MONDAY- Teamwork Wins

By Brenda Areldge

Little Debbie, a fourth-grade student at Casey Elementary, won first place in a poetry contest held at the local library. 

On Friday, when the art class performs a live play for the community, she is supposed to read it out loud, but she’s too afraid. She tells Miss Beale, her teacher, and a few other close friends. Together, they come up with a plan.

Debbie sits in the office behind closed doors and recites the verses.  The camera crew makes a video.

That night, as she reads her winning poem, her hologram is projected onto the stage.

TUESDAY - What Does Respect Mean

By DR Rawson

“Dad, what does Respect mean?” Eddie stopped and waited for an answer.

His dad said, “Have you ever done something, and someone else came along and damaged or ruined it? What they did means they have no respect for you or what you did. So if that’s the case, tell me what respect means to you.”

Eddie said, “If all they did was leave it alone, that’s a sign of respect. That means they know it’s mine and respect me enough to leave it alone.”

His dad said, “You’re right, Eddie. Remember to think about that. Respect goes both ways.”

WEDNESDAY -  Never Judge A Person or A Book By It's Cover

By DR Rawson

Let me tell you about my friend, Grumpy. We grew up together. Believe it or not, he looked just about like this when we were little kids, minus the hat and tie.

Something happened and Grumpy won’t talk about it. I did find out when we were twelve that his parents named Charles when he was born. Don’t ever call him that.

So, how did he become Grumpy? His parents never could get him to smile. He laughs without opening his mouth. He can talk a lot once he knows you, but he’s one of the best friends I have.

THURSDAY - Work Before Play

By DR Rawson

Ben knew the rule. His Dad sat beside him; they worked together on Ben’s math and English homework. Ben kept looking outside.

Ben said, “Dad, we’ve been at this for two hours. I want to be with the other kids.” His Dad said, “Ben, Mother, and I go to work every day so we can have a nice life, right?” Ben said, “I know, Dad.”

His Dad's voice was firm but kind, “Ben, we love you and this is your work, and I’m here to help you. Remember, it's ‘Work before play.” Ben, appreciating his dad's guidance, replied, “Thanks, Dad."

FRIDAY - Define Fast

By DR Rawson

In her dream, Libby could see herself walking onto the flight line, just like she’d seen her Dad do so many times. Her Dad flew stealth experimental planes for the government. He’d been in the war and retired from the Marine Corps as a pilot.

When she wasn’t thinking about flying during the day, she was dreaming about them at night. She couldn’t get enough.

Her Dad said, “What plane will you fly?” Libby said, “The fastest they have. Last month, you flew Mach 9.62, or 7,366 miles per hour.”

She said, “I want to go at least Mach 11.”

SATURDAY - Sands of Time

By Rick Allen

Two young boys were building sandcastles at the beach. They decided to have a contest to see who could build the tallest castle.

Jeremy worked very fast. He knew the tide was getting higher. His friend Herbie worked quickly. He was convinced his steady pace would win him the victory.

As the sun neared the horizon, the waves, unpredictable as ever, crashed upon both castles at the same time. Herbie remarked, “It seems the waves of change have decided the outcome of our contest.” Jeremy, with a hint of a smile, replied, “We both gave it our all, didn’t we?”

SUNDAY - Laughter In The Park

By DR Rawson

Lucy and Emma were playing soccer in the park when a sudden downpour drenched everything, including their soccer ball. 

As the rain slowed, Lucy spotted a rainbow. “Look, the sky is celebrating our game!” she giggled, pointing it out to Emma, who laughed, her spirits lifted. 

They resumed their game, splashing through puddles and kicking the soggy ball with glee. 

Their laughter blended with the park sounds, grateful for the rain that added extra fun to their day. 

This soccer adventure taught them that a little rain only adds to the joy, turning each puddle into a reason to smile.