"Bryan and the Wolf"
by Lucas Brogdon, grade 7
Bryan didnʼt believe his own ears. He was walking along the overgrown path in
the woods to his grandmaʼs house, not paying attention and lost in his own thought,
when he heard it. The howl caught him by surprise. He had never seen or heard of
wolves in the quiet, woodland town where he lived. But lately, there had been rumors of
wolves destroying local farmhouses and sometimes eating the animals. Bryan was
about halfway to his grandmaʼs house where he was staying for the summer. He and his
family lived only three miles from his grandma, and when he turned thirteen, his parents
decided he was old enough to go alone. Although he knew the trail and everyone near it
well, he was always nervous when he walked by himself. The wolves werenʼt doing
anything to calm his nerves.
About ten minutes later, Bryan realized he had not heard anything for quite a
while and calmed himself down. He walked a little while more and had about half a mile
to go when he noticed how hungry he was. Bryan glanced at his watch. 6:30. He had
not eaten since breakfast since the wolf made him forget about lunch. He sat down
beside a rock and pulled a sandwich out of his backpack. He was about to start eating
when a twig snapped. Bryan looked up from his sandwich, wondering what made the
sound. It had come from the other side of the boulder, about thirty or forty feet away.
Another footstep crunched dead leaves. Bryan knew something was back there, but he
didnʼt know what. Suddenly, he thought of a way to look behind the rock without being
seen. He pulled out the phone he had gotten for his last birthday and held the screen to
the side of him. This way, the black screen would show him a reflection of what was
behind him. When he saw what was making the noise, he almost dropped the phone.
Standing less than twenty feet away was a huge, gray wolf, bigger than any Bryan had
even seen pictures of. And it was getting closer by the second.
Bryan pulled his phone quickly out of the wolfʼs sight and tried to decide what to
do. If he waited too long, the wolf would come closer until he could see Bryan, and it
would be taller than him if it stood up. The wolf got so close, Bryan knew he would be
able to see the pupils of its eyes if he turned around. He needed a distraction. Then he
was struck with an idea, but he needed a rock. Slowly, breathing and moving as quietly
as he could, he leaned over and grabbed a small rock. The wolf moved even closer.
Bryan hoped his plan would work; if it didnʼt, he didnʼt know if he would have another
chance. Trying to stay as quiet as possible, he brought the rock back as far as he dared
and hurled it into the woods as hard as he could. The movement behind the rock came
to an abrupt halt, and then the wolf sprinted into the woods at top speed. Bryan was
surprised to see a buck running in the opposite direction away from him! His rock had
unwittingly alerted the wolf to the deer.
“What luck!” Bryan thought with a smile on his face. He carefully stepped out
from behind the rock and started again to his grandmaʼs house, where he knew a warm
dinner would be waiting for him.
by Lucas Brogdon, grade 7
Bryan didnʼt believe his own ears. He was walking along the overgrown path in
the woods to his grandmaʼs house, not paying attention and lost in his own thought,
when he heard it. The howl caught him by surprise. He had never seen or heard of
wolves in the quiet, woodland town where he lived. But lately, there had been rumors of
wolves destroying local farmhouses and sometimes eating the animals. Bryan was
about halfway to his grandmaʼs house where he was staying for the summer. He and his
family lived only three miles from his grandma, and when he turned thirteen, his parents
decided he was old enough to go alone. Although he knew the trail and everyone near it
well, he was always nervous when he walked by himself. The wolves werenʼt doing
anything to calm his nerves.
About ten minutes later, Bryan realized he had not heard anything for quite a
while and calmed himself down. He walked a little while more and had about half a mile
to go when he noticed how hungry he was. Bryan glanced at his watch. 6:30. He had
not eaten since breakfast since the wolf made him forget about lunch. He sat down
beside a rock and pulled a sandwich out of his backpack. He was about to start eating
when a twig snapped. Bryan looked up from his sandwich, wondering what made the
sound. It had come from the other side of the boulder, about thirty or forty feet away.
