Chapter 23 of Travels to John (Day 20 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 23

John 4:27-38
27 At this point His disciples came, and they were amazed that He had been speaking with a woman, yet no one said, "What do You seek?" or, "Why do You speak with her?"


28 So the woman left her waterpot, and went into the city and said to the men,


29 "Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?"


30 They went out of the city, and were coming to Him.


31 Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat."


32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat that you do not know about."


33 So the disciples were saying to one another, "No one brought Him anything to eat, did he?"


34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work.


35 "Do you not say, 'There are yet four months, and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.


36 "Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together.


37 "For in this case the saying is true, 'One sows and another reaps.'


38 "I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored and you have entered into their labor,” (NASB).

ERIN OR SOPHIE, WHATEVER HER name really was, almost went through the roof when she heard her cell phone ring. She knew to expect it, but she was too lost in thought as she tried not to make sense of what she learned from Micah/Daniel. She thought of John 4 instead in order to clear her mind and in order to bring her the peace she so desperately needed at this point.

John 4:34 really spoke to her:
34 Jesus said:

My food is to do what God wants! He is the one who sent me, and I must finish the work that he gave me to do, (CEV).

Oh, that was how she wanted to live her life. But, for now, she answered her phone. “Hello?”

“Sophie, it’s Rodolfo and I know one of your favorite verses is Matthew 6:33.” He shared with her and he was correct.

“I’m on my way to meet you. I’ll be there in five minutes or less. I’ll tell you your other favorite verse and I will be driving my large black four door SUV. Micah told me how twenty have escaped you. I’m going to help you figure out where the twenty were lost, when, and how. Until I’m there, let’s just talk. What do you have on your mind about the Bible and the Book of John? We really shouldn’t discuss anything else, after all, until we’re together and in a safe location.” Rodolfo explained to her his plan.

“Let’s talk about John 4:46-53.” She suggested to him since she wanted to live through her first travels to John once again. It was such a magical time to her. She never wanted to forget the experience.

“That sounds good to me. But, first, Micah requested me to remind you to grab your journals. They’re in your second nightstand drawer and are in a large jar of Vapor Rub. They are about the size of a bb and there are several in there.” Rodolfo requested of her. “Now, what do you want to discuss about regarding that passage as you find the jar?”
John 4:46-4:53
46-48 Now he was back in Cana of Galilee, the place where he made the water into wine. Meanwhile in Capernaum, there was a certain official from the king's court whose son was sick. When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and asked that he come down and heal his son, who was on the brink of death. Jesus put him off: "Unless you people are dazzled by a miracle, you refuse to believe."


49 But the court official wouldn't be put off. "Come down! It's life or death for my son."


50-51 Jesus simply replied, "Go home. Your son lives."


The man believed the bare word Jesus spoke and headed home. On his way back, his servants intercepted him and announced, "Your son lives!"


52-53 He asked them what time he began to get better. They said, "The fever broke yesterday afternoon at one o'clock." The father knew that that was the very moment Jesus had said, "Your son lives."


53-54 That clinched it. Not only he but his entire household believed. This was now the second sign Jesus gave after having come from Judea into Galilee, (MSG).

As she paraphrased the passage, she put the jar into the overnight bag she prepared. She sensed she would need clothes, toiletries, etc. “I wish I had faith like that. The man didn’t even know or follow Jesus. But, he heard of the Lord. It was enough for him to put his child’s life into the Lord’s hands. Talk about total trust. I want to live like that. I don’t want to doubt or hold back my faith in God.” Erin/Sophie shared with him.

“Can you imagine how the father must have felt when Jesus said to the father how his son lives? That gives me chills. It’s because of that the entire household placed their trust in Jesus Christ that day.” Rodolfo shared his thoughts with Erin/Sophie.

“God knew precisely how to talk to the father to get him to fully believe. Because Christ took the time to speak to the father, an entire household turned to God. God will get our attention and will talk to us, if we listen and if we believe.” Erin/Sophie was passionate about this subject.

“I’m pulling onto your street and am headed your way. Can you, please, go to your door and not open it until I knock on the door three times, twice, and then four times? Don’t even look out. Wait for my knock. Then look out and I will hold up my fingers as to the date of your birth. Not the month. The day. I’ll mention your other favorite verse as well, remember.” Rodolfo explained to her.

She thought this was strange, but she had the impression this was all part of the protocol. A couple of minutes later, she heard him say, “Luke 9:23,” and he held up five fingers. She was born on the fifth of May so he was correct. She opened the door, but still held the stun gun just in case.

“Hello, my dear. I’m Rodolfo and we need to get out of here. Are you ready?” She nodded., but didn’t say anything because she was still attempting to make sense of the situation “Let’s go.”

She followed him to his vehicle and she climbed inside the SUV as she thought about where she left off in her thoughts about the Book of John. She kept her thoughts pinpointed there so that she did not become too anxious because she sure felt anxious.

John 5:5-15
5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, "Do you want to get well?"


7 "Sir," the invalid replied, "I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me."


8 Then Jesus said to him, "Get up! Pick up your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat."


11 But he replied, "The man who made me well said to me, 'Pick up your mat and walk.' "


12 So they asked him, "Who is this fellow who told you to pick it up and walk?"


13 The man who was healed had no idea who it was, for Jesus had slipped away into the crowd that was there.


14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, "See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you." 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well, (NIV).

Oh, how she wanted to stay there in her thoughts, but they wouldn’t allow her to do so. She wondered what happened. What did it all mean?

She was able to look at Rodolfo’s vehicle, all the other cars on the road, the houses, and the businesses along the way to his mansion. Consequently, Erin was able to see the world was drastically different from what she could last recall in the modern-day era.

Why was that and what did it mean?

Why did she lose 20 years fo her life and how did she?

The cars, houses, and businesses looked radically different and were newer or were fixed up than what she could recall. They ahd more scientific advancements to them than what there were in 2012.

Hence, she recognized something as wrong with her brain and/or her memory. How could she have lost 20 years? She was disturbed about the whole ordeal.

Rodolfo’s mansion was more than she anticipated. It was enormous and screamed of great wealth. He was filthy rich, not just mildly. She had never seen anything like it—inside and out. So, no, she was definitely not in the home she once knew. The world changed and she knew different people than before.

By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 22 of Travels to John (Day 20 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 22


A HUGE CLAP OF THUNDER and a flash of lightning almost caused Erin to fall out of her bed after she jumped a couple of feet in the air in her best cat imitation. Her heart pounded and she tried to remember the truth about what was on her mind. She remembered the Bible Time Traveling Machine (BTTM) and traveling to the times of John without using the BTTM.

Was any of that real? It felt like it was real. If there was one thing she knew for sure, it was that feeling weren’t facts.

It was clear to Erin that she was still groggy from her dream.

Why was it she rarely remembered her dreams, yet when she did, they were vivid and colorful?

Wait a minute. Everything was real. She remembered now. Erin had really traveled back and forth between modern-day and the days of John. It was not just a dream. She was sure of it and felt relieved when she remembered.

The thought a minute ago of it just being a dream was terrifying to her. The times of seeing and living the Bible in action with her own eyes became quite special to her and the thought it was a mere dream almost brought her to her knees. She was grateful she was able to come to her senses as rapidly as she had, or she would not be nearly this calm in this moment.

