Love, Challenges, and their Faith

By Adneal Green

Their love was strong. They had many challenges happen in their family and with other families too. Things were very shaky for all of them, but they held on strong to their faith. They still believe in miracles. All who reads "Love, Challenges, and Their Faith" be blessed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 27, 2023
• ISBN: 9798887519845

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Love, Challenges, and their Faith

Adneal Green

ISBN 979-8-88751-983-8 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88751-984-5 (digital)

Copyright © 2023 by Adneal Green

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Christian Faith Publishing

832 Park Avenue

Meadville, PA 16335

www.christianfaithpublishing.com

Printed in the United States of America

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Chapter 30

Chapter 31

Chapter 32

Chapter 33

Chapter 34

Chapter 35

Chapter 36

Chapter 37

About the Author

Acknowledgments

I want to thank my Savior Jesus Christ for his love and compassion. He has helped me through this long journey. All the glory and honor belongs to the Lord.

Introduction

A Christian teenage girl who knows what she wants out of life. Her parents faced challenges in their marriage and others did too. Also other challenges came that tried to shake their faith. Read to see what challenges came, and how they all overcame it.

Chapter 1

Jasmine! What are you doing out there?

Mom, I am relaxing by the pool. I am doing some heavy thinking about my life.

Jasmine, someone is calling your phone.

Mom, don't worry about answering it. It may be one of my friends trying to reach me about going eat out with them. Mom, I am not up to it today.

Well, Jasmine, I want to talk to you and catch up on some things.

Okay, Mom, I will be in there in just a second. I wonder what my mom want to talk to me about now. Mom, here I come. Mom, let me run upstairs to take a quick shower then we can talk.

That girl is always singing. That's my daughter. Well, let me prepare something to eat before we have our mother and daughter talk. I will start cooking a steak, green beans and mash potatoes for supper.

As I was checking on the food, my phone rang. It's John my loving husband. What's up, John? How your day going at work?

I am very beat, dear. Sorry about that, John. I can't wait for you to come home so you can rest yourself.

I can't wait to come home to rest too.

Well, I am cooking steak, green beans, and mashed potatoes.

Oh, good dear, I can't wait to get home at 5:30 p.m.

Oh no, John, that's late, honey.

Francis, I know, but I have a lot to do before I come home.

Okay, honey, I will just heat the food up in the microwave when you come home.

Francis dear, where is Jasmine?

John, she is upstairs showering and singing.

Don't forget to tell her that I want to talk to her.

Okay, honey, love you.

Love you too, bye, dear.

Well, I know my husband is not going to be able to talk so much with me tonight. Lord, please give John strength and let him get a good night's rest.

Jasmine, you are taking a long time upstairs. Come down now and fix the table so when the food is finish, we can eat.

Okay, Mom, I will be downstairs in a minute.

Jasmine, I thought you had fallen asleep.

No, Mom, I was getting ready to come down when you called me. Mom, what color plates you want me to put on the table? Do you want the burgundy or the cream color plates?

Well, Jasmine, just put the burgundy plates on the table. Your dad called and we talked for a little while.

He did, Mom? What was Dad talking about?

Well, he is beat today from work, and he wants to talk to you.

Oh no, Mom, you know when Dad start talking that can be a very long talk.

Jasmine, don't worry yourself. Your dad is not going to talk along time to you. Your dad is tired from work that means the talk will be very short.

I am not worried, Mom. I just know that Dad talks can be very long sometimes. Mom, you told me you wanted to talk to me. What it's about?

Jasmine, I want to know how everything is going with you because you have been very quiet, and you look like you have a lot on your mind.

Well, Mom, I do have a lot on my mind. I have been thinking about my life, and what the next step will be. I know after I finish high school this year I am off to college for four years, and that's a lot for a seventeen-year-old to think about. I will be traveling back and forward to see you all. Mom, I am so busy singing at the church, and I love hanging out with other Christian teenagers like me. I have been praying to God asking him what my next step will be, because I need direction. I want to get marry someday and have a family of my own.

Well, Jasmine, you're heading in the right direction. It's good you are praying and seeking God's face about your life because God knows what's best for all of us. Well, Jasmine, I am praying for you and I want the best for you to. One day I am looking forward to seeing you get marry and giving me some grandchildren.

Well, Mom, I am still waiting for love. I know God will send me someone special and I hope he will be like my dad. I don't want Dad to scare him away when he does come.

Really, Jasmine, do you really think so?

Mom, you know how Dad is when it comes to his little girl.

You're right about that, Jasmine. I know how your dad can be about you.

Mom, my mind is on finishing school and going to college for now.

Good, my daughter, that is the best thing. Always keep God first in everything, my child. God will help you through, because he knows what's best for us. Jasmine, what is going on with your friends Kimberly and Raven?

