Rhonda Bronte Brown is a National Board-Certified Teacher and retired teacher/counselor whose work has appeared in Better Than Starbucks, The Trouvaille Review, Meat for Tea, The Orchards Poetry Journal and The Best Haiku 2025 international anthology and several online journals. She holds both a BS and a Master’s degree and writes children’s literature and poetry exploring nature, SEL, and STEM.
Swift-winged wonders rule the world, Hums and beats, their wings unfurled. Hummingbirds need constant fuel. Brilliant blooms attract this jewel. Forward, backward, upside down. These dashing fliers zip around.
Golden flowers brilliant blooms Entice birds with shiny plumes. Blazing Star to Geranium, Coral Bells to Delphinium. Flower meadows, patchwork plots, Scattered seeds in local lots.
Trouvaille Review, March 23, 2022 Publication
A hummingbird hovers while feeding on nectar from bright orange trumpet flowers
Pollinators and Pollinizers (WIP)
Swarms, Swallows and Swifts
Fuzzy bees who run the world, busy beats, their wings unfurled. Orchard bees seek apple trees, guided by a fragrant breeze. Golden pearls spread all about, gathered by a tiny scout.
Fragrant flowers spread their scent, Whiffs and swirls in spring’s ascent. Flowers dust with pollen threads, Blooming hues of blues and reds. Bees make honey, rich and sweet, Lavender their favorite treat.
Colonies and swarms of bees, spread pollen from budding trees. Flowers shine like landing lights, guiding bees along their flights. From spring’s first bloom to autumn’s fall, this busy work sustains us all.
Butterflies Skippers/Swallows
Dainty dancers run the world, whispered beats, their wings impearled. Butterflies from all around follow scents that hug the ground. Dancing feet atop a bloom, search for nectar to consume.
Clustered flowers, vivid hues, yellows, reds, and some blues. Seeds take hold in fertile earth, stretching roots to prove their worth. Coneflowers, scattered seeds paired best with butterfly weeds.
Hummingbirds Tree Swifts
Swiftest gems that rule the world, Hums and beats, their wings unfurled. Hummingbirds need constant fuel. Trumpet flowers feed this jewel. Forward, backward, upside down These feisty fliers zip around.
Golden flowers, brilliant blooms entice birds with shining plumes. Blazing Star and Geranium, Coral Bells and Delphinium. Flower meadows, patchwork plots, scattered seeds in vacant lots.
Bees buzz around vibrant lavender flowers as the sun sets over rolling hills.
Excerpts from, Yes, Flowers Have Favorites, Too!
Did you know some flowers have favorites? Yes, flowers do have favorites!
Bees waggle-dance, butterflies flutter by, hummingbirds fly upside down, just for flowers.
Brilliant blooms, sweet fragrances, blazing color and loads of nectar, all for pollinators.
Early birds may get the worm, so too, early bees get the pollen.
Fuzzy bees who run the world,
busy beats, their wings unfurled.
Orchard bees seek apple trees,
guided by a fragrant breeze.
Golden pearls spread all about,
gathered by a tiny scout.
From sunrise to sunset, bees are on the move.
They visit more flowers than any other pollinator.
Bees are expert flower finders.
Fragrant flowers spread their scent,
whiffs and swirls in spring's ascent.
Flowers dust with pollen threads,
blooming hues of blues and reds.
Bees make honey, rich and sweet,
lavender their favorite treat.
Lavender releases extra scent, especially for honeybees.
Excited bees beeline back to the hive and perform a waggle dance to share the news.
Flowers keep bees busy all day in fields of clover, wildflowers along forest edges, on desert plains, and in garden spaces,
Colonies and swarms of bees,
spread pollen from budding trees.
Flowers shine like landing lights,
guiding bees along their flights.
From spring’s first bloom to autumn’s fall,
this busy work sustains us all.
Flowers depend on pollinators and pollinators depend on flowers.
A partnership shaped by scent, color and time.
New Twist at the end!
Yes, Flowers Have Favorites, Too!
“Hi! Polly Pollinizer, here with a few buzz-worthy facts.”
Meet the busiest pollinators. They rise with the first scent of spring.