How did she get home?

Why was she home and not traveling in the times of John?

How had she gotten here?

Questions swirled around in her mind and she tried to make sense of them. Maybe if she found her log or journal on her mini-laptop, she might be able to remember everything. IF there was one thing she knew for sure it was that every time she returned home, she recorded what she experienced.

Erin started to search her small two-bedroom house for the computer, but wasn’t able to find it. Why not? She was even more scared now. The computer had all of her notes on it and would be a horrific thing to lose. She would be quite upset if she did and she said a quick prayer.

She had the impression she was supposed to pray a little longer, so she stopped what she was doing and prayed. She asked for guidance and for her to slow herself down enough she could hear God when He spoke. She had no doubt whatsoever He would talk to her.

Not everything is what it appears.

What was that supposed to mean?

Erin had no doubt whatsoever that God spoke to her because she had a combination of goose bumps and tears which streamed down her face. Whenever she met with the glory of God, she was always overwhelmed and this was the reaction.

Why was she so confused?

She sat down on her sofa and found her Smartphone. She turned it on and found something she did not expect whatsoever. It said the year was 2032. She thought it was 2012. How had she lost 10 years or gained 10 years?

Was something wrong with her? Erin wanted to know. There had to be since she was this confused.

She decided to get her mind off of everything for a moment and check the news. It, too, confirmed that the year was 2032. She rubbed the bridge of her nose and then her eyes. How could she possibly be this confused?

She almost flew threw the ceiling when the phone in her hands started to ring. She quickly answered it so that she could make the loud noise stop. “Hello?”

“Hey, Sophie. It’s me.” A male started to speak. He obviously didn’t listen and didn’t hear a stranger answering this phone.

Erin sighed and said, “I’m sorry. You have the wrong number.”

“Sophie, stop teasing. If you need more time, let me know. That’s easier than this, silly.”

He sounded confused and it made her wonder why. “What would I need more time for and who are you?”

“Sophie, are you okay? Seriously. You’re starting to scare me.”

“I’m not Sophie. I have no idea who that is. You’ve reached the cell phone of Erin Martin.”

“No. You’re Sophie Ballard and I’m Micah Kozlov. What year do you think it is?” Micah sought clarification.

“My cell phone tells me it’s 2032. I swear it’s 2012, however and I have no idea who you are.”

“How strange. It’s really the year 2032 A.D. Where are you?”

“What are you talking about?” Erin was starting to lose her patience now.

“Let’s try this another way. What do you do for a living?”

“I’m a scientist out to prove that God is real and so is the Bible.”

“What book of the Bible are you working on?”

“John.”

“Well at least you remember that correctly.” Micah sounded hopeful and then paused for a moment. “You and I write videogames for a living, Sophie. We’ve been putting all 66 books of the Bible into a video game where people can live the Bible and experiences it themselves through observation or role playing with Virtual Reality tools and we’ve made the Word come to life. It was your idea, by the way. You’re the real founder of the project. It’s been a massive success. Do you remember any of this and am I making sense to you at all?” Micah sounded patient with her and she appreciated it.

Erin listened to him and tried to make sense of what he said. “No. You’re not making sense.” The only problem was none of it made any sense whatsoever. Her voice only told him more of how upsetting this was to her and she wished her voice didn’t betray her so. She was lost and confused. Was this a joke? Was she lost in some space and time continuum? Was she stuck in another dimension?

She didn’t even like videogames and was against them altogether. Therefore, why would she create one? It just didn’t make sense. She had to admit, however, if she were to make one, he described precisely what she would want to make. She always wanted to help bring the Word to life. She figured it would help people accept Jesus as their Savior because of it. That was why she was part of the Bible Time Travel Machine Project, after all.

“This is strange.” Micah sounded confused at this point as well. “You don’t remember any of this, do you?”

“Any of what?”

“That’s precisely what I mean.” Micah pointed out to her and his voice told her he was frustrated. “I’m in Vegas right now. I’m here doing a speaking engagement for our company and you’re supposed to be working on the video game based off of the Book of John, by the way.”

What was he talking about? “Okay…” She decided to go with the flow for a minute and see what happened from here.

“We’re married. We have two kids. Kallie is 18 and Cayden is 16. They’re both at a church camp this week, so you had the house to yourself and were supposed to work on the game.” Micah tried to lay it all out for her. “Look around, Sophie. What do you see?”

What he said startled her and she wondered again what was happening. This whole escapade was just so bizarre. Erin glanced around and saw what she thought was her house. “I see my tiny 2-bedroom house.”

“Go to the addition, Sophie. You wanted the house to be kept the same since it was your grandmother’s and too many memories were associated with the place. We did so, but added a gigantic addition and almost 3,000 square feet. It’s attached to the kitchen. Go there.”

Erin decided to humor the man and did as he requested of her even though she was convinced he was a little mad. She headed into her kitchen and found an extra doorway that was never there before. Actually, she also found that the walls that were once there were town down and her kitchen was two times the size it once was and opened to a Great Room. “What on earth?” She wanted to say a great deal more, but the words didn’t escape from her lips. She was too flabbergasted by what she caught sight of at in her old family home. “That was never there before.” She didn’t know if she spoke to him or out loud.

“Go into the next room and look at the digital photoframes, Sophie,” Micah instructed.

“Okay.” She followed his orders and saw there were four enormous frames on the walls with digital photographs that changed about every five seconds or so. She saw him, herself, her old family photos, her with him and two children, herself pregnant, and of places she never traveled to and she wondered what this was. “Weird.”

Micah sighed and sounded quite exasperated now. “You used to go by Erin Martin, by the way. We changed our names years ago after the murders and the conspiracy that infiltrated our government and military for a while and all because of our video game. You don’t remember any of this?” His tone almost made her want to say yes just to get him to calm down a bit. He sounded quite distraught.

What did he mean by any of that? Murder? Conspiracy? “I don’t recollect any of that, Micah.”

“Do you remember Adora, Caleb, Fallon, Daniel, or Billy?”

“I remember all of them! Thank you for mentioning something familiar.” She felt better now.

“I’m Daniel, by the way. Do you remember what happened to them?”

“No.”

There was a long pause. “You don’t?”

“No.” What did he mean? What happened to them and when?

“What about your grandmother? What do you remember happened to her?”

“What do you mean what happened to her? She’s alive and well.”

“No, she isn’t, Sophie. Listen, I’m going to call Rodolfo and get him to send a car to you. I want to make sure you’re safe and you obviously need to see a doctor. Something happened. I’m going to do my last speech tonight and come home. You can trust Rodolfo. But, don’t trust or talk with anyone else, other than our kids, Kallie and Cayden. I mean it. Don’t trust anyone. This may be starting all over again.”

“What might be?”

“The murders and conspiracy. I thought we overcame them. We started over. We thought it was finished. But, you can trust me. You’re the love of my life and best friend. I will see you late tonight. Rodolfo will call you in ten minutes. If he doesn’t, call me. Do you see my number on your caller i.d.?”

What did any of this mean? “I do.”

“Call me and head to your favorite vacation spot. Don’t say what it is. Do you understand me?”

“I do.”

“Also, don’t use the name you think you go by. Only go by Sophie. Do you understand me?”