Well, Mom, Kimberly is doing fine. I will see her tomorrow. We were supposed to go to Burger Place to get something to eat around 1:00 p.m.

Jasmine, I don't remember you asking your dad or me about it.

I thought I did. It must have slipped my mind. Mom, I will ask you both when Dad comes home from work. Well, Mom, about my friends. I just don't feel like talking to them.

Why, Jasmine?

I am trying to find out some things from God. Raven has been having problems in her family.

What happened to them?

Her dad been laid off about six months from work, and Mr. Pat doesn't know when the company will call him back again.

Jasmine, you tell me that Raven's dad been laid off that long and you are just telling me about it.

Mom, I am sorry I didn't say anything all this time. I been having a lot on my mind.

Jasmine, I remember Pat was working for a huge oil company. I am very sorry to hear about that. I will talk to John about it, and maybe your dad has an opening at the company.

Mom, that would be great. They really need to hear some good news now.

Well, Jasmine, that's what friends are for, to help each other out in a time of trouble. Jasmine, the food is done now. Let us go sit down to the table so we can eat and give thanks to God for the meal. Father God, thank you for this meal you have given us to eat, amen.

Okay, Mom, let us dig in because I am so hungry.

Jasmine, after we finish eating, clear the table and wash the dishes.

Okay, Mom, I will.

It will have three hours left before your dad comes home. I want to take a nap before he comes home. I am very tired from cleaning and cooking in this big house. Jasmine, after you wash the dishes, there's something else I want you to do. Go upstairs and clean your room and wash a few clothes in the laundry room.

"Okay, Mom. Go take your nap before Dad comes home. I will take care of everything. Oh no, that's my phone ringing again. Who can that be? It's Kimberly again.

Hello, girl, what's up, Jasmine?

Nothing, Kimberly.

Jasmine, are you coming with us today?

No, Kimberly, I am not. I have things to do around the house. My dad wants to talk to me and girl you know that can take a very long time.

Jasmine, I thought you wanted to hang out with me and Raven at the Burger Place.

No, Kimberly, I can't make it today. I have a lot of work to do. I will see you and Raven tomorrow.

Okay, girl, see you then.

Okay, bye.

Oh, hi, Dad, how are you doing?

I am beat from work, Jasmine.

Sorry, Dad, can I get you something to drink?

Yes, Jasmine, get me a glass of water.

Okay, Dad, I am sorry you are so beat from work. You need some rest.

By the way, Jasmine, where is your mother at?"

Mom is lying down on the sofa. She was a little tired from cleaning and cooking. I finished the dishes and I am washing a few clothes now, but I still have to clean up my room.

Good job, my daughter. Well, I am going to talk to your mother.

Okay, Dad, I am going finish my work, because I still have a lot to do.

Oh, Francis dear, I am home and I am happy to see you, my love.

Oh, hi, John, I didn't hear you come in the house. I was resting a little because I was so tired from all the work I had to do in this house. Come sit down and give me a hug and kiss on the jaw.

Francis, I am so tired from all the paperwork I had to do today at the office.

Excuse me, Dad, here's your glass of water you asked for.

Thanks, my baby girl.

Dear, some people at our company are very lazy and we kept getting behind. I have a paper to turn in and I forgot about it, and it's due next week.

Honey, don't worry. I can write the paper for you and that will take the load off your shoulder.

That will be fine, dear. You are a lifesaver.

I will have the paper done before the deadline. Don't worry yourself.

Dear, can you go fix me something to eat?

Sure, honey, I will go warm it now for you, while you go upstairs and take a quick shower.

Okay, Francis, I can't wait to eat, because I am so hungry.

Oh, Jasmine, what are you doing?

Mom, I am cleaning my room.

I thought you were finish by now.

No, Mom, I just have a few more things to pick up and then I am finish.

Oh, John, your food is ready now. I hope it is still hot, because you stayed upstairs for a while.

Francis, I am coming now. Sorry about that, dear. I almost fell asleep. I told you I was tired, dear.

Okay, honey, say the blessing over the food.

Father God, thank you for the food you have blessed me with, amen. Honey, this food smells so good and it tastes wonderful. You know it's my favorite.

Thanks, John, you always make me smile.

Honey, when I came home, Jasmine was busy working in the house.

I know, dear, I told her to wash dishes, wash a few clothes, and clean her room up. Dear, Jasmine is a very responsible girl. She's almost finish with high school. This is her last year. I am thinking about blessing her with new car for her graduation gift. Jasmine is very disciplined at seventeen and she listens to us without any problem.

Honey, that will be great. I know she will be excited about it.

Jasmine, Jasmine.

Yes, Mom. Come downstairs, your dad wants to talk to you now.

"Mom, I am coming, just a minute.

Yes, Dad?

Jasmine, sit down to the table. My daughter, how's everything going?