Another footstep crunched dead leaves. Bryan knew something was back there, but he
didnʼt know what. Suddenly, he thought of a way to look behind the rock without being
seen. He pulled out the phone he had gotten for his last birthday and held the screen to
the side of him. This way, the black screen would show him a reflection of what was
behind him. When he saw what was making the noise, he almost dropped the phone.
Standing less than twenty feet away was a huge, gray wolf, bigger than any Bryan had
even seen pictures of. And it was getting closer by the second.
Bryan pulled his phone quickly out of the wolfʼs sight and tried to decide what to
do. If he waited too long, the wolf would come closer until he could see Bryan, and it
would be taller than him if it stood up. The wolf got so close, Bryan knew he would be
able to see the pupils of its eyes if he turned around. He needed a distraction. Then he
was struck with an idea, but he needed a rock. Slowly, breathing and moving as quietly
as he could, he leaned over and grabbed a small rock. The wolf moved even closer.
Bryan hoped his plan would work; if it didnʼt, he didnʼt know if he would have another
chance. Trying to stay as quiet as possible, he brought the rock back as far as he dared
and hurled it into the woods as hard as he could. The movement behind the rock came
to an abrupt halt, and then the wolf sprinted into the woods at top speed. Bryan was
surprised to see a buck running in the opposite direction away from him! His rock had
unwittingly alerted the wolf to the deer.
“What luck!” Bryan thought with a smile on his face. He carefully stepped out
from behind the rock and started again to his grandmaʼs house, where he knew a warm
dinner would be waiting for him.
"From Slave to Slayer"
by Jonathan Gaines, grade 6
A solitary candle lit up the dark and clammy corridor, in which three slaves were tediously scrubbing mildew from the cold stone floor. The rise and fall of a guard's footsteps could be heard coming closer and closer. One of the slaves, by the name of Andrew, whispered harshly, "Hide. Now is the perfect time for our plan." The other two slaves silently crept into the shadows that clung to the wall, buckets in hand.
The guard halted behind Andrew, and exclaimed, "Get out of my way!'' Andrew remained still. Then the guard struck him across the back whereat the other two slaves pounced upon him swinging their buckets at his head. The guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Turning him over, Andrew and his companions stripped the soldier of all his weapons from his spear to his sword to his dagger.
"There is a guard at yonder corridor, how will we get past him?" whispered Yohann.
"I already have a solution for that," Andrew answered, as he pocketed a glass bottle of ale that came from the guard.
The trio crept down the silent corridor stopping behind a guard, Andrew pulled out the glass bottle from his pocket. He threw the bottle down the hallway left of the guard, the glass shattered, and the guard tramped after the noise. The slaves began to break into a forward run. Understanding the trick, the guard shouted and began to pursue them. The guard was gaining on them, because their muscles were cramped from being on their hands and knees most of the night. When the guard was almost on top of them, Yohann pivoted towards the guard and struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear. The guard doubled over clutching his stomach. Yohann sprinted after his two other companions, glancing back as he did. He noticed a band of soldiers stomping after them. In front of them was a large rectangular window; Michael leaped at it shattering the glass. He plummeted, arms flailing, into the sludge filled moat. Andrew and Yohann followed, free-falling into the water. The three paddled to the shore, covered in grime. When they reached solid ground, they took a short respite then plunged into the darkness. After running for what seemed like centuries, the trio collapsed at the mouth of a cave. Breathing heavily, the group stumbled into the cave. The dripping of water echoed ominously throughout the cavern. Jets of steam spouted out of small fissures in the ground. A soft breeze blew past them carrying a fetid scent. Three deformed lumps began to appear in the gloom. As they came closer, the lumps turned into rotting carcasses dotted with hundreds of flies.
