Dare to Dream

It's a pretty simple message tonight.  Dare to dream.  What do you have to lose?  Each day I realize I am achieving my dreams.  I know that God has a plan for me and He's working on me right now.  I believe that our dreams and His plans for us are related.  He did craft us in the womb and I believe he sort of programs us, not only with the talents and gifts that he wants us to use for His kingdom, but the dreams and desires that go with those talents.  I have been blessed with creative talents and my dreams are the ones where I get to be creative every day - to be a writer, to be an artist.  God has built me that way.  I just have to keep dreaming so I can see exactly how it's all supposed to fit together - my dreams and His plans.   So go ahead.  Dream.  I dare you.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Happy Halloween, little pumpkin

Little pumpkin sitting there,
can you feel the crisp, night air?
Do you know what fate awaits
those brave souls who enter the gate?

They'll come as cowboys, ninjas or ghosts,
or maybe princesses are what we'll see most.
Do you know what they want?  Do you know why they come?
They are searching for lollipops, chocolate and gum.

Little pumpkin, all carved up in Halloween style,
these costumed children will come for a long while.
Do you know what happens when they knock on my door?
A spectacular trick is in store.

The lights are all out and the house is dark.
When the dog hears them coming, she'll start to bark.
They'll startle a little but walk straight to the house.
That's when I'll release the mouse.

Little pumpkin, the mouse will run at their feet
but those children will still yell "Trick or Treat"!
So now I have to play spooky music and creaky sounds
and watch as they run in leaps and bounds.

But still they come to the porch with glee
to fill their bags and say "Happy Halloween"!

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Have you missed me?

Have you missed me?
I'm sorry I've been away.
I've had things to take care of
each and every day.

I have good news to share.
I have some news to tell.
My new children's book is published
and it will soon be ready to sell.

I hope to have some signings planned
in a month or so.
Be looking for announcements
so you'll know where and when to go!

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

I love you so much

I love you so much;
you fill up my heart.

When you aren't feeling well
it just tears me apart.

I love you so much;
it's so easy to say,

When you cuddle with me
at the end of the day.

I love you so much;
you're my shining star.

When you grow up,
I know you'll go far.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Just a little hint

Something BIG is about to happen!  I can't wait.   Stay tuned!

Love to travel

I would love to see the Northern Lights
and camp under the stars.

Or visit Venice, Italy, and ride in 
gondolas instead of cars.

Surfing in Hawaii is also 
a dream on mine.

Or riding a double-decker bus in London 
to see Big Ben telling time.

I love to travel and see new things,
all the wonders of God and man.

From shore to shore, across the world,
all God's beauty and creations by hand.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

We'll miss you

This one is for my Canadian daughter who will be going back home tomorrow.  We've enjoyed our visit this week!

When you are gone, we'll miss you so much.
But there are so many ways we can stay in touch.

We'll miss you terribly while you are away,
but we're planning to visit you one day.

We won't know what to do when you aren't here.
But we promise we won't shed a tear.

We will reunite soon, either here or there.
Until then, sweet prayers for you we will share.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Kitty climbs the stairs

The little kitten tried and tried to get up the steps but its short legs just couldn't do it.  She would jump and fall.  So it sat there, staring up the staircase.  Finally, after thinking about it for some time, it stretched its front legs up to the first step.  With a big push from its hind legs, it thwarted its way onto the landing. 

Kitty did it!  She tried so hard to make it up that step and she did it.  Proudly, she looked down to see where she had come from and then looked up the staircase again.  She was determined to get up there and see why her human caregivers kept going there.  She didn't stare as long this time before she placed those front feet on the next step and pushed with her back legs.

Another step!  Now she was getting somewhere.  It was no big deal now.  It kept getting easier and easier as she climbed, one step at a time, to the top.

Kitty reached the top and looked down at how far she had come.  She did it all by herself.  She was determined and she kept trying.  She walked around to see what her humans were doing.  After a few minutes of exploring, Kitty decided to go back down the stairs to perch on the couch.  She stared down the staircase now, a little afraid because it was so high.  But, she carefully placed her front feet on the step below and soon her back legs followed.  Over and over, until she had come down all 12 steps.  She turned to look at her accomplishment, climbed up on the back of the couch, and looked out the window until she fell asleep.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Obviously I can add to this the importance of setting a goal and just trying.  It will get easier with time and practice.  But I want to leave that to parents who read my stories to their children.  There are small life lessons in each one, even the silly ones.  And, I'm living proof of taking baby steps to reach a goal that seems far up the staircase right now.  I'm just taking it one story at a time.

