THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti What have YOU noticed in these chapters? What is making an impact on your mind and heart and causing you to ponder? The floor is open... --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Okay - I'll add some thoughts for the chapters. Ashton Community Church - Chaff and wheat - the separation is occurring. The call of Isaiah 55 - turn from your evil ways. Forgiveness is available. My words do not come back void. My will will be accomplished. Joy and peace will be the result- promises of hope for the remnant despite the covering darkness. Ashton United Christian Church - The message - the answer to all things is in ourselves because we are made in the image of God - a completely different view from what is being taught at ACC, but one that in today's world is not an uncommon ideology. How often do we hear the words "follow your heart?* Jeremiah 17:9 tells us the heart is "deceitful " and *desperately wicked." Not the ideal place to find guidance for our lives. Peretti shows us who is actually in charge of all the people who think they are divine. The shadows of the hands resting on their shoulders. I have to feel for Marshall Hogan's situation - does he maintain a pseudo peaceful family or pursue the truth of what is going on behind closed doors? Oh my - the knowledge that Shawn and Pastor Young go way back. I want to know the details of that! Wasn't it interesting looking at the "Demon Board Meeting?" We know there's a hierarchy of angels. Why wouldn't it be the same in the enemy lineup? I found it fascinating to think of the possibility that nothing would be off limits on the evil side. What does that look like when we run pride, lust, lying, etc to the full uninhibited max? Why is the Strongman confined to the ranch? What is the ultimate plan that these evil ones are working towards? The history of Tal and Rafar. I want to know more, There's blood in the water and the shark is circling for the opportune moment. The continuing attack on family - Sandy with Langstrat. Who brought her ? Shawn. Shawn keeps appearing in the mix, doesn't he. But guess what? Mama Bear Kate has a bad feeling about him. Something's just not sitting right with her about the situation. We Mama's are good at sniffing those situations out aren't we? Carmen and Pastor Hank - the stage is set for the fall, but can Hank overcome the temptation? How many men in pastoral or strong Christian leadership have we heard about that have fallen in this way? Meanwhile, Mary is being attacked spiritually and physically. I love how Peretti shows us the physical scene of what is happening and then the spiritual realm scene -Triskal's battle. Marshall and Bernice- is the stage being set for a similar situation to Hank and Carmen? Is that possible with Bernice's drive to find out what happened to her sister? Is she a pawn in all of this? The inner workings of the town and the college - the replacement of all the people from the grocery store to the professors. What is the ultimate goal here? I feel like I am staring at a painting where all the colors are being painted on, but I can't see the subject bring portrayed. All of these parts are dancing before my eyes and in the snap of a moment, everything will come into focus. Hopefully, it won't be too late for some of our favorite people when they realize what's really going on.

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti This has been a "picture is starting to emerge" reading week with This Present Darkness. The parts of the story, like random puzzle pieces that have been snapped together, are starting to take shape into a central form. One of the parts that has been the most fun for me to watch in this book is the working of the angels, under the direction of God, to direct the footsteps of those searching for the answers in the swirling mess of Ashton. One of my favorite verses to put in graduation cards applies here, " and your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, 'This is the way, walk in it,' when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left."( Isaiah 30:21) I would be remiss if I didn't mention Proverbs 3:5-6 here as well. Doesn't that give you such joy and hope? It does me. I get things so messed up sometimes, but God is in the business of untangling and redirecting to reach the end goal. Thank goodness! Back to the book. I loved the part where Armoth's sword pierced through the hood of the car, and Bernice ended up "running into" Kevin Weed. (I had to laugh at his last name.) Appointed places. Appointed times. I have experienced them in my own life, and it always gives me the reassurance knowing God is in the small stuff, the day-to-day stuff, right alongside me. I also loved the continued view of scenes from a human perspective and then from a spiritual perspective. To see the Strongman surrounded by all of his demon cohorts and then to meet Alexander Kaseph was a light of understanding finally illuminating. Now we have arrived. The attack on the college finances, the desire of Kaseph to purchase the college - the happenings are starting to make sense. Langstrat's role in the process, the replacing of key individuals - the why is beginning to be answered. There are so many other places to go here. The revealing of the Maidservant and her part in all of this, the increased attendance at Hank Busche's church (the troops are rallying), but it was a point that came up in the conversation between Hogan and Harmel that I am really thinking about as I close my book this week. The question of who is controlling whom in the relationship between Langstrat and her group and the "instructors." We, as humans, are such dumb sheep sometimes. We like to think we're in control, but we're not. We're always following something. As I sign off from this post, I find myself asking myself, "What is it that I'm following the most right now? Is it what I want to be following?" Self examination is never easy but is very important. Now the floor is open to you. What are you noticing, pondering about, meditating on? Comment away!