“I do as far as your instructions. They don’t make sense in and of themselves, but I’ll follow them.”

“This is serious, my doe. Do precisely as I say. I think you either had a breakdown or were brainwashed in some way. Or, you may have had a traumatic experience and forget what happened. Your life may be in jeopardy. Carry your stun gun from your nightstand top drawer. Always. Even in the house. Do you hear me?”

“I do.”

“The last time we talked was three days ago. We were both so busy and I tried to call you a few times, but you never answered. You left me a few emails, though, and a couple of voice messages. This is quite extraordinary. Then again, I don’t know why I’m surprised. Ever since the BTTM, life’s only gotten more and more strange. In some ways, it’s for the better. In other ways, it’s definitely for the worse. I wouldn’t trade any of it, nonetheless. The time has been tough, but a huge blessing for us, that’s for sure.” Micah babbled and Erin/Sophie tried to keep up with what he said.

She had no idea at all what any of what he said meant. However, she sensed she could indeed trust him. God gave her the sense she could. What he said was quite disturbing. Although, she remembered how she and Daniel fell in love during their first travels to the Gospel of John. It was no surprise to her she married the man, if it was really the year 2032. The talk of murder and conspiracies disturbed her greatly, however. Never mind breakdown or brainwashing.

“Let me call Rodolfo. Just remember I love you and will do anything for you—and have. Rodolfo will call you within ten minutes. If not, go to the special place. Also in your nightstand is a Kleenex box. Make sure you look underneath it when you get your stun gun.” Micah gave her specific directions.

“Okay. But, hang on. Prove to me your Daniel. During our first travel to John, where and when was our first kiss?” She wanted to test that this all wasn’t some strange scheme or something.

“It was after John wrote and read, John 8:31. You kissed me then and I kissed you after we discussed if for a few minutes.”

He was correct and it made her feel better. No one else, that she knew of, knew that story. “Very good.”

“I love you. Bye.” He hung up before another word was shared between them.

She heard a dial tone and tried to panic about everything she just learned. She lost 20 years of her life and wanted to know where they went.

While she waited for Roldofo to call, she did as Micah/Daniel requested of her and she got the stun gun and also grabbed the stash of money and credit cards she found under the tissues. She also took a look at the house. Nothing looked familiar even though she could see her handiwork here and there. She had no doubt it was her home.

By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 21 of Travels to John (Day 18 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 21


BILLY HEARD THE FOOTSTEPS OF what he thought were two people who headed down the stairs from the floor above to the basement where he and Fallon were held captive. It was about time Adora or Caleb came to check on them. Moreover, Billy thought they owed him an explanation at the very least because they were supposed to be a team. He also thought they were friends before, but knew differently now. Friends typically didn’t hold one another hostage, after all.

He looked from the door to Fallon and saw rage come across her face. She quickly calmed herself and her face softened. “Please let me talk to them first, Fallon.” He requested of her and he had his reasons for asking the favor.

She nodded as the door started to swing open. Adora was the first to enter and then was followed by Caleb. “Oh, good. You’re both awake.” She sounded pleased.

“Conscious. Isn’t that what you really mean, Adora?” Billy corrected her and he stared at her with a facial expression of determination.

“I guess you’re correct. It was necessary, however, for us to do what we did.” Adora defended her actions. “You weren’t in a position to talk, either one of you, and Caleb and I wanted to talk with you.”

“What about?” Billy’s tone was cold.

“Don’t be like that, darling.” She tried to sweet talk and flirt with him. “The facts about our finding are what we wanted to discuss with the two of you.” Adora had all the answers.

“What facts?” Fallon couldn’t remain quiet any longer. She tried to, but discovered it was quite difficult.

“Even the people in the Bible times knew Jesus was a hoax and wasn’t the Messiah.” Caleb shared with Billy and Fallon.

Billy recognized what Caleb said was blasphemy. “Prove it.” Billy challenged Caleb and stared at him. He realized what he said could be taken as childish, but as one scientist to another, it had to be proven with concrete evidence.

“I just proved it, Billy. Even people during Christ’s own time doubted he was the Messiah.” Caleb defended his answer and was cocky about it, too.

“Hearsay isn’t a quantifiable piece of irrefutable proof—then or now. It must be measureable.” Billy pointed out to his one time buddy.

“Neither is faith.” Caleb crossed his arms and grinned in a smug fashion.

Billy was the one to smile now. “Did you perhaps see Jesus Christ with your own eyes?”

“I did, but let me clarify. He is not the Messiah.”

“Did you listen to everything He said by chance?”

“Yes.”

“Did you see Him perform miracles?”

“Yes, but even doctors do what you could call miracles.”

“What about how Jesus fulfilled three hundred or so Old Testament prophecies?” Billy confronted Caleb with more intensity now.

“I don’t know about that, so I really cannot say.” Caleb was quick to back-peddle.

“Oh. So, you are one of those who refuses to look at all the facts, but will take hearsay into account? My goodness, Caleb. You aren’t a real scientist at all. You want to make the results of your hypothesis and experiment what you hope them to be rather than what is and what can be measured.” Billy was quite disappointed.

“What makes my approach different than most scientists out there? Everyone manipulates the variables to give themselves a successful experiment. Money rides on us doing so.” Caleb defended his actions.

“That goes against the ethics of the scientific community, Caleb. That’s wrong. If the results aren’t what you anticipate, it’s what you learn from the results and how you apply them that count the most. To do things your way means taking the easy way out where you never grow or learn.” Billy pointed out to him.

Caleb glanced at Adora and said, “Then, maybe we need to part company.”

“I would have to agree.” Billy didn’t hesitate regardless of what that meant exactly. He refused to be part of a cheating group of scientists.

“We’re going to take the BTTM and are leaving the country. You won’t be able to find us. We’ll leave you enough food to last you a couple of days and will then have someone stop by and release you once we are able to get out of country. For now, good luck. We have the BTTM and you don’t. We can accomplish a great deal more now because of it and will be able to do other experiments and make money from it. How about you guys? We’re going to leave you with nothing but your lies. Good luck to the two of you,” Adora commented.

Billy stared at her for a moment before he asked, “How can you even think of it? With all the work we put into the project?”

Adora smiled and said, “Nothing is the way it appears, Billy. Nothing.”

Fallon was the one who spoke next. “What do you mean by that?”

“There is so much more to this story than what you remember. I guess it wouldn’t hurt for me to tell you that this is nothing of what you think it is. We drugged you and scrambled your brains. Nothing is what you think. What you do recall, we put the thoughts in your mind, Erin. I mean Fallon. Both of you really. Or, maybe I should call you Sophie. But, I hope that only confuses you more. Now, make your choice. Are you going to join us or stand against us?”

Billy looked at Fallon and an idea came to him in a flash. “I believe, Fallon. How about you?”

At first, she gave him a confused facial expression. However, she understood a moment later because she said, “If the Bible is a fairy tale, it’s the greatest story ever told. If the Bible is truth, it’s the best, untarnished, and the foremost truth ever told. The Bible is actually both. It’s about miracles which show God is God and all His glory. It’s about truth because God and the Bible are true. Shall we get out of here, Billy?” She made eye contact with him.

“Absolutely. Let’s get out of here, Fal.”

