Enticing: Investigation

Unsure of how to approach Sarah regarding the information received from James, Keith’s mind swirled.  For more than a day he oscillated between directly confronting her to completely ignoring the possibility she cheated on him to variations on each theme.  He briefly considered spying on her to learn the facts on his own.  In spite of the uncertainty, he knew he was not that obsessed. 

He was no saint but had never cheated on anyone.  Well, he and his brothers always cheated when they played cards or Monopoly.  It wasn’t a family game until someone cheated, got caught and an argument broke out.  The shouting got the attention of their parents who settled it but it was never actually settled since whoever was cheated determined to even the score. 

This time, the one who cheated wasn’t one of his brothers.  The alleged cheater wasn’t of the male sex.  This was beyond the scope of his experience.  He opened his laptop and Googled “What to do when someone cheats on you.”  He noticed the second option was from a British website about 5 questions to ask if the relationship is worth saving.  Keith clicked on it and read through the article.  It was a common sense approach and it soothed him.  He realized he was no closer to knowing where the relationship stood but believed he now had a game plan.  He would speak to her.  He would say someone told him what they saw and ask if it was true. 

What if she denied it?  Should he believe her?  Isn’t it natural for a cheater to lie?  Oh no, not this again.  Oh, the quandaries the human mind can conjure!  On their next date he would speak to her.  Based on what she says and how she reacts, he would determine his next steps.  He hoped she would admit her wrong if she did wrong.  He also prayed she would want to continue the relationship.  He felt they fit together quite well. 

On their date night, they went to her favorite restaurant, Fast Eddies.  Sarah smiled throughout the evening.  When Keith looked into her eyes, she gazed back at him.  He was searching for the clue of her infidelity.  She revealed none.  There was no way James’ little brother was right.  This woman was no cheater.  With the openness he saw in her eyes, she could not have done it.  He saw no way it could be true. 

After dinner, they strolled on the pier, holding hands.  They sat on a bench and watched another colorful Florida sunset.  Keith tensed as he faced the moment of truth.  Would he ask or not?  He would.

“I have something I have to ask you.”

Turning to look at him, she asked, “What is it?”

“I was told something kinda disturbing about you.  Frankly, I don’t believe it but it is serious enough I feel I have to at least say something.”  Sarah looked at him with concern.  Keith realized there was no turning back now. 

“Someone told me they saw you making out in your car with some guy.  Is this true?”

Sarah was struck dumb as her face reddened.  Her eyes broke from his and she looked at the wooden pier planks.  Her silence continued and Keith wondered if he needed to say something.  Finally, in a very quiet voice she replied, “Yes, it is true.”

Marionette of Pride

I am me and you will know me

Ignore the strings that guide me

For I will do on my own

I cry out as I cut a string

“I deserve better!”

I want what I want and it will be mine

Roving eyes see my objects

Craving madness consumes until I possess

I scream as I cut a string

“I deserve better!”

Me, yes me

I am driven to be

Ultimate, powerful, you will see

I demand as I cut a string

“I deserve better!”

You will not depart 

You are beneath

You will see how great I am

I rage as I cut the last string

“I deserve better!”

Ignore my crumpled state

You miserable imp

Watch my power and be awed

Motionless I lie

“I deserve better!”

Copyright 2016
Duane Windell Phillips 

Enticing: Concern

Keith and Sarah happily dated for six months.  Both of them enjoyed their time together.  There was variety and spontaneity in their activities and Keith loved to gaze into Sarah’s eyes in their quiet moments.  If eyes are windows to the soul, he glimpsed a deep spring of beauty.  

Then came a time they would be apart.  Keith needed to travel across the state for his job to conduct a series of meetings.  Other than not seeing each other every few days, there was no difference. They spoke on the phone each night and texted during the day.   At least, that is what Keith thought.  He received some disturbing news when he returned. 

James called him the day after arriving home.  At first the conversation was small talk.  Then James got serious.  “There’s something I feel I gotta tell you but I don’t know how much stock to put in it.”

