We Can Soar With Christ

We Can Soar With Christ

“My mommy says I can do anything.” The young eight-year-old girl said as she climbed up and into the aircraft with authority. She fixed the seat belt around her and looked forward, seeing only the yoke. “I can’t see!” she pouted. “Here this will help.” Jenna held her up and slid a seat extension under her. Lena sat down and a big smile covered her face. “Much better,” she said. “I’m ready.” “Let’s get this plane in the air, Lena.” Jenna gave instructions to all the girls at Aviation Boot Camp. “I like your confidence, Lena.” Jenna smiled as she lifted the plane off the ground and started the downwind leg of the flight. “I like your confidence too, Miss Jenna.” “Since you can’t touch the rudder pedals, I’ll do...

Read More

Aviation Boot Camp—Soaring Like an Eagle

Aviation Boot Camp—Soaring Like an Eagle

Jaxson was in a wheelchair, and he waited alone for his turn in the airplane. He wanted to fly and feel a different excitement that he hadn’t had in his life. He was ready for a life of adventure. He was coddled and often stopped from taking risks by his parents but they gave him this new opportunity and he was not going to waste it. The instructor lifted Jaxson from his chair and cautiously set him in the airplane. “Ready to spread your wings?” he said excitedly. Ned was an Aviation Boot Camp pilot and loved teaching kids the joy of flying. Jaxson nodded his crooked head. Jaxson suffered from Spina Bifida. His earthly body would find joy in life in a different way than the other boys his age. Jaxson understood that nothing could stop his mind from soaring...

Read More

Lucky Gets Healed

Lucky Gets Healed

Lucky the goat had a stomach ache. There was no food in the little room where she was living. She tried to nibble the carpet. It did not taste good. One day a nice lady rescued Lucky and brought her to a farm. Lucky could hear another goat bleating in the distance. Lucky tried to bleat a “hello” in response, but her voice was very weak. Lucky’s brown and white fur was washed with gentle hands. Her thin body shivered despite the warm day. Could this be her new home, she wondered, while nibbling on delicious fresh hay and leaves. The next day, children gathered around Lucky’s pen. “We all have times when we don’t feel well, and even our bones seem tired. When these times happen our prayers can be like a fresh breath of life for each other. Let’s pray...

Read More

Eating a Special Food on New Year’s Day?

Eating a Special Food on New Year’s Day?

When I was a little girl, my dad insisted that I eat at least one spoonful of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. It was supposed to bring good luck. I didn’t like them. Eating even a spoonful seemed like a high price to pay for good luck in the new year. Folks from the southern United States eat black-eyed peas on January 1st. Cornbread is another favorite in that section of the country. Eating green, leafy vegetables, supposed to resemble money, bring prosperity. Citizens in Spain eat 12 grapes at midnight. Each grape represents one month of the year. If the fifth and sixth grape taste especially bad, for example, May and June might be a little difficult. Germans, Austrians, and Hungarians—among others—eat pork on New Year’s. Pigs signify progress....

Read More

First Children’s Christmas Party at the White House

First Children’s Christmas Party at the White House

by Sandra Merville Hart President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams didn’t have the warmest of homes at the White House in 1800. Their Pennsylvania Avenue home, built near a swamp, was drafty and cold. Large fires crackled in thirteen fireplaces to warm their home. In 1800, as Christmas approached the President and First Lady decided to host a children’s Christmas party. Their four-year-old granddaughter, Susanna Boylston Adams, lived with them and they wanted to honor her. Greenery was hung to decorate the East Room. Government officials and their children were invited to the party. A small orchestra played while guests munched on cakes and drank punch. They sang Christmas carols and played games. The party was a great success with one exception. One of...

Read More

Let’s Go Shopping

Let’s Go Shopping

Do you like to go shopping for new school clothes? How about a trip to the grocery store to pick up a box of your favorite cookies? Or the toy store, where maybe your mom or dad let you pick out something you would really like for your birthday. Each store sells certain items. You would not go to the toy section to look for cookies, and I doubt you would find very interesting clothes at the grocery store. It is the same with magazines. If you are looking for a place to sell your story, you need to send it to the types of magazines that are interested in what you write. Many adult publications feature non-fiction articles or stories. You see them at the check-out counters all the time. The titles address how to stay healthy, plan a family budget, or talk to your...

Read More