Shaking with fear Yohann stammered, "I'll go guard the cave entrance." Then he turned and sprinted towards the mouth of the cave. Michael, who noticed a faint gleam ahead began to trot forward. He halted at the front of a set of double doors cracked open enough to reveal mounds of gold, diamonds, and rubies. Greedily, he pushed on the cob-web encrusted doors, and immediately began stuffing his pockets. Meanwhile, Andrew was studying the carcasses. At first he thought that a pack of wolves lived there and were out hunting at the moment, but when his eyes began to adjust, he surveyed hundreds more of the dead animals.
"The only reason," he thought aloud, "would be a . . . " His thoughts were confirmed by a mighty roar.
Then a scream of terror followed. He unsheathed his stolen sword and charged at the noise.
Outside, Yohann listened to the roars and yells that emanated from inside the cave. He was a coward, and he knew it. Any faithful friend would rush in to help his friend, even if it meant charging to his death. Ever since he had left the cave, a battle had been raging inside of him. One side wanted to run off and hide, but the other, the one he knew was right, told him to charge in and help his friends. Finally, he overcame the urge to run and hide, and very forcefully pushed himself into the darkness.
The dragon was silver, and had purple and orange eyes that seemed to burn with hatred. No man nor any other creature had come to it and walked away alive. His claws were like razors ready to destroy anything in its path. He hated everything and would not hesitate to kill. This is the dragon that
Michael awoke from its lengthy slumber. The dragon was angry. More angry than he had ever been in his life, for an intruder had not only awakened him from his peaceful sleep, but was stealing his precious gold and gems that he had horded for the last 50 years. Michael could only stare and scream when the massive figure leaped from under the pile of valuables. Gold and gems dripped off the dragon as he stood up and roared. The dragon stared at Michael with eyes filled with such hatred he thought could feel it. Just before he was about to be incinerated, Andrew jumped on him knocking him to the ground as a stream of purple fire shot above them. The doors caught fire immediately and fell down on Michael's leg, trapping him. Andrew knew he could not outmatch the Dragon, the only way he could survive was to be quick and never attack only defend. He lifted up a bejeweled shield from a pile of diamonds and shouted at the dragon.
Several yards away from Andrew and the dragon Yohann extended his spear and charged. He reached the burning doors and leaped over them. As he did, he surveyed Andrew's shield being batted out of his hand and him being flung against the wall. Angered by this, Yohann began to taunt the dragon in his loudest voice. The dragon reeled about and leaped on Yohann, who threw his spear and jumped out of the way. The spear penetrated the dragon's eye and pierced his brain, instantly killing him. Yohann pulled Michael from under the burning doors. Then the two rushed over to Andrew, who was laying there unmoving. Michael put his ear to Andrew's heart, there was a faint beat but it was slowly fading away. "No, no, no, stay alive," thought Yohann. His eyes began to flutter, then his heart began to beat faster. He sat up. Michael and Yohann gasped as Andrew lifted his hand from the steaming pool of magical dragon's blood that had saved his life.
After this the three companions turned themselves over to soldiers and told the king of what they had done. He rewarded them by setting them free and giving them a fortune of gold. . . for they had rid the land of the dragon that had tormented the kingdom for years.
by Jonathan Gaines, grade 6
A solitary candle lit up the dark and clammy corridor, in which three slaves were tediously scrubbing mildew from the cold stone floor. The rise and fall of a guard's footsteps could be heard coming closer and closer. One of the slaves, by the name of Andrew, whispered harshly, "Hide. Now is the perfect time for our plan." The other two slaves silently crept into the shadows that clung to the wall, buckets in hand.
The guard halted behind Andrew, and exclaimed, "Get out of my way!'' Andrew remained still. Then the guard struck him across the back whereat the other two slaves pounced upon him swinging their buckets at his head. The guard crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Turning him over, Andrew and his companions stripped the soldier of all his weapons from his spear to his sword to his dagger.
"There is a guard at yonder corridor, how will we get past him?" whispered Yohann.
"I already have a solution for that," Andrew answered, as he pocketed a glass bottle of ale that came from the guard.