Dad, I been having a lot to think about, since I will be graduating this year. I will not be around here for a while, since I will be going to a four-year college. I will be missing you and Mom so much.

I know, my daughter, things are very challenging, but you are strong. I know you will make things work out. I am going to buy you a new car for your graduation this year. You deserve it. You work very hard to achieve your goals.

Thanks, Dad, that's nice of you.

You make good grades. I am very proud of you, my daughter. Thanks, Dad and Mom, for all you do for me. I am blessed. Dad and Mom, are you both finish talking to me now?

"Yes, my daughter, you can go finish cleaning your room.

My phone is ringing again. Who can it be this time? Oh, it's Raven. Hi, Raven, what's going on? I will call you back. I want to ask my mom and dad something."

Okay, Jasmine. I will be waiting by the phone.

Mom and Dad, can I go and meet Kimberly at the Burger Place at 1:00 p.m. tomorrow?

Yes, my daughter, you can go, but be back home early.

Thanks, Mom and Dad. Dad, did Mom tell you about the problem Raven's family is going through?

Jasmine, it slipped my mind.

That's okay, Mom. I knew you were tired and you would forget to tell Dad about it. Dad, Raven's dad is out of work and he don't know when he will go back.

Oh no, how can a huge oil company let him go just like that? What a shame! I have some good news, my daughter. I am looking for an experienced worker like Pat. I will go tomorrow to his house and see if he will be interested in the job. I need a hard worker like him in our company.

That's great, Dad, you are the best dad in the world. Dad, I will call Raven to tell her the surprise and tell her not to spill the beans.

Great, Jasmine, that's my baby girl.

John, you are such a wonderful person with a kind heart. I know God is smiling on you.

Thanks, honey, God knows I am a helper. Okay, let us get ready to hit the sack, because I am tired. I have an early work schedule tomorrow.

Good night, Mom and Dad.

Good night, Jasmine.

Let me call Raven before it's too late. Hi, Raven, how are you?

Jasmine, you took a while before you called me back.

Sorry, I took so long to call you back. I was talking to my dad about y'all situation. I wanted to see if my dad can help your dad out with a job because I know it's not easy for him.

Girl Jasmine, you are a lifesaver. My dad had been arguing about that oil company for months. He had been working for twenty years there.

Well, Raven, don't worry. My dad will come over and talk to Mr. Pat tomorrow about the job. Don't you say anything about it. Let it be surprise to your dad.

Jasmine, you are a wonderful friend.

Raven, it's God's doing. All glory belongs to him. Okay, Raven, talk to you later. I have to go and finish cleaning up things in my room.

Okay, Jasmine, bye.

Oh, what a day it has been for me. Time for me to hit the sack, because I am tired.

Chapter 2

Mom, you up already? It's only 7:00 a.m.

Yes, I am up, Jasmine. I am cooking breakfast for us to eat. Your dad has to be to work at 8:30 a.m. Stop talking from upstairs, come down and talk to me.

Okay, Mom, where is Dad?

Jasmine, your dad is getting ready for work.

Good morning, Mom, how was your night?

Good morning to you, my daughter. My night was restless. I got into bed about 8:00 p.m. Your dad was a sleep about 8:30 p.m. I didn't fall to sleep until 1:00 a.m.

Mom, what are you cooking?

Jasmine, I am cooking eggs, turkey bacon, pancakes, and toasting bread.

It smells good.

Jasmine, why you always waiting on me to cook something?

Mom because you know how to hook it up.

My daughter, I know you're busy in school, but you do get out early enough to learn how to cook. It's very important that you know how to cook before you go off to college.

Okay, Mom, I will learn how to cook a few meals before I go to college.

Mom, can I have some turkey bacon and two pancakes?

Yes, you can my daughter.

John, it's almost 7:30 a.m., and you know, traffic is bad out there. John, what you want to eat?

Dear, fix me some turkey bacon, eggs, one pancake, and don't forget to pour me a glass of milk.

Okay, honey, come down. It's prepared for you already.

I am coming down right now, Francis it smells so good and looks good.

Thanks, honey. Good morning to you, John.

Good morning to you, dear.

Good morning, Dad.

Good morning, my baby girl. Let's bless the food. Father God, thanks for this lovely breakfast that you have provided for us to have on the table, and bless my wife for cooking it, amen. How did both of you slept last night?

Well, honey, I was restless.

Sorry, dear.

"Well, Dad, I slept great. Dad, don't forget to go see Mr. Pat this morning before you go to work.

Baby girl, thank you for reminding me. I have only fifteen minutes to eat this wonderful breakfast, then I will go see Pat. My wife, can you prepare some gumbo today.

Why, John?

I want to invite Pat and his family to come eat supper with us.

Okay, honey, I will have a big pot prepare and something sweet on the side.

That's great, Dad. I will enjoy talking to Raven upstairs until Mom call us down to eat.

