the evil one, that they don’t even know it’s happening. They don’t even realize the Word of God is being stolen from their hearts.

Yeah, Nina sadly agreed, "‘the enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy.’"

Exactly, agreed the farmer, as he began pointing over to another group of people. Now, see that group of people over there?

Yes? she said, looking concerned.

Now, they are planting their seeds among thorns, the farmer said, looking at the people with pity.

Oh, no! said Nina.

Yeah, ‘Oh no’ is right, said the farmer. He continued to explain to her and Kyle, Just like the others, they last for a while also.

But won’t they get pricked by the thorns? Kyle asked the farmer.

I’m afraid the thorns do a lot more than just prick ’em, the farmer said, The thorns actually grow along with their seeds and it begins to choke ’em.

Choke?! said Kyle, putting his hands around his neck.

I’m afraid so, son … I’m afraid so, the farmer said, putting his hand in his pocket.

Nina and Kyle watched, as the people were planting seeds among the thorns. Just then, out of the ground the thorns began to grow. The seeds split apart, as the thorns ripped right through them. As the thorns continued growing, they started taking on the shape of dark-looking shadowy figures. They were misty transparent creatures with black robes and hoods that covered their faces. They were a frightening sight, as they stood with their backs hunched over.

Who are they?! Nina asked, with a horrified look on her face.

Kyle grabbed hold of Nina’s waist in fear, as he looked at the creatures.

The farmer patted Kyle on his head.

Ain’t no need to be afraid, lil’ fella, he said to Kyle, reassuringly.

Nina held Kyle to her side and turned to the farmer and said,

Reviews for Revival

[maryann12_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Would be a 10 star if I could give it that. There are few, if any, books as good as this on applying a Christian base Fairy Tale. The fairy tale is a wonderful journey for you to discover what the true meaning of a Christian is and living in the light of God to lift up Jesus Christ and lead people to salvation in him alone. It is so inspirational and very well written for all to enjoy. I highly recommend you pick up a copy of this book for your own library. Hat’s off to Lydia Thornton and Kiya Thornton for writing such a masterpiece for us and our family to enjoy for years to come. Lydia and Kiya has uplifted our readers through their brilliant writing. They have been the source of inspiration, building a community of faith through their moving words. It is a gem of a book which I will treasure forever. It was a delicious experience that I will partake of again and again. This book rests close at hand near my favorite reading chair. Thank you Lydia Thornton and Kiya Thornton!