The trio crept down the silent corridor stopping behind a guard, Andrew pulled out the glass bottle from his pocket. He threw the bottle down the hallway left of the guard, the glass shattered, and the guard tramped after the noise. The slaves began to break into a forward run. Understanding the trick, the guard shouted and began to pursue them. The guard was gaining on them, because their muscles were cramped from being on their hands and knees most of the night. When the guard was almost on top of them, Yohann pivoted towards the guard and struck him in the stomach with the butt of his spear. The guard doubled over clutching his stomach. Yohann sprinted after his two other companions, glancing back as he did. He noticed a band of soldiers stomping after them. In front of them was a large rectangular window; Michael leaped at it shattering the glass. He plummeted, arms flailing, into the sludge filled moat. Andrew and Yohann followed, free-falling into the water. The three paddled to the shore, covered in grime. When they reached solid ground, they took a short respite then plunged into the darkness. After running for what seemed like centuries, the trio collapsed at the mouth of a cave. Breathing heavily, the group stumbled into the cave. The dripping of water echoed ominously throughout the cavern. Jets of steam spouted out of small fissures in the ground. A soft breeze blew past them carrying a fetid scent. Three deformed lumps began to appear in the gloom. As they came closer, the lumps turned into rotting carcasses dotted with hundreds of flies.
Shaking with fear Yohann stammered, "I'll go guard the cave entrance." Then he turned and sprinted towards the mouth of the cave. Michael, who noticed a faint gleam ahead began to trot forward. He halted at the front of a set of double doors cracked open enough to reveal mounds of gold, diamonds, and rubies. Greedily, he pushed on the cob-web encrusted doors, and immediately began stuffing his pockets. Meanwhile, Andrew was studying the carcasses. At first he thought that a pack of wolves lived there and were out hunting at the moment, but when his eyes began to adjust, he surveyed hundreds more of the dead animals.
"The only reason," he thought aloud, "would be a . . . " His thoughts were confirmed by a mighty roar.
Then a scream of terror followed. He unsheathed his stolen sword and charged at the noise.
Outside, Yohann listened to the roars and yells that emanated from inside the cave. He was a coward, and he knew it. Any faithful friend would rush in to help his friend, even if it meant charging to his death. Ever since he had left the cave, a battle had been raging inside of him. One side wanted to run off and hide, but the other, the one he knew was right, told him to charge in and help his friends. Finally, he overcame the urge to run and hide, and very forcefully pushed himself into the darkness.
The dragon was silver, and had purple and orange eyes that seemed to burn with hatred. No man nor any other creature had come to it and walked away alive. His claws were like razors ready to destroy anything in its path. He hated everything and would not hesitate to kill. This is the dragon that
Michael awoke from its lengthy slumber. The dragon was angry. More angry than he had ever been in his life, for an intruder had not only awakened him from his peaceful sleep, but was stealing his precious gold and gems that he had horded for the last 50 years. Michael could only stare and scream when the massive figure leaped from under the pile of valuables. Gold and gems dripped off the dragon as he stood up and roared. The dragon stared at Michael with eyes filled with such hatred he thought could feel it. Just before he was about to be incinerated, Andrew jumped on him knocking him to the ground as a stream of purple fire shot above them. The doors caught fire immediately and fell down on Michael's leg, trapping him. Andrew knew he could not outmatch the Dragon, the only way he could survive was to be quick and never attack only defend. He lifted up a bejeweled shield from a pile of diamonds and shouted at the dragon.
Several yards away from Andrew and the dragon Yohann extended his spear and charged. He reached the burning doors and leaped over them. As he did, he surveyed Andrew's shield being batted out of his hand and him being flung against the wall. Angered by this, Yohann began to taunt the dragon in his loudest voice. The dragon reeled about and leaped on Yohann, who threw his spear and jumped out of the way. The spear penetrated the dragon's eye and pierced his brain, instantly killing him. Yohann pulled Michael from under the burning doors. Then the two rushed over to Andrew, who was laying there unmoving. Michael put his ear to Andrew's heart, there was a faint beat but it was slowly fading away. "No, no, no, stay alive," thought Yohann. His eyes began to flutter, then his heart began to beat faster. He sat up. Michael and Yohann gasped as Andrew lifted his hand from the steaming pool of magical dragon's blood that had saved his life.