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti The sky is dark and ominous out the window as I write this book post. Fitting for the chapters we are about to step into. The darkness is accumulating around Ashton, and we are hurtling towards our first major spiritual confrontation. Before we get there though.. We have the juxtaposition of the Omni Corporation/Omni International and The Remnant throughout these chapters. Omni, the Greek word for "all," desires to lose any form or individuality and meld into a "universal mind." The buying up of all the properties, the fingers stuck not only into every area in Ashton but nationally and internationally is troubling. At the helm of it all, in Ashton, is Langstrat. But we have to wonder how real that is. I found the messenger scene fascinating. The blonde-haired girl appearing in Langstrat's semi-conscious, spirit-world connected mind Rafar waiting for the bidding to move. How long do you think Langstrat will be calling the shots? (I think we see the real hierarchy of power in what happens to Ted Harmel. Do you think at one time Harmel felt like he was controlling his destiny? That the "messengers" were at his command? )Then the blonde charade falls away, and we see who the messenger really is - a demon. Now compare this to The Remnant. To use a sports term, they are clearly the underdogs, but as we see the prayers begin, all I could think was "Where 2 or 3 are gathered,,," The ones who are trying to control it all versus the ones who are trying to give it all up to their Heavenly Father. However, we learn in the angels' discussion that Hogan and Busche will fall for a season. Note that God's not causing the fall, but it will be used none the less. I have to mention Kate here for a moment. Can we understand as women her frustration? The hope of having her husband back when they moved to the small town of Ashton, and now the mistress (work) is back. Then we have the kicking of the beehive by Marshall and Bernice. The metaphorical picture of the sandcastle about to be swallowed up by the wave sets the stage for what comes next. I'm not going to cover it all, but we all knew what the stillness meant, didn't we. The calm before the storm. Ted Harmel's call was horrific, wasn't it? The heart pounding terror Marshall feels as he steps into the house. The picture of the demons clinging everywhere. The opening of the bedroom door and the discovery of Ted Harmel's body unleashes the war between the spiritual beings. The demons circle around Marshall, and the angels fight back in their glorified state. Without saying much more, Peretti leaves us in an unexpected position when he closes the chapter. Hogan arrested, Strachan and his wife missing, their house a picture of destruction. The fall of Hogan Marshall begins.

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti My word for these chapters is going to be CONFRONTATION. Even though there's good and bad confrontation, it generally stinks. It's hard! Even when it's good, we avoid it for all its worth. The situation becomes an infected sore under the skin, festering with puss and swelling, affecting every bit of life until there's no choice left but to address it and drain it. That's what we have here. CONFRONTATION NUMBER 1 - I've got to start with the encounter with Bobby Corsi. The pus inside him is real. It's controlling every part of his life. In fact, he is NO LONGER IN CONTROL of his life at all. He attacks Bernice. Previously he attacked Mary (remember the car incident?). The demons recognize Hank Busche, Andy Forsythe, and the angels that are watching over them. Immediately, I am taken back to Mark 5:1-20 where Jesus encounters the possessed man among the tombs. "What is your name?" Jesus asked him. "Legion," he replied, "for we are many." Direct confrontation is coming! You know, the difficult, but the freeing kind! When Corsi is free, boy, does he have a lot of info to share including the name "Rafar." CONFRONTATION NUMBER 2 - Marshall storms into the station and is directed to the conference room where Alf Brummel and several town leaders are waiting for him. Confrontation done under human power instead of God's power. Marshall thought he had the upper hand, didn't he? He had his ducks all in a row. He thought he was untouchable, but one by one the hammers fell and with it Marshall's life. Everything he's ever invested himself in is gone. Even though he played by the rules! His business, his home, his family. Gone! How interesting after Kate and Marshall talk, she mentions her mother has a dream and has been praying for Marshall. This battle isn't going to be won on human power. CONFRONTATION NUMBER 3 - Kaseph and Susan. Ummm, I finished our assigned reading for the week, but I couldn't let this creepy situation dangle over unresolved until next week. No way! I needed to know what happened! Susan caught! Prepared for ritualistic sacrifice. Closure needed here! Peretti's words, " ...and now they (the demons) were laughing with the smell of approaching death like a sweet perfume in their nostrils" were chilling. As I read this, Christ's words in John 10:10 rang in my ears. "The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly." What a stark difference. I can't end on the subject of confrontation, though. Instead, I have to end on PRAYER. What a beautiful picture we have when Hank and Andy call a prayer meeting and people from Ashton's past that have been run out of town return. The remnant is growing and in unexpected ways. I'm just going to end this by saying God shows up in mighty ways when you need it. I've been through some tough times, and every time He showed up. He promises that, "He will never leave us, nor forsake us," and He doesn't. Big things are coming.