“Ok.”

“I mean, what I have to say isn’t firsthand information.  My little brother saw something and told me.  He isn’t sure but….”

Keith was completely unsure where the conversation was going and wondered what James was going to say.  “What?  What is it?”

“He said he saw Sarah making out with some guy in her car at the beach.”

It felt like someone punched Keith in the gut.  He felt life drain from him.  “Are you sure?”  Is he sure?”

“Like I said, he’s not positive but he saw someone who looked like Sarah in a car like she drives making out with some guy.”

“Any idea who the guy is?”

“No, no clue.  Look, I’m sorry I’m telling you this.  I debated for over a week about it now.”

“You mean it didn’t happen this past week.”

“No, no not at all.  Tim says it was about 2 weeks ago now.”

“What?  Wow!  Thanks.  Really, thanks for the call.”  After ending the call, Keith felt absentminded.  He was on autopilot, just going through the motions.  What should he do with this information?  Maybe it was nothing .  Could he continue the relationship as if nothing happened?  He knew he would be looking for clues.  Maybe nothing happened. Maybe it was nothing at all, just a big misunderstanding.   But why would James call.  He isn’t the type of person to raise concern like this needlessly.  Should he confront her?  If it was true, what then? 

Enticing: Relationship

Enticing: Relationship

The whole day after the kiss, Keith’s spirit soared.  It was a high where he believed he would forever remain.  He wanted to call  Sarah first thing in the morning but held back.  Imagine his joy when he received a text from her.

“I’ve been at work for a couple hours now but can’t get going.  Been thinking about you.  Have a great day!”

That sealed it.  He was in love.  How long had it been?  He thought back to his last serious relationship.  It had been 13 months since he ended his last relationship to begin his current job.  Unfortunately, the move would require a long distance relationship.  Keith and Rebecca both agreed it best to break it off.  Keith believed she was ready to break up anyway.  The move made it convenient.

Over the next month, Keith wondered if he was more into the relationship than Sarah.  That was until a day she surprised him at his job.  She stopped by, unannounced, to have lunch with him.  She asked the receptionist for directions to his office which she received.  Keith was in the hallway when he saw her walking toward him.   Upon seeing each other, they both broke out into big smiles.  In Keith’s eyes, she was a vision of beauty.  If only he could write poetry.  Surely, someone as beautiful as Sarah deserves to have something written about her.

When Keith returned from lunch with Sarah, Angie stopped by his office.  With a knowing smile she asked, “So, who was that?”

Keith didn’t look at her as he busied himself with starting up his computer.  Hoping not to give fuel to the office gossip he simply replied, “That is Sarah Sullivan.” 

“So, how long you two been an item?”

“We’ve been going out for about a month now but I don’t know that we’re an item.”

Not convinced, Angie replied, “Really?”  She crossed her arms and stared at him.

Keith finally looked up and saw her posture.  She clearly wanted something more but he simply commented, “What?”

“I saw the way the two of you both lit up like Christmas trees.  There is obviously something there.”

Keith smiled at the thought of he and Sarah being in a serious relationship.  In his heart, he had held back since it all seemed too good to be true.  He looked at Angie with a grin and simply said, “Okay!”  Then he put his focus back on his computer screen.  Angie stood for a moment then stormed back to her office. 

Pre, Mid, Post or Partial

Pre, Mid, Post or Partial

(Note:  This is a huge subject and I am only giving minimum information.  I am merely throwing information out there for you to consider.  I presume you understand the basics of saints meeting Jesus in the clouds and the end times being filled with 7 years of turmoil.) 

For people who believe in the Christian faith, we look forward to an event called the Rapture.  It is the moment when believers who died and those still alive will be caught up together in the clouds to meet Jesus.  When will this event take place?  Jesus said no one knows the day or the hour.  On this point, I believe all Christians agree.  However, there is something called the Tribulation and most Christians believe the Rapture will happen and then the Tribulation will begin.  I wish to highlight some food for thought on the subject of when the Rapture occurs in relation to the Tribulation. 