“I have more faith than a mustard seed. Goodbye, Adora and Caleb.” Fallon addressed and both disappeared a moment later. The last thing Billy and Fallon heard were the curses of Adora and Caleb.

THE JOURNEY FROM ONE TIME to the next was an unusual one to travel. Fallon thought it felt like an intense roller coaster ride. She loved roller coasters, so it wasn’t difficult for her to handle. She was thrilled she was finally successful and how she finally had enough faith to make it to the times of John.

The Book of John was far more powerful than she ever realized. It helped her to actually bring someone to believe in Christ and Billy was a clear opponent of belief in Christ even a month ago. Actively participating and seeing what happened in the Book of John was a life changing experience for her.

She realized she would never be the same again nor could she ever see it in the same manner again. Earlier when Daniel and Erin said similar things, she thought they were just being dramatic. Little did she know how much they minimized it. It was far more transformational than she ever would have comprehended if she had not experienced it for herself.


By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

NaNoWriMo and Book News by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy

I Love How God Works:
The Blessings of a Writer and the Vision Received:
My Thoughts of NaNoWriMo:
This blog post could very easily take on any of those three titles. Hence, I'm including all three in this post. My writing vision keeps getting clearer and clearer as God's spoken to me over the last month. On 19 October 2009, God gave me a new vision for my writing. The last month has brought his refining of the vision so that I can see it clearly now without all the contaminates. He has taken out everything that is not of Him and I pray He does that continually.

My NaNoWriMo Book:
My NaNo book has taken on a life of its own. I thought at first it was one book, it became another through time. However, as of yesterday, it took a DRAMATIC path of its own, on its own accord, and has left me standing here--speechless and dazed. I never would have dreamt my novel would become what it has and I am grateful to the Lord for His vision. I'm combining a book I started to write on 24 September 2009 with my NaNo novel and it's become quite the book.

Thank You, God. To You be the glory. Use my pen, Abba. Make the words that come out on the page from my pen Your words and Your words alone.

By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 20 of Travels to John (Day 18 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 20


ERIN COULDN’T BELIEVE HOW HOT it was outside today. She wasn’t even moving at the moment and she had sweat streaming down her skin like she had a hard two-hour workout. Never mind how the sun was so bright it hurt her eyes and she thought it would blister her skin.

Wait a minute.

Her feet throbbed like she stood on them the last few days without ceasing, even though she hadn’t, and felt as thought they were raw and covered with dirt. Erin looked down at her feet and noticed how her feet were indeed raw, blistered, scraped, and covered with dirt and pebbles.

How did they get that way? She had no recollection whatsoever about her feet going through such poor treatment.

Was she living the next biblical scene from another’s perspective? Erin thought it was the only reasonable explanation. Would she ever get used to this, if it was the case? She wished if she really was living in another’s shoes at the moment that she didn’t have to live it so literally. Man her feet were sore and she was positively parched.

She couldn’t help but crack herself up when she realized she looked in her bag for a water bottle. There weren’t any plastic water bottles in the times of John. So, of course, she wouldn’t find one. But, she was spoiled rotten and wished it was that easy at the moment.

What did she know about finding her own water or food? Yes, it was pretty amusing to think about and she found the humor in the situation.

Erin quickly sobered; however, when she worried she might very well need to find water and food, ever mind shelter. How on earth would she ever do any of the activities?

She would pray.

It was the only reasonable solution she could come up with at the moment. She prayed the Lord would guide her and tell her what she needed to do.

Erin looked around and for the first time became aware of her surroundings. She saw Jesus. He sat on a rock at what Erin thought was possibly a well. She wasn’t entirely sure, but she thought that was what it was because she was well aware John 4 was the next chapter in the journey.

Erin decided to sit on another rock and started to massage her aching feet as she watched Jesus. He was about twenty yards from her and she was able to see His sweat.

Jesus sweat.

He was tired.

He was sweaty and tired.

The realization took a moment to sink in and she was astonished by the simple notions of how God sweat. He was real. God was real.

She identified these concepts before, but there were times understanding gained more depth. This was one of those times for Erin. She learned more and had a deeper comprehension of how God was man when Jesus lived on this earth.

The Son of God lived so He could teach the world how to live for and worship His Father. Jesus also lived for His Father, obeyed His Father, and loved His Father. He was the perfect representation of how we are to do the same, Erin recognized.

But, since she saw Him sweat, like she could, she felt far more connected to Him. God lived like her at one time, in the flesh, so we would know He fully recognized what it meant to be human. He never had to because He could recognize what it was to be a person without being one because He was God and knew all. However, He chose to become one of us, so we would know without doubt and be without excuse that He knew firsthand of our plight as human beings.

Wow.

Erin wiped the tears from her gritty face and sat in awe. She had the impression she wouldn’t be the first and thought He wouldn’t mind because she stared not to judge but to fully see Him in a whole new, deeper, and more intimate way.

He was God. He was real. He sweat.

Hold on for a moment.

It was a well. That was Jacob’s well! She stared at it for a moment and allowed the realization to sink in that she stared at a very old well. She not only stared at a very old well, she stared at it with her own eyes. She didn’t have to stare at a picture. Instead, she saw the real thing. Jacob’s well was old in Jesus’ day, never mind in her own timeframe.

What got her the most, hwoever, was what Jesus said next.

John 4:7-4:8
7-8A woman, a Samaritan, came to draw water. Jesus said, "Would you give me a drink of water?" (His disciples had gone to the village to buy food for lunch.) (MSG).

Jesus asked for a drink.

Erin wasn’t sure what got her attention more. Was it the fact that Jesus wanted a drink? Or, was it that Jesus asked someone to serve Him in such a manner? Or, was it that the Samaritan woman had no idea who made the request? Erin wasn’t too sure, but His question got to her.

He asked for what He needed. He asked a woman who Jews normally hated for some water.

Wow.

She didn’t have the opportunity to think about it for too long, nonetheless, because she heard John read the words he penned from John 4:7-26.

4 But He needed to go through Samaria.


5 So He came to a city of Samaria which is called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied from His journey, sat thus by the well. It was about the sixth hour.


7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.


9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.


10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”


11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?”


13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”


15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.”


16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”


17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.”


Jesus said to her, “You have well said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; in that you spoke truly.”


19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where one ought to worship.”


21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you will neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, worship the Father. 22 You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. 24 God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”


25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming” (who is called Christ). “When He comes, He will tell us all things.”


26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He,” (NKJV).

DANIEL LOVED HOW JESUS COULD care less about being politically correct. Nor could He care less about offending people. He didn’t water down the gospel to spare people’s feelings. Truth was truth. Sometimes, it hurt. Sometimes if offended. But, He did not sin while He might have offended.

Jesus recognized that if He offended people, it was because they were caught in their sin and were uncomfortable because of their own sins and limitations. He couldn’t coddle them and allow them to stay where they were in their mistaken perceptions of how to live. He couldn’t allow them to live in error. He shared the truth with them and He knew it might offend.

When it was offensive, it was always for the purpose of brining glory to His Father and for correction. He didn’t do it to be rude or to offend. Offense was just a natural thing that happened when people had to face their sins and errors.

Hence, Daniel took note of this and wanted to apply it to his own life. He didn’t want to water down the message of Christ and the message of the Bible because someone might have thin skin and might be afraid of facing their wrongdoings or wrong perceptions. That wasn’t his fault. He would be gentle in doing so, however. He would not intentionally try to offend people.

