Wally's Christmas Pageant
For years now, whenever Christmas pageants are mentioned in a certain little town in the Midwest, someone is sure to mention the name of Wallace Purling. Wally was nine and in the second grade, although he should have been in the fourth. He was big and clumsy, slow in mind and movement. Still he was well liked by the other children in his class, all of whom were smaller than him.He was always a helpful boy, willing and smilling, a natural protectorof the underdog. Wally fancied the idea of being a shepherd in the Christmas pageant that year, but he was assigned to a more important role. After all, the play's director reasoned, the innkeeper didn't have to many lines, and Wally's size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful
No one onstage or off was more caught up in the magic of pageant nihgt than Wallace Purling. The time came when Joseph appeared, slowly, tenderly guiding Mary to the door of the inn. Joseph knocked hard on the wooden door set into the painted backdrop. Wally the innkeeper was there waiting.
" What do you want?" Wally said, swinging the door open with a brusque gesture.
" We seek lodging." Joseph said.
" Seek it elsewhere." Wally looked straight ahead but spoke vigorously. 'The inn is filled. There is no room in the inn for you." He looked properly stern.
" Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surly you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired."
Now, for the first time, the innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. There was a long pause. "No! Begone!" the prompter whispered from the wings. "No" Wally repeated automatically. "Begone!"
Joseph sadly placed his arm Mary, and the two of the started to move away. The innkeeper did not return inside the inn however. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlom couple. His mouth wae open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakingly with tears. And suddenly the Christmas pageant became different from all others. "Don't go Joseph," Wally cried out, "Bring Mary back." His face brightened with a big smile "You can have my room."
Some people in town thought the pageant had been ruined. Yet there were the others-many, many others- who considered it the most Christmasy of all the Christmas pageants they had ever seen.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Day 1
For the next week I will share with you my favorite Christmas stories.
Jello Christmas
By Sandra Bateman
It was but a few short days until Christmas in 1966. Two young Elders of the Mormon church walked the streets of Laredo, Texas, knocking on doors in search of someone who would listen to their gospel message. No one, it seemed, in the entire city had time to hear the teachings of the Savior, so intent were they that the celebration of His birth should suit their own purposes.
Filled with discouragement, the two young men turned their backs to the approching twilight and began the long walk home. Retracing their steps of the of the afternoon, they came upon a low, windswept riverbank. Jutting from its brow stood the barest means of shelter, constructed of weathered wooden slats and a large piece of cardboard. Strangely, they felt moved to go to the door and knock. A small, olive skinned child with tangled black hair and large dark eyes answered. Her mother apperad behind her, a short, thin woman with a tired but worm smile. In her rich Spanish alto, she invited the young men to come in and rest a while. They were made welcomed and seated on teh clean swept floor. The little one-room shanty seemed to be filled with shy, smiling, dark-eyed children. The mother proudly introduced each of them-- eight in all-- anad each in turn quickly bobbed his or her head.
The young men were deeply moved at the extreme poverty they saw. No one in the family had shoes, and their clothes were ill-fitting and in conditioin beyond mending. The walls of the little home showed daylight between the wooden slats, and eight littel rolls of bedding were pressed tightly together into the cracks to help keep out the drafts until they were needed for sleeping.
A small round fire pit dug in one corner marked the kitchen. An odd assortment of chipped dishes and pots were stacked beside an old ice chest, and a curtained-off setion with a cracked with a porcelain tub served as the bathing area. Except for these the room was bearen. The mother told how her husband had gone north to find employment. He had written that he had found a job of manual labor and that it took most of his small wage to pay his board and room. But, she told the young men, he had managed to save fifty cents to send to them Christmas, with witch she had purchased two boxes of fruit gelatin. It was one of the children's favorites and would make a special treat on Christmas day.
The next morning, as soon as the local shops opened, the young men hurried to the dime store and purchased as many crayons, cars, trucks and little inexpensive toys as they could afford. Each was carefully wrapped in brightly colored paperanda all were put in a large grocery bag. That evening the two young men took their gifts to the shanty on the riverbank. When they knocked, the mother swung the door the door open wide and invited them in. They stepped inside and in halting Spanish explained to the children that they had seen Santa and he had been in such a hurry, he'd asked if they would deliver his gifts to the children for him.
