Esther-The Scroll With a Trigger

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spreads as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed this evening but couldn't sleep. I couldn't see any reason why. I had a great meal, prepared by my queen, good company. True the morning wasn't that great, but that was this morning. 

No matter what I tried I couldn't sleep. I ordered my servant to bring me the book of chronicles which had the record of my reign and a scribe to read it to me. 

This record had lists of facts and events. Either something will trigger my memory, let me solve the problem and get back to sleep--or the reading will bore me to sleep. Either way, I'll go back to sleep.

"Your Majesty, I have the book of chronicles." The scribe said.

"Yes. Good. Bring it here and read to me."

"Where would you like me to begin?"

"Somewhere in the middle." I didn't know how long it would take for me to get bored enough to sleep.

The scribe opened the scroll and read. It seemed he read for hours when the name Mordecai was spoken. "Wait. Read that part again."

"On this day, two of the king's officers, Bigthana and Teresh, guards for the doorway, have been found guilty of conspiracy to assassinate King Xerxes. Mordecai has been granted the credit for exposing the guards and thereby saving the life of the king."

"Is that all to that entry?"

The scribed looked at the page. He even scrolled up and down to make sure of his answer. "There is nothing else recorded, Your Majesty." 

"There is nothing that tells what honor and recognition had been given to Mordecai for his actions?" How could I have let this slip?

The scribe shook his head. "No your majesty. Nothing has been done for him."

I couldn't believe the man hadn't been rewarded for saving my life. t looked out the window and saw morning had come already. "Fine. Who is in the court?"

The attendants walked out of the room. They returned a little while later. "Haman has just arrived."

"Good bring him here." 

"Yes, Your Majesty."

I don't know how I missed rewarding Mordecai. I'm so tired I can't think of what would be best to give him. Saving my life is no small thing. This man deserves a great reward. Haman should have an idea. I'm glad he is the one who is here.



...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. What did Xerxes do when he couldn't sleep?
2. What name perked Xerxes' attention?
3. What wasn't in the book?
4. Who was in the court?
5. What is Xerxes going to ask Haman?

Esther-King Xerxes Sleepless Night

By Mary Vee
Esther 6

From King Xerxes Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Xerxes. I am the king of the Babylonian Empire. My land spread as far east as what you call Iran and west to what you call Turkey.

I went to bed a few hours ago with fond memories of the day. It hadn't started out great, in fact I was convinced it would be just another boring day with people complaining and troubles popping up in the land.

To my incredible surprise, Queen Esther showed up at the door. She was stunning. Her timing couldn't have been any better. I invited her forward to speak to me. 

Hah...I am so amazed with what she said. She wanted to invite me to a banquet. She included Haman, my second in command. Why, I don't really know, but that didn't matter. On a boring day, my queen came to my office and invited me to a banquet that she had put together.

We ate at the table she prepared. Oh did we ate. The servants brought plate after plate. My stomach is still full.

I had this feeling, though, that she wanted to tell me something but had trouble forming the words. She is so lovely and so sweet, of course I wanted to hear what she had to say. But no, she proved her graciousness by not interrupting the good food or conversation with her matter. I have such respect for her. What a complete difference from Vashti. I am truly a happy man.

I thought I'd fall asleep quickly after eating all of that food. I needed my rest for whatever events pop up tomorrow. And I did. For a very short time. 

I tried everything to go back to sleep. Counting. Laying there with my eyes closed. Walking the floor. Nothing worked. Finally I just decided to get up. I called for my servant.

"Yes, your highness?" He rubbed his eyes. 

I didn't care that he was tired. I couldn't sleep and it was his job to serve me. "Get the book of the chronicles, the record of my reign, and bring it to me."

The servant left.

I had hoped that while he was gone sleep would come. But it didn't. Restlessness ran through me. My legs needed to move. My arms needed to move. I paced not knowing what, if anything, was bothering me.

I walked through my day in my mind. Maybe I forgot something. Maybe I should have done something differently. Did I judge something wrong? 

I just could figure out the problem.


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. How big was King Xerxes empire?
2. What kind of day did he have?
3. What changed his bad morning and afternoon?
4. What made him so happy?
5. What didn't Esther do?
6. The king went to bed feeling...
7. When the king couldn't sleep, what did he do?

Sometimes something will keep us awake. Sometimes God is reaching out to us, calling something to our attention.

Amy Carmichael-Confined to Bed

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 64 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. 

The doctors had kept me in the hospital for several days. I was given medicine to take the pain away, but it was a strong medicine and shouldn't be taken for very long or it could hurt me. Once I could tolerate the pain, they stopped the medicine and said I could go home.

The driver and a nurse drove me back to the mission. Me and my leg cast. The fall had broken my leg and sprained my ankle. All I could think about was all the work that needed to be done.