Honey, I have to go see Pat, then I am heading to work.

See you later, Dad. Love you, have a wonderful day.

Love you too, my baby girl. See you later, dear. Okay, bye, honey.

Jasmine, I am glad you're home on your school break. Let's go to the store and pick up the stuff for the gumbo. Jasmine let us get ready. We have only thirty minutes, and then I am heading out the door. We have to hurry up so we can come back and pick up some things around the house. Jasmine, I see you have put your clothes on already.

Mom, I still have to comb my hair and I still have to put my shoes on.

Well, Jasmine, let me go upstairs to take a shower and get ready so we can go. I wish John had told me all this yesterday.

Mom, you should know Dad by now. He is full of surprises.

Jasmine, you are right about that.

Mom, I will go do my hair right now while you are taking your shower.

Okay, Jasmine.

I won't be long taking my shower. All I am doing to my hair, Jasmine, is putting it in a ponytail. Jasmine, don't take a long time doing your hair. I don't have a lot of time to play around today.

Okay, Mom, I will move as fast as I can.

Okay, Jasmine, I am finish taking my shower. I am putting my clothes on now.

Okay, Mom. I am almost finish.

Time is up, Jasmine. I am going out the door.

I am coming, Mom.

Hello, hello, is anyone home?

Who is it?

It's John.

Oh, hi, John.

Hello, Pat, my brother, how are you doing?

John, I have been okay. I have not seen you in a while.

Well, Pat, you know how it is working long hours. I can't stay a long time and talk, because I am going to work. I have a busy day at the office today. I had to stop by and talk to you about a job. I hear you have been out of work for a while.

Yes, John, for six months now.

Wow, Pat, that's too long. You have a family to take care of. Pat, you should have called me. You know we are good friends.

You're right, John. I should have called you when it first happened.

Well, Pat, I want to know if you are interested in coming to work for me.

John, I would love to come work for you.

Now, Pat, it's not as huge as the oil company you was working at.

That's okay, John. Something is better than nothing. John, I will be glad to work with you. When can I start?

Pat, I want you to come by Monday at 9:00 a.m. John, I will be there. This is the best news I have heard in a long time. Thank you, John.

That's what friends are for, Pat.

I sure do thank God for this job. I sure do need it.

I thank God that you will be working at my company. Oh, by the way, Pat, I am inviting you and your family over to my house tonight to eat supper with my family at 6:00 p.m. Can you all come?

Yes, John, we will love to come.

Okay, Pat. See y'all later.

Jasmine, I am so glad we are back from the grocery store. It been almost two hours since we left. This house was almost empty. I haven't made groceries in two weeks.

Mom, I know, my favorite cereal was out for a whole week.

Jasmine, I am sitting down for ten minutes then I will get up and start cooking. Gumbo takes a while to cook.

Mom, it's 10:30 a.m. Can I go and meet Kimberly at 1:00 p.m.?

Yes, Jasmine, as long as you are back at 4:00 p.m. You know Raven and her parents are coming over.

I know, Mom. I will be back early before they come.

Jasmine, you still have a few hours before you leave. Make sure everything is picked up in your room and clean the downstairs bathroom before you leave out this house. I am getting up to wash my hands and start cooking. After I finish, I will decorate the table and make sure everything is looking nice before company come over.

I need to call John and ask what time did he invited the Pearlees to come over. Where is my phone? Oh, there is my phone on the kitchen table. Hello, John.

Hi, dear.

I had to call you to ask you what time the Pearlee's coming over.

I am sorry I didn't call you to tell you. Francis, so much is happening in this place.

That's okay, honey, I understand.

I invited them to come over at 6:00 p.m.

That will be splendid. See you soon, honey. I have to finish what I am doing. Talk to you later. Jasmine, come here, I need you to do something.

Okay, Mom, I am coming.

Jasmine, I have to put this food on fast so it can hurry up and cook. I want you to put my cream color dishes on the table and put the crystal glasses on the table.

Wow, Mom! You're doing it big.

Jasmine, I am just serving coconut cream cake and making a special green tea. After they eat their meal. I hope everyone enjoy it. I will be glad when I finish getting the table done. I will be so excited. I have to rush upstairs while the food is cooking and get something out for John and me to wear. I am glad John is coming home at 4:30 p.m.

Great, Mom, I will be home at 4:00 p.m. before Dad comes home.

You are right, Jasmine. That is the best thing. You know your dad will be looking for you.

Mom, I am glad you're here, because I miss spending time with you. I am glad too, Jasmine. I took off a few days from work so I can catch up on some housework. I know your dad got a lot of paperwork to do at the office since I have been off. I really do miss my son Brad.

I miss my brother too. Mom, I can't wait to see him again. Why he had to move so far away? I don't know why he move all the way to London with his family. We have to go there and spend time with him. That will be great mom. Mom, I love to finish talking to you, but I have to finish cleaning up so I can go.

