Win 1 of 3 FREE Autographed Copies of "The Purpose"

Looking for the perfect gift for that special someone this Christmas? Here's your chance to get 

a FREE Autographed copy 

of 

"The Purpose" 

by Daniel L. Sweetnam.

As a part of the promotion for the Newly Released second book in The Chronicles of Malachai Series, "The Purpose", we are giving away 3 FREE signed copies through Goodreads.com. 

The Contest will run from November 21, 2013 to December 16, 2013. Winners will be drawn randomly by Goodreads through their Free Giveaway Promotion. 

(All rules and guidelines for this Giveaway are governed by Goodreads.com)

Already a Member of Goodreads?

If you are already a member of Goodreads, all you have to do is click the following link which will connect you to "The Purpose" book page -  Enter to Win on Goodreads

Once on the page scroll a short ways down and you will see "Win a Copy of This Book". Simply click on the Enter to Win button, fill in the information and you will be entered for the FREE draw held on December 16, 2013.

Not a Member of Goodreads yet?

You do need to be a member of Goodreads to enter the Goodreads Book Giveaway. If you are not a member of Goodreads, you can become a member easily through their sign in page and start browsing through the millions of books they have to offer. Becoming a member of Goodreads is also Free.

Also Available on Amazon!!!

"The Purpose" is also available through Amazon.com in print and e-book Kindle edition. For a limited time you can get the Kindle edition for Only $1.99, Get it Here!

Read a Preview of "The Purpose"

To get a preview and read the first chapter of "The Purpose" use the following link -  http://thechroniclesofmalachai.blogspot.ca/2013/07/chapter-one-from-purpose-second-book-in.html 

Plus, you can read Chapter 10 - The Labyrinth Dream as well through this link - 
http://thechroniclesofmalachai.blogspot.ca/2013/11/preview-chapter-10-labyrinth-dream-from.html

Interested in Reading more from 

"The Chronicals of Malachai Series"

Check out the Free Preview of Chapter One from "The Gift", book one in the series.

http://thechroniclesofmalachai.blogspot.ca/2013/07/chapter-one-from-gift-first-book-in.html

Preview Chapter 10 - The Labyrinth Dream, from "The Purpose"

In Celebration of the formal Release of "The Purpose", 

book two in The Chronicles of Malachai,

 it is being offered on sale through Amazon.com on e-book for 

ONLY $1.99

until November 23, 2013

http://www.amazon.com/The-Purpose-Chronicles-Malachai-ebook/dp/B00GKTKAOG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1384977923&sr=8-3&keywords=daniel+l.+sweetnam

I have asked several of those who have already read "The Purpose" which chapters they felt grabbed their attention the most and would be good to help me promote the book in order to help those interested in reading the series to better understand the spiritual war Malachai sees. Several different chapters kept coming up with the final one being one of the favorite. However, I would rather not give away the ending of the book or too much of the climax, so one of the other favorites is Chapter 10 -The Labyrinth Dream.

If you are interested in what "The Purpose" is all about and "The Chronicles of Malachai", you can preview Chapter 10 here and get a glimpse of the deeper spiritual war Malachai is involved with.  

Chapter 10

from The Purpose 

by Daniel Sweetnam

As the days and weeks went on I began to understand what the demons real threat was all about. When he approached me at my apartment I thought he might physically attack me, now I realize the attack was meant to cause me grief and despair.

Over the past few weeks I was hit with one financial problem after the next. With extra car repairs, increases in apartment expenses, extra demands at work wanting me to choose my priorities of jobs and even jealousy from co-workers; I felt busier than ever. I knew I couldn’t keep the pace up and had to make changes, but I really didn’t want to give up the apartment. I just couldn’t afford it on my own anymore.

On top of my own problems, it seemed like many of my friends and family were struggling with all sorts of strange issues and problems. Even neighbors in my apartment were experiencing weird problems with their apartments, cars and lives. I began thinking everything that was happening to them was my fault and did my best to pray for them all, trying hard to command any spirit attacking them to back off. However, each time one person’s life settled down, another person began having a real rough time.

I was feeling exhausted mentally, physically and spiritually. Even Lucy couldn’t seem to cheer me up anymore. I was being dragged back down once more into the pit of despair and desperately needed help.

That night I had another dream; one that was revealing itself in pieces over the past several weeks. Each time I dreamt it I would see and feel more of what was really happening. But I never saw the end because I would wake up too soon, until now.

I found myself descending from the clouds to the dirt ground before a large layered maze of walls. On my way down I could see a large battle happening in the center of the maze. People were fighting hard against a horde of beasts and demons. I could see the people swinging their weapons and swords but having very little effect on the enemies they were fighting.

The beasts and demons were also swinging their swords, shooting arrows and even catapulting stones at all the people. Many of the people were being knocked to the ground and slain, as the beasts kept moving towards them.

As my feet touched the ground I could hear the cries of those in the center of the maze and knew I had to get there quickly to help. However, each layer of walls only had one doorway in order to get through; and there were different hazards or people blocking each door.

The first door was always hard to see as it was hidden behind many small shrubs and vines. Most of the plants were covered in thorns and thistles destined to snare my clothes and skin, ripping as I passed through. Somehow I would always find a strong stick lying nearby to help break through the brush, but I had to take the time to look for it.

Just as I would make it to the door itself, a person would appear to speak the same message to me. The person would change each time and was always someone I sort of knew, but the message was the same.

“Is it really your fight to be involved with Malachai? Stay out of here and you will be safe. If you choose to enter this door you will put yourself into this war and the consequences will also be yours.” The messenger would speak.

“I have to go forward, it’s what God requires of me and I serve His purposes, not my own. I must do what is right.” Would be my response.

When I entered through the door I found myself in the middle of a barren land. It looked as if a war had happened long ago and every living thing was now dried up and withered away. I could see old riverbeds, dead stumps and logs, even the dried half buried bones sticking out of the dusty ground.

The air was humid and difficult to breath and I would always sweat from the heat coming from the ground. However, I was always cold inside; even my skin was cold to the touch as if death was within me. Whenever I would try to move forward the winds would stir up blowing dust and dirt into my face, filling my lungs.

I would do my best to push forward towards the wall that seemed far off in the distance and hard to see because of the blowing dust. Within minutes of entering the expanse I would have abrasions on my arms as I tried to protect my face from the constant dust scraping like sand paper across my skin.