Early birds may get the worm, early bees get the pollen.
Flowers hold hidden nectar guides, patterns bees see in ultraviolet light. To them, blooms shine like landing lights.
Bees vibrate their wings, shaking pollen loose, dusting themselves in gold.
Lavender flowers release a scent especially for honeybees.
When they find a rich patch, they race back to the hive and perform a waggle dance to share the news.
Drip. Drop. SPLASH.
A raindrop can knock a bee from the sky- but bees sense rain before it falls. They turn midair and hurry home.
Each flower offers its own enchantment.
Lavender releases a scent just for honeybees. Marigolds guard against hungry pests. Perennial asters return year after year. Wildflowers root in unlikely places.
faded white wood planks engulfed in quamoclit, a reclaimed quiescent
the object I seek is blatantly obvious, yet invisible.
frustrating-
just like leaving my intentions behind while crossing the doorway.
I laugh as humor seats itself quietly.
The first time I ever saw a dead body was in the woods. The open coffin sat where the porch swing once hung. The rusted ceiling bolts served as a reminder of what was.
That old dingy porch framed a poignant image; - an unintentional mental snapshot. Death stood at the doorway, barring entrance.
The splattered sunlight melded with the shadows. The white wood planks faded into the background- engulfed in sadness.
The inner light was gone; only a shell remained. Nature reclaims what it intends.
Yet life lives on where memories flow. A sweet benison between the falling rain--
When life feels delayed, wait on the Lord. Harmony doesn't work like we expected sometimes.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus are certainly a story of Jesus' delayed action. For example, while Jesus raised Jarius’ daughter by speaking a word and stopped a funeral in the middle of its processional, He specifically waited until Lazarus had been dead in the grave for four days. [The four days have a Jewish significance.] This contrast in timing draws our attention to the different ways Jesus works in various situations.
The heartbreak was real. Jesus wept. Yet this story highlights Martha’s resilient faith in Jesus. She moved beyond simply saying, "If you had been here, Lazarus would not have died." This builds on Jesus’ remarkable timing.
John 11: 22, “Even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give You.”
Previously, Martha served and insisted that Mary help, but Jesus said, "Mary is doing a good thing." It is helpful to see how Martha’s actions fit into her journey of faith, her gift was hospitality, service and administration. She keep things running.
But, Martha’s faith was not lacking; Martha was about her natural gifts and talents in serving God. Her faith was just as deep, her love was ever true. This deeper understanding sheds light on her character that I did not understand until now.
Martha displayed ‘even now faith. A faith that trusted Jesus despite not understanding God's plan or purpose, affirming her belief in Him even in sorrow.
This lesson on 'even now faith' shows that even when the sorrow is so heavy, faith can remain steady. Martha’s resilience is an inspiration drawn from her actions amid grief.
Initially, it seemed that Jesus rebuked Martha, but He actually redirected her. Her ‘even now faith’ shows how to keep trusting even in the face of heartbreak and not knowing God's plan or purpose.
Politeness: Tradition vs Heart
In Matthew 15, the Pharisees were upset that Jesus' disciples did not wash their hands before they ate. Today, I learned it wasn't that they did not wash their hands, the disciples did not follow the correct procedures for washing their hands- a traditional method established by the religious elite.
Instead of focusing on tradition, Jesus used scripture to reveal their true heart. He pointed out that children were breaking the commandment to honor thy father and mother by failing to care for them as they age. Rather than fulfilling this duty, they would say, "I am giving it to God," thereby nullifying the commandment
V. 5-6: 'Whoever shall say to his father or mother, "Anything of mine you might have helped by has been given to God," he is not an honor to his father or his mother." Thus, you invalidated the Word of God for the sake of your traditions.
Peter asked Jesus to explain what He meant. Later, in a vision described in Acts 10, Peter recognized that his heart should be grounded on the solid rock of God's Word, not man's traditions.
Today's perspective: Examine the way I follow God's word or traditional church thinking, or cultural perspectives. Am I silent when I should speak, is what I say steeped in God's Word and not my own point of view wrapped in traditional thinking?
