Saturday, March 16, 2013

Susanna Hill's "In Just Spring" Contest!


It's here! Another writing contest. This time, as you can see, it's about Spring.

Here is a summary of the rules for the contest:

• Write a children's story, in poetry or prose, maximum 350 words.
• The story must be about something that really says "SPRING" to you - something that really makes you feel that spring is here!
• The only other requirement is that the last line must be "[Character Name] knew Spring was really here!" or "[Character Name] knew Spring was here at last!"

More information can be found on Susanna's website, here.




Since our family celebrates the Biblical foundation of Easter, I composed this little story at 347 words.



Suzie's Spring



Suzie's favorite season was Spring. She couldn't wait for it to arrive.

Will Spring be here soon, Mama?

"Not until the bluebells push through the earth, Sweetheart."

The next day she asked, "Today? Is it today?"

"No, dear, the robins have not come home to sing. Maybe tomorrow."

Tomorrow arrived, but not the Spring. "Is it here?"

"Not yet, honey. Be patient! The buds of the forsythia bush have not begun to bloom. "

Suzie could wait only two more days. This time, she was sure it had come.

"Now, Mama? Is it Spring?"

"I'm very sorry bunny-kins, but no. The robins have not arrived at our bird feeder."

Suzie was not happy. In fact, she was cross.

"I can't wait, Mama!" she complained.

"Darling, have a seat on my lap. I want to tell you something."

Suzie obeyed, but not with a happy heart.

Mama continued, "Remember when we talked about Jesus, and His special work on the cross for us?"

"Yeeaaaahh. And we made those res...res..resurr..."

"Resurrection cookies. That's right! Remember how, after we put them in the oven, we taped it shut?"

"You let me do it, Mama!"

"Yep. And the oven was like the tomb where Jesus was laid after they took him down from the cross. And why did we taped it?

"'Couldn't open it because Jesus stayed in the tomb for three days."

"Good, Suzie! Now, when we removed the meringues and bit into them, what did we discover?"

"I know! They were empty in the middle."

"Exactly!"

"Just like Jesus' tomb...empty!"

"Yes...Jesus came back to life again, just like He promised, so those who believed could someday live with Him in Heaven. A new life, and a new beginning!

"But when is Spring coming?"

"Just at the right time...when new life comes, Spring will begin!"

Three days later it happened.

"Mama, guess what!! Guess what I saw!"

What dear?

A robin, a yellow blossom, and bluebells!!

Well, well," Mama said, "new life has begun. Spring has sprung!"

Suzie's Spring had come at last.

43 comments:

  1. This was a sweet way to teach a little one about patience through your faith. :)

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  2. Jarm, this is beautiful. You caught me by surprise. What a lovely way to tie spring and the meaning os Easter together for a child.

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    1. I appreciate your encouragement, Patricia...it was a challenge! But to me, it's the true meaning of Easter. I couldn't leave it out.

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  3. Jarm...how lovely! What a beautiful way to weave in the Easter story. And the voice of the child was perfect...impatient (just like many adults) to see the work of God. In His time...not ours.:)

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    1. Thanks, Vivian...sometimes it's difficult to wait for God's timing, isn't it??

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  4. Great use of dialogue to convey your message, Jarm!

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  5. Beautiful story! You'll have to tell me more about your resurrection cookies!

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    1. Hopefully I can find a link to share with you all! If I forget, just message me on FaceBook, Tina.

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    2. Tina, here's the recipe: http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/resurrection-cookies-printable-recipe/

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  6. Jarm, what a lovely, sweet story, and such a nice way to teach a child about faith, and patience, and the true meaning of Good Friday and Easter. Very nice! Thanks so much for entering this wonderful story! :)

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    1. Thanks so much for hosting the contest, Susanna...it's a wonderful opportunity for us all to share our hearts and gifts!

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  7. Yes, this is beautiful, Jarm. And I didn't know meringue's were made to represent the tomb - is this a family tradition?

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    1. We made them with our kids...I'll have to find the link, and post it. If I forget, just message me on FaceBook, Julie. I'm on vacation right now...

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  8. A lovely parable, Jarm. I've loved seeing Spring through everyone's eyes.

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  9. You've nicely captured a touching moment between mother and child. I love the mom's different answers to all the spring questions!

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  10. Your story is an open invitation to make resurrection cookies. What a neat idea. It is so helpful to have a tangible example of an abstract idea. Sweet story for Easter!

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    1. And here's the recipe, Laura: http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/resurrection-cookies-printable-recipe/

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  11. Nicely done Jarm; you put a wealth of meaning into very little space.

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    1. Thanks for sharing that, Donna! I appreciate it...

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  12. Nice job, Jarm. Your story is very sweet!

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  13. What a beautiful metaphor for tomb. Lovely story.

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    1. Thanks so much, Catherine! I love to tell the story...

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  14. Hallelujah! It's Spring when HE is in it! What a blessing this story is, Jarm. I wanted to participate in Susanna's contest with a similar theme in my story. Alas, I am editing my husband's doctoral dissertation due Apr. 2...and time just didn't permit. So glad you shared this story - with the joy of resurrection.

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    1. I'm so glad it was a blessing to you, Laura! Sorry you couldn't join us this year, but, we can certainly understand. Wonderful you can serve your husband in this way!

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  15. I'm sorry, Jarm. I know I left you a comment but it's not showing up. I'll have to think if I can remember what I said...

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    1. You did, Susanna, but I didn't get to it right away since I'm on vacation...sorry about that!

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  16. Jarm! It's beautiful :) You must publish this one and make sure to have the recipe for the cookies included. What a great book for kids. I do love it <3

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    1. Here's the recipe, Denise: http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/resurrection-cookies-printable-recipe/
      Thanks for stopping by!

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  17. Did you actually make Resurrection Cookies? They sound good! I would like the recipe! Great story!

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    1. Here it is, Erik: http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/resurrection-cookies-printable-recipe/

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  18. You're so creative Jarm. Just lovely :)

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  19. Wonderful story! I like your Resurrection cookies! Such a wonderful idea to teach kids about the empty tomb and something good to eat at the same time. I found you on the A to Z Challenge. Looking forward to reading your posts. Blessings.

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    1. Thanks so much, Luana...hopefully I can begin to visit other blogs soon! I appreciate the fact that you stopped by!

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  20. Cute story. Love how you weaved Resurrection cookies into it:)

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    1. Thanks, M.J.! Here's the recipe if you are interested: http://www.motherhoodonadime.com/kids/resurrection-cookies-printable-recipe/

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I would love to have you comment...thanks!

Journey into the Promised Land

Journey into the Promised Land
From Egypt to Israel