I could also see several broken down buildings and dugouts cropping out from the ground and scattered through the area. However, for me to use any of the partial shelters I would have to leave the main path that took me to the doorway itself. I knew they were just a temptation though to offer me protection from my suffering, and to be a distraction from the real purpose I was here for. As much as I wanted to go, I knew I couldn’t leave the path before me, it wasn’t right.

As I finally made it close to the door another person would appear with another message. This person was always one of my close friends, someone who knew me well. Like before, the person would change, but the message was always similar. The message only changed slightly to reflect the messenger’s relationship with me.

“Malachai, why are you making yourself suffer so much? Everyone knows how much you care and we all appreciate what you do. But look at your face, hands and arms. Are the scars and pain really worth it? Let me help you. I can take you somewhere safe where you can heal and rest.” My friend would say.

I always answered the same though.

“I can’t quit now. There are those who need help inside and someone has to try. I can’t stop until I have finished what God has purposed for me. It just isn’t right.” I replied.

Immediately after, I would be standing before the door with my friend still standing beside me. The door handle was a smoldering red and I could feel the heat coming from the door itself from several feet back. I knew whatever was behind this door was even hotter than the barren land I was currently in. Perhaps hell itself was waiting before me.

“Well, go ahead and enter then. Grab the handle and burn yourself. It’s what you want isn’t it? Don’t you believe you need to suffer and take on our pain in order to be a hero, to be like Jesus?” My friend would say.

“No I don’t. But if I choose to put my own comfort and safety first while those around me are being hurt or destroyed, how can I say I am a Christian, when I’m not following what Jesus taught and His example? I have to do what’s right even if it hurts me because Jesus did what is right even though they crucified Him.” I answered.

Then I would take hold of the burning hot door handle, feeling a moment of searing pain burst through my body. I could even hear my skin sizzling like frying meat and smell my own flesh burning, as I turned the handle and entered the next room.

As soon as I walked through the door, my mom, several family members and some close friends quickly came to greet me; crowding around to see if I was okay.

“Malachai, what happened to you? Look at your arms and your hand is severely burned. You need to sit down and get these wounds looked at. Your brothers will get you something to drink and eat. Then you’ll feel better.” My mom said, while guiding me to a table on one side of the room.

This was only the second time I had dreamt this part of the dream, but I knew what this room reminded me of. It looked like the old wooden saloon from my dreams with Midnight. However, this room was much bigger with less people and there were no demons waiting to serve me, just my family and friends.

The last time I dreamt I was here, I listened to my mom and sat down at the table while her and my brothers dressed my wounds and convinced me to stay with them.

“Why do you have to get so involved with everyone else’s problems Malachai? Look how wounded you already are, what good will you be to anyone if you don’t take some time to rest and heal. The war will always be happening; you are allowed to take a break.” She said.

Last time I listened and decided to sit for just a moment. However, as soon as I made the decision, their appearances changed and they began to strap my arms and legs to the chair with the bandages meant to help me. Then they continued on with their own lives, doing whatever they wanted and left me out of the way, tied to the chair in the corner.

This time, I knew better than to fall for that temptation. So I pulled my burnt hand away from my mom and began walking directly to the door on the other side of the room.

My brothers both stood in my way, while several other family members and friends gathered towards me.

“You can’t help them, who do you think you are anyways, Jesus. Everyone has the right to make their own choices and you should just let them live with their consequences. Look at you, if don’t start living a little and enjoying your life, you’re going to die miserable. Maybe God is trying to help you understand that life is for the living, so you need to quit taking it so serious and start doing what makes you happy and feel good.” My brothers said, both taking turns speaking.

“If I simply do what everyone else does, then you’re right I might be happier for now. But, how long will getting what I want last when it starts to encroach on you getting what you want. If I should be more concerned with myself before thinking of others, what happens to your freedoms when they interfere with what I want to do? Isn’t that how wars are started? But if you all cared more about those who are hurting and suffering rather than your own comfort, we could work together and end this war completely.” I answered, while pushing past them all.

“You’ll lose though and they’ll kill you just like they did your Christ. But you’re not God, so you can’t come back from the dead. What good will you have accomplished then?” One of my brothers stated.

“I have to do what God wants, not what I want. Even if I die, I have to do what’s right.” I replied.

They all continued speaking over top of each other trying to tell me how wrong I was for continuing. However, as I arrived at the door and began to reach for the door handle I heard another voice speak.

“Please don’t continue Malachai. I need you and don’t want you to get hurt. If you go through that door you will be leaving me behind too.” Lucy spoke.

I put my hand down and turned to see her standing beside me with tears rolling down her cheek. As I reached up with my burned hand to wipe her tears, I watched in amazement as her tears ran into my burns and began to heal them. Within moments the wound was healed and just a scar remained. I didn’t want to go forward anymore, I just wanted to stay with her, but I knew it wasn’t right.

“I love you Lucy, and I hope you will understand why I must go forward. I have to go through this door because I have to trust God’s purpose more than what I might want to do. If I don’t do what I know is right, you will lose me anyways, because I will stop being who God created me to be. Like so many others in this room, I will be stuck, lost and tied down forever. Please trust God Lucy.” I said.

“I guess God is even more important to you than I am. So I hope you can find some happiness with Him, because I’m obviously not enough for you. Look what He’s put you through already, all your scars. Even after I healed you with the love in my tears, you still don’t want me.” Lucy stated; then walked away to join the rest of the people.

I desperately wanted to chase after her, but I knew it wasn’t right. I had to keep going forward. So I turned the handle and entered into the next room.

There was complete darkness here. The room was empty of all light, sound and feeling. Just empty. I quickly tried to find my way through the room but I had no idea where I was going. Even the door I came through was gone and I felt completely alone.

I spent what felt like hours in the place trying desperately to find any type of structure other than the floor. I tried jumping up hoping to find a ceiling. I even crawled along the floor hoping to find something small that I might be missing. When I yelled out, my voice simply vanished in a deep dark abyss. I felt alone and began to feel afraid.

After what seemed like hours of being lost in the darkness, I started questioning why I started this journey. The words everyone else spoke to me ran through my head and I questioned if I was wrong all along. I began doubting who I was and why I thought I was good enough to fight this war in the first place. Then I started getting angry with God for making me the way I was and for causing me to follow His purpose in the first place. So I fell to the ground, with tears flowing down my face and cried out to God.