After this the three companions turned themselves over to soldiers and told the king of what they had done. He rewarded them by setting them free and giving them a fortune of gold. . . for they had rid the land of the dragon that had tormented the kingdom for years.
"If I Were a Pilgrim"
by Nathan Anderson, Grade 6
The morning of October 15, 1926 was a busy one. My sister, Julie, my dad, my mom, and I were all waiting near the dock with the other 83 people waiting to board the Conrad. We were sailing to the New World on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Conrad had been loaded the day before with food, blankets, boxes, and crates of all sizes for our voyage. Little did we know what awaited us on the other side.
“Brr!” I exclaimed. “It’s chilly out here.” It was November 7, just twenty three days after our departure. I was standing on deck with the other eleven boys waiting for Ryan to come tag us. Suddenly, a bell rang through the air. “Breakfast” I yelled. “Mmmm. It sure does smell good,” said Joe. There were biscuits, gravy, bacon, and eggs waiting hot on our plates. After breakfast, I went back to the deck to look at the ocean and rest.
“Land Ho! Land Ho!” It was January 5, 1927, bitter cold, and some sick people. I raced up the stairs and on to the deck. About twenty five miles away, I saw a darker line against the black night sky. I also saw rough waters. Although land excited everyone, the waters didn’t look good. Ten to twenty minutes late, a storm rolled up. Then it started to pour down rain and thunder seemed to growl at us with lighting trying to grab us and our ship. I raced back to my ship cabin downstairs. Julie was awake and crying and Mother was trying to soothe her. I couldn’t tell what Father was doing. He was in the top bunk.
The storm lasted for two days straight. Then it lifted and continued on a northern route. Now, though, we were more than fifty miles from the New World. Finally, though, we landed at a bay on an island. Everyone got up to stretch before we went to the actual mainland. Soon, I felt a lurch and know that we had landed. I go off the ship with Father and we went exploring with the other men into the woods. Then we saw them. Indians.
“How you a-do?” the closest one asked. “Fine, thank you,” Father replied… Then he went on to tell them about the Conrad and their adventure. The Indians agreed to help and protect us from other tribes. Sooon, the men came back from their trek and told the people about it. “We will start building houses and planting food and getting settled tomorrow.” They announced.
“Ha How!” the Indians laughed a the white man’s jokes. We were sitting around the campfire talking and having a snack. We were enjoying time as the vegetables had been planted yesterday. The cabins were done too and everyone was settled. I liked the Indians and the animals, things, and land they lived with. Julie was already asleep in our cabin and I was beginning to get drowsy. It had been a long three days. I hope I can stay here the rest of my life, I thought. I went to sleep after that also thinking about what I might do or what might happen tomorrow.
by Nathan Anderson, Grade 6
The morning of October 15, 1926 was a busy one. My sister, Julie, my dad, my mom, and I were all waiting near the dock with the other 83 people waiting to board the Conrad. We were sailing to the New World on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. The Conrad had been loaded the day before with food, blankets, boxes, and crates of all sizes for our voyage. Little did we know what awaited us on the other side.
“Brr!” I exclaimed. “It’s chilly out here.” It was November 7, just twenty three days after our departure. I was standing on deck with the other eleven boys waiting for Ryan to come tag us. Suddenly, a bell rang through the air. “Breakfast” I yelled. “Mmmm. It sure does smell good,” said Joe. There were biscuits, gravy, bacon, and eggs waiting hot on our plates. After breakfast, I went back to the deck to look at the ocean and rest.