Mom, you're still talking about it and you know I have to hurry up and leave.

Jasmine, be quiet, and listen, I am almost finish talking. We don't see him so much because of his job.

I know, Mom.

Jasmine, Mom will miss you when you leave too. This house will not be the same anymore.

I know, Mom. I love you.

Love you too.

Mom, I have to go now so I can see my friend before she starts ringing my phone. You know if she can't reach my cell phone she will call the house phone. Mom, she always calls like crazy.

I know you are right about that. You are funny, my daughter.

She always works my last nerve, ringing that phone like that.

Jasmine, be patient with her.

I will try, Mom.

I can't believe it's 12:30 p.m. already. My food is done now, I am so happy. Let me finish decorating my table, and then I will rest a little. I will wake up when your dad comes. Bye, Jasmine!

Love you, Mom.

Love you too.

Girl, Jasmine, I am glad you made it.

Kimberly, I am glad the Burger Place is walking distance. I am glad to sit down and rest from all that housework. Kimberly, I am happy today is Saturday.

Girl, Jasmine, who you telling? I am glad we're on school break. All that homework I had to do for my math class sometimes it would be a hundred math problems. Jasmine, I can't believe we're almost finish with high school, and our graduation is around the corner.

Kimberly, girl, I can't believe we're almost finish neither. What college are you going to?

Jasmine, I haven't decided which college I will go to yet. I know I will not stay in Atlanta. I am tired of seeing the same place.

Kimberly, girl, I am going far away from my hometown too. I want to go to New York City. I want to get into a good college for my singing career. Girl, guess what?

What, girl?

Raven and her family are coming by my house today for supper. My dad gave her dad a job, and I know Mr. Pat was happy about that news.

Wow, Jasmine! I am excited for them. I know they have been having a very rough time. Jasmine, girl, we have been sitting down here a while at this Burger Place and we haven't order yet. I am very hungry.

Girl, who you are telling? The waiter is here. Can I have a big meal with fries and a large coke?

I will have the same thing, sir.

Jasmine, I hope they hurry up back there. I am so hungry, I did have a quick bite to eat at home.

Well, I ate a wonderful breakfast. My mom cooked turkey bacon, eggs, toasts, and pancakes.

Jasmine, your mom must be in the cooking mood today. I wonder, girl, how long that will last.

Kimberly, my mom wants to teach me how to cook before I leave off to college.

That's good, Jasmine, maybe I can learn one or two things from you.

Kimberly, girl, you are funny.

I am serious.

Oh, finally. Here come our food. It took them a while to prepare our food.

You both order the big meal with fries and two large cokes. Do either one of you would like to have anything else?

No, sir, everything is fine. Thank you very much.

You both enjoy your meal. If you both need anything else, just let me know.

Kimberly, I have to be at home for 4:00 p.m. before my dad arrives.

Oh no, Jasmine, I forgot you have guests coming to your house this evening.

Well, let's eat up so I can go back home before my mom be calling me.

Jasmine, I am always glad for us to get together and catch up on somethings.

I know, that's right. Kimberly, girl, I am almost finish eating.

Me too.

Kimberly, call me tomorrow after church.

You know pastor will call me up to sing tomorrow. I thought someone else will sing a solo at church tomorrow.

No, Kimberly, I always sing on the third Sunday at church. Okay, Kimberly, I have to go now before it gets too late.

Bye, Jasmine.

Love you, Kimberly.

I love you too, Jasmine.

Mom, I am home.

Jasmine, did your dad make it home yet? No, Mom, it's only 4:00 p.m. Dad should be coming home soon.

Well, I best wake up, so when John comes, we both can go upstairs and get ready for our guests. Jasmine, I am so tired from this morning. There goes my husband.

How y'all doing?

I am doing fine, honey.

I am doing great, Dad.

Honey, how was your day?

It was pretty good. Dad, I am glad everything is fine.

John, it's about 4:30 p.m. We all should go upstairs and get ready early. You all know how time passes by.

That's right, dear.

Yes, Mom, you all know I take a long time getting ready. Let's go upstairs now. We have about an hour and fifteen minutes left to get ready.

Dear, I am so happy to help my friend Pat and his family out.

I am happy, honey, that you can.

Thanks, dear, for getting me something out for me to wear. You are a very loving and caring wife.

Thanks, honey, you know I am concerned about you. Can I have a kiss?

Yes, you can, I thought you would never ask.

Oh dear, I hear the doorbell ringing. Jasmine, go downstairs and answer the door. That's the Pearlees.

Okay, Mom.

Hi, Mr. and Mrs. Pearlee, how are you both doing? What's up, Raven?

We are doing fine, Jasmine. Where are your parents?