With cries of delight the children scrambled for the bag, spilling its contents upon the floor and quickly dividing the treasured packeges. Silently the mother's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She stepped forward to clasp tightly one of each of the young men's hands in her's. For long moments she was unable to speak. Then with tears still welling from her, she smiled and said "on one ever has been so kind. You have given us a special gift, the kind of love that lights Christmas in the heart. May we also give you a special gift?" From the corner of the room she drew out the two small boxes of fruit gelatin and handed them to the young men. Then all eyes were moist. All knew the true meaning of giving, and none would ever forget that at Christmas, the greatest gift of all was given.
Jello Christmas
By Sandra Bateman
It was but a few short days until Christmas in 1966. Two young Elders of the Mormon church walked the streets of Laredo, Texas, knocking on doors in search of someone who would listen to their gospel message. No one, it seemed, in the entire city had time to hear the teachings of the Savior, so intent were they that the celebration of His birth should suit their own purposes.
Filled with discouragement, the two young men turned their backs to the approching twilight and began the long walk home. Retracing their steps of the of the afternoon, they came upon a low, windswept riverbank. Jutting from its brow stood the barest means of shelter, constructed of weathered wooden slats and a large piece of cardboard. Strangely, they felt moved to go to the door and knock. A small, olive skinned child with tangled black hair and large dark eyes answered. Her mother apperad behind her, a short, thin woman with a tired but worm smile. In her rich Spanish alto, she invited the young men to come in and rest a while. They were made welcomed and seated on teh clean swept floor. The little one-room shanty seemed to be filled with shy, smiling, dark-eyed children. The mother proudly introduced each of them-- eight in all-- anad each in turn quickly bobbed his or her head.
The young men were deeply moved at the extreme poverty they saw. No one in the family had shoes, and their clothes were ill-fitting and in conditioin beyond mending. The walls of the little home showed daylight between the wooden slats, and eight littel rolls of bedding were pressed tightly together into the cracks to help keep out the drafts until they were needed for sleeping.
A small round fire pit dug in one corner marked the kitchen. An odd assortment of chipped dishes and pots were stacked beside an old ice chest, and a curtained-off setion with a cracked with a porcelain tub served as the bathing area. Except for these the room was bearen. The mother told how her husband had gone north to find employment. He had written that he had found a job of manual labor and that it took most of his small wage to pay his board and room. But, she told the young men, he had managed to save fifty cents to send to them Christmas, with witch she had purchased two boxes of fruit gelatin. It was one of the children's favorites and would make a special treat on Christmas day.
The next morning, as soon as the local shops opened, the young men hurried to the dime store and purchased as many crayons, cars, trucks and little inexpensive toys as they could afford. Each was carefully wrapped in brightly colored paperanda all were put in a large grocery bag. That evening the two young men took their gifts to the shanty on the riverbank. When they knocked, the mother swung the door the door open wide and invited them in. They stepped inside and in halting Spanish explained to the children that they had seen Santa and he had been in such a hurry, he'd asked if they would deliver his gifts to the children for him.
With cries of delight the children scrambled for the bag, spilling its contents upon the floor and quickly dividing the treasured packeges. Silently the mother's eyes filled with tears of gratitude. She stepped forward to clasp tightly one of each of the young men's hands in her's. For long moments she was unable to speak. Then with tears still welling from her, she smiled and said "on one ever has been so kind. You have given us a special gift, the kind of love that lights Christmas in the heart. May we also give you a special gift?" From the corner of the room she drew out the two small boxes of fruit gelatin and handed them to the young men. Then all eyes were moist. All knew the true meaning of giving, and none would ever forget that at Christmas, the greatest gift of all was given.
Monday, December 5, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Snuffolofagus GO AWAY!!
I need some more medicine. But i cant have it for four more hours, I dont want liver problems I just want to get better. I think my nose is going to explode. Serious. It doesnt help that my mommy isnt home to take care of me.
As i was searching google images for pictures of being sick I found this and I love it.
Tissues have become my new best friends. The best part is I get to sit at home and watch cheesy romantic ABC family Christmas movies. Loves.
And i get to read cute stories here and here.
Guess what i have another pen pal. Her name is Harms but not really. She's cool. You should be jealous.
Funniest joke ever it goes something like this: why do mother kangaroos hate the rain? Because the kids have to play inside all day. HAHAHAHA isnt that a good one. I heard it from a laffy taffy.