“Land Ho! Land Ho!” It was January 5, 1927, bitter cold, and some sick people. I raced up the stairs and on to the deck. About twenty five miles away, I saw a darker line against the black night sky. I also saw rough waters. Although land excited everyone, the waters didn’t look good. Ten to twenty minutes late, a storm rolled up. Then it started to pour down rain and thunder seemed to growl at us with lighting trying to grab us and our ship. I raced back to my ship cabin downstairs. Julie was awake and crying and Mother was trying to soothe her. I couldn’t tell what Father was doing. He was in the top bunk.
The storm lasted for two days straight. Then it lifted and continued on a northern route. Now, though, we were more than fifty miles from the New World. Finally, though, we landed at a bay on an island. Everyone got up to stretch before we went to the actual mainland. Soon, I felt a lurch and know that we had landed. I go off the ship with Father and we went exploring with the other men into the woods. Then we saw them. Indians.
“How you a-do?” the closest one asked. “Fine, thank you,” Father replied… Then he went on to tell them about the Conrad and their adventure. The Indians agreed to help and protect us from other tribes. Sooon, the men came back from their trek and told the people about it. “We will start building houses and planting food and getting settled tomorrow.” They announced.
“Ha How!” the Indians laughed a the white man’s jokes. We were sitting around the campfire talking and having a snack. We were enjoying time as the vegetables had been planted yesterday. The cabins were done too and everyone was settled. I liked the Indians and the animals, things, and land they lived with. Julie was already asleep in our cabin and I was beginning to get drowsy. It had been a long three days. I hope I can stay here the rest of my life, I thought. I went to sleep after that also thinking about what I might do or what might happen tomorrow.
"Blessings" (a non-fiction work)
by Nathan Anderson, grade 6
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess. This is a quote from Martin Luther. He was a controversial character from the Protestant Reformation because he challenged many of the Roman Catholic teachings. He did state a few things that both Protestants and Catholics could agree on. One of these things was that spiritual blessings are better than earthly things. Heavenly blessings, like love and mercy, last forever. Because earthly objects like televisions, Wii’s, X-box 360’s, music, toys, books, and money do not last forever, heavenly objects are much better. Martin’s quote is true. Heavenly things are much better than anything that could ever be possessed by the people on this earth.
Some examples of worldly possessions are money, toys, books, and music. All of these things are fun and entertaining, but they do not last for eternity like the spiritual blessings that God presents to us. After all, which one would a regular person prefer: a fun but short-lived toy, or a life changing gift of eternal love? Most people want earthly things. They want these things because they seem to make their life easier or better. Because of this, many people tend to focus on their stuff more than they do on God’s blessings. Earthly objects are useless. After all, one cannot make them last forever, they might not provide what you want, and these blessings cannot come to heaven. These things are truly short lived.
In contrast, things God holds, like mercy, love, compassion, and kindness, are all spiritual blessings. He also grants us the gift of his Son, Jesus. Jesus was the ultimate gift. Knowingly,
He came to Earth and died so other people would not have to. Because things like these are free and everlasting, they are of much more value than any earthly possession could ever be. Ephesians 1:3-4 supports the idea that anyone who receives these gifts is much better off in life. The Bible also tells us to store up heavenly treasures, and not worry what may happen on this earth. Love, peace, mercy, kindness, and compassion are all better than television, computer, books, music, and toys because they last, they are free, and they can change your life.
In conclusion, things and blessings that God makes and holds in His hands are of much more value and significance than any other worldly thing. Things people can hold, like money, toys, and electronics, do not last. They cannot get you to heaven, or give you an special power. They are practically useless. However, spiritual blessings like love, peace, and mercy, do last. God’s Son’s sacrifice can get to heaven, too. Obviously, spiritual blessings are much more beneficial to those who accept them. Martin Luther believed that because God gives us these blessings, we should take them gratefully. They are very beneficial and help us in our lives. “…Whatever I place in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
by Nathan Anderson, grade 6
“I have held many things in my hands, and I have lost them all; but whatever I have placed in God’s hands, I still possess. This is a quote from Martin Luther. He was a controversial character from the Protestant Reformation because he challenged many of the Roman Catholic teachings. He did state a few things that both Protestants and Catholics could agree on. One of these things was that spiritual blessings are better than earthly things. Heavenly blessings, like love and mercy, last forever. Because earthly objects like televisions, Wii’s, X-box 360’s, music, toys, books, and money do not last forever, heavenly objects are much better. Martin’s quote is true. Heavenly things are much better than anything that could ever be possessed by the people on this earth.