“Why did you bring me this far only to abandon me here in this place God? Why? I’ve always felt so alone and that no one understands why I feel such a need to serve you. But I do it anyways. Even when they judge and criticize me I do what is right. But you always leave me alone to be hurt and condemned. Maybe I’m just not good enough for what you want, maybe you just chose the wrong person to fight this war. I don’t even understand what the war really is anyway. I’m just tired of living in this darkness God. Please, if You care at all, help me. I need You; I need Your light to guide me before I’m lost in this darkness forever.” I spoke out loud, desperately hoping that God could still hear me.

When I finished a dim light began to shine. It wasn’t coming from somewhere else in the room; it was coming from within me. Every scar and wound on my body was shining as well and the brightness grew the more I stood back up and focused on the light.

“When you feel like you are alone Malachai, it is because you have forgotten my promises. I said I would never leave you, nor forsake you. I am with you always because you chose to believe in me and follow my ways. You just became too focused on the darkness and covered My light which I placed within you. You are my light to others when you do what is right Malachai. But you have to choose to believe in who I know you are and trust in My help to guide you. Avoiding all the distractions of the world is not easy, but if you trust Me, I will be with you always.” The voice of the Lord spoke.

“I trust you God. Please guide me forward once more. I’m willing to listen and trust you.” I answered.

The light within and around me grew as bright as the day and I could clearly see the entire room finally. It was rather small and the door was easy to find now that there was light to show me the right way.

“Thank you God, I’m sorry for doubting.” I said, then walked quickly to the door and opened it up ready to face whatever might be on the other side.

The battlefield lay before me. The sound of screaming and smell of death overwhelmed my senses as I walked through the door. To my right were cages filled with prisoners piled one on top of the other. The people were desperately climbing over each other trying to find a way out of their jail. But there was no opening to escape.

To my left I saw people urgently trying to climb the wall itself, standing and jumping on those who had fallen, almost using them as step stools in order to scale the wall. But the wall was too high and wherever the people were piled high enough for a hope of escape, the beasts came along to tear the piles apart.

The beaten and wounded people would try to limp away, but the beasts were too powerful. Many people were already missing limbs, but the beasts would attack again and again.

In the middle of this blood soaked dirt arena was the intense battle between demons, beasts and people of all ages. Bodies were scattered everywhere of the dead and wounded, but no one cared, they just kept fighting to save themselves. I saw them walk over the hundreds of people missing limbs and bleeding on the ground. Some people were trying to get closer to the battle; others were simply trying to get away from it all.

I watched for a moment trying to figure out how I could help and saw how the demons were even using people to fight others. They promised not to harm them if the person would fight for the demon, and the people listened. I saw some desperately trying to fight back but they would quickly become surrounded and defeated. It all seemed so hopeless, like the war was already won.

Then I heard my name called.

“Malachai, please help me. I’m hurt; you’ve got to get me out of here.” It was one of my friends from the barren room. He was lying on the ground not far from me. His leg was missing and there were wounds all over his body.

I quickly ran towards him to see how I could help, and noticed others I knew. In fact, everyone I knew and everyone I had passed in the rooms were there, including Lucy. She was locked in one of the cages and was now screaming for my help too. There was no way I could help all these people on my own, there were just too many.

I remembered the lessons I had just learned and decided I needed help so I should pray.

“Please God, these are your people. I just can’t do this on my own. Help us all, we need you.” I prayed.

My prayer was obviously heard, but not just by God. The beasts all took note of me and began coming towards me, ready for battle. Many of the demons pushed aside those they were fighting and raised their weapons to prepare to fight me. Even the people some of the demons were controlling were forced to come to attach me.

“God I need your protection now. You said I’m not alone, ever, so please reveal yourself now and help me.” I desperately prayed, while standing firm in my place.

The light began to shine from within me once more, but this time it was even brighter. It became so bright the beasts and demons could no longer see where they were going. So they began slashing their weapons carelessly around them, hitting one another. As they began to wound one another they became angry and fought against themselves, until one powerful demon cried out in a loud voice.

“Stop fighting each other, he is the enemy we seek. We must slay him and the rest will fall.” He said, while pointing in my direction.

They stopped fighting each other and began to shield themselves from the brightness coming from within me. They had one purpose, to destroy me.

“This is my servant and I am with him. You will not harm him.” Came a thundering voice that filled the entire area around us.

All the demons and beasts fell to the ground for a moment in fear. Then began to get up and retreat towards the wall opposite from me.

“Thank you for helping me and never leaving me alone.” I prayed.

As I reached out to help a couple of the wounded people around me, the brightness coming from within me flowed into them and they were healed instantly. I knew I had to get to Lucy as quickly as possible, but there were so many people needing help on the way. So, I turned to those who were healed and gave them instructions.

“God has healed you and if you will believe in His ways, His light will help you heal others too. Please, ask God to help you so you can help others.” I said.

Several people began to pray to God and immediately afterwards they began to shine brightly like me. As they healed others, they passed on what I said and more began to shine and more were healed.

I realized why I needed to endure all the rooms now. It took everything I went through to understand true darkness, so now I could appreciate and understand the true light in order to share it with others.

The arena began to fade and dream ended. I was lying in my bed at the apartment once more. My mind was overwhelmed with all I had dreamt, but my spirit was at peace knowing I finally understood its meaning and it was complete.

"The Purpose" is Now Released.

THE PURPOSE

Book Two 

in The Chronicles of Malachai Series, 

is Now Available!

I am very excited to be able to say that The Purpose is finally Here! It is available already through Amazon in print format as well as Kindle, with more sites and versions to be released within the next couple of weeks.

I received a wonderful surprise phone call yesterday afternoon to let me know my own copies of "The Purpose" had arrived early and were ready to be picked up at our local courier pick-up site and I almost couldn't contain my excitement.

As soon as I received the box, I immediately opened it up to see the final look and I am very pleased. The cover turned out wonderful with the imagery and colors really showing the fiery red on the bottom of the bright moon and the angelic bluish/white on the top. The dark cloud covering the bottom of the moon creates an interesting shape as well. I would be curious to know what you see in the cover picture too.

Below is the brief info as to what The Purpose is about and if you would like to read the first chapter to get a preview, I have it posted in one of my early blogs or you can check it out on Amazon through this link http://www.amazon.com/The-Purpose-Chronicles-Malachai-ebook/dp/B00GKTKAOG/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384550412&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=daniel+l.+sweetnam


As a child Malachai experienced a very extraordinary world which surrounded him and revealed the spiritual war between the angels and demons that influenced everyone he saw. Now as a young man he is beginning to realize just how intense this war truly is and must choose which side he will fight for.