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti The plot continues to thicken and the tension continues to rise, doesn't it? This week's reading really brought to light the fact that WE NEED A SAVIOR. We like to pretend that we can do a lot on our own power, but honestly we can only make it so far before we fall flat on our face. Of course, I am referring to what is happening to Susan, Marshall, and Hank. All three have found themselves wrapped up in situations that they need rescued from. One is on the cusp of losing her life, one is being drawn to the point where he will meet the Savior face to face and decide if he will choose to follow him, the third has been faithfully following the Lord, and the difficulties he is facing will most likely cause him to step even deeper into his relationship with Christ. Guys, there's no getting around the fact that tough things happen in life. Every one of us is probably facing a challenge of some sort. Some are facing harder challenges than others. I don't believe God causes those hardships to occur (often times, they are of our own making), but He will use hardships to draw us closer to Him. He alone can rescue us from the sin and fallen state that we find ourselves in. Romans 8:38-39 is a fitting verse for right here. "Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present, nor the future, not any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Can I get an Amen? But we can't stop there. The hardships that Susan, Marshall, and Hank are facing are to bring them to Christ (or closer to Christ), but it's also to save an entire town. This plan, this working is much bigger than three people. Christ is in the personal day-to-day, but He's also in the big picture. He's into ETERNITY. These chapters showcased the taking down of Susan, Hank, and Marshall. Chapter 32 closes with Ashton being served up on a platter to the Strongman by Rafar. It's feeling like the darkness is overpowering the light. But I've got a feeling that a resurrection is on it's way!

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti We're all familiar with that middle-of-the-night instant wake-up aren't we? We may not see angels standing before us in our bedrooms (maybe some of you have), but we know the feeling of a person or a particular situation being laid on our heart and the overwhelming feeling of urgency to pray. It's time to get the prayer coverage established and growing for the town of Ashton. Big things are going down. I'm not a believer in random happenings. I loved Hank Busche and Marshall Hogan ending up in a jail cell together, because there is no other explanation for it but the working hand of God in their lives. I love the zing that goes down my spine when I think of that, because I've experienced that same intervention in my own life. What a feeling to know the God of the Universe is personally invested in your life and mine! The outcome of all of this? The saving of Marshall Hogan. Marshall's hit rock bottom. He's lost it all. There's no where left to turn. Did God allow Marshall to dig himself into this hole? You better believe He did! He knew exactly what the result of Hogan standing on his own power would be: complete destruction. God doesn't leave him n the muck and the mire though, does He? He patiently extends His hand and waits for him to grab on. The process of restoration has begun. He is so faithful! Meanwhile, we've got Bernice making her way to meet with Susan. The whole motorcycle episode with Betsy is Hebrews 13:2. Have you ever stopped to think that we have the possibility of brushing shoulders with angels and not be aware of it? Have you ever been in a crowded area and wondered if there's an angel among the group? What an amazing thought! The other thing this whole event is bringing to my mind is after the showdown between Elijah and King Ahab on Mt. Carmel, God hid Elijah by a brook, and the ravens fed him. He was refreshed after the battle. I loved when Betsy pulls out the lunch, and Bernice is blessed by the littlest details right down to a blueberry yogurt. That's God! On the darker side of things, The Strongman is now possessing Kaseph. Shawn Ormaby and Langstrat have Sandy right where they want her. Bernice's questions about Pat are being answered thanks to the diary Susan gives her. The college is about to be sold. Everything is in position for the takeover of Ashton.