Jesus also didn’t care what other people think. He hung out with the sinners, the nobodies, the least-likelys, the ones the world rejected, and the people He knew He could bring to believe in and worship His Father. Case and point: the Samaritan woman.

A Samaritan in those days never associated with a Jew and vice versa (John 4:9 mentions this fact.). Period. End of discussion. They hated one another. Yet, Jesus asked her for a drink of water from the well.

What was the living water Jesus spoke of in John 4:10?

John 4:10
Jesus answered, "If you knew the gift of God, and who is saying to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would ask Him, and He would give you living water,” (HCSB).

The living water is defined in John 4:13-4:14,

13 Jesus answered and said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again;
14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst; but the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life,” (NASB).

Daniel watched the facial expression of the Samaritan woman after she heard what Jesus said in John 4:13-4:14. The woman didn’t doubt whatsoever what He shared with her. As a matter of fact, Daniel observed it sounded quite appealing to the woman.

Daniel thought how appealing this sounded to him now. Daniel wanted to never thirst again as a modern-day man. Never mind with how thirsty she was in the land in John’s time because of the lack of plastic water bottles. The parched nature of the area at this time only added to her thirst. However, Daniel knew He referred to the thirst of the soul. He thirsted for Him terribly. However, he didn’t need to do so. He already had the eternal springs of water in his life the moment he chose to believe. Nevertheless, he thirsted for more of Him and she hoped that never stopped.

Consequently, the water analogy was even more appealing to the Samaritan woman because she was in the major heat of the day, working at getting water. Yes, of course, she wanted the water that meant she would never thirst again.

Daniel also couldn’t help but be reminded how nobody can pull the wool over God’s eyes. We can’t hide from God or hide things from God. He knows all. (Author’s Note: See John 4:16-4:18.)

How often do we try to do that, though? How often do we try to hide things from God? The thought was ludicrous, yet we still try to do it anyway.

Daniel also couldn’t imagine what the Samaritan woman thought after her discourse with Jesus in verses 21 through 26. However, it was verse 26 that made Daniel wonder what she thought even more. Verse 26 would have been a bombshell to her. Jesus admitted He was the Messiah. I’m pretty sure she fell on her face the moment her eyes were opened. She probably fell on her face in worship (at least figuratively) once the shock wore off in her mind.

Daniel wondered why he wasn’t more blown away by the fact that Jesus was/is the Messiah. Why didn’t he feel amazed by it in a fresh way every time he thought about it? Jesus is the Messiah. It’s a truly remarkable miracle

Daniel never wanted to take advantage of that truth again. Jesus was his Savoir. His life has radically transformed because of Jesus being his Savior and he was a new man.

Jesus was the Messiah and was his Savior. Life just didn’t get any better than that.


By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 16 of Travels to John (Day 9 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 16


FALLON TRIED TO BELIEVE AS much as she was able and tried to believe more than ever. She wanted more than anything to travel to the time of the Gospel of John, after all. No matter how hard she tried; however, she wasn’t victorious.

It didn’t help when she watched Erin and then Daniel disappear—right in front of her. They left her behind and she was frustrated with herself because of her little faith. Evidently when it really mattered, her faith didn’t hold up and wasn’t as strong as it needed in order to be able to travel to John.

She also felt worse about herself when she celebrated since she witnessed the lack of faith in the others because all three members of the A-Team were still with her in the modern-day. She knew she shouldn’t gloat even though they proved that unbelievers couldn’t go because they didn’t have the spiritual understanding.

What Fallon didn’t expect was what happened. She watched as Adora picked up a nearby paperweight made of pewter and the letters F-A-I-T-H. Then, Adora promptly hit her across the top of the head with it before Fallon even had the chance to defend herself or block the blow.

Fallon also didn’t expect what occurred when she became conscious. It was a strange sensation when she woke up in the dark and couldn’t move her limbs. She felt paralyzed. Needless to say, between the absolute dark and the paralysis, her heart began to race, her skin got goose bumps from the cold and from fright, and she tried to figure out where she was, what was wrong with her, and if she was in hell. Did she go the wrong way?

She was terrified and couldn’t think logically and recognized it was the case. Her main question was: Why? Why couldn’t she think straight and what happened to her made her paralyzed?

Fallon attempted again to move, but was unsuccessful. Nonetheless, she felt a strange sensation at her ankles and wrists. What was it?

Wait a minute.

She tried to move one more time while in total darkness and discovered it only added to her confusion. Could she move her elbows and ankles? It seemed like that was the case. How was that possible? What did it mean? How could she be partially paralyzed? Was that even possible?

Fallon’s head throbbed. She wanted to rub it, but couldn’t.

That’s right. Adora hit her over the head with a heavy paperweight made of pewter.

Adora actually hit her.

ADORA hit her.

Adora HIT her.

Adora hit HER.

The words and different emphasis went through her mind as she tried to make sense out of everything.

Why for goodness sake?

Did Adora kidnap her?

Why?

Fallon allowed that to run through her mind for a moment. Adora knocked her out and now she couldn’t move and was in a cold place, inside, and was in total darkness.

Think, Fallon. Think, she told herself firmly. She didn’t care if it was hard because of her headache.

She was tied up! Why did Adora tie her up and leave her in a dark and cold place?

Fallon realized she had goose bumps from head to toe and it felt as though they were at least one-inch tall each. She was freezing and all alone. The thought didn’t provide much comfort. Where were Erin and Daniel? Last time, they were only gone 5-10 seconds even though they lived three years in the times of John. Did they know she was gone? Did they know Adora kidnapped her?

She heard something begin to stir. What was that? She held her breath and closed her eyes since it was dark and she couldn’t see anyway, but more importantly, she closed her eyes so she could hear better.

“O-u-c-h.” She heard somebody moan. Who was it? She recognized it was a male.

She decided to take a risk and be the one to initiate conversation. She was pretty freaked out as it was and really didn’t want to think too much. She was well aware of how her mind could play tricks on her and she wanted to avoid the trap.

“Are you okay?” She asked the stranger.

“No. My head hurts. Fallon, is that you?”

“It is. Is that you, Billy?”

“Yup.”

“Oh, thank God. I’m tied up and my head hurts. The last thing I remember was when Adora hit me. What happened to you?” Fallon wanted to know. She felt a little better now since Billy was here, too.

“Bear with me. I’m pretty out of it.” Billy’s voice was weak and raspy.

Fallon’s, on the other hand, shook because of emotion, confusion, and fright. “I’m sorry. I woke up a few minutes ago and am trying to make sense of things and where I am, how I got here, and why. I hope I can help make sense of the lousy situation because you were conscious more than me, Billy. Although, I have to admit, I’m not sure why you’re here and if I can trust you.” She babbled and she really didn’t care. She was upset and wanted answers.

“After Adora hit you, I went ballistic and yelled at her. I asked her why she hit you and how that was unacceptable. She looked at Caleb and he took the same paperweight and came after me with it. We struggled and he ended up distracting me enough that she hit me over the head with another paperweight and it was the ‘H-O-P-E’ one. I think they lost faith and hope.” Billy explained to Fallon.

