Do TREES Tell Stories?
You might know that the outer covering of a tree is called “bark.” BUT— trees do not bark like dogs! The bark of a tree is a protective “skin.” Inside the tree’s bark layer is their story. If you were to cut out a section of a tree and study it, you would see many rings. You could also see scars that look like dark spots. These marks tell us that something unusual happened to the tree at that time. Perhaps there was a hot forest fire, or a lightning strike. A tree tells its age by how many rings we can count in the “tree cookie.” It is really fun to learn a tree’s special story. Thin rings indicate a lack of water and light. Thick rings mean the tree had plenty of water and light during that year and it grew a lot. One of Jesus’ names is...
Read MoreIs There a Doctor in the BARN?
Could a kitten be a doctor? Can bees be teachers? Can horses help you use your body better? You bet! Nuzzling and stroking a kitten sends soothing messages to our brains. Watching kittens run, jump and play makes us laugh–sometimes out loud! We want to share the funny stories with our family and friends, and we smile again as we do it. Our senses come alive when we are near a big animal like a horse. Horses are cool, they have a particular scent, we hear them whinny and snort, it is fun to brush and groom them, and they respond differently to loud or soft voices. Horses have rhythmic movements, too, and these movements help riders learn balance and posture. As we learn to move with the horse, healing often takes place in our bodies. Bees mesmerize...
Read MoreI Can Do All Things…Including The Unicycle
I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13 It all started in kindergarten when I saw the unicycle team. I thought, cool, I’m going to do that. When I became a third grader I got to fill out a form and ride a unicycle. A couple of weeks later, I was excited to open a letter and find out I was going to be a Fairview Flyer. I went to my first unicycle practice excited, but nervous because I had never done it before. The coach lined us all up by size and gave us a unicycle. We each got a partner or two. I saw someone ride a couple pedals and I thought, well, it’s my turn. I started loosening my grip on the person’s shoulder and then brrring! The bell interrupted and I had to go to class. Over the weekend, I was glued to the unicycle...
Read MorePepe the Parrot’s Predicament
Hundreds of birds lived in the trees, and they all worked together to help each other. They huddled together in the trees to stay dry when it rained. When there was little food because of the flooding in the valley, they all shared their gatherings of seeds and grain from the fields. But not Pepe. He didn’t share the bananas that were put on his plate daily; neither did he use his ability to speak for them when they needed help. One day, the birds heard a bang and then a thump; a bird fell to the ground. Quickly, the birds in the trees swooped down to see if the little bird survived the fall. Was he breathing? They couldn’t tell as they gathered around him. “Quick, Pepe, go to the window and call for the boy, Ben. He will know what to do.” Pepe mumbled...
Read MoreDo You Have Your Camera?
Have you ever thought about writing a story? If so you will need a camera. I’m not talking about a real camera that takes pictures, but an imaginary camera that sits right on your shoulder and keeps an eye on your words. This pretend camera helps you see the world through the eyes of your character. In writing we call this: POV) point of view. Place your imaginary camera in your character’s hand. The things he or she sees, hears, smells, tastes, touches, feels, and thinks can only be told from the point of view of the person who is holding the camera. Let’s pretend that you and your friend are characters in your story and you are the point of view character. In your story, your friend is drinking a cup of hot chocolate. What are some of the things you cannot...
Read MoreThe Perfect Gift
By Annette Stonger Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17 Have you ever received a gift for Christmas you’ll always remember? You might be smiling right now just thinking about it! When I was a little girl, my parents gave my brother and sister and I a choice between receiving many little presents or one big gift. I was the only one who chose the one item. On Christmas morning, my sister and brother opened a lot of gifts while only one small card lay under the tree for me. Yet, that single gift contained the biggest, most exciting gift I can remember—horseback riding lessons! I jumped up and hugged my mom and dad. I will never forget...
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If it’s in the Bible, The Pirate Preacher knows the story. Monday nights he leads a “Jesus Study” in Moore Square, Raleigh, NC. Each Sunday you will find him in the park and at the bus station helping others enjoy the abundant life Jesus promised.
The Pirate Preacher helped launch Christian Devotions Ministries and is the former CEO of Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, a Christian book publishing company. He’s also a “Blessed Selling” author and Writers’ Coach.
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Jehovah Jireh: The Incredible Provider — A super Hero Graphic Novel