Some examples of worldly possessions are money, toys, books, and music. All of these things are fun and entertaining, but they do not last for eternity like the spiritual blessings that God presents to us. After all, which one would a regular person prefer: a fun but short-lived toy, or a life changing gift of eternal love? Most people want earthly things. They want these things because they seem to make their life easier or better. Because of this, many people tend to focus on their stuff more than they do on God’s blessings. Earthly objects are useless. After all, one cannot make them last forever, they might not provide what you want, and these blessings cannot come to heaven. These things are truly short lived.
In contrast, things God holds, like mercy, love, compassion, and kindness, are all spiritual blessings. He also grants us the gift of his Son, Jesus. Jesus was the ultimate gift. Knowingly,
He came to Earth and died so other people would not have to. Because things like these are free and everlasting, they are of much more value than any earthly possession could ever be. Ephesians 1:3-4 supports the idea that anyone who receives these gifts is much better off in life. The Bible also tells us to store up heavenly treasures, and not worry what may happen on this earth. Love, peace, mercy, kindness, and compassion are all better than television, computer, books, music, and toys because they last, they are free, and they can change your life.
In conclusion, things and blessings that God makes and holds in His hands are of much more value and significance than any other worldly thing. Things people can hold, like money, toys, and electronics, do not last. They cannot get you to heaven, or give you an special power. They are practically useless. However, spiritual blessings like love, peace, and mercy, do last. God’s Son’s sacrifice can get to heaven, too. Obviously, spiritual blessings are much more beneficial to those who accept them. Martin Luther believed that because God gives us these blessings, we should take them gratefully. They are very beneficial and help us in our lives. “…Whatever I place in God’s hands, that I still possess.”
"The Story of Zafar"
by Lydia Rice, Grade 5
A man called Zafar, which means “victory” in Arabic, dashed hastily across the hot desert sand as arrows whizzed by him. He lived in Saudi Arabia. Despite the harsh climate and sweltering heat, he adored his country and stood by it. He had the occupation of a traveling merchant and he had become extremely famous. Unfortunately, when he got home from one of his long trips, he had discovered that his hometown had been taken over by one of the city’s most formidable foes, the Vipers, who lived in Iran. At the present moment, he was sprinting away from them. Luckily for Zafar, one of the Viper’s best archers foot got caught in a hole, giving Zafar a better chance of survival. Up ahead he spied a cave. He hoped it would give him some protection from the arrows. He ran toward the cave even faster, ignoring the hot desert sand scorching his feet.
Zafar spotted the cave. He felt his body run with more speed and agility than he would have dreamed possible. But the Vipers had speed and agility as well, and kept pursuing Zafar. Luckily, he reached the cave’s mouth and gracefully leapt on a ledge inside the cave. Just as the Vipers arrived at the cave’s mouth, the earth trembled and shook. Earthquake, Zafar thought worriedly as panic swept over him. Zafar clung to the ledge and pushed his body against the damp, slimy cave wall. Then rocks and massive boulders rolled just a few feet under him and blocked the entrance. Zafar waited and then leapt down from the ledge. He breathed in a musty odor, which smelled dangerous and unfamiliar. He shivered because the rocks blocked the warm sunlight. A few minutes later he hopped up and started to look for a way out of the cave. Suddenly, the cave floor gave in and Zafar plummeted down into darkness. When he woke up, he glanced around and to his amazement saw gold, jewels, rare spices and herbs. Zafar spoke out loud, “I am so glad I found this cave!”