“That was really good, Billy.” She couldn’t help but chuckle when she heard the story and his punch-line. He said it as a joke, but did he mean he really thought that way to any degree? Did he believe they lost faith or hope? If he did believe that in any way, he might actually be growing in faith and hope. She wasn’t about to point it out to him, though.

After all, Fallon didn’t want to push Billy too much and be a stumbling block from him learning about faith in Jesus Christ. She refused to force Jesus on anyone, but she took seriously her responsibility to share about Him with everyone either through words, actions, or most of the time through both.

“Billy, did Erin and Daniel return back to modern-day?” Fallon knew they didn’t or he would have said so by now. So she braced for his reply.

“No, it wasn’t like last time.”

Sure enough. He told her what she didn’t want to hear but knew was truth.

“But, don’t miss the fact that all four of us saw them disappear. Also, don’t miss the fact that both Adora and Caleb are still here.” Billy reminded her of the full truth of the situation.

Fallon knew he had a point. He witnessed it for himself and saw what happened, and what failed to happen, with his own eyes. “What do you think about that, Billy?”

“I guess I want to learn more about God, the Bible, and the Book of John.” He shared with her where he stood on the subject and she immediately began to pray for God to fill her mouth with His words so she knew what to say to Billy from here.

“Billy, you wouldn’t believe the stories Erin and Daniel shared with me from their first travels to John.” Fallon’s voice grew in animation as she remembered how Daniel and Erin brought the Bible to life with more color, detail, and passion when they told the stories they re-learned from the Gospel of John.

“Since we’re in this strange predicament, I think that would be wise.” Billy didn’t seem to hesitate.

Fallon hoped she would bring him to believe in Christ when it was all over with and after she shared what she learned. This was her priority at the moment.

ADORA NEVER COULD HAVE FATHOMED this would be the outcome of the scenario. It was so far from her scope of understanding she could barely think rationally at all about why she would be left behind and the know-it-alls Erin and Daniel would be able to return to the times of the Book of John.

She was far more superior intellectually speaking (never mind every facet of herself: looks, contribution to the project, wisdom, knowledge, skill, the way she lived). Therefore, she was befuddled why she wasn’t successful. Was it because of the vermin she was with now? Did they rub off on her and hold her back because of their lack of any of these superior qualities?

How could Erin and Daniel make it, but she didn’t?

She wasn’t surprised that the oaf Caleb was still present in the time of the modern day. No. Adora wasn’t surprised about that at all. Nonetheless, she had to admit he was the next in line in her opinion to possessing her exceptional qualities and was her favorite in the project. He still lacked, though. Nobody could be as perfect as she was. She learned long ago to be realistic about this facet and she was less disappointed because of this new mindset. She was rarely surprised when people showed what they were really made of and how they lacked.

Her entire purpose for living was to prove God and the Bible weren’t truth. She never believed God was real and the project was to prove this fact. However, she learned the last three years in her perception how the Bible might very well be mostly a good book to live by because it made people better. She didn’t agree with all of it, but thought some of the precepts were pretty decent. She had to admit it. Granted, most of the Christian stuff was hokey and she disagreed with, she had to admit the stories were good and she appreciated the morality the Bible shared.

Who could disagree with the Golden Rule? (Author’s Note: It’s not in the Bible at all.)

Or, what about God helps people who help themselves? (Author’s Note: It’s not in the Bible at all.)

Or, what about God makes everything good for people? (Author’s Note: Romans 8:28 was taken out of context in this question.)

However, the Christian stuff was worse than even she realized before she traveled to the times of the Gospel of John. Far worse. People weren’t just mildly brainwashed. It was a major issue in her estimation because the indoctrination was so deep that it was difficult to refute. She was even more determined to share the real truth with the world and expose Christianity for the fraud it was and help Christians to become self-fulfilled and self-actualized.

Adora had no doubt whatsoever she would return to Bible times. It was merely a matter of time. She had no idea why she wasn’t successful this moment; nevertheless, she would be triumphant eventually. She just needed to analyze the data she had and see what she missed. However, she thought when she noticed Fallon was still around, it was far more critical to keep the woman with her and prevent her from going to the Bible times. She wanted to help Fallon become herself again and not the messed up woman she became because of the so-called Jesus Christ. (Whatever, she thought when she thought of him.)

She hit Fallon because she couldn’t take the chance the woman would disappear. She wanted to tell Fallon what she and Caleb learned when they traveled to the times of John. Adora recognized this was the only way to get Fallon’s attention and was the only way to try to save her. So, Adora did what she had to do.


By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 14 of Travels to John (Day 9 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 14


"HOW DO WE WANT TO DO this?" Adora asked Fallon."What suggestions do you have?"

"I think the best way to get focused on traveling back to the times of the Gospel of John is through meditation on the Word. In other words, I think if we all read the Book of John, and allow each and every word to sink in and we think about the words, and ask questions, and allow us to imagine ourselves in the story, then I bet we'll get there." Adora shared her assessment.

While Fallon knew the negative connotations can come from the phrase, 'meditating on the Word,' she knew it was because people didn't really understand what it meant. What it really means is to think on the Word, to chew on it, to allow it to sink in, and try to make it so familiar to you that it becomes a natural part of your life. It's where you read it so much, and think on it so much, that you almost get chapters memorized, never mind a verse here and there. Consequently, Fallon didn't see anything wrong at all with Adora's suggestion. "I think we need to try your suggestion."

The truth of the matter was the G-Team had already come up with a similar plan, but she wanted to give Adora some credit when the A-Team was about to fail miserably at their attempt to go back to the times of the Book of John.

“What do the rest of you think?” Fallon checked with the rest of the four. Nobody rejected the proposal so she said, “Let’s give it a try. Charlotte, you’re in charge of all 18 assistants, as you know. I’m just restating it so that everyone remembers my wishes before we leave. In theory, we’ll only be gone a second, but in case something goes wrong, I want you to know the lay of the land, so to speak. Charlotte, it’s all yours. I pass you the baton.” Fallon told the top assistant. She wanted to give credit where credit was due. However, she also said it as a reminder in case the three of the A-Team didn’t disappear. She had the feeling chaos might start and she wanted Charlotte to be ready to call the cops or whatever else if the situation grew ugly.

“So far, we have a total of 5,000 pages of documentation for just Chapter One of the Book of John. If you can come back with the condensed version, at least initially, it would be appreciated,” Charlotte joked and caused everyone in the room to chuckle.

“We’ll see what we can do.” Fallon shook her head.

“Let’s give it a try, shall we? Let’s meditate on the Word” Billy asked them.

The six grabbed their Bibles and started to read one by one on their own. Fallon kept repeating the mustard seed verse in her mind even as she read through John. It’s Matthew 17:20,



“He replied, ‘Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you,’” (NIV).



Fallon started to feel a little strangely. She was lightheaded and her skin felt like it was full of electricity. What was that about? She wondered to herself. Was it working or was she so intent on going that she was able to make herself feel in this manner?

“Erin’s gone.” Fallon heard Charlotte announce and Fallon hoped Daniel would hang around for a moment to make sure she would follow.

“Daniel’s gone.” Charlotte said in a louder voice.

“I trust You, God, and want to know Your Word as intimately as possible. This is all about You, Jesus, and is less about a study or this project. I want to know all I can about You on this side of heaven. Please allow me the opportunity.” Fallon prayed in an attempt to hurry her progress. “I trust You no matter what. Bless or block my travels.”