The doctors at the mission carried me to my room and set me in my bed. The days dragged by. I couldn't stand on my own. The pain fired up my leg. I began to think an infection set in to the injured area.

I tried to read during the day but couldn't focus. There didn't seem to be any position that was comfortable enough to rest. I couldn't sleep at night. The pain kept me awake. The days dragged by even more. 

The doctor limited my visitors to only fifteen seconds. How I longed to get back to my work. To visit with the children. To see the progress of the new clinic. To pray with the staff. 

Concern overwhelmed the other workers. They gathered together in the prayer building and prayed for me, for hours. Afterwards I was able to do a little more. Nowhere near what I wanted to do. I took one step before returning to bed. The next day I took two. In time, I could walk out to my veranda and back. And days later was able to get in the car to ride to the clinics. 

Most of my days were spent in my room resting. Healing. The missionaries brought the children to my room and sang Christmas carols. I loved hearing them sing--so much.

The worse part of this whole sitting in bed and healing process was being a burden to others. Someone had to bring me food, help me to the bathroom, help me do anything that required movement. I had prayed years ago, asking God to never let me become a burden. 

I was the one who helped others. God sent me here to be the missionary, to teach, to help, to tell others about the loving, living God. Excuse me, I need to wipe a tear. 

There. 

Can you understand how my heart aches? I wanted to serve God but couldn't from this bed. 


Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-The Gallows- Haman's Greatest Project

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

I had been in a really good mood after leaving the banquet Queen Esther had invited me to. At first I felt so honored to be the only person asked to attend a meal given for the king. Then I realized the queen would feel duty bound to invite me. 

I was the king's closest advisor and worthy of this privilege. I went home and told my family and friends about my successes after the meal.

And then...

I remembered the disrespectful Mordecai. I told everyone in my home what he had done. They completely understood why I would be upset. The problem was, my anger prevented me from constructing an appropriate punishment for Mordecai.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate," I said. "He refuses to stand as I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon."

My wife, Zeresh, paced a few steps. She had a mind for great ideas. My friends sat and talked among themselves. "I know," Zeresh said. "Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high. In the morning, ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it. Tomorrow, you'll get his permission easily because the king listens to your advice. You'll hang Mordecai then go to the dinner with the king and queen and be happy." 

My friends talked among themselves then shook their heads. "This is a great idea."

It was a good idea. I called my head servant and said, "Build a gallows seventy-five feet tall. I need this done by morning. Stop every project, and put every man on it. Have it built by my house."

"Yes, my lord." The servant left.

I must admit, hearing the hammers and wood brought me great pleasure. At last, Mordecai would receive his punishment, right here in my own yard.

As the sun set, the workers stopped. I went out to inspect the work. The gallows would not be completed soon enough. "I said the gallows needed to be finished by morning."

"Yes, my lord. They will be."

"It doesn't look like it to me." The head worker stood by me looking at the project. He waited for my word. I said, "Set up crews to work through the night. This project needs to be done quickly." 

"Yes, my lord," he said.

Even thought the hammers banged close to the house, I fell asleep with absolutely no problems. I would win this battle.


...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What made him angry?
3. What terrible plan did Haman's wife say?
4. Did Haman agree? Why?
5. Describe what Haman had built
6. Did the project come together as fast as Haman wanted?
7. What did Haman order the crew to do?
8. How did Haman sleep that night?

Do you think Haman will win?

Esther-Haman's Hunger for Revenge

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

As the king has shown by this act, I am very important, and wanted to make sure you realized just how important I am. 

There are those in the empire that stir my anger. Now that I have this position, I have the power to punish them.

Mordecai is my biggest irritation. Can you imagine, he refuses to bow down to me. Me? I went home quite upset over the whole matter. As soon as I dismounted my horse I called my wife and all my friends to meet at my house. At least I could boast about all the good things that have happened. Maybe I'll feel better then.

My wife served refreshments in the gathering room then I stood. "I have great news to share." I raised my chin to help them understand my importance. "First, as you know I have accumulated vast wealth. Look about you at all I have. And I have plans to enlarge our home and assets."

Zeresh, my wife pressed her hands together on her face. Her eyes leaped wide. "Oh, Haman. A bigger home? This is wonderful."

Of course it was. Important people must show others their wealth and not hide it. "You also know I have many sons."

My friends nodded. And so they should. Having many sons is a sign of wealth and prosperity. "And now, the king has honored me in so many ways." I couldn't help but grin. "Yes, he has elevated me above the other nobles and officials. I have the great power--only second to the king himself."

My friends had a look of pleasure. And why not? They should feel honored to be in my presence. "Something else happened today." I waited for them to lean forward to hear the next great news. When they did, I said, "I am the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to a banquet she gave today. And are you ready for this?"

My friends and wife nodded.

"She was so pleased with how the banquet went that she invited me, along with the king, to another banquet tomorrow."