Fresh Voice: In the midst of the chaotic world, God reminds us in Isaiah 30:15, ‘In repentance and rest you shall be saved, in quietness and trust is your strength.’ Even if I cannot grasp all the world’s turmoil, I know that by seeking Jesus daily, I gain a new perspective. No matter the season of life, it is God who prepares the heart for salvation and discipleship.
Benediction, a word of layered meaning, with the story of Peter and becoming fishers of men. The miracle of a catch that nearly sunk two boats wasn’t its end but the beginning.
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Benediction and Fishers of Men
Simon Peter returned from an unsuccessful night of fishing. When a crowd gathered to hear Jesus, He got onto Peter's boat to teach while Peter and his companions cleaned their nets. Peter listened.
After the fruitless night, Jesus told Simon, "Put out into deep water and let down your nets for a catch." It was midday, the nets were already cleaned, and fishing was not typical at this hour. Still, despite skepticism, Peter replied, "I will do as You say."
They caught so many fish that two boats began to sink. This miracle prompted Peter to recognize Jesus, marking his salvation, and from then on, Peter was called to be a fisher of men. This moment transitions us from witnessing Peter's transformation to reflecting on its broader significance.
Reflecting on these events, we must ask: Do we fully grasp the meaning and importance of this miracle as the beginning of the church age? These questions lead us to examine our own responses. Building upon this reflection, consider how Jesus stood on Peter's platform as a foundation. Can He also work through your life? Yes, He can.
Given this foundation, how many people have come to faith across the church age because Peter said yes to Jesus?
With these thoughts, can we fully appreciate the magnitude and layered meaning of this miracle for the future?
What other mysteries can we uncover or see, if we only have eyes to see?
Buried Deep: Facing Depression after a magnificent victory/ Elijah
Elijah defeated the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. When Jezebel threatened his life, Elijah fled. 1 Kings 19 details his journey from depression to restoration. Verse 4 chronicles his desperation: "It is enough; now, O Lord, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers."
Rest, Eat, Pray= Healing and the Restoration of Peace
1. Elijah rested, then rose to eat (Jesus is the Bread of Life), repeating this until he was strong enough for God's next journey for him.
2. Elijah prayed three times, seeking God's help. Though angry and pitiful, he told God how he felt. God's voice was not in the strong wind, earthquake, or fire, but came as a whisper.
3. After the drama on Mount Carmel, God wanted Elijah to hear His whisper.
4. God told Elijah to anoint Hazael king over Aram, Jehu king over Israel, and Elisha as prophet—replacing Ahab and Jezebel.
5. God reminded Elijah of the 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal. Elijah was not alone.
Share your burdens with God and listen for His whisper.
Bury Deep in the Cold- Beauty Rises
Scampering about it's own bucolic beauty, idyllic daffodils
prelude to butterflies, dancing with the wind Narcissus Poeticus
next to its cousin Gravetye or snowflake daffodils welcoming spring #HaikuSaturday #poetry
backyard beauty, early spring arrival Winter's bow
A Picture Book About Time, Love, and Being Grand By R. Bronte Brown
FMF: Longing My Gran: The Grandest in the Universe grew out of a longing I’ve felt at every stage of family life. As a child, I knew the freedom of being fully present. As a parent, I experienced the intensity and exhaustion of raising children. As a grandparent, I discovered a gentler joy, one rooted in time, patience, and deep love.
This story reflects my memories of childhood, raising my own children, and now watching my grandchildren grow. Each stage carries its own kind of joy and its own kind of loss. Childhood passes. Children grow. Grandchildren leave, and the house grows quiet again.
In today’s fast-paced world, time with family often feels rushed and fragmented. This book imagines a space where time slows down, where generations overlap, and where love is not measured by clocks or schedules.
At its heart, this story explores how families both fulfill us and awaken longing, a longing for what has been, what is fleeting, and what endures beyond time. For me, that longing ultimately points heavenward, toward a love that is complete, unhurried, and eternal.
This story is on submission and may not be reproduce, sold or used in any commercial avenue.
Page 4: Dedication
Grandbabies create— a rite of passage where parents become Grand.