“The Purpose” is the second book in this series by Daniel Sweetnam which continues the journey of Malachai, who was given a Gift by God to see the spiritual world that co-exists alongside our own. However, having this gift and choosing what to do with it proves to be a bigger struggle than Malachai expected. The angels want to help him; the demons want to destroy him; but the choice of who to trust still remains his own. Nevertheless, Malachai soon discovers there’s yet another choice he needs to make which has an even greater purpose and will establish his position within the spiritual war itself.


As an introductory special I am offering the Kindle version of "The Purpose" for Only $1.99 from November 16, 2013 to November 23, 2013.

Plus, if you are on Goodreads.com I will be setting up another giveaway where you can win a Free Autographed Copy of "The Purpose" as well.

Please feel free to let me know your reviews of "The Purpose" and "The Gift", as I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

Thank you for your continued support.

The Spiritual Awakening

I have had many interesting conversations lately about the spiritual world around us and how it seems that people's personal experiences with spirits both physically or through dreams, have increased. Some question if it is due to the increased awareness of the supernatural brought through movies and the internet; others are wondering if something greater is still to come and we are being prepared on a spiritual level for it. With so many possible explanations and conspiracies abounding, the only thing I can personally state for sure is that more people are finally willing to discuss the spiritual events and experiences that they are having.

My biggest reason for writing "The Chronicles of Malachai" series was to create an opportunity for conversations about people's own experiences with the spiritual world and help them to feel they are not alone in what they are going through. I may not have sold hundreds of copies yet, but I most definitely have achieved my goal for creating a conversation piece, especially among some of the older generation who were never aloud to talk about such things.

Throughout my life I have often experienced strange spiritual events which has strongly influenced my understanding about the spiritual world and what I write about in my books. One of the greatest struggles I have had to face though, was trying to tell others what I was going through or experiencing. Often when I tried others would judge, criticize or even laugh as if I was simply making it up. The result was I began believing that they were right and perhaps it was just my imagination.

However, God had a different plan for me and as I learned to trust Him more, I found myself in unique situations that allowed me to help others who were also more spiritually aware. Experiencing the spiritual side of life can often make a person feel lost and alone, as if there is no one else can really understand them. They feel as if they must live a dual life, one that puts on a public image that is acceptable to those around them, while the other stays quiet about what they see, feel or experience and they never share with others what is really going on. I found that God began to bring these other people across my path and I would get the feeling that I needed to share something about my personal spiritual life. It wouldn't take long at all before the other person would share their own experiences and we could easily relate and understand each other much deeper. After each encounter God brought my way, I developed a greater understanding for the more personal relationship He desires with me and made it part of my mission to share who God is with those He sent me to help.  

Since writing "The Gift", young people to older people have been sharing their extra-ordinary experiences and dreams with me, many having a common thread revealing a desire of spiritual beings attempting to influence people or communicate a message. Some people share some incredibly uplifting stories that truly encourage me, while others share some very dark moments that show the spiritual war we are really in. However, whether uplifting or terrifying, people are sharing their own spiritual experiences and often tell me how much better they feel knowing they can talk about it and are not alone.

This is why I believe God has called me to write The Chronicles of Malachai, beginning with "The Gift", and now "The Purpose", simply to offer others the opportunity to openly talk about the spiritual world that exists around each of us. I believe we are in a time of spiritual awakening that seems to be affecting all religious beliefs and creating a deeper spiritual war as well. As a Christian I believe God wants an even deeper connection with us personally and is trying desperately to open our minds and spirits to what His true purpose and heart is, so we can't be deceived or destroyed by the many other spirits desiring our attention and causing the spiritual war raging around us. However, in order to understand God's deeper purpose we need to be able to talk about the spiritual war that exists and our spiritual experiences, openly and honestly.

I'm hoping that while reading through my books and blogs others who are also spiritually aware will feel a sense of peace knowing they are not alone in what they see, feel or experience. There are those of us who understand and can help. Throughout my books I have woven in tools to help those in need to fight the spiritual forces that are consumed in darkness. I also try hard to share my belief that God is always present to help and guide us because He desires a personal relationship and wants us to realize that we are never truly alone.

If we are engaged in a spiritual war that many cannot even see, then the greatest weapon the enemies can use is to keep us quiet, segregated and consumed by judgement and self-doubt. Perhaps, by sharing our spiritual experiences both good and bad with others and getting to know who God is personally, we will start to see this spiritual war for what it is and no longer live in doubt or judgement but fight back with the power we really have, and this Truth shall set us Free.

The Cover Picture for "The Purpose"

I am very excited to share the final proofs for the cover of my second book, The Purpose. The whole process has taken a little longer than I had hoped, with a few bumps along the way, however, the end result has been worth the effort. Please let me know what you think of it as well.

The Purpose should be going to print within in the next week and I will keep you posted as to when it is available both on e-book and soft-cover.

I thought it may be worth sharing a quick history on the front cover picture as well for those who might be curious.

Last spring during a very spiritually intense few days, I had a strong feeling that I needed to go outside. It was late and as I walked out onto our porch I was hit by a strong wind blowing from the southeast. As I moved towards the railings I could see the full moon dimly shining through a few very large and black clouds which were hovering above the mountains. Immediately after, I heard a voice speak, "You need to get your camera because tonight I will give you the picture for your book."

I quickly went back inside to get my son, Samuel's, camera as it is the best in the house. However, when I went back out to take the picture I couldn't get a clear shot between the winds that were blowing and my unsteady hand. As fast as I could, I went inside to get a tri-pod and decided to take the shot from our front yard. Samuel ask what I was doing, and when I explained he immediately helped me get everything set up to take the perfect picture.

The winds kept blowing and we were far from warm, but for over half an hour we kept taking spectacular pictures of the moon rising above the mountains while poking itself brightly through the dark clouds. Several times both Samuel and I felt uneasy as if something else was watching what we were doing. However, the intense brightness of the full moon and its fight to keep pushing aside the darkness, kept drawing us to continue taking more pictures.

Once we felt we had taken enough pictures we decided to download them to my computer to see if any would be right for The Purpose. As soon as we saw this image we knew it was the one. After showing it to my wife, Daphne and other son, Josiah, we were all sure it was right. I wasn't quite done writing The Purpose yet, but the way the moon was shining as bright as the sun, while the darkness kept trying to cover it and hid it away, fit the theme for The Purpose perfectly. The moon kept shining as it was meant to and no matter how hard the dark clouds tried to cover it over, the moon always found a way to shine through. It can't quit or give up because it knows it has a greater purpose for its life, one of which is to bring light to us all.