The moment she prayed the prayer of relinquishment, everything went black.



“WHERE IS SHE?” Erin asked Daniel as they looked around a large group of people and didn’t see Fallon.

“Give it a minute. Be patient, Erin.” He tried to soothe her with his calm voice and a squeeze on the hand. “She hasn’t done this before so I’m sure it’s even more difficult to believe, let alone do. Since we were tied to this place already, I bet it was easier for us this time around.”

“You’re not kidding. The wormhole didn’t make my head feel like it was going to explode this time. Instead, it just felt heavy.” Erin couldn’t fault what he said, but she still had a funny feeling. She had the impression Fallon would not make it to the ancient times. Erin wondered why Fallon hadn’t made it yet and might not make it at all. Was it because of a lack of faith or was it because of another reason?

Daniel and she stood in silence for a couple of minutes. She tried to wait and not go too crazy. Maybe she needed to take in her surroundings and see where they were. They were in a crowd, but which crowd and when? Were they still in the times of the Book of John or was it another time? She hoped it was John’s times, but who knew for sure at this point?

“Jesus, they’re out of wine.” Erin heard a woman’s voice and couldn’t help but notice how nice it was. The woman’s accent was beautiful and was almost musical. She wasn’t quiet, but was hardly loud.

Erin recognized they were smack dab in the middle of John Chapter 2 and Erin was delighted. It was precisely where she would want to be if she were given the choice so that she could relive all of it again and get more details this time, if it was possible.

When Erin was here before, observing this chapter, she was in the distance. She wasn’t up close and personal. She was this time around and it thrilled her when she realized this blessing. She saw Mary! The mother of Jesus. And heard her voice. The thought was befuddling.

Mary.

Jesus.

There He was again. Erin saw the Lord with her own eyes. But, it wasn’t only that. She saw the Lord interact with His own mother. Wow. What a blessing to witness.


By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 13 of Travels to John (Day 5 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 13


THE G-TEAM AND THE A-TEAM found people more toward the middle of their beliefs where they either were new Christians or were only mild unbelievers. They formed a questionnaire to weed through the individuals applying for the research study. They did not know anything about the study at all when they filled out the questionnaire and when they answered interview questions from both teams. Then, each team picked 12 people each and they also hired six more assistants. Therefore, they now had a total of 30 people involved and they also got a preliminary donation from two donors. One from each side of the fence gave them an additional million each. They drastically cut down on the amount they accepted because it was all data entry now rather and investment in salary wages rather than on scientific experiments and machines. it was a whole new phase.

The truth of the matter was Daniel and Erin both knew good and well that the A-Team would never be able to go back. They didn't have the faith to bring them back to the Bible times. But, the G-Team had to go along with it and pretend they would because they wouldn't believe them if they were told how their attempts would be unsuccessful. So, Fallon's team, the God-Team went with the flow and pretended the Anti-God and Bile Team would make it. Until then, they would still act as a group united.

They tried to tell the A-Team how their guides told them that with just a little faith, and an open mind and heart, and they would make it back to and travel to the Bible times. The A-Team was never told any such message and the G-Team tried to tell them about their deception and how their guides deceived them. They didn't believe. So, the God-Team went with it. It was easier that way.

They made Plan B plans to the side and in the afterhours. They prepared from the next travel back to the times of the Gospel of John. The group would then be only 15 people. The other team would have to split and take whichever path they wanted to from here. It was sad that it had to be that way, but the project determined on them proving God and the Bible are true. They had enough data to show how the outlier of the anti-God and anti-Bible group prove that God and the Bible are true because of their deception and lack of ability to travel back to John.

Erin and her assistants were assigned the task of estimating the amount of time it would take to document and log each chapter of the 1189??? chapters there are in the Bible for one individual. They knew that they would only be gone a second from earth's perspective for three years worth of time from the individual's perspective. However, they needed to know how long the entire project would take to document--and that wouldn't even include writing the final analysis reports of the study. She approximated that for each chapter, it would take approximately 2 weeks per chapter per person, which meant for one person to travel through the entire Bible and document it, it would take 46 years--and that was a low figure!

Had they bitten off more than they could chew?

Or, was it worth it to spend a lifetime on this project? It already had been five years, one moth, two weeks, and four days--so what does it matter?

They decided if they had two assistants alone to do the data entry for a chapter, it would take them one week. So, with two assistants, it would take 23 years. However, with the finances they were already given, they could have five assistants each, ideally, and it would take three days per chapter. Hence, it would take 69 weeks for the entire project. Then, they would start to write books on each book of the Bible and sell those. They could spend the rest of their lives traveling around the world and telling people what they experienced and learned. But, this was all Plan B and on the side--without the A-Team knowing their plans--if the A-Team weren't able to return.

Tomorrow, all 6 were going to travel to John and bring Fallon and Billy along this time in an effort to familiarize all of them with the mode of travel and the experience of being an observer in biblical times. Then, in two weeks, they would ask the people they just hired to come in for a trip of their own.


By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 12 of Travels to John (Day 5 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 12
FALLON RUBBED HER HANDS OVER HER face as she took in the information they revealed to her thus far. "Wow."

'Wow' wasn't exactly how Erin would phrase it and she couldn't wait for Daniel and her to tell Fallon the rest of the story. They barely scratched the surface at this point. Fallon needed to hear the rest of the story before she thought too much of this segment. There were far more important details Fallon needed to hear about and respond to, than this one.

"It's been two weeks already and both of you have barely gotten me through the first chapter of the Gospel of John. I know I'm slightly tired, and am far more amazed, by the beauty you've shared with us about Jesus, and seeing Him and spending the day with Him, but you need to know that at this rate, it will take us several lifetimes to go through John, never mind the rest of the Bible.

"Well, look at the bright side." Daniel tried to encourage Fallon who sounded more stressed than anything else.

"What's that?" She sounded hopeful.

"In the time Erin and I have told you the story of our travels to John, we've already gone back to several Books of the Bible and have that information for you already." Daniel shared with her. Erin tried her best to not say a word and looked downward.

Fallon got a look of excited satisfaction on her face. "Seriously?"

"Not at all." He glanced at Erin and they both laughed.

"That wasn't very nice," Erin scolded him, but with a huge grin. She loved his sense of humor and they definitely needed a mood elevator.

"You're right, Erin. Now, Fal, we know you'd kill us if we went again without you. But, I can sure picture it and remember ever detail of my experience even to the rocks on the ground and how they were placed. It's rather quite remarkable." Daniel shared with her.

Fallon punched him in the arm. "That wasn't funny and you're right, I would kill you if you did go ahead and explore the Bible times without me."

"Actually, I thought it was and your face was pretty priceless." Daniel chuckled at himself and Fallon rolled her eyes.

"Okay, maybe a little." She had to agree.

"But, I am serious with how I can recall every minute detail. It's quite extraordinary and I can even remember every reaction I had to all of it." Daniel tried to explain to Fallon. He glanced at Erin. "Can you explain how vivid things are now and how much greater of an understanding we have now after seeing the place and getting to know the people--even while being on the outside looking in?"