Happy Birthday!

Tonight's post is in honor of my middle child who turns 15 years old tomorrow.  But I am thinking of using this poem for each of my children on their birthdays from now on.

God's gift you are to me
to watch over while you're here,
to keep you safe from danger and evil,
to show you love and care.

I pray for you daily - 
for your spiritual and physical growth.
To love you always and forever
is my solemn oath.

So as you add another year
of time here on this earth,
I reflect on all the joy 
you've brought me since your birth.

Happy Birthday, child of mine,
so blessed am I to know
that God watches over you night and day
as you continue to grow.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

The Sock Gremlin

I know, I know.  I did it again.  Another night without a story or a post.  But, I have another good reason.  Our Canadian exchange student came back for a week long visit!  We were so excited after picking her up from the airport, eating, and just catching up on the past 4 months without her that I didn't write anything.  So, here is tonight's story.

The sock gremlin strikes again!
He's been back in my house.
He comes in very quietly and
sneaks around like a mouse.

He takes only one sock
from a pair of two.
I wonder why he does that.
Do you?

The long red sock that comes up to my knees
is now a lonely soul.
The sock gremlin took its partner
to use for carrying coal.

Sometimes he takes several socks,
different colors and sizes,
and fills them with candy and toys
to give as sock gremlin prizes.

The young sock gremlins get inside a sock
and line up in a row.
The sock gremlin races are always fun,
especially in the snow!

I might be missing several socks,
and maybe you are, too.
But the sock gremlins need them to decorate,
in pink, yellow, green, and blue.

The sock gremlins also use the socks
to carry groceries and household things,
like peanuts, pumpkins, water balloons,
wrapping paper, and string.

Their favorite color must be white
because that's what I'm missing most.
I think they use them at Halloween and
all dress like a ghost!

I really wish the sock gremlin would
take a little break.
It seems he's coming more often and
I'm running low on socks for him to take!

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Why do I do this?

I feel I owe it to you all to explain why I'm doing this.  I mean, after all, I usually don't even begin writing until 10:30 pm, even on school nights.  I'm getting about as much sleep as a new parent with a baby.  So why do I do it?

It's for me.  I just love writing and being creative.  I have notebooks of stories that have been started, sketchbooks of drawings and doodles, and folders of inspirational material with notes jotted down on magazine pictures.  I have always been creative and so, I do this for myself. 

It's for you.  Maybe you don't buy books for your children but you like to read to them.  Maybe you just need a good laugh because you've had "one of those days".  Maybe you need a little inspiration to keep going.  I want to inspire others (remember, I'm a high school teacher).  I want to motivate others to be their best and work hard to achieve their goals.  What better way to motivate and inspire than to actually do it myself? 

Why the challenge of a story/poem a day?  Why not?  I follow a refashion blog where the writer recycles clothing.  Her blog began by challenging herself to recycle and refashion an article of clothing every day for an entire year.  For several months, I have been feeling God calling me to write but I didn't really know what to write or how to do it so I just prayed about it.  That's when I got the idea to write a story a day on a blog.  I'm still praying about it and letting God lead me and inspire me.  It's neat how this blog is developing and I like where it's going.

And there you have it.  The story behind the stories!

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Follow your dreams

Whatever you dream, dream it big;
there's no reason to hold back.
You can do it if you just try
and stay on the right track.

Make a goal and be sure to 
move toward it each and every day.
But don't get discouraged if you
stumble along the way.

What are you doing today to make 
your dreams come true?
I hope you keep dreaming and 
following through.

I know you will make it.
I've known it all along.
Your mind is powerful and 
your will is strong.

Please keep pushing on and
never give up.
You will have success and blessings
overflowing your cup.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Homecoming

Ah, Homecoming.  That time of year in the life of a teenager when everything is covered in glitter and trips to thrift stores happen every afternoon in preparation of the next dress up day.  Homecoming.  When each class spends an insane amount of money and time to decorate a trailer for a 30 minute parade ride, only to be torn down immediately afterwards.  Homecoming.  When boys and girls are begging every relative, friend, and car dealership for a convertible to ride in for a 30 minute parade through town.