While I finished writing The Purpose, Josiah edited the picture and the end result is what you see above, the brilliant full moon fulfilling its purpose to bring light and hope through the darkness of the night, so we don't need to feel scared because of the darkness, as if we are alone.

Take the Time to Fulfill Your Dreams

I find it amazing these days just how fast time seems to be flying by, especially when I want to sit down to write. Whether trying to work on my next book, write a blog, perhaps a poem or even to simply write down my thoughts, something always seems to come up to interrupt my time to write.

I've read other blogs sharing how important it is to make the time to write, but by the time I finish reading the article and feel inspired to get working on my own stuff, my time has run out and something else comes up preventing me from continuing.

Over the years I have learned just how difficult it is to fulfill my own dreams and do what I am truly passionate about. It comes down to giving myself the permission to temporarily put off all the other important things in my life in to order allow my self to accomplish something that may seem only really important to me. My work may fall behind for a moment, others may feel frustrated that I'm not helping them do what they feel is important and a few may not understand at all. But in the end what it truly comes down to is whether I'm feeling that my life is offering contentment, meaning and ultimately joy to me. I simply can't inspire others to follow their dreams and find joy in their life if I'm not able to find it for myself.

This past month and a half has been one of those times in my own life where the demands from others on my time have consumed so much energy that even to take the time to write these words has taken half the day. But I am learning from the advice of others to take the time anyways and write my thoughts. I have been reminded that what I write doesn't have to be long, doesn't have to be profound, doesn't have to be something everyone will want to read. They are simply my thoughts which encourage me to fulfill my passion and will ultimately encourage me to accomplish my dreams. However, if I don't make the time to write them, then my dreams will never become a reality and I will always wish and hope for things I simply will never have.

I've often filled my head with the thoughts that what I wish and dream for are not important enough compared to the needs of so many others out there. So I would be better off spending my time helping these others accomplish their goals and dreams because mine just seemed selfish. However, I am learning that by fulfilling my own dreams I'm actually becoming stronger and more capable to help others because I understand what it takes to accomplish the bigger goals in a person's life.

Since writing my book, The Gift, I have met many people who have begun writing themselves and then given up because of their lack of time or lack of belief that their work is any good. Before writing The Gift, I used to answer people with the words, "I know how you feel, one day I hope to write something bigger myself, but I just don't get the time and don't think people would want to read what I would like to write either."

Now after accomplishing this part of my own dream by writing The Gift, I answer people completely different, "Don't give up, know matter what, even if it takes years. If it's something you feel passionate about, you need to take the time to accomplish it for yourself. And don't let the worry about whether other people will like it or not stop you, if you believe in what you have to say or share, than in a world with 7 billion other people in it, there has to be at least one or two others who will be moved, touched or inspired by your words. Fulfill your dreams because they are important to you, and then others will be inspired not by what you believe, but because you truly believe in something bigger."

Over the past month and a half I have spent a lot of time helping others, expanding my business, helping my oldest son with his graduation from high-school and preparations for University, helping family members, friends and community groups, speaking about God at a kids' camp for a week and working six days a week as well. And as much as all these activities have been important and worthwhile it has meant no time for myself to sit and express my thoughts and feelings through something that I enjoy, such as writing, which has left me feeling exhausted and frustrated.

Even though I've been doing so much to help others and enjoy most of what I do, I am being reminded that simply helping others fulfill their dreams while forgetting about my own will leave me feeling partly empty and unsatisfied instead of passionate and fulfilled. I can still feel important and accomplished by spending all my time helping others accomplish their dreams, but I will always have a part of me that wishes and dreams for something more and something bigger.

When we have a passion for something and a dream we believe needs to be fulfilled, then we must take time out from the things in life that are preventing us from accomplishing them and allow even just a few moments here and there to work on our own dreams in order to keep our passion alive. After all, if everyone gave up and let go of their dreams and never took the time to reach for something bigger, then imagine how dull and boring this world would be without all the fantastic and creative books, works of art, movies, electronics and inventions that have been created. And imagine how many others will never be inspired to accomplish their own dreams and create greater things as well.

Writing is one passion of mine that helps me feel accomplished and fulfilled. I took a moment and simply began to write today, when I started I was feeling frustrated because of constant interruptions and the feeling that I was just wasting my time instead of doing something more important. Now after spending the time to do something I enjoy, I'm feeling content and ready to continuing with all the other responsibilities of my day.

I hope those of you who read this blog will also take the time and spend a few moments of your day working to accomplish your own dreams and as a result that you too will feel passionate about what you do and why you're doing it. Each of us has our own personal hopes and dreams, but the only way to make them a reality is to give ourselves the permission to take some time and begin to work on fulfilling them today. And whether it takes days, months or years, never give up on your dreams.

Chapter One from "The Purpose". The second book in The Chronicles of Malachai series.

The second book in The Chronicles of Malachai called, "The Purpose" is almost to the point of being printed and available online and in stores.

As promised for those anxiously awaiting to get your hands on a copy in order to find out where Malachai's journey takes him next, I am posting Chapter One of "The Purpose", to build your anticipation even more. Hope you enjoy this small taste of what's to come.

Chapter ONE from

THE PURPOSE 

by Daniel Sweetnam

Chapter One

“The spiritual world exists all around you Malachai. Many people feel or experience the strange and supernatural events this world offers, but since they don’t understand it, they don’t believe it’s real and become confused about what they feel. However, those that do believe often desire more.

The trouble is when it comes to being responsible for what they see or feel they no longer want to listen, they only want the experience and nothing more. Most people choose not to help others with what they learn; they only want to feel powerful and important for themselves. Most will not choose to do what is right but only what makes them feel content. What will you do Malachai?” the angel spoke to me.

I knew this angel well and also knew just how much he cared for me. Many times in my past he had visited both in my dreams and while I was awake. But he always challenged me with thoughts I wasn’t sure I wanted to consider. This time, we were standing in a tall grassy field, on the edge of a lake, and even though I knew I was dreaming, the angel’s radiance lit up everything around us and brought warmth upon my body. However, the words he spoke cut deep into my very soul.

“I want to do what’s right, but I’m scared. The things I see don’t seem very incredible or miraculous. They are more from a dark, sinister side of the spiritual world.” I replied.

Gently, the angel answered, “There are incredible miracles happening all around you, but your fear of the darkness is blinding you from the greater world which you also exist in. You’re not alone Malachai.”

“Then why do I feel so alone all the time?” I answered, resignedly.