Pretribulation:  The Rapture will take place before the Tribulation begins

This means the Rapture of the church, which is the Lord coming for believers in the air, will take place prior to the seven years of tribulation.  Therefore, the church will not experience the events that are prophesied in the bible.  These happenings are discussed primarily in books of Revelations and Daniel but there are mentions throughout the bible.  Why do people believe this in pretribulation?

1.    Revelations 3:10 says “Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth.”  Based on this verse, the saints will not have to endure the Tribulation.  Also, the Tribulation is God’s wrath brought upon mankind on earth and the church does not endure it.  

1 Thessalonians 1:10 

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.

1 Thessalonians 5:9

 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Based on this line of thought, some Christians believe the Rapture will take place before the Tribulation. 

Midtribulation:  The Rapture will occur at the midpoint of the 7 year Tribulation

One proof given for the midtribulation stand comes from 1 Corinthians 15:52. 

in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.

This is the same trumpet noted in Rev 11:15
The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said:

“The kingdom of the world has become
    the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah,
    and he will reign for ever and ever.”

Another reason given for the midtrib view is the Great Tribulation is only the second half of the 70 weeks mentioned in the book of Daniel.  The church is only promised to be saved from it.  

Rev 12:6
The woman fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days.

Also, the two witnesses noted in Rev 11 rose from the dead at the middle period. Since they were dead in Christ, it is presumed they rose at the last trumpet with the rest of the saints.  

Posttribulation:  The Rapture will happen after the Tribulation

People who subscribe to this view use the example of the Hebrew slaves in Egypt.  They lived through the plagues with the Egyptians but were protected.  Also, Jesus says in Matthew 24:22 “If those days had not been cut short, no one would survive, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened.” 

Partialtribulation:  Only those who are worthy are raptured

Finally, there is a line of thought that says only those worthy and prepared will be raptured prior to the Tribulation. A reason for this is Hebrew 9:28

“so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.”

So which one is it?  If it is pretrib then Christians can continue in their ways.  If it is mid or post or partial, we need to get serious. 

Enticing: The Kiss

While walking to their cars to leave the beach, Sarah said to everyone she needed to purchase some items at the mall and asked who wanted to join her.  Keith immediately said he would go since he needed a new suit for work.  It would give him a chance to see if there was something he liked.  There were no other takers. 

Keith had rode with Jason to the beach and started for Jason’s car thinking he would get his own car before meeting Sarah at the mall.   Sarah insisted she’d drive him but first wanted to go home, which was just a few blocks away, to shower.  She offered Keith the opportunity to shower also.  Keith couldn’t believe his good fortune.  How was it possible he could spent time alone with this beautiful woman? 

At 5’ 6”, Sarah was not a giant but seemed to carry herself bigger than her height.  Due to years of running, she was fit and had firm, toned legs and buns.  Whenever Keith saw her, he felt God personally made her.  In his eyes, she was perfect.  Her eyes, her smile, her lips, her hips, all of it was perfect.  Being a fan of the Seinfeld sitcom, Keith thought of the quote by the Elaine Benes character: “Well, the female body is a … work of art.  The male body is utilitarian, it’s for gettin’ around, like a jeep.”  Sarah was a work of art.  

Keith thought nothing of going to Sarah’s house to take a shower since he knew she still lived with her parents.  It ended up being as benign as expected.  He chatted with her mother while she showered and then took a fast shower.  He mostly wanted to get the saltwater and any clinging sand off his body.  Once showered, he put on the clothes he wore to the beach.  He had changed to his swim suit at the beach. 

While at the house, Sarah was on automatic, getting things done and didn’t speak with Keith unless she had to.  Sarah’s mother was a conscientious hostess and offered Keith something to drink and ensured he had a towel and wash cloth for his shower.  Once they had both finished showering and dressing, they headed out the door.  Keith was amazed at her beauty in spite of wearing no makeup.  Also, she merely had her hair pulled back into a ponytail.  She often wore her hair in different styles.  To Keith, that made her more mysterious, more enticing.  