Through all the riches and wealth in the cave, something else caught his eye. Oddly, it was just a small oil lamp. It intrigued Zafar. Ignoring his hands, which trembled with anticipation, Zafar reached for the lamp and patted it lovingly three times. Suddenly, a weird wind whirled and whooshed about. Out of the lamp popped a magician! The magician waved a mysterious wand and murmured, “Silent lamp that you may be, wake up when I count to three.” Then the magician counted, “one, two, three,” and he vanished. A few moments after he vanished the lamp spoke, “You may have one wish. What do you want?”
Zafar thought about all that had happened. After a long pause he decided, “I want my hometown to be safe forever.”
“Because you have made such an unselfish wish, I will grant it and you shall have everything in this cave and the rocks will fall away so that you may go home,” the lamp granted Zafar’s wish.
“Thank you, but how will I get out of this pit?” Zafar wondered.
“Here use this flying carpet,” answered the lamp.
“Good bye!” Zafar shouted.
“Farewell,” the lamp replied.
When Zafar got home, he told his family about his adventures. But no one ever knew what happened to the lamp. Still, the amazing story of Zafar was passed down from generation to generation.
by Lydia Rice, Grade 5
A man called Zafar, which means “victory” in Arabic, dashed hastily across the hot desert sand as arrows whizzed by him. He lived in Saudi Arabia. Despite the harsh climate and sweltering heat, he adored his country and stood by it. He had the occupation of a traveling merchant and he had become extremely famous. Unfortunately, when he got home from one of his long trips, he had discovered that his hometown had been taken over by one of the city’s most formidable foes, the Vipers, who lived in Iran. At the present moment, he was sprinting away from them. Luckily for Zafar, one of the Viper’s best archers foot got caught in a hole, giving Zafar a better chance of survival. Up ahead he spied a cave. He hoped it would give him some protection from the arrows. He ran toward the cave even faster, ignoring the hot desert sand scorching his feet.
Zafar spotted the cave. He felt his body run with more speed and agility than he would have dreamed possible. But the Vipers had speed and agility as well, and kept pursuing Zafar. Luckily, he reached the cave’s mouth and gracefully leapt on a ledge inside the cave. Just as the Vipers arrived at the cave’s mouth, the earth trembled and shook. Earthquake, Zafar thought worriedly as panic swept over him. Zafar clung to the ledge and pushed his body against the damp, slimy cave wall. Then rocks and massive boulders rolled just a few feet under him and blocked the entrance. Zafar waited and then leapt down from the ledge. He breathed in a musty odor, which smelled dangerous and unfamiliar. He shivered because the rocks blocked the warm sunlight. A few minutes later he hopped up and started to look for a way out of the cave. Suddenly, the cave floor gave in and Zafar plummeted down into darkness. When he woke up, he glanced around and to his amazement saw gold, jewels, rare spices and herbs. Zafar spoke out loud, “I am so glad I found this cave!”
Through all the riches and wealth in the cave, something else caught his eye. Oddly, it was just a small oil lamp. It intrigued Zafar. Ignoring his hands, which trembled with anticipation, Zafar reached for the lamp and patted it lovingly three times. Suddenly, a weird wind whirled and whooshed about. Out of the lamp popped a magician! The magician waved a mysterious wand and murmured, “Silent lamp that you may be, wake up when I count to three.” Then the magician counted, “one, two, three,” and he vanished. A few moments after he vanished the lamp spoke, “You may have one wish. What do you want?”
Zafar thought about all that had happened. After a long pause he decided, “I want my hometown to be safe forever.”
“Because you have made such an unselfish wish, I will grant it and you shall have everything in this cave and the rocks will fall away so that you may go home,” the lamp granted Zafar’s wish.
“Thank you, but how will I get out of this pit?” Zafar wondered.
“Here use this flying carpet,” answered the lamp.
“Good bye!” Zafar shouted.
“Farewell,” the lamp replied.
When Zafar got home, he told his family about his adventures. But no one ever knew what happened to the lamp. Still, the amazing story of Zafar was passed down from generation to generation.