            “Just because you don’t always see or feel us, know we are still watching over you. God would never leave you alone, you are very important to Him and He is always with you even when you forget He is there. Sometimes life just becomes hard and the good is overshadowed by the bad. Yet there is always light amidst the darkness if we choose to look for it. Perhaps you need to be the light yourself.” The angel finished. Then I woke up.

The next day I took some time to contemplate where my life was going and everything the angel had said in my dream. So as I sat alone on the edge of a cliff that was hanging off the side of a large mountain, I questioned why I was cursed with this responsibility to see these demons and into the hearts of others. Since I was little all I saw were how the demons and angels fought over people to either rule them or set them free. Yet as much as some believed I was given an incredible gift by God, to me it was just too heavy of a burden to bear.

This weekend was supposed to be fun as some new friends I had made from my College program invited several of us up for an end of term party that weekend. However, as much fun as the party was for everyone else, all I felt was my own sorrow and the true pain they hid within their hearts as well. So that morning when our hosts offered to take us on a hike up the mountainside by their house, I was happy to go just to get away from everyone else and spend some time alone.

It didn’t take me long to separate myself from the rest of the group as I often went hiking or mountain climbing at home and at camp. Of course the fact that the rest were also still groggy from being up so late with the party definitely slowed them down with hiking. I let them know I wanted to take some time by myself and then went ahead in order to be alone with my thoughts and God.

I'd forgotten how simple it could all really be. So much has happened since that horrible dream in the old saloon with the demon General named Midnight. I had made my choice to fight him and serve God, but I didn’t realize then just how much Midnight would make me suffer for it. He hasn’t appeared to me for almost a year, yet the dream is still as vivid in my mind as if it had happen only last night. I know he is still watching me and I often feel his presence around me and in my dreams, but he no longer shows himself.

What Midnight promised about the real war beginning was true though. For months I felt bombarded by his attacks. At home, camp, work or even with friends, his minions seemed to show up to make their presence known. Often they took pride with knowing I could see them whispering into the ears of those around me so I could watch how much influence they had.

I did all I could to pray and make them leave people alone, but it seemed like the people would rather have the demons telling them lies then hear the truths God wants them to know. They would rather have power, influence and importance instead of doing what was right. The problem is that I am starting to agree with them again.

All I see and feel is people’s anguish, pain, suffering and selfishness; I’m finding it hard to see what is good with life and God's creation. I knew so much truth about why people, the spirits and even myself chose to do all we did, that sorrow and helplessness has taken control over my own thoughts and emotions; I was forgetting who I really was. I was losing hope.

A veil of darkness had begun to overshadow my own heart and depression consumed my hope. I was beginning to understand what Midnight was trying to tell me when he asked why I was trying so hard to watch over people when they didn’t really want me to. I was only taking away their fun by reminding them of the truths I thought God wanted them to know. Whether at camp, church or home I found very few that really wanted to seek the truths of God, most just wanted the experience of God and what He had to offer; nothing more.

The more I fought against the demons, the stronger their attack came against those I cared for. Several people I deeply cared for had passed away; many friends and family were going through hard times; and I felt helpless to do anything about it. In fact I was beginning to feel it was my fault for not giving in to Midnight’s demands and now his darkness was taking over all I knew with no doorway left for any of us to escape.

I hid as much sorrow and despair as I could behind my mask of humor so others wouldn’t see just how desperate I had become. I had also learned how to shut off my abilities in order to protect myself from seeing more of the demons and peoples hearts as well. Whenever I did open my heart up to help others, I simply became like a sponge that absorbed their pain, anger and sorrow, but I had no way of dealing with their emotions on top of my own pain; so absorbing theirs only broke my own spirit further. My hope was leaving and bitterness began filling the emptiness.

As I sat on the cliff overlooking a lake pondering all that the angel said to me, I thought about how hopeless I felt and how much I wished for this all to end. I didn’t want to be a warrior for God anymore. I didn’t want to see the truth. I didn’t want to have to care about other people anymore. I just wanted to be normal. I wanted to be like everyone else who just got to take care of themselves and do what they wanted. If I couldn’t have it, then I no longer wanted to live, because I just hurt too much.

I looked around the peaceful lake and saw the birds cheerfully flying around singing as they flew. I could see the geese across from me on a beach playing and having fun. Even the fish were jumping and almost skipping across the surface of the water. I used to feel so much peace and joy, but now all I felt was loneliness. The animals all knew where they belonged and found joy in what they did, but it seems that I only exist to serve others and help them find peace and joy. Yet, for some reason it was as if I didn’t deserve the same peace and joy for myself.

With tears rolling down my cheek I let out a heavy sigh, and then I rested my head on my knees and prayed.

"Please God, I'm so tired and need your help. I need you to show me why I'm here once again and what you want me to do. I want to give up constantly. I just don’t want to be here anymore. I need you to give me hope again or to take me home before I do it myself. Please." I desperately prayed.

Suddenly an overwhelming feeling flooded the entire area and flowed through my spirit itself. A breeze came off the lake and swept up the mountainside and across my body causing the grass and brush around me to sway backwards. I could hear the wind continue to flow up the mountain behind me blowing through the tall trees causing them to shake, whistle and crackle then it circled back towards me once more and calmed down. As the trees and grass around me settled them selves, I heard a voice speak.

"You asked for wisdom and I have been teaching you how to be wise Malachai; but it doesn't come easily." A gentle, yet strong voice spoke.

"Simply having knowledge does not make a person wise. Understanding how that knowledge impacts the greater purpose makes you wise with how you use it. All the knowledge you have gained has brought you only sorrow because you have not yet learned how to use this knowledge for the greater purposes it was designed for. Knowledge gives you the ability to understand how everything exists and works. Understanding gives you the ability to know why everything should exist and work. But wisdom only comes when you know and understand that everything does exist and work, whether or not you know how or understand why; and that you exist with it all too." The voice finished.

"Then teach me more. If this knowledge is only bringing me sorrow because I don't understand why it's happening, then show me why so I can learn what is really going on and know that there is hope for us all in the end." I pleaded.

"You must learn to see deeper into my purposes Malachai, when there is so much sorrow and despair happening within this world, do you not believe that I would have a purpose to bring hope somehow through it all?" He asked.

"I know you must always have a purpose somehow, but how do I see it and understand something so much greater than me?" I responded.

Gently The Voice answered, "Malachai, remember when the little bird sat beside you in your backyard and you were filled with peace? It was then that you understood how within the simplest of things I exist. Now you are learning that within the most complicated moments, I also exist. What does this mean to you Malachai?"

