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The Master’s Hands
Scout gently laid the fragile and frightened dove in his master’s hands and gave Lily Bell a sweet and sloppy lick on her cheek.
The master’s fingers were gentle and delicate, yet rugged and strong.
He spoke softly to Lily Bell while gently smoothing her trembling, yet lifeless feathers. He had a peaceful face and touches of silver in his hair—just like Lily Bell’s wings. His eyes were kind and seemed to look beyond her brokenness right into her tender heart.
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The master’s touch felt as if warm
honey was being poured all over her.
She had never felt so at peace.
This was the feeling she had been
searching for all of her life. In his
hands, she felt safe, she felt loved,
and she felt unbroken.
The master carefully carried Lily Bell
inside the log cabin and held her close to
his heart near the warmth of the fire until morning had broken. As the sun’s warmth
her seeds and berries from the garden. With each touch of his healing hands, Lily Bell felt refreshed and restored. With each tender
word he whispered, she found comfort and
rest for her soul.
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Her longing for friendship and adventure
had been fulfilled, yet now she longed
for the familiar comfort of her own
nest shared with her family. Somehow,
the master keenly knew this. Without
hesitation, he glanced at his clumsy
copper-colored hound sitting faithfully
at his feet and gave him a commanding
whistle.
Scout delicately sniffed the little squab
to collect her scent, and with that the
threesome forged ahead. Leaving the log
pond, waded up the stream, and walked
through the woods until they halted at
the base of a weathered old pine tree.
Finally, Scout looked up at his master and
barked with complete certainty.
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Home
“Well done, my good and faithful friend,” said the master as he proudly patted Scout on the head. It felt good to help. The master carefully climbed the old pine tree, keeping Lily Bell close to his heart inside the warmth of his coat. There sat her mother and father faithfully perched in their nest awaiting their daughter’s safe return. The master gently lifted Lily Bell’s head, gazed deeply into her blue shadowed eyes, and said, “You are a masterpiece.” He then carefully set Lily Bell down by her parents and smiled. Strangely, Lily Bell’s parents did not seem surprised or afraid. They seemed to already know the master and trust him.
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At last, Lily Bell was back home. It had been a wearisome journey, and her body longed for the stillness and warmth of her nest.
Although tired, she also felt stronger, healthier, and hoping to do more on her own. She was thankful for the master’s love and protection and her new friends. Lily Bell realized that it felt good to help and that she COULD do all of the things her friends could do after all, just in a different way.
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She could climb, swim, fly, dance, run, and stand brave WITH the help of friends and family. Lily Bell had found what she was searching for on her journey. She had found her worth. Lily Bell now knew deep inside her heart that she was created for an important purpose and there was a special plan for her life. By overcoming her own struggles and fears, she could help others overcome. Through love and kindness, the weak hearted could be made strong and the lost could be found. This gave Lily Bell hope for her future. At peace, Lily Bell finally drifted off to sleep cuddled under the shadow of her father’s wings.
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Front Cover
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Chapter 1: Silver Lining
Chapter 2: Brotherly Love
Chapter 3: The Journey
Chapter 4: Cracked, but Not Broken
Chapter 5: Words of Venom
Chapter 6: The Master's Hands
Chapter 7: Home