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti We're rounding the corner to the finish line on this great book! We will have today's post and next week's post, and that will wrap up This Present Darkness. I'll put out a post today on what our next book club pick will be and lay out the schedule. I'm finding with this book, there's always a significant theme or image that really resonates with me. In our reading each week This time it's Tal, the mighty warrior, blowing his trumpet. It signals the Heavenly Host that the wait is over. It's time to put things right. Oh, and it's a signal to the evil forces as well. Their heyday is coming to an end. The first part I'm going to bring to the table is the juxtaposition of a typical Sunday, summer day in Ashton and this particular summer day in Chapter 38. The very air is crackling with the presence of the demons, and it's affecting everything in a very negative way. The town is groaning (Romans 8:22) as if under tremendous pressure and pain, and it's building. Kaseph, indwelt by The Strongman, approaches. Second, how interesting to watch the demons fall for their own tricks. Rafar stands on the high point and calls out to Tal. PRIDE and CONCEIT ooze through his call, don't they? We know what that's going to get him don't we? Later, in Chapters 39-40, the DECEPTION that Lucius uses against Rafar to secure his falling is fantastic. Lucius has been waiting for this moment, hasn't he? He's been lurking in the shadows for the opportune moment to dethrone Rafar and humiliate him. The fascination of all of this? Watching it play out in the human form between Brummel and Langstrat. The ending? Brummel shoots Langstrat, and Lucius stabs Rafar. The third, and last part I'll touch on in this post, is Sandy Hogan. We're going to circle back around to deception; the revelation of who Madeline really is. Wow, what to say here? Deception is all around us. It comes to us in so many attractive and desirable forms. Just like Sandy, we follow it down a path willingly, believing the entire time that we have control until it is too late. The chains of the deception wrap around us and bury us. (I'm getting an image of Marley dragging his chains across the floor as he talks to Scrooge. Every year that passed he formed another link that became his own undoing.) For our present day, those chains can be spiritual guidance, addiction, sex/pornography, illegal practices, how we treat others, etc. Link upon link, chain upon chain. There's only one name that has the ability to free Sandy, and one name that can free us as well. Any thoughts to add? I'd love to hear them! Share in the comments.

THIS PRESENT DARKNESS by Frank Peretti Well, here we are fellow Book Clubbers, the last post of This Present Darkness. This has been such a timely book for me. It has served as a reminder that despite the tension and unrest in the world around us, there is a God who ultimately rules, and one day, all will be set right. There is good and truth, and one day they will cover this universe from end to end. Hallelujah! But for now, let's plunge back into where we left off last week. It's time for the final showdown. Despite Lucius' confrontation with Rafar, we knew he couldn't beat the powerful demon. After all, there has to be a battle between Tal and Rafar. One that will settle things for the ages, so Lucius is destroyed and sent to the abyss. Definitely, one of the most powerful scenes in these chapters is the freeing of Sandy. The knife is handed to her both spiritually and physically. I have to tell you my heart broke for all of those we have known in life that have been lost to suicide. The chains that bound them to what seemed like unbreakable circumstances were overwhelming. But God wasn't finished was He? Guilo shows up and he slices through those binding chains. Sandy spiritually begins to leave the dark depths and move towards the light. The beautiful frosting on this cake, restoration! Her dad's waiting for her. (Wasn't it fulfilling when Hogan punched Shawn?) Then we moved to the anticipated battle between Tal and Rafar. Last time they battled it lasted 23 days. I am wondering if it was the time an angel was sent to Daniel in the Bible and was intercepted by the Prince of Persia, and Michael intervened. Rafar ultimately is destroyed, but not without an exhausting battle. Tal cries out for the prayers of the saints. For some reason I continued to have a visual of Moses watching the Israelites battle the Amalekites. When his arms were uplifted and supported by Aaron and Hur, the Israelites prevailed. When the prayers of the saints go up, Tal is able to get the upper hand over Rafar. Speaking of Michael, the Archangel, you know that that's who The General is right? The Strongman is defeated and the darkness is overcome by the light. The town of Ashton is released from the evil stronghold. Families are reunited. Wrong accusations are righted. The last scene we see is the saving of Bernice. She doesn't know where to go or what to do, but the Holy Spirit does. God never leaves a seeker of Him behind. What a promise! The angels can't exit Ashton without watching this and rejoicing. Luke 15:10. And that's where it ends! I hope you enjoyed the book! I know I sure did! If you are looking for the next chapter in all of this, you might want to check out Peretti's sequel, Piercing the Darkness.