This post most likely makes no sense but thats okay. I blame it on the meds I'm taking.
As i was searching google images for pictures of being sick I found this and I love it.
Tissues have become my new best friends. The best part is I get to sit at home and watch cheesy romantic ABC family Christmas movies. Loves.
And i get to read cute stories here and here.
Guess what i have another pen pal. Her name is Harms but not really. She's cool. You should be jealous.
Funniest joke ever it goes something like this: why do mother kangaroos hate the rain? Because the kids have to play inside all day. HAHAHAHA isnt that a good one. I heard it from a laffy taffy.
This post most likely makes no sense but thats okay. I blame it on the meds I'm taking.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Recent Journal Entry
November 14,2011
Well, today was just fantastic because there was no reason for it not to be. One day I walked into Bowens room and he asked me how I was. Knowing me I answered with either fantastic, amazing,super, or something like that. You get the point. But anyways he asked me why I was so fantastic and I said " because there's no reason not to be" or " why not". Again I don't remember. So things I've learned as of late:
- Dont let any one person ruin your day because they might be having a bad day.
So a girl at my school doesn't really like me and she doesn't Say the nicest things about me. At first I let it get me down mad ruin my day. But as of late I've realized it's not worth it.
- Alma might be long but the last 10chapters are my favorite.
War chapters. You've got to love them. I love the story when Moroni makes the plan to set his people that the Laminaties have captured. Also I love the stripping warriors and how they had so much faith. It's amazing and a great example.
- Math can be enjoyed if you listen to Joshua Radin.
This man just makes me happy.his songs are great and when you do math to them it equals loves. No joke! And I'm not a huge fan of math.
- Dandruff shampoo makes your hair really soft.
I dont have dandruff I promise. But it's all I had. ( P.S I'm not kidding! Use it.)
- I love to write
I've known this for a while. Just thought you wanted to know, if you can't already tell.
- When boys take off their shirt it's gross.
Yes I promise I'm a girl and I promise I'm not sick. But when boys take off their shirt it's sick. I mean it. Keep your shirts on.
-Finding out who you are and being cool with it is the best.
No story . But it's true.
- Gaining a testimony of your own is even better.
Also no story. But read your scriptures ir helps.
- Counting down till Brady comes home is way more fun then counting down till Christmas.
30 days! Only 30 days!
- Coloring might be for four year olds but it makes everyday better.
Just have me show you my "happy pages".
- Happy music is fantastic
Joshua Radin, Tyrone Wells, Ingrid Michelson, He is We, The Workday Release, Avalanche City. Look them up. Oh and don't forget Lenka.
- Long car rides are fun. Even if they hurt your booty.
Do it, totally worth it.
- I love people.
Why not its cool . But just be nice.
- People are people no matter what. Dont try to change people just let them be who they are.
Its no fun when people try to change you.
-Killing woth kindness is nice.
That same girl is experiancing it right now, even if she doesnt know it.
- Joseph B. Wirthlin and Gordon B. Hinckley were some wise men.
If I lived in Gordon B. Hinckleys time I would have had a huge cruch on him. I really said that. He was amazing.
"Come what may and love it"
~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
" Forget yourself and go to work."
~ Gordon B. Hinckley
- Boys who admire/ respect their mom's and sister's are suddenly more attractive.
I cant write what i wrote in my journal here because its for my eyes only. Sorry, my greatest appolgies.
- Being nice is so much easier.
I did learn it but no story.
- Let blisters pop by themselves.
DONT touch them it hurts and it's not woth it. Even if you want to see whats inside.
- Wrestling started today. I better careful.
Boys again. Their trouble. And gross. My life is now full of basketball and wrestling. Loves.
- Look for the good not the bad.
It makes an enormous difference. So just do it.
- Snowflake Arizona Temple equals loves.
Its so pretty.
Well, today was just fantastic because there was no reason for it not to be. One day I walked into Bowens room and he asked me how I was. Knowing me I answered with either fantastic, amazing,super, or something like that. You get the point. But anyways he asked me why I was so fantastic and I said " because there's no reason not to be" or " why not". Again I don't remember. So things I've learned as of late:
- Dont let any one person ruin your day because they might be having a bad day.
So a girl at my school doesn't really like me and she doesn't Say the nicest things about me. At first I let it get me down mad ruin my day. But as of late I've realized it's not worth it.