Title Page 5 My Gran: The Grandest in the Universe A Picture Book About Time, Love, and Being Grand By: Rhonda Brown
Spread 1: Page 6-7 (Hook)
My Gran is the grandest. She's my shining star. Hi, I’m Annaleigh
Page 7 (Surprise)
My Gran is an alien. Oh, not the kind from outer space. She’s from another time and place. Mom calls it yesteryears. Tick-Tock / Tock-Tick
Spread 2: Page 8-9 (Time Shift)
At Gran’s house, time slows down and busyness disappears.
The old and the new blend in a cosmic way. Tock-Tock-Tock
Both the past and present are a part of who I am, and that makes me special. Gran's phone sits holstered.
But I'm never bored. I made the mistake of saying so once. (Illustration: Annaleigh whispering to the reader)
Spread 3 Pages 10-11 (Action +Play)
Gran swished me off to hunt for hidden treasures with only one clue. Gran calls it The Boardroom Challenge. I call it serious business.
Spread 4: Pages 12-13 (Imagination + Games)
The Boardroom Challenge: What lies beyond its borders takes wit and cunning to master. Yet, the cleverest of braves find a way to contend with the game-meister. Enter here.
Gran is the game wizard, and I'm the assigned scorekeeper.
We battle with carriers, crazy eights, and checkers. With a bit of strategy and luck, I win.
I am a whiz-kid at checkers. "Crown me!"
Spread 5: Pages 14-15 (Signature Moment)
But when it comes to marbles, Gran exists in a world all her own. Her marbles have names: Galaxy. Stardust. Blue Ice. Jupiter. Pearl!
We set the playing field— then disrupt the universe. She is the brightest star in the universe.
Spread 6: Pages 16-17 (Time Rules)
At Gran's house, we follow rules for time and space, but not in any particular order. We buckle up, watch the moon rise, ride through meteor showers, and watch the sun peek over the horizon.
We sleep till noon.
Spread 7: Page 18-19 (Food = Joy + Control)
Breakfast may come for dinner, dinner for lunch, and a snack for supper. The best thing?
I choose my veggies— cooked or raw, with my favorite dipping sauce and sweet corn on the cob.
I flatten my pizza dough into a moon-shaped disc. Then add my favorite toppings: pizza sauce, cheesy cheese, and a pepperoni moon face.
No onions, please. How cool is that!
Spread 8: Pages 20-21 (Ritual + Sound)
Peel, double whop- POP!
My job is to open the biscuit can, lay each biscuit on the cutting board, and slice it in half with a butter knife. Gran fries them up, light and golden.
I sprinkle stardust— crispy and warm. Yum!
Spread 9: Pages 22-23
Other rules are hard to remember: I forget to brush my teeth or hang the towel after a shower, or wash my hands with soap.
Growing up means learning something new every day. I mess up. I'm sad when I do. Yet-
Spread 10: Pages 24-25 (Reassurance)
Gran's shoulder is there to remind me that growing up takes time. I can't do it all at once.
Sweetest Gran in the universe.
Spread 11: Pages 26-27
Gran says quirky things like, "Spots on leopards don't change." “Good manners are free." Never leave the house without putting on your face. I don’t always get it.
Gran says my face is perfect. I'm always good to go.
I'm cool with that.
Spread 12: Pages 28-29 (Love Made Visible)
"Yeah, Mom's here." Mom sees smudges shining on the glass door. "Uh-oh!" Gran and I made those flowers with hot-air breaths and glittered fingertips. They sparkle like a prism bouquet in the sunlight. Mom grabs the window cleaner.
“Leave them there,” Gran says. “Annaleigh made those for me.”
I am loved.
Spread 13: Pages 30-31 (Generational Time)
We sit and watch old movies together.
Is that me? No!
It's Mamma giggling with Granny Sue swinging from my tree. Tock-Tock-Tick
Spread 14: Pages 32-33 (Goodbye) Time resets. The clock chimes.
Time to go.
Hugs and kisses and sweet goodbyes. "See you soon, Gran," I say with one last hug.