They are upstairs. They will be down shortly. You all come in and have a seat, make yourselves comfortable.

Hi, Pat and Catherine, how y'all been doing? It has been a long time since I saw you all.

John and Francis, we all have busy lives.

We sure do, Pat and Catherine. Would you all like some water or punch to drink?

We all are fine for now.

Let us go to the table so we can eat. I am glad my gumbo is on a low heat. Would you all like a light salad before we eat some gumbo?

Yes, we all would like some salad.

What would y'all like to drink? I have some punch and sodas. I forgot, I made some tea.

You can give us some tea and a glass of water for Pat.

Do you all prefer some ice or not?

We all like to have some ice.

Here is the salads for y'all and the three kinds of salad dressing you all can try.

Thanks, Francis.

You all are welcome.

Pat, man, things been very hectic at my company. The work is too much. I am glad you are coming on Monday to fill your application out.

John, you are a lifesaver. I was tired sitting around the house. You know, I am a very hard working man. I know I will do a good job at your company.

I know you will, Pat.

Well, here are y'all glasses of ice tea and your water.

Here comes the gumbo. I can't wait to eat.

John, say the grace before we eat.

Father God, thank you for this food, my family and the Pearlee's family. Thank you for giving my wife strength to prepare food for us and thank you for blessing Pat with his new job, amen. The gumbo is hot and ready. Let's dig in.

Francis, what a lovely meal you prepare for all of us.

That's nice of you.

Catherine, thank you. I have some desert and coffee too. Catherine, we will have to go shopping soon.

Francis, that will be great. I want to show you these pretty shoes. I saw at this store on the eastside.

Pat, you know how it is when ladies want to go shopping.

I know, John. We better get out of their way.

Mom, can Raven and I go upstairs and talk for a little while?

Yes, Jasmine, that will be fine.

Let's go, Raven, so we can catch up on some things.

Pat, we have to catch up on some fishing, man.

I know, John. We have not been for a while.

Pat and Catherine, would you both like some cake and coffee?

No thanks, Francis, we are full already from the meal you prepared. We did enjoy your cooking. It's about 8:30 p.m. time for us to be heading home. We have early church service tomorrow.

Jasmine and Raven, come down now. Raven's parents are ready to go home.

Okay, Mom. Raven, I will see you tomorrow at church.

Okay, Jasmine, nice talking to you.

We are glad you all came for supper. See y'all at church. Love y'all, bye.

John, I am tired. I can't wait to go to bed.

I know, honey.

Mom and Dad, I am going to bed. I am tired too. Good night, love y'all.

Love you too, Jasmine. Well, honey we have an early service in the morning. I am going to bed after I put this food up and wash these dishes.

Okay, dear, give me a good night kiss.

Good night, honey. I will not take a long time. I will be upstairs soon.

Let me hurry up so I can go to bed. I am so tired. Let me turn this light off. John, I am coming to bed now. The time has came and gone and you're still awake. I hope I get enough sleep. Good night.

Chapter 3

"John, honey, it's already time for us to get up for church. It is 7:30 a.m., and church starts at 9:30 a.m. Let me get up now so I can go wake Jasmine up.

Jasmine, it's time to get up for church. It's already 7:30 a.m. We overslept, we usually get up at 7:00 a.m.

Okay, Mom, I am getting up now to get ready.

John, are you awake?

Yes, dear, I am thinking about what suit I am wearing today. I guess I will put the beige suit on and match it up with my cream-colored shirt.

John, put on your beige tie and cream shoes. We have to leave the house at least 9:00 o'clock. You know, John, how the traffic out there on a Sunday morning is. Let's us get ready fast so we can get something to eat before we all leave for church.

Jasmine, your dad and I are going downstairs to get a quick bite to eat.

Okay, Mom, I am coming.

Your dad and I are eating cereal. Then we will be heading out the door for church.

Mom, I am glad I did picked up my favorite cereal. I will eat a banana and have a glass of milk. I will eat something else later.

Jasmine, let's go now.

Okay, Mom.

Jasmine, you know it takes about twenty minutes to get to the church. Your dad and I don't like rushing to get to church.

I understand, Mom.

We finally made it here.

John, church was wonderful. I enjoyed hearing the choir sing.

Francis, I enjoyed the message Pastor Martin preached about which was love, and Jasmine sung beautiful.

Yes, dear, I enjoy the message too about love, and I enjoy Jasmine singing. I want her to keep it up. Honey, I am glad I don't have to cook today.

Mom, I am glad we made it back home. I am so tired. Dad and you did a lot of talking in the car. I had my headphones in my ears so I couldn't hear you both talking.

Jasmine, that's nothing new with you.

Mom, I don't do this all time.

You do it enough, Jasmine.

Mom, I am hungry.

Jasmine, it still have gumbo leftover, we can eat that.

Dear, I am happy it have gumbo leftover.