My friends leaped to their feet and congratulated me. Zeresh hugged me.

Then I remembered that disrespectful Mordecai and my face warmed with anger.

"What's wrong, Haman? You've had nothing but good news. What could possibly upset you?" Zeresh stepped back giving me room to speak to everyone.

"That Jew Mordecai sits at the king's gate. He refuses to stand when I approach then bow in my presence. I deserve to have respect by all people in Babylon. Including Mordecai."

I turned away from them.

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What did he want to do and have?
3. Haman decided to go home after the meal, who did he see on the way?
4. What did that person not do?
5. Why did this bother Haman?
6. What did Haman plan to do?
7. Why did Haman feel he could do that?

Amy Carmichael-I May Never Walk Again

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 63 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. 

I had fallen into a pit while inspecting the land where we were building a new facility. I'd called for help and hadn't heard anyone respond.

Now you are caught up. And I'm still in the pit.

I dug holes to pull myself up to the surface. The dirt tumbled down on me. My good foot helped, but the pain really slowed me down. I reached up above my head for a rock and realized a hand had scooped up mine.

Tamil, the driver pulled me up and out of the pit. "Thank you, Tamil for helping me." 

He frowned. "You didn't fall. A demon threw you down there."

I didn't want to create a fuss so I did't say any more about that. "Please call the mission and tell them them I had an accident."

I waited two hours for medical help, feeling my ankle swell up to the size of a melon. The pain was so strong I could barely handle it. A car door closed and Dr. May's voice rang out. This was the first time I realized how the Indian people felt when medical help arrived. Through all the pain I was so happy to see her.

Until she gave me that look. "I'm sorry, this is very bad. We need to take you to the London Mission Society Hospital."

Forty-six long miles of narrow roads between rice paddies. Ooooh my ankle throbbed. I had to bite down on my finger at times to lesson some of the pain. The nurse, Mary Mills rode with me, trying her best to find ways to make me comfortable. This was not a job that could be done. 

To add to the bumpy road, rain gushed from the sky making the narrow steep roads dangerous. The driver worked so hard to keep the car on the road. One time the vehicle hit a huge bump created by the road washing out. Everyone was thrown out of the vehicle. I hit the ground with a thud. Pain surged from my toes to my head. Mud dripped down my face. Ooooh I hurt so much.

The one good thing that happened was the car stayed upright. We did not have the manpower to right a car that was turned upside down. 

We finally reached the hospital. The wide eyes from the doctors told the story of what they saw. We looked awful!

They took X-rays. The news was a little worse than I'd hope. My leg was broken above the ankle. The doctor said I had to have my ankle in splints for eight weeks. 

Eight weeks!!!

The doctor prayed for me, "O Lord have mercy on this servant of yours. Please be with this woman who has served you so many years. Help her leg to heal strong enough to let her stand again."

The staff wheeled me to surgery. The mask of ether covered my face and in the seconds before I went to sleep I thought of Psalm 6. "Have mercy on me, O Lord. For I am weak. O Lord heal me for my bones are afflicted."

And then I realized the doctor hadn't said I would be walking for sure. The last thing I remember was a tear forming.


Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!

Esther-Hamon's Confidence

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Haman's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Haman. The king promoted me to second in command for the entire Babylon Empire a short time ago. 

I am very important, and wanted to make sure you realized just how important I am. 

Today, Queen Esther invited me to a banquet along with the king. Had she simply invited me, I would have considered it more of a meeting of some sort. I can't imagine her having anything of importance to say to me. Surely I have more power and influence over the king than her.

But when she invited me along with the king, and the king insisted on insuring I knew...well, can I just say there is no further proof needed. I am truly a very important man.

You should have seen the banquet room. The decorations, the food, the cutlery, the plates, all worthy of someone of my importance. At last I am being recognized for my skills and intelligence. 

After the meal, the king asked Queen Esther what gift she wanted in return. Do you know what she said? She asked for the opportunity to give another banquet for the king and me. I could hardly believe my ears. Life could not get any better.

I'm going to rush home and tell my wife. We can build a bigger home, eat rich foods like the important people we are. Buy anything we want. I'm so excited!

I walked out of the palace to go home and saw that despicable man, Mordecai at the gate. Each person I passed bowed to me, as I deserved, except that disrespectful Mordecai. Not only did Mordecai not bow, but he showed no fear of me. Like he actually thought I wouldn't punish him.

Fiery anger burned inside of me. I wanted to punish him right then and there, but this would not have been appropriate for the man who has second highest power in the land. No. I took a breath and chose to go home. There I'd make a plan that would punish Mordecai appropriately.

Mordecai will see, as will everyone in the kingdom, that I have the power to do as I please and will punish anyone who gets in my way.