Spread 15: Pages 34-35 (Understanding)
As we head back to my everyday world, a question pops into my head. “Mom, why do you say Gran is an alien?” “That’s bits of silliness, dear.
Gran said the same thing about Granny Sue. Granny Sue and I were best buddies— like you and Gran. Grandparents have a special love for their grandchildren.”
Spread 16: Pages 36-37 (Resolution)
“Now I understand. Parents are parents,” I say, “and Gran is Grand.”
Both the past and present are part of who I am. And that makes me special.
One day, I hope to be an alien just like my Gran.
Final Spread: 38-39 (Echo Ending)
Grandbabies create— a rite of passage for parents to become Grand.
An alien kind of love.
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6 responses to “My Gran is the Grandest in the Universe”
I have noticed over the last couple of weeks that the link you add to FMF does not bring the reader directly to the post. It’s not a big deal to me but you may be losing readers who don’t want to spend the extra time searching for the connected post,
I’ve noticed the same thing. When I click on the link I get a message that the page did not exist. I had to actually go to your blog and do a search for the title and it took me here, which I’m not sure is actually what you intended to post. It looks like a draft to a children’s book you wrote. I did enjoy reading it though.
That was my fault…It had an error in the title and would not let me correct it, so it is reloaded to the right of it. . I’m checking with WordPress because last week someone couldn’t access the upload. Please let me know if it happens again.
The word for today was longing. Longing, time spent with family and how it is lost in today’s world. I wrote this story with memories of my childhood, my childrens and my grandchildren. I remember the fun I had as a child, raising my kids and the ease of having grandchildren. Families fulfill and create longing. I think it is representative of longing for heaven.
My Gran: The Grandest in the Universe grew out of a longing I’ve felt at every stage of family life. As a child, I knew the freedom of being fully present. As a parent, I experienced the intensity and exhaustion of raising children. As a grandparent, I discovered a gentler joy—one rooted in time, patience, and deep love.
This story reflects my memories of childhood, raising my own children, and now watching my grandchildren grow. Each stage carries its own kind of joy—and its own kind of loss. Childhood passes. Children grow. Grandchildren leave, and the house grows quiet again.
In today’s fast-paced world, time with family often feels rushed and fragmented. This book imagines a space where time slows down, where generations overlap, and where love is not measured by clocks or schedules.
At its heart, this story explores how families both fulfill us and awaken longing—longing for what has been, what is fleeting, and what endures beyond time. For me, that longing ultimately points heavenward, toward a love that is complete, unhurried, and eternal.
Rhonda Brown Faith-forward Picture Book Parable 1335 Montana Drive WC 450 Conway, AR 72034 leighbrontebrown2@gmail.com Word Press: https://brontebrown2.com/ X: @RhondaLBrown2
Age Range: 5-8 years old Faith-based/ Inspirational/ Read Aloud
Theme: This story explores the classic omnipotence paradox through a child’s conversation with God, revealing God's nature in a clear, relational way. Story my not be sold or reproduced. It is on query. Full Story below. ---------------------------
A Riddle in a Paradox: A Conversation with the Father By Rhonda Bronte Brown
Pages 5 (Hook) Some children grow up wrapped in hugs. Some hear bedtime stories every night. And some children wonder what love is supposed to feel like.
Pages 6-7 (Hook to inciting moment) One day, a quiet boy named Tom was thinking big thoughts- thoughts about family, thoughts about love, thoughts about truth.
Some thoughts felt confusing.
Pages 8-9 (Inciting Moment) “Hello, Tom,” said a deep, gentle voice. Tom looked up. “Do I know you?” “Not yet,” said the man. “But you have heard of Me.”
Pages 10-11 ( The Big Question) Tom studied Him for a moment. “Oh, you’re God, the one everyone talks about.” “Yes.” Tom took a breath. “I have a question.” “I like questions,” God said.
“Is it true that you can do anything?” “Yes,” God replied. “I created the heavens and the earth.” Curiosity tugged at Tom’s heart. “Is there anything You can’t do?” “Yes.”
Pages 12-13 (Paradox Introduction ) Tom’s eyes widened. He was not expecting that answer. “How can both be true?” Tom asked. “It is called a paradox.” Tom looked puzzled. “That means two surprising things can both be true,” God added.