Me too, Mom.

I want to talk to you and Jasmine after we finish eating.

Okay, honey.

Dad, about what?

Just wait, Jasmine. You will know what it's all about soon.

Well, let me clean up these few bowls and then I can heat some gumbo up for us. Jasmine, get the table ready so we can eat. You sung wonderful today at church. Your dad and I are proud of you.

Thanks, Mom, it's the Lord's doing.

Y'all come and eat, the food is fix. John, say the grace.

Father God, thank you for this meal and please keep strengthen us up as a family, amen.

I am so hungry, Mom. The banana and milk didn't help much.

I do understand, Jasmine. You knew that would not fill your stomach up.

Francis, I am happy that we get a chance to do things as a family.

Me too, John.

Mom, I really enjoyed it, the food was good.

Thank you, Jasmine. Well, since we all are finish eating, Jasmine, I want you to help me clear the table. Honey, after I clean the dishes, we will sit down to talk.

Dad, I will help Mom so she can finish fast.

Okay, I will be waiting to talk to y'all in the living room.

Jasmine, thank you for your help. I really do appreciate it.

You are welcome, Mom. I enjoy helping you out."

Since we both are finish, let's go see what your dad want to talk about.

Y'all took a while in the kitchen. I am glad it's all finished. What I wanted to talk about was. I want us to go see my parents for three days.

John, I am happy about hearing this great news.

Dad, that's wonderful. I haven't seen my grandparents in three months. When will we go see them, Dad?

We are going to see them next week Friday, and we will come back Sunday.

Dad, I will pack my clothes early. I can't wait to see them.

Francis, I want you to help me drive out there.

That will be okay, dear. I will be glad to help you.

Thanks, my loving wife, you are a blessing to me. I will be happy to go see my parents. It has been a long time since we saw them.

John, did you call them?

No Francis, I haven't. Let me call them now since it's on my mind.

Hello, Mom.

Hi, my son. How are your family and you doing?

We are doing fine, Mom. How are Dad and you doing?

We are doing fine, my son.

Mom, I call to let you know we are coming to see Dad and you.

When are y'all coming, my son?

Mom, next week Friday and we staying until Sunday.

That will be great, my son. I will be looking forward to seeing y'all, and I will cook y'all something special.

Mom, I will be looking forward to it. Mom, talk to you later, I have to go because I have to be at work early tomorrow.

John, say hi to my daughter-in-law and granddaughter. I love you all.

We love Dad and you too. Bye, Mom.

John, why you didn't let Jasmine and me talk with your mom.

Francis, you could have said you wanted to talk.

Sorry, honey, I didn't know.

Dad, I wanted to say hi to grandma.

I am sorry about that, my daughter.

That's okay, Dad. I will enjoy those three days with them next week.

I am finish talking to y'all. I am ready to go upstairs and go to bed.

Dad, it's still early, and you want to go to bed.

Jasmine, I know it's still early, but I need to get some sleep. John, I am coming to bed with you."

Okay, Mom and Dad, I will be packing my clothes early.

Okay, Jasmine, have a wonderful time packing. We might wake up later and get a late-night snack.

Okay, Mom, I will talk to you tomorrow. I know it will be late when you both get up.

"Jasmine, you know your dad and me are very tired. Good night, Jasmine, see you tomorrow.

Chapter 4

Oh, what a beautiful day it is. Mom, you are just getting up?

I told you, Jasmine, I was tired.

I thought dad and you was getting back up for a late-night snack.

Jasmine, we were too tired for any late-night snack.

Well, Mom, Dad is gone for work already. Dad didn't want to wake you up.

I wish John would have woken me up. I wanted to give him a kiss this morning. Well, that's okay, I will fix me some toast, eggs, and some turkey bacon for breakfast. I will pour me a glass of orange juice. I can't believe it is 9:30 a.m. already. I will call your dad about 10:00 a.m. to see how everything coming along at the office. I am going by the office and work on this paper today. Jasmine, today is house cleaning. The furniture needs to be wipe off and a few clothes need to be wash. I will bring John some Chinese food for lunch. Jasmine, I am glad that we already have soft drinks at work. I am so glad I get the chance to eat with my husband at work today. I really do cherish the moment we spend together."

Mom, dad and you have a sweet relationship.

Thank you, my daughter. I forgot Pat was coming to fill out the application today. I wonder when John will put him to work. I am talking too much. Let me hurry up and finish my breakfast. I have to go in and get the paperwork done today. I am glad I had my break for a few days. Today is my off day and tomorrow, then I'm back in the office. Jasmine, what are you doing today after you finish?

Well, Mom, I will be singing and writing a few more songs. Can I go to Big Blue Restaurant today?

Jasmine, who are you going there with?

Mom, I want to go there to surprise my friends Raven and Kimberly.