GAMERVILLE by Johnnie Christmas Max Lightning is a serious gamer, and he's just made it to the gamer championships at GAMERVILLE. The only problem? His parents (especially his mom) have noticed the hours that he spends playing video games and decided it's time to make a change. Max is being sent to Camp Reset, a no tech allowed camp for kids. The worst part? Max will be hanging out in nature when he's supposed to be competing. Author Johnnie Christmas's newest graphic novel deals with the love that kids have for video games but swirls into the mix the possibility of there being something of value that can still be learned in the great outdoors.

ONCE A CASTLE (BOOK 2 IN THE CARRICK HALL SERIES) by Sarah Arthur Once a Castle is the second book in the Carrick Hall Series. Following on the heels of Once a Queen, Once a Castle definitely has a Magician's Nephew ( get ready to meet a Jadis-esque enchantress that wants to rule the country of Ternival) and A Wrinkle in Time vibe to it. Following some of the same characters from Once a Castle who are trying to free Ternival from Mindra, the enchantress, the goal is to keep Mindra from reuniting the crown of old with its stones, but every time someone gets close to her, they disappear. Encased within the story, Arthur digs into tough topics such as the prejudice one family is facing in the village surrounding Carrick Hall ( this family holds a secret from the past that is part of the answer to freeing Ternival from Mindra). She also brings a character into the story that struggles with dyslexia. Overall, Once a Castle successfully carries on the excitement and adventure that began in Book One. This series continues to be a squeaky clean option for our YAers. Book three, Once a Crown, is currently in the works. HEADS UP- Just like in Book One, there is an element of magic involved in the story. This magic is comparable to what is found in the Narnia series.

ALL BY HIMSELF? by Elana K. Arnold. Illustrated by Giselle Potter. All By Himself is the thought provoking picture book that explores the idea do we really do anything completely by ourselves? In the case of the picture book, a small boy creates a masterpiece out of his blocks, but did he actually do it all on his own? No, it involved an entire cast of behind-the-scenes people from the grandmother who purchased the blocks to the man who tended the tree that the wood came from that made the blocks. This book explores the life truth (in a very basic manner) that as people, we really do need each other and are dependent on each other no matter how self-sufficient we may desire to be. This book is a great reminder no matter your age!

ANIMAL FARM by George Orwell Animal Farm is the fascinating allegorical story of the Russian Revolution set on a traditional English farm. After overthrowing Farmer Jones, the animals of Manor Farm gain control and move quickly towards a life that promises freedom and unlimited benefits for all. Led by the pigs, the animals work together for the common good of the animal race. All is well, until the pigs begin to pursue the idea of power at the expense of their fellow animals. Little by little the animals are stripped of their freedoms by the pigs and are enslaved in a greater manner than what they started out in. This thought-provoking story showcases what happens when communism gets a hold of a people (or in this case animals). While it is not an absolute necessity, it is beneficial to have a bit of familiarity with Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin to really appreciate this book in its fullest capacity. Orwell is a master at creating likable characters among the innocent animals such as Boxer, the draft horse. He is also a master of creating the detestable characters like Napoleon and Squealer among the pigs. Be prepared to fall in love with Boxer and his willingness to give everything he has towards Animal Farm for the benefit of all, and be prepared to immensely dislike the pigs that quickly take advantage of the loyalty and commitment of others.