Pages 14-15 (Imagination to meaning) “Here’s a riddle for you,” said God. “Imagine I made a rock so big that it would be impossible to pick up.” Tom thought big. He stretched his arms wide. “Humongous- bigger than a mountain, bigger than the moon.”
Pages 16-17 (Bedrock Explanation) God laughed, the kind of laugh that made Tom feel safe. “Yes. And one more—a solid rock,” God said. “A bedrock.” Tom blinked. “What’s a bedrock?” Tom nodded. “It is a rock of truth,” God said. “Like Me.” “Why a bedrock?”
Pages 18-19 (Truth vs Lies- Insight) “Because I spoke truth when I made the world,” God explained. “Truth is what the world stands on.” Tom was quiet. “So you cannot lie?” “I cannot.” God’s voice grew quiet. “Lies slip through like water on sand.”
Pages 20-21 (Insight) “They wash things away, even the things the heart wants to keep,” He said. Tom thought for a moment. “So truth keeps lies from taking root,” Tom said softly.
Pages 22-23 (Choice & Free will) “Yes,” God replied. “Truth stands strong.” Tom looked up. “How can I know it is really You?” “I am always here,” God said gently. “But it is your choice to see Me.” Tom thought for a moment. “Why do I decide?”
Pages 24-25 (Truth vs Free will) “Because love must be freely given,” God said. “I did not make you like a tree, rooted in one place. I made you with a heart- to come close or turn away.”
Pages 26-27 “And when you follow truth,” God added gently, “your heart stands safe, built on the solid rock of what is real.”
“I feel safe with You," Tom said.
Pages 28-29 (Resolution) Tom looked down, thinking. “So the riddle wasn’t really about the size of the rock.”
“It was about your heart,” God said, “and what you choose to build upon.”
“It’s up to me,” Tom said. “Always,” God replied. Tom smiled.
Theme: This story explores the classic omnipotence paradox through a child’s conversation with God, revealing God's nature in a clear, relational way.
Philosophical Question: If all things are possible for God, then can God create a rock so big that it is impossible for Him to pick up? Scripture Reference:
Hebrews 6: 17-20 – “…God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of promise, the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus entered as a forerunner for us…”
Reflection / Takeaway: The two unchangeable things: His purpose rooted in truth, and that God cannot lie. He gave an oath to anchor our souls to hope, to Him.
edits: A father's love guides us, wrapping us in hugs. But what if you never sat on your father's lap, never held his hand in kindness, never felt a hug for love's sake? This riddle is for you.
short version: A father's love guides us, wrapping us in hugs. Yet, some children may wonder what it feels like to be hugged for love’s sake This riddle is for them.
edits: “Why me?” “Because love must be chosen freely,” God said.
How? “I am always here,” God said gently. “It is your choice to see Me.” “So, I choose.” “Yes, I did not make you like a tree, rooted in one place. I made you with a heart that can feel and a will that can choose to know Me.
Note: Love built on the solid rock of truth sustains the heart. Truth remains when lies wash and wear away the heart. It is the boy's heart seeking truth when it is hard to find.
A Picture Book About Time, Love, and Being Grand By R. Bronte Brown
FMF: Longing My Gran: The Grandest in the Universe grew out of a longing I’ve felt at every stage of family life. As a child, I knew the freedom of being fully present. As a parent, I experienced the intensity and exhaustion of raising children. As a grandparent, I discovered a gentler joy, one rooted in time, patience, and deep love.
This story reflects my memories of childhood, raising my own children, and now watching my grandchildren grow. Each stage carries its own kind of joy and its own kind of loss. Childhood passes. Children grow. Grandchildren leave, and the house grows quiet again.
In today’s fast-paced world, time with family often feels rushed and fragmented. This book imagines a space where time slows down, where generations overlap, and where love is not measured by clocks or schedules.
At its heart, this story explores how families both fulfill us and awaken longing, a longing for what has been, what is fleeting, and what endures beyond time. For me, that longing ultimately points heavenward, toward a love that is complete, unhurried, and eternal.
