This is Barney. He’s a Randal. He lives with his family in Carrollton, Alaska. His friends, the little Randals, are planning one last adventure before everyone is forced to move. The first to arrive is Clint and he loves to dance. His favorite move is the “Chunky Monkey". Although his legs are slow to go, his stomach is always on the quest for the next delicious snack. Look out! Crashing through the window is Tito. He’s creative and brave. His inventions tend to get him in and out of trouble. Next time, use the front door! Little Randals can make a BIG mess, but Barney’s Mom would like the house clean before it’s torn down. Be careful with that, Clint. Stinger loves to talk so he’s excited to help translate for Rose who was invited over to…
A sharp wail cut through the silence of Woodbridge Mental Hospital. A nurse immediately rushed towards the far end of the hallway, her footsteps echoing off the walls of the hospital. As she approached the door of the patient’s ward, she heard equipment crashing to the floor and shattering. She fished out her cell phone and dialed a number.…
As Fin walked along the street the leaves of the oak trees shone like patches of blue velvet, but when he stopped still nothing shimmered. The waves refused to move. The glow of the city still seeped into the morning sky, forever. He felt he must be dreaming, and yet he was sure he wasn't dreaming because everything felt so real. Surely his brain was not powerful enough to create such a masterful illusion. Or was it? He felt his head imploding just trying to figure it…
“The body showed signs of trauma with scratch marks on both forearms, heavy bruising to the neck and face. No other injuries were immediately apparent.”…
I was unpacking my toothbrush in the bathroom when my daughter yelled, “Dad get over here! NOW.” I hurried over to see her looking at her phone. I read what she was looking at and I completely regretted buying this house. I should have known by the broken windows and the weeds that covered the fence and door.…
In the distance, some people waded into the bay. They floated on their backs. They floated slowly towards the ocean, picking up speed once they were in the aisle between the two wharves that split the beach.…
Seventy days, that’s how long it took me to figure out that I belonged to a cult. I mean, not like a super “culty” cult. Like, we met in a shed and played video games. But enough to call it you know, that.…
Fighting temptation describes a battle that is as much spiritual as it is emotional or physical. To be tempted is not a sin. Everyone is tempted and at different levels. Even Jesus was tempted! Temptation happens when the opportunity is presented to do what we know is wrong, whether against God, ourselves, or others. Being tempted is not wrong - it's the decision to do wrong and the corresponding action that follows.…
Jonathan and Cleopas relax, and in the privacy at their own small table, they continue their quiet conversation.…
A few years ago, My school took a trip to Washington, D.C. We got to visit many historical monuments that were even more breathtaking in person, but the experience at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will forever be embedded in my mind.…
The Resurrection Cemetery is a place that I hold near and dear to my heart. This special place is where my grandpa is buried. My grandpa was the person I would go to if I needed laugh or if I just wanted to talk. He never judged anyone and saw the positive in everything. I feel the quote he lived by is, "What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger." When he passed away, I didn't handle it very well, but going to the cemetery makes meI feel close to him again. Where he was buried is in the most perfect spot, under a tree. Whether he was cutting grass or working in his garden, he loved being outside. After a long day of work, him and my grandma would sit under a tree and have a drink. It was something they did quite often so where he is at fits…
* It will calculate the average age of members and names who reside in Texas…
At eight years old I participated in my first gymnastics competition. No matter how crazy I flipped or twisted, somehow I always landed on my feet. It was my innate talent, and others took notice. In our local gymnastics club, I watched the older girls practice their routines. I desperately wanted to learn how to flip just like them. Even at such a young and impressionable age I quickly adapted to a disciplined lifestyle based on dedication and self-motivation. Learning new and exciting ways to defy gravity became my passion. My hard work paid off as I found myself a Level 10 gymnast (one level below the Olympic level) at only 13 years old. I missed out on most of my childhood because I was practicing and perfecting my routines six days a week, three and a half hours a day. I battled serious injuries and overcame major setbacks. But it was all worth it at the end of the season knowing you're a state champion and qualifying to Nationals. Receiving a full athletic scholarship to a Division I school was no longer a dream but becoming my reality. Then it was all shattered last summer when I blew out my knee on a dismount landing off the uneven bars. July 3rd, 2006 I underwent reconstructive surgery including a total ACL replacement. I developed a strong relationship with my orthopedic surgeon, his nursing staff, and physical therapist throughout my rehab. But this was my third knee surgery and…
It was currently six o'clock pm on a Sunday night, I was on my way to cheer practice. I have been on the this cheer team since I was four years old. The coach I had was mean, and I hated her. And I didn't like the team I was on. I never felt really safe going to the practices or cheering for the team. So when I got to practice I started stretching, I had to stretch so I wouldn't pull a muscle or break a bone. Then it was time to stunt. I didn’t like stunting because I was the flyer, usually the flyer is the smallest or lightest person on the team but I had to do it anyways. My bases and backspots threw me up in a couple toe touch baskets.…
Abby, my best friend, and I are going to Disney world. We won a contest and the prize is tickets to go to Disney world. It is currently 4:30 am and our plane leaves at 5:00 am. “Hey!” Said my best friend abby.…