At the mall, Sarah insisted they shop for suits first.  Every time Keith saw one he liked she cajoled him into modeling it.  In the beginning, Keith could only picture shopping with his mother when he was little.  She’d make him try on clothes but she decided whether or not he liked it.  Sarah made this process fun.  She helped coordinate shirts and ties and made him strut around like a model.  She even make cat calls to him.  He savored the attention.

After looking at suits for Keith, they stopped at the Sbarro’s in the food court and each got a slice of pizza to eat.  They walked to the store where Sarah wanted to shop and sat outside munching away.  Keith was hungrier than he realized.  He ordered a pepperoni slice and Sarah got a supreme which was loaded with onions.  When the food was gone, she began shopping.  After an hour and a half, she had what she needed.  However, every time she tried on clothes, Keith said she also had to model them for him.  

With each ensemble she took into the dressing room, she would call out to him when she was ready.  Then with dramatic flair she would come out holding poses or acting a part based on the outfit.  When she finished trying on everything, she asked Keith which two outfits she should purchase.  He replied, “I think you look great in all of them.  Just two?”

“That’s all that’s in the budget.”

He pointed to the outfits he liked but said, “I don’t want to pick something that isn’t on your ‘must have’ list.  I trust you to get the best ones.”

“Your mother raised you well.”

Laughing, Keith replied, “Oh really?  Sometimes, people can accidently say something right.”

After picking the outfits she wanted, there was a blouse Keith loved.  He decided to purchase it for her.  He wanted to do so secretly but didn’t know when he’d be able to return to the mall due to his work schedule.  Instead, he would be bold and tell her he would buy it.  At first she refused but he firmly said, “I want to do this for you.  Please don’t take this away from me.”  After the transaction was completed, she hugged him warmly.

As they walked out to her Kia Forte Koup, his heart soared.  Her car was a 5-Speed and Keith noticed as she drove her hand remained on the stick shift.  He felt a magnetism drawing his hand to hers.  He didn’t want to overstep any boundaries.  Perhaps he was reading too much into her actions on this day.  Finally, he decided to seize the day.  He reached his hand out placed it on hers, cupping his fingers around and into her palm.  She curled her thumb onto his fingers.  Every time she had to stop at a traffic light, their hands remained together as she would shift through the gears. 

When she pulled into a parking spot in front of his apartment, Keith wondered if he should kiss her.  As he turned to face her, he expressed thanks for the good time.  She smiled and softly said, “I had a good time.”  Then she did something he didn’t expect.  She leaned forward to him.  The magnetism he earlier felt with her hand quadrupled as he found himself leaning to meet her. 

Their lips touched setting off a kaleidoscope of colors in Keith’s vision.  As a youngster, he always wondered why people closed their eyes when they kissed.  Even though he had kissed other women, no kiss was like this.  He closed his eyes to savor every sensation in every nerve ending in his body.  Never had there been such a cornucopia of sensations or feelings.  A rush of adrenaline and endorphins shot through his body.  Every sense was hyperaware of his surroundings but he put all of his focus into her lips and her right cheek and left shoulder as his hands moved to touch them. 

They kissed with passion for a few moments when she parted the connection.  She gazed into his eyes.  He felt he actually could see her soul.  There was a purity in the moment.   Sweetly, softly she said, “Thank you for a wonderful evening.  I had a lot of fun.  Also, thanks for the blouse.  I love it.”

“I had a lot of fun too.  Thank you for the ride home.”  Not sure what else to do, Keith added, “Good night.”

“Good night.”

Keith leaned in for one more and then opened the door.  

As he stared at the ceiling while trying to sleep, he could still feel her lips on his.  He brought his hand up and touched his lips with his index finger in the hope they were still kissing.  No such luck.  He slept is fits and starts, dreaming of Sarah.  Over and over, he saw her smile, he felt her lips on his. 