I took a moment to ponder it then said, "I guess it would mean that no matter what is happening whether good or bad, calm or chaotic, you are always there and maybe I need to trust you. Perhaps instead of thinking only about what is happening, I should be looking towards you to understand the purpose of why it is happening."

"Now you are gaining wisdom Malachai. Seek out the greater purpose and you will find hope once more." The voice finished.

As the overwhelming feeling of peace faded slowly away a small bird flew down and sat in front of me. It sang a joyous song and kept its gaze upon me. I lost all sense of time as I simply sat and enjoyed this incredible moment. The last time God sent a bird to me was to bring me hope as I cried out to Him in my backyard. This time the message the little bird brought me was one filled with joy as well.

With one last chirp the little bird finished its song, hopped towards me, then stopped by my feet and looked into my eyes. It passed on a strong sense of peace and joy as it looked at me. All I could do was sit and bask in the incredible feeling the bird gave. Finally, the little bird leaped into the air, opened its wings and circled around me before it flew off towards the lake and out of my sight.

I still felt very confused with exactly what I was to do with my life, but I had found a renewed sense of direction after that weekend. I needed to seek out why events were happening in people’s lives, not just try to solve what was immediately happening to them.

I was beginning to realize if a person chose to listen to the demons whispers that brought negative consequences to their lives, perhaps I should stop focusing on what that person was doing wrong and start figuring out why the demon was choosing to influence them in the first place. If the demons were spending so much energy to keep me from understanding my true purpose, then maybe they were doing the same with others. So since I could see the demons then my job should be to stop them.

Chapter One from "The Gift", the first book in The Chronicles of Malachai Series.

While the final preparations are being made for the release of the second book in the Chronicles of Malachai series called, "The Purpose", I've decided to share a bit of the background about Malachai and what his Gift is by sharing Chapter One from "The Gift" which is book one of the series. Throughout the first book Malachai encounters many different spirits and quickly learns within the first few chapters to be careful which ones he should trust as many don't take kindly to his interference within their realm. 

"The Purpose", continues the next phase of this spiritual war that Malachai becomes a part of and attempts to portray a glimpse as to how intense this war can be. For those who are following these posts and are as anxious for "The Purpose" to come out as I am, I will be releasing Chapter One from "The Purpose" as a preview, within the next couple of weeks.

Thanks again for your continued support and for those who have not read "The Gift", I hope you get a sense as to what more the series is all about by reading this first Chapter from "The Gift". As well, if you are looking for a place to purchase the full book, I have some quick link tabs on the side of this blog for your convenience. 

Chapter One from "The Gift", by Daniel Sweetnam

      "Why won't you trust me, Malachai? I am the only one who truly understands you and I've always cared. When others judged and criticized you, it was me who offered to help and protect you. I have always believed in what you can become and I'm the only one who can give you the freedom you seek. Yet, you still doubt and fight me. Why?" spoke the shadowy figure.

      I looked around the room I was standing in, the walls were made of wood, faded and old; the air felt dark and thick like a heavy black fog; and the people all around me were filled with incredible pain and sorrow.

      "Freedom? What Freedom! Nobody in this place looks free to me. How can I trust you when you still haven't told me the truth of who you really are and why you want me? What exactly do you want in return?" I answered.

      The shadowy figure leaned across the wooden table between us, giving me the first real glimpse of his pale, white face and spoke, "Because I need you Malachi. I need your unique abilities, your gift. But without me, you will have no one else to teach and guide you. Without me, you will be alone."

      Immediately after he spoke, his figure dissipated into a black misty cloud; and he was gone. I found myself lying in my bed; alone and frightened. Was it just another horrible nightmare or was I really there? All I knew for sure is I wanted them to stop.

As a child, I could feel peoples hurt and sorrow which created a deep desire in me to help them and bring them hope. I also saw other figures and spirits around them speaking to them, but I didn’t understand what they were. When I tried to tell people what I saw or felt they didn't believe me and said it was just my imagination, after all, I was only a child. I felt very lonely and I wished, even prayed for someone that would listen, understand and spend time with me; and my wish came true.

When I was nine, the presences and spirits I saw around people began taking notice of me. They would come to spend time, listen and encouraged me, just when I needed them. When I was sad, frustrated or lonely, they would offer words of comfort, peace and hope. They would tell me stories about other people, places and a glorious city with amazing beings that lived there; filling my heart with an incredible hope.

It didn't take long to realize not all of my new friends were the same though; some seemed very wise and old, others were more human. These more human spirits would tell me personal stories about the people in my life and sometimes even strangers. They shared people's secrets, their private hurts, past and pain, not to scare me or hurt them; but so I could help and bring them hope. At times they would even ask me to deliver these people a message of comfort, just like they brought me.

"It will help those you care about find the peace and hope they need, Malachai. Please tell them what we say. They don't have the same ability you do. We try to talk to them, but they don't believe and won't listen to us." These spirit friends said.

However, I quickly learned that telling others what these friends were saying, was not a good idea. People were more concerned with how I knew things about them, especially their secrets, than being comforted by the words of hope. No matter how good my intentions were they would just get annoyed or angry with me. I wasn't helping anyone find hope or peace; I was just making them more upset.

"I don't want to deliver anymore messages to people, I'm hurting them and what they say back is hurting me. Please can't you tell them or get someone else?" I told these spirit friends.

"Please don't give up Malachai. The truth is hard for people to receive, but it doesn't mean they don't hear your words. Those who receive and hear will find the hope and peace they desire. But if you give up, who will be left to tell them the truth. We need you Malachai." They answered.

There was one of the more human spirits that I grew very close to; she was always interested in hearing about my life and was willing to listen. She told me she was my Grandma and shared many stories with me about my mother's childhood.

"Your mom was a lot like you Malachai, she could feel others hurt and tried to help everyone around her feel better. But because I was sick and she couldn't help me, it often made her feel very lonely and hurt inside too. I love your mom very much; please tell her what I say and how much she did help me, so she can remember the happier times and find hope once more." my Grandma said.

When I told my mom what Grandma said, she acted very surprised, almost with disbelief and then answered, "How can she tell you? She died when I was young."

Even my Great Grandfather started to visit me and began sharing personal stories from the past that would mean something only to my mom. He would give me messages to tell her that I couldn't possibly have known about to help her believe; and it worked.

"I don't understand how these people who have died are speaking to you Malachai, but I know they can, because at times I have felt them too." My mom told me.