Theme: This story explores the classic omnipotence paradox through a child’s conversation with God, revealing God's nature in a clear, relational way.
Philosophical Question: If all things are possible for God, then can God create a rock so big that it is impossible for Him to pick up?
Scripture Reference: Hebrews 6:17-20 – “…God, desiring even more to show to the heirs of promise, the unchangeableness of His purpose, interposed with an oath, in order that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have strong encouragement. This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and one which enters within the veil, where Jesus entered as a forerunner for us…”
Reflection / Takeaway: The two unchangeable things: His purpose rooted in truth, and that God cannot lie. He gave an oath to anchor our souls to hope, to Him.
This story is on submission and may not be reproduce, sold or used in any commercial avenue.
Rhonda Brown Faith-forward Picture Book Parable 1335 Montana Drive WC 450 Conway, AR 72034 On Submission leighbrontebrown2@gmail.com Word Press: https://brontebrown2.com/ https://x.com/RhondaLBrown2
Age Range: 5-8 years old Faith-based/ Inspirational/ Read Aloud
A Riddle in a Paradox: A Conversation with the Father of Light By Rhonda Bronte Brown
A father’s love guides us, helps us feel significant. Some children grow up wrapped in hugs. Some hear bedtime stories every night. And some children wonder what love is supposed to feel like. This story is for them.
Page 5 A father’s love guides us, helps us feel significant. Some children grow up wrapped in hugs. Some hear bedtime stories every night. And some children wonder what love is supposed to feel like. This story is for them. Page 6-7 One day, a quiet boy named Tom was thinking big thoughts: thoughts about family, thoughts about love, thoughts about truth. Some thoughts felt confusing.
Pages 8-9 “Hello, Tom,” said a deep, gentle voice. Tom looked up. “Do I know you?” “Not yet,” said the man. “But you have heard of Me.” Page 10-11 Tom studied Him for a moment. “Oh, you’re God, the one everyone talks about.” “Yes.” Tom took a breath. “I have a question.” “I like questions,” God said. “Is it true that you can do anything?” “Yes,” God replied. “I created the heavens and the earth.” Pages 12-13 Curiosity tugged at Tom’s heart. “Is there anything You can’t do?” “Yes.” Tom’s eyes widened. He was not expecting that answer. “How can both be true?” Tom asked. “It is called a paradox.” Tom looked puzzled. “That means two surprising things can both be true,” God added. Page 14-15 “Here’s a riddle for you,” said God. “Imagine I made a rock so big that it would be impossible to pick up.” Tom thought big. He stretched his arms wide. “Humongous, bigger than a mountain, bigger than the moon.” Pages 16-17 God laughed, the kind of laugh that made Tom feel safe. “Yes. And one more: a solid rock,” God said. “A bedrock.” Tom blinked. “What’s a bedrock?” “A bedrock is a strong rock with no cracks, a rock to build on.” Tom nodded. “It is a rock of truth,” God said. “Like Me.” “Why a bedrock?” Pages 18-19 “Because I spoke truth when I made the world,” God explained. “Truth is what the world stands on.” Tom was quiet. “So you cannot lie?” “I cannot.” God’s voice grew quiet. “Lies slip through like water on sand.” Pages 20-21 “They wash things away, even the things the heart wants to keep,” He said. Tom thought for a moment. “So truth keeps lies from taking root,” Tom said softly. “Yes,” God replied. “Truth stands strong.” Pages 22-23 Tom looked up. “How can I know it is really You?” “I am always here,” God said gently. “But it is your choice to see Me.” Tom thought for a moment. “Why do I decide?” Pages 24-25 “Because love must be freely given,” God said. “I did not make you like a tree, rooted in one place. I made you with a heart, to come close or turn away.” Pages 26-27 “And when you follow truth,” God added gently, “your heart stands safe, built on the solid rock of what is real.” “I feel safe with You.” Pages 28-29 Tom looked down, thinking. “So the riddle wasn’t really about the size of the rock.” “It was about your heart,” God said, “and what you choose to build upon.” “It’s up to me,” Tom said. “Always,” God replied. Tom smiled.
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