"We're sorry it's taken so long, but there is so much to tell, Fallon. Please bear with us. You needed to know the dynamics and we can't very well glaze over--seeing Jesus and spending time with Him." Erin tried to validate the amount of time. "Now, we can move along a little faster with the story. Wait a minute, Fallon." Erin started to form an idea.

"What is it, Erin? You look like you've come up with another brilliant idea." Fallon was serious. Erin came up with moments of brilliant insight and it would radically change what they did for the project--in a good way so Erin recognized Fallon wasn't being sarcastic.

"Rather than have us go on and on about what we experienced, you need to see if for yourself, Fallon. However, here's my idea. Why don't we get a group together of brand new baby Christians who really don't know a thing about the Bible together and take them there? We would be able to get more accurate and reliable findings to our study of whether God and the Bible are true and proving it once and for all." Erin decided the new Christians could be the control group since they already have both of the outliars in the original six.

"Huh." Daniel sounded like he needed to reflect on her idea for a moment. "If we move in that direction, the new Christians would need to have a very strong faith already." He warned and wondered if they would be able to find anyone who could fit the criteria and who could have enough faith to get there.

Fallon hadn't said anything yet.

"Daniel, you and I can take people there the first time. I bet that would do it. Maybe we shouldn't have someone with a strong faith yet so that we can see if their faith increases or decreases while they are there. But, we can escort them there and then get out of the way. We could return here and leave them there so we don't sway their feelings at all. Then, we can give them a questionnaire and ask them to log their experiences and what they thought of their experiences and the conclusions they made." Erin suggested what she thought and took into account how few people had this strong of a faith. she still wondered if she could muster the faith needed to travel back to the Bible times.

"You've brought up several good points." Daniel gave her some encouragement since Fallon was still silent.

Fallon cocked her head and looked at Erin. "I like your idea, Erin. It would also prove more that our invention and theorizing was a success, other than the fact that the BTTM destroyed itself. But, the fact that we can return with the Mustard Seed Express and through a little faith, then that will also give us another study. I really like it. We can alternate and take people there at different times. Have two groups stay behind and record everything we just experienced in our travels, Then the other group can go there and gain their own experience to share with the world abut how to live the Bible and abide in the Word in a fresh way. Let's do it." Fallon sounded excited to have a new phase of their study.

“By the way, I like that. The Mustard Seed Express.” Daniel slapped his leg and chuckled. “Cute.”

“It’s appropriate.” Erin had to agree.

By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy

Chapter 11 of Travels to John (Day 5 of NaNoWriMo) by Stacy Duplease of Stories by Stacy, LLC

Chapter 11


DANIEL WOKE THE NEXT MORNING without even remembering when, where, or how he fell asleep. Strange. He just because lucid and opened his eyes so he recognized he slept. He sat up and moaned. He was sore. It must be because of the thin mat he lied on top of on the hard and rocky earth. He glanced around and observed how he was in a tent.

How did he get here? Where was he for that matter? Also, where was Erin? What about Adora and Caleb? What happened?

If he fell asleep and woke, he now knew it wasn't just a dream. After all, he wasn't in the habit of remembering a dream in a dream and then waking up from it. No, this was either real, and the BTTM was a success, or it was one incredible hallucination. He leaned more to the real angle, however.

He got to his feet and felt a draft when he moved and never mind something biting into his feet. He looked downward and noticed how he now wore sandals and not just sandals, he wore very antiquated, uncomfortable sandals. If he really was back in the times of John, then he realized his attire and the tend would be befitting. However, he got the impression from himself as guide that while their bodies and minds were here, they couldn't participate in the Bible scenes because they might change the biblical events. They could observe. They could live through another's eyes as well, but they could not talk with anyone and they couldn't be seen. It reminded him in a way of Charles Dickens', A Christmas Carol. He could observe and that was as far as it went. So, why did he wear sandals and why was he in a tent? Also, where were the others?

Huh. He also wore different clothing. He wore... What was it? What would you call it? A robe. It was a tan one. Well, okay then. At least he was clothed. Kind of. His legs were bear and he wore something very uncomfortable under his robe. Strange.

He found what he assumed was the way out of the tent and the second he took his first step, he heard, "There you are. You've slept long enough, haven't you? You've been out for over twelve hours." Adora spoke to him from afar at first and then walked closer to him as she commented. She also wore the feminine version of the robe and it was a medium-dark brown in color. Her long spiral curled hair was held back with a tie of some sort and she looked quite captivating. She was the looker of the females of the group, but she just wasn't his type.

"You look beautiful. So, tell me. Where are we? Where are Caleb and Erin? Is everyone okay? Is this real? What happened?" Daniel had so many questions, he tried to vocalize what he thought was the most important at the moment.

"Whoa. Slow down, handsome. Relax. The answers are coming. Don't you remember how we got here and what we've learned so far?" She searched his face with her gaze.

Daniel felt like she tried to read his mind or something. Literally. It was like she tried to penetrate his thoughts with a spell or something. But, since he was a Christian, he knew a witch couldn't do that. Has her, umm, personality only become stronger here. Are her temptations amplified or exaggerated because they are in the times of Jesus Christ the Savior and Messiah? He couldn't help but wonder. Furthermore, he couldn't help but notice how he had a bad feeling all of the sudden and he could only imagine why. He learned long ago to trust his instincts and he said a quick prayer. "I remember what I've learned. How about you?" He decided not to divulge any information whatsoever.

"Oh, Daniel." She laughed and cupped his cheeks with her hands so she could look him in the eye. "You are so precious. You forget a great deal, but you're still darling. Can I tell you what you've forgotten?" She kissed his cheek and then put one of her hands on his hip as she waited for his response.

"What's that?" He hesitated, but he braced himself for whatever answer she gave. He sensed she was about to tell him something he couldn't believe.

"Are you up for the truth, Danny?"

He cringed when she called him Danny. He referred Daniel or Dan, but not Danny. "Daniel. And, yes, I am. what is it, Adora?"

"The whole of Christianity is a sham." She shrugged like it was no big deal. "Jesus was not the Messiah. He was not the Savior of the world. The Christian church made trillions and trillions of people believe the greatest lie of all through the centuries. Jesus was just a man. But, at least we now know the truth. I'm just sorry because I know this will upset you, Erin, and Fallon so. You fell for the lie and were so greatly deceived. But, I sure can't wait to go back and document everything and publish my reports on our findings. The world needs to know the truth, once and for all. Then, I want to get others to come back with me and see it for themselves. They need to see how Jesus wasn't God." She paused and looked at Daniel with a facial expression which showed genuine concern. "Say something, Danny."

He took her wrist and removed her hand from his waist. He prayed for the proper words, along with self-control. He felt his fury rage inside and didn't want to respond with anger and allow her to win this portion of the battle. Instead, he wanted to be the rational and mature one here. She had no clue whatsoever how she was the one who fell for the real and great lie. It was 1 Corinthians 2:14 (Author's Note: Those verses were mentioned in chapters 5 and 6 of this book, if you want to see it again.) and John 1:5 all over again.

He also thought of the following verses:

2 John 1:7--"Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist," (NIV).

2 Corinthians 11:3--"But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ," (NIV).

Mark 13:22--"For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible," (NIV).

1 Peter 5:8-9--"8 Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings," (NIV).
 
By Stacy Duplease
of Stories by Stacy