      I started to think that maybe I wasn't so strange after all. If my mom could sense and feel people’s hearts, maybe others could too and perhaps I wasn't so different.

I was seeing these spirits everywhere, at school, in malls, even at church, often when people were praying. They would appear beside the person and speak words of hope and encouragement. On a few occasions I did ask the person afterwards what the spirit told them, but they always reacted confused, as if I was just making it up.

"Can't you make them see you?" I asked one spirit.

"We told you before Malachai, most people only believe in what they can control, see with their eyes and touch with their hands. Those who do choose to believe in what they cannot see or control, are few and often children like you. But your gift to see truth is different from others Malachai. You will see more than most because of your special set of eyes and must see the world around you differently." He answered.

I interrupted him and asked, "Why do I need to see things so differently? Why do I have to be different?"

Patiently he put his arm around my shoulder, and said, "One day you will understand Malachai, but for now I pray you never forget what we are teaching you and I hope you can simply trust that we are here and love you."

Somehow I could feel his spirit and knew that all he said was truth; but I still longed for someone else to see them too. However, I had only experienced one part of this gift, there was much more still to be revealed.

I began seeing new kinds of these spirits and the feeling I got from them, even the look on their faces made my skin crawl. These beings were very different from my other friends.

"Who are you?" I asked one. But he didn't answer. He seemed too busy whispering into some stranger's ear and didn't care to be bothered by me.

"Why won't you answer me? Can't you hear me?" I asked.

He turned his head to look at me and gave an irritated glare from his hollow, blackened eyes; then without saying a word, he turned back to the stranger and continued speaking to him. I certainly didn't get the feeling of hope and peace from this being, which made me question who or what he really was.

"Malachai we worry about you, be careful, not every being is like us. Some will try to mislead you and make you forget us. They don't truly care about you, just what you can do for them." One of the peaceful spirits spoke.

"I don't like how they look at me. They make me feel scared. I just wish someone else could see what I see too. You say I'm special, but what I see makes me feel crazy." I answered.

"Please don't give up Malachai; keep trusting what we have told you and remember what you see is not just for you. One day you will understand why, but until then, please trust us and be careful what you believe about yourself and others." He replied.

What I was seeing began to scare me deeply. These new beings were everywhere, at school, the mall, church, even in my dreams; and the more I saw them, the more they seemed to notice me.

They appeared half human and half something else; they were shadowy, beastly creatures. They always stood in the shadows, keeping their faces mostly covered, except their eyes; which bothered me the most. They had a dim, faint glow to them; yet almost hollow, black and empty inside. There was no feeling of peace in them, just a strong sense of power, control and anger; not at me though, but someone else.

Somehow they knew everything about me; what I saw, my other spirit friends and how lonely I felt. They wanted to help me and even offered their friendship and protection.

"Let us help you Malachai. We know the real truth about people; if you'll trust us we can tell you more stories and secrets than any of your other friends can. We can teach you how to stop others from judging and hurting you too." One spoke to me.

"But I don't want to hurt people; I'm supposed to help them with my gift." I replied.

"How can you help them if you don't know the whole truth as to why they do things? If you really knew how cruel, hateful and selfish they are, would you still believe they deserved your help or even wanted it? We know you see what's inside of people Malachai; you know how much they lie. Your gift is meant for something greater and you need to learn how to use it properly. Let us show you." He answered.

"What is the truth then? I know there's another side to people, but my other friends say I'm supposed to help them anyways. If people don't deserve hope because they're so cruel, then should they just be punished?" I asked the creature.

"Your other friends are keeping part of the truth from you Malachai. People can be good, but they can also be selfish, hurtful and cruel. They all desire their own way and pleasures. Those who do good things and help others deserve hope; and those who do not, deserve to be punished. We can teach you how to use your gift to give people what they really deserve." the creature replied.

The thought of people getting what they deserved made me feel better somehow inside. My peaceful friends only showed me the good side of people and taught me to offer them hope. But those people often rejected that hope and treated others, including me, cruelly. However, these creatures believed hope was for those who deserved it, not for those who abused it; which made sense. Perhaps these creatures were telling me more of the truth and understood more about people too.

"They're just looking for the same love, acceptance and hope we've offered you. All people have the potential for doing what is right; however, their hurt and anger stops them from believing and they lose hope. We need you to remind them of the good within them and what to hope for once again." The peaceful spirit said.

"But they don't deserve it! Look how they treat each other and how they treat me. I chose to listen to you and receive your help. But I've seen how when you try to help them, they push you aside and don't want to listen. I want you; they don't, why shouldn't they be punished for that?" I answered.

"Because God loves all of us Malachai even those who don't deserve it. When you needed hope, He sent us and you chose to listen. Imagine how you would have felt if we never came. But they will not listen to us, which is why we need you to deliver our message; at least until they listen once again. Have faith and trust us Malachai, in time you will understand. For now we are with you and we don't want to lose you." He said.

His answers didn't satisfy me though; I needed to know what the whole truth was. As my desire to help people became less, my desire for justice, power and control grew. It seemed the creatures always showed up at the right time, often in my dreams, to teach me more.

"Why should people be allowed to get away with their lies, cruelty and hypocrisy; and why should I have to offer them hope when all they are doing is taking mine?" I asked one creature.

"You're right Malachai, that's why we were given our special abilities; to bring justice. Let us show you how we can influence people and encourage them to do what they should be doing, or what we need them to do. We'll even teach you how to stop others from hurting you or anyone you care about. We simply bring justice to those that deserve it and with your unique abilities, you could too." the creature replied.

Surprised by his offer, I asked, "How can I do this?"

Without hesitation he answered, "We understand everything about humans and how you think and act. We have existed for many years and even know God, Himself. We were there when mankind was created. We have watched and even helped your race grow. We can teach you everything we know about people. That is, if you are willing to trust and learn from us."

I was becoming closer to these creatures and could see them everywhere. However, I noticed there were different kinds of these spirits too, not all of them were friendly and welcoming.

These unfriendly spirits were often inside of people and when I saw them, I watched as the person's face would transform, growing darker and shadowed, then a second face or figure would appear over the first. Their skin would become rippled and aged as if they had been dead for years. Then their eyes would turn pale and become an empty, blackness. Their stare seemed to penetrate straight through to my very soul and all I could feel was a sense of irritation and anger from them.

I decided it was best to stay far away from these spirits. I didn't like the sense they gave off or how they seemed to control the people they were inside of. I felt safe around the other creatures and my peaceful friends; so for now at least, I didn't need to know who these angry ones were and I certainly didn't want them to know me.