- Alma might be long but the last 10chapters are my favorite.
War chapters. You've got to love them. I love the story when Moroni makes the plan to set his people that the Laminaties have captured. Also I love the stripping warriors and how they had so much faith. It's amazing and a great example.
- Math can be enjoyed if you listen to Joshua Radin.
This man just makes me happy.his songs are great and when you do math to them it equals loves. No joke! And I'm not a huge fan of math.
- Dandruff shampoo makes your hair really soft.
I dont have dandruff I promise. But it's all I had. ( P.S I'm not kidding! Use it.)
- I love to write
I've known this for a while. Just thought you wanted to know, if you can't already tell.
- When boys take off their shirt it's gross.
Yes I promise I'm a girl and I promise I'm not sick. But when boys take off their shirt it's sick. I mean it. Keep your shirts on.
-Finding out who you are and being cool with it is the best.
No story . But it's true.
- Gaining a testimony of your own is even better.
Also no story. But read your scriptures ir helps.
- Counting down till Brady comes home is way more fun then counting down till Christmas.
30 days! Only 30 days!
- Coloring might be for four year olds but it makes everyday better.
Just have me show you my "happy pages".
- Happy music is fantastic
Joshua Radin, Tyrone Wells, Ingrid Michelson, He is We, The Workday Release, Avalanche City. Look them up. Oh and don't forget Lenka.
- Long car rides are fun. Even if they hurt your booty.
Do it, totally worth it.
- I love people.
Why not its cool . But just be nice.
- People are people no matter what. Dont try to change people just let them be who they are.
Its no fun when people try to change you.
-Killing woth kindness is nice.
That same girl is experiancing it right now, even if she doesnt know it.
- Joseph B. Wirthlin and Gordon B. Hinckley were some wise men.
If I lived in Gordon B. Hinckleys time I would have had a huge cruch on him. I really said that. He was amazing.
"Come what may and love it"
~ Joseph B. Wirthlin
" Forget yourself and go to work."
~ Gordon B. Hinckley
- Boys who admire/ respect their mom's and sister's are suddenly more attractive.
I cant write what i wrote in my journal here because its for my eyes only. Sorry, my greatest appolgies.
- Being nice is so much easier.
I did learn it but no story.
- Let blisters pop by themselves.
DONT touch them it hurts and it's not woth it. Even if you want to see whats inside.
- Wrestling started today. I better careful.
Boys again. Their trouble. And gross. My life is now full of basketball and wrestling. Loves.
- Look for the good not the bad.
It makes an enormous difference. So just do it.
- Snowflake Arizona Temple equals loves.
Its so pretty.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
This Could Bore You to Death
Well. Today has just been super-duper amazing. It started last night when i made the yummist homemade hot chocolate and listening to Owl City's christmas song Peppermint winter. Then i went to bed and had good dreams. I woke up early for a Sunday and headed to chior. Church started about an hour later. It was fantastic. I came home and read my cheesey romantic book for like 2 hours. Accually thats a lie I made my bed first. Then I started to write this documatry on my day while listening to Taylor Swift. I love her sometimes.
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Dude, Im a SLACKER!
Okay, okay i know i haven't posted in like 13 years. Life has just started back up again. Accually basketball has. And because I've played basketball for nine years i have a hard time staying away from it. So heres an update as of late:
BASKETBALL is consuming my life and i love it
My FAVORITE sister payed me a visit and it was a blast.
My youngest brother was baptized and is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I am going through Brady withdrawls. I miss that boy a lot right now.
My G's left for their mission.
And last but not least i am now pretty much in love with Joshua Radin. He makes me happy. You should look him up.
So i utterly believe that Joshua Radin can make the worst thing you pretty much ever have to do ( math) amazing. Math disgusts me. End of story.
BASKETBALL is consuming my life and i love it
My FAVORITE sister payed me a visit and it was a blast.
My youngest brother was baptized and is now a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
I am going through Brady withdrawls. I miss that boy a lot right now.
My G's left for their mission.
And last but not least i am now pretty much in love with Joshua Radin. He makes me happy. You should look him up.
So i utterly believe that Joshua Radin can make the worst thing you pretty much ever have to do ( math) amazing. Math disgusts me. End of story.
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Brady i will see your face in approximately 32 days! i cant wait.
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