Enticing

Keith had known Sarah for more than a year.  She was the friend of a friend and though she never gave an indication of interest, Keith was smitten the moment he saw her.  When “The Group” got together for some event, whether lunch, dinner or a trip to Six Flags, Keith noticed everything about Sarah.  He loved her wavy blonde hair and blue eyes.  Normally, he preferred redheads but Sarah was different.  She had an infectious laugh and smile.  In Keith’s eyes, Sarah was perfect.  Sadly, he believed there was no hope of a future with her.  That is, until yesterday.

The Group got together at Coquina Beach on Ana Maria Island.  It was an afternoon of fun in the sun.  Keith liked the sand on the Ana Maria Island beaches.  It was very fine like powder and squeaked when walking on it.  As soon as they could view the gulf, Vince complained the waves were wimpy.  Nonetheless, The Group made the most of their time.  Some snorkeled or sunbathed.  Ron jogged up and down the beach.  Jessie loved to collect shells and watch the coquinas rebury themselves in the sand when waves rolled them from their safety. 

Keith, Jason and Joy clung to floats in the deep water beyond the sand bar.  Ordinarily, they would be closer to shore jumping into the waves as they rose and crashed to the shore.  On this day, they floated along, relaxing and talking about current events.  They spoke for about 10 minutes when Keith noticed Sarah swimming toward them.  The conversations continued until she neared them and began treading water, inching the rest of the way to Keith’s float and held onto it.  Breathless, she greeted everyone by saying, “What’s up?”

Jason replied, “Nothing much.  Just solving the world’s problems.”

Joy chimed in saying, “Actually, we are trying to get our lives in order first.  That is about done but we have big, solid ideas to fix the world.”

Keith savored Sarah’s proximity to him.  He noticed her hair was somewhat messy when she lowered herself under water and looked skyward as she returned to the surface.  After slicking back her tresses with her hand, she placed it next to Keith’s on the float and touched him in the process.  Electricity shot through Keith’s body.  Every neuron was fine tuned to her touch.  It was joy!  Sheer, rapturous joy he felt.  Keith did not move his hand and Sarah made no effort to move hers.  Did she know of the connection?  Keith believed she had to have felt the jolt of electricity jump from Keith’s hand to hers. 

The conversation between the four of them continued for another 10 minutes when Joy and Jason started for shore.  Sarah asked, “You heading back too?”

“No, I’m good but I can’t be too much longer or I’ll start looking like a cooked lobster.  How’s work been?”  He would risk getting completely fried by the sun if it meant spending just a few more minutes with her.

“Oh fine except this wench who works in the office next to mine.  She is talking on her cell phone all day long and doesn’t do her job.  I end up making up the slack for her.  I hate working with lazy people.  I guess I get that from my dad.  He always said he’d rather work with a thief or liar than a lazy person.”

“Why’s that?”

“The thief, you don’t trust them so you always watch your stuff.  The liar, you don’t believe what they tell you but the lazy person, you have to work double to make up for their lazy ways.”

Keith pondered for a moment, then replied, “That makes sense.”

She started acting playful with him which was new.  She splashed him and he splashed back.  He loved it and hoped it would never end.  After a few more minutes of playful conversation in close proximity Sarah remarked Keith’s shoulders were turning red.  They began kicking for shore.  The current pushed them north of the spot where everyone camped on the beach.  Upon reaching his towel, Keith carefully positioned himself to sit without getting sand on his things.  He turned and retrieved sunscreen from his bag and squirted some into his hand.  He began rubbing it onto his shoulders when Sarah mentioned he wasn’t reaching a part that needed a touch up. 

“Well, why don’t you help instead of just standing there?”  Oh he hoped she would.

She knelt behind him with one knee barely touching his lower back.  Was she interested in him?  She had to be.  Was she sending signals?  If so, why were there none the previous year or so they’d known each other?  Women are so confusing!