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Why was Haman so happy?
2. What did he want to do and have?
3. Haman decided to go home after the meal, who did he see on the way?
4. What did that person not do?
5. Why did this bother Haman?
6. What did Haman plan to do?
7. Why did Haman feel he could do that?

Esther-The King Wants to Give Esther a Gift

By Mary Vee
Esther 5

From Esther's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Esther. I am the queen of Babylon. 

King Xerxes and Haman, the man he promoted to second power in the kingdom, sat at the banquet table. I had invited them to a special meal in their honor.

The food was delicious and both men were very pleased. They ate until finally sitting back on their chair and rubbing their stomachs. 

The king smiled at me. "You have served us such a fine meal. 

"Thank you, Your Majesty." I turned to the servants and signaled them to fill the king's and Haman's goblets with new wine. 

King Xerxes took a sip and set his goblet on the table. "Now, please tell me. What did you want or need? Whatever it is, I will be give it to you. So, what is your request? Even up to half of the kingdom, whatever you ask, it will be granted to you."

I watched his face and wondered if I should tell him about Haman's evil plan to kill the Jews. My stomach felt a bit sick. I took that as a sign that I should not tell him yet. I thought, what should I ask to stall for one more day? Well, the king seemed really pleased I had invited him and Haman to a banquet. That's it. I'll arranged another banquet for the two of them tomorrow. 

I bowed and answered him, "My king, my request is this: If the king thinks of me with favor, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, fulfilling my wishes, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then, I promise, I will answer the king's question."

Both the king and Haman seemed very pleased with this idea. 

"You can count on my presence, Your highness." Haman said and bowed to me. 

I don't think he will be very happy when he hears me tell the king of his plan to kill my people tomorrow.

The king walked with Haman out the door. "You see, Haman, I told you Esther was a good choice. Not only is she beautiful, but she is also gracious. Yes, she is a wonderful queen for Babylon."

"Indeed she is, my king."

...come back to read what happens next.

*********************************************************************************************
sources: New International Version, New King James Version  

1. Who attended the banquet?
2. Was the king pleased?
3. What did he want to do for Esther?
4. What did Haman think about the idea?
5. Why did Esther decide to wait to tell the king?

Amy Carmichael-Falling...Falling...Falling

By Mary Vee

Year: September 1931

Amy Carmichael: 63 years old

From Amy's Journal

Photo Courtesy

My name is Amy Carmichael. I am a missionary in India. 

The doors to our mission hospital opened to the public. I was not in the least surprised to see people who had traveled for many miles to receive medical treatment.

The patients stood in long lines waiting their turn. 

Many pulled me aside as I walked the halls. "The people who work here are missionaries?"

"Yes." I answered them.

"They are so kind, so caring. No one complains and everyone listens to our need."

I knew the people whom God had called here had these tender hearts. And to think, in a way, even the children have been called here. God directed their paths to help them find this place of refuge. 

Sometimes the hospital was filled with patients. So many people hurting. It was these times that we gave the little children their job. They held lanterns and walked the paths around the hospital singing Christian song. Imagine those sweet young voice singing. The sound soothed those who cried in pain and helped them fall asleep.

Oh how blessed my heart was. My mind raced with more projects needing to be done, but there were times when even I was blessed and soothed by the children's songs.

The hospital was in good care, leaving me the opportunity to do other work. A few of the women staff workers from Dohnavur went with me to check on the renovations for a new clinic in Kalakaua. The village was a few miles away from the mission compound.

By the time we arrived, the sun would be ready to set. It would be dark soon. The wind blew, ruffling our clothes. I pulled my sari tight around my shoulders and stepped out of the car. I looked at the buildings and saw a small one to the side. This one would be our outhouse. 

I walked toward the little building wanting to see if the workers had begun digging. Dusk created shadows. I took another step and slipped down. Down. Down I fell. Into a pit I hadn't expected. Not there.

"Help!" No one came. Where had everyone gone? "Help!"

I clawed at the dirt lining the pit. Fire burned in my ankle. I didn't know if I had broken it or severely sprained it. Either way I couldn't put any weight on it. "Please help!"

Come back next week to read more of Amy Carmichael.



Resources used for this series:. 
Benge, Janet, and Geoff Benge. Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 1998. Print.
Davis, Rebecca Henry. With Daring Faith: A Biography of Amy Carmichael. Greenville, SC: Bob Jones UP, 1987. Print.
Dick, Lois Hoadley. Amy Carmichael: Let the Children Come. Chicago: Moody, 1984. Print.
Meloche, Renee Taft., and Bryan Pollard. Amy Carmichael: Rescuing the Children. Seattle, WA: YWAM Pub., 2002. Print.
Wellman, Sam. Amy Carmichael: A Life Abandoned to God. Uhrichville, OH: Barbour Pub., 1998. Print.

Don't forget to comment! 
Let Amy hear from you!