It's okay, Jasmine, as long as you do your housework before leaving. Make sure you are back before 6:00 p.m. Jasmine, my breakfast was so good I wish I can sit down and eat some more, but I have to get ready to leave.

Mom, can I have some turkey bacon?

Yes, Jasmine, I have to go upstairs and get ready.

Mom, I thought you're supposed to call Dad.

Oh I forgot. I am not going to worry about it. I am going to the office anyway. I will see your dad there.

"Mom, can I have twenty dollars?

Jasmine, I will give it to you when I finish getting ready.

Raven and Kimberly will be glad to see me show up there. I am so happy I get a chance to hang out with my friends today.

Jasmine, I am about to go before it gets too late.

Mom, where is the money at?

Jasmine, I forgot just that fast. Sorry about that. This is the twenty dollars you asked me for. See you later, my daughter. Love you, have a wonderful day with your friends. Tell them hi.

Okay, Mom, love you too, bye. Let me clean up so I can get out this house. It's boring here.

Hi, John, how are you doing?

Francis, I am doing fine. Francis, what a pleasant surprise this is. I didn't know you were coming in today.

Honey, I had to come in today to do paperwork.

That's right, Francis.

John, I brought us some Chinese food to eat for lunch.

Thank you, dear, you are a lifesaver.

John, you didn't give me my morning kiss.

Sorry about that, honey. You were sleeping. I didn't want to wake you up.

I wish you have. I wanted to give you a kiss before you left.

Dear, you can give me one now.

Okay, honey, here is your hug and your kiss.

John, how did everything turn out with Pat?

Francis, it went will. I gave Pat his interview as soon as he finished with his application.

That's wonderful, John. I know he was happy.

Yes, Francis, he was thrilled about it. I started him off with twenty dollars an hour. Guess what, Francis?

What, John?

He was only making eighteen dollars at the other company.

Wow, John, that's two dollars extra than the other company paid.

Francis, Pat gave me a big hug. I know Pat can't wait to go home and tell his family the good news.

John, I know Pat was super happy to tell his family about the great news. Honey, before I start doing this paperwork, Jasmine asked me can she go to Big Blue.

Why does she want to go there, Francis?

She wants to go surprise her friends Raven and Kimberly.

Okay, dear, that's fine with me.

John, I told her to be back before 6:00 p.m.

That's fine, dear. I know Jasmine will do what's right.

John, let me start on this paperwork so I can finish before lunchtime.

Raven, I am glad we can hang out today.

Kimberly, I am glad too, girl. I been so busy at home. Kimberly, you know my family has been having problems for a long time.

Yes, girl, I know about it.

Kimberly, I am happy my dad getting a new job.

That's great, girl. Jasmine told me about it. I am happy for your family. You know God is good all the time. This place has changed, Raven.

I know, Kimberly. It has an ice cream machine here now. Big Blue is looking good. I hope the food tastes good as it looks. Kimberly, do you see what I see?

What do you see, Raven?

Look at Chris, girl. I see him.

What about him?

Chris is a handsome guy.

Raven, I don't have time for guys. I want to finish school so I can go to college.

Kimberly, that's what I want too.

Well, Raven, you best get your mind off Chris then. Raven, guess who's coming our way. It is Jasmine.

Kimberly, it must be a joke. You must be seeing things.

What's up, Jasmine?

Nothing, girl.

What wind blew you this way?

I came to surprise y'all. I am so happy to get out the house. It's so boring there.

Jasmine, girl, who are you telling? At my house it's the same thing.

Kimberly, you always have company over there.

I know that, Jasmine, but sometimes I like quietness. Jasmine, I want to thank you for letting your parents know about my family problem.

Raven that's what friends are for. I believe in helping a friend out. I have to be back home before 6:00 p.m.

We still have a few hours to hang out together. Let us order something to eat. Waiter! Waiter!

Yes, may I help you all?

Yes, sir, I would like a fish sandwich with fries and a large Sprite. I want a two-piece chicken, a leg and a thigh, with fried okra and a large root beer.

I would like to have a hamburger, with tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles. Also I would like to order some fries, and a large sweet tea.

Will that be all?

Yes, sir. I hope the food will taste good as the place looks.

Raven and Kimberly, I will be leaving Friday.

Where are you going, Jasmine?

I am going see my grandparents for three days.

That will be nice, Jasmine.

I know, it has been a long time since you saw them.

Yes Kimberly, it has been three months. I can't wait to see them. It will take us about five hours to get there. My mom will be helping my dad drive there.

That's good, Jasmine. At least your dad will get a break from the driving.

Here comes the food.

I am so hungry.

Young ladies, I hope you all enjoy it.

Thank you very much for the food, sir. Jasmine, say the blessing.

"Thank you, Father God, for this food and thanks for all you do for us, amen. Girl, let us dig in. I can't