Ah, Homecoming.  That time of year when students aren't really focused on school work or learning new Spanish verb conjugations (yes, I'm speaking from experience).  Homecoming.  When teenagers and 10 year girls seem to forget they have any responsibilities at school or at home (again, speaking from experience).  Homecoming.  When the kids are already crazy and then nature decides to throw in a Blood Moon lunar eclipse.

Ah, Homecoming.  When the town shows its spirit for the football team by stopping traffic on a busy highway and having a parade.  Homecoming.  When everyone gets a little more dressed up for the football game.  Homecoming.  When even the folks who don't have children in the school system will come support the local football team at the ball game.  Homecoming.  When classes of old plan their reunions, tailgate, and watch the game together, reminiscing about the glory days when they played, or cheered, or performed at half time.

Ah, Homecoming.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

What do you do?

What do you do when you're bored and alone?
I call a friend on the telephone!

What do you do when your energy's zapped?
I lie down and take a nap!

What do you do when you're really mad?
I find a quiet place to calm down just a tad.

What do you do when you're very happy?
I sing, dance and smile so that all can see!

What do you do when you're not feeling well?
I take a break and rest for a spell.

I try to be positive, whether I'm upset or content,
because it makes me more pleasant and the time well spent.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Thankful for the rain

I was shocked at how many views I had on the blog last night!  I'm honored, actually.  Thanks for reading these little stories and pieces of me and my life.

It's raining.  It's storming.
It drives my dog crazy.
She doesn't like it but
it makes me very lazy.

I love to hear the rain on the roof.
I don't care too much for thunder.
But I do like to watch the lightning
in all its splendor and wonder.

Sometimes I think the rain comes
to make us all slow down
in our busy lives that keep us 
running all around.

I enjoy my busy life 
although, at times, it seems insane.
So tonight I'm a little thankful
for the storm and for the rain.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

God's plan

I can't believe I forgot to post a story yesterday.  I'm so upset with myself.  Oh well.  I'm not going to let it stop me.

Today I'm going to write about yesterday's experience.  There's a story here, I promise.

     I took Jessalyn to Atlanta to audition for a part in a national Broadway production.  She was pretty excited, and so was I, at the possibility of traveling across the U.S. and home-schooling.  She had it all planned out too.  She was going to save her money (it was a paying job) until she had saved $10,000.  She was going to put half of that amount toward an RV for the family and give half to her school.  Then, she was going to save up another $10,000 and give half to our church and put the rest toward the RV.  Then, the next $10,000 would be split evenly between the family RV and helping the family with bills.  It really was a great plan.

     We arrived in Atlanta at the audition site.  I didn't think she seemed nervous at all but she said she was a little.  She and another girl started talking about their nerves just before the children were walked into the audition room.  She was gone for about an hour.  I have been praying about this audition and for her future for a while.  My prayer was that if it were God's will, she would get a call back.  If it was not part of his plan for her, then He would show that to us as well.

     When the children came back into the waiting room to find their parents, one of the assistants came in to call out the numbers of the children who would be staying for the next round of auditions.  Her number was not called.  She immediately put her face into my chest and began to cry.  Her new little friend was upset, too.  I told both girls as we were leaving that God has a plan for them both that is so much bigger and better than this part.  It didn't mean they weren't good actresses; they just weren't what the director was looking for at this time.

     Sometimes God sneaks better things into our lives without us realizing it.  Sometimes it takes a while for that to happen but other times it happens almost immediately.  We are patiently waiting.  As I told Jessalyn on the way home, God has the plan for us.  He draws our path.  I am truly amazed at the confidence and talent my daughter has at such a young age and I know, I've seen it for years, that she will do something amazing and wonderful with what God has given her.  I am so proud of her and I told her all the way home yesterday.  There will be other auditions and the perfect part will be there.

"For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans for a hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Holidays

I love Christmas and holidays,
spending time with loved ones for several days.

I love decorations and glitter and trees.
I love making gifts that are sure to please.

I enjoy singing songs about joy and love, 
especially songs about Heaven above.

The holidays are festive, full of cheer.
It's my absolute favorite time of year.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

more from The Locket

 Another installment of my future novel.  Not sure where I'm really going with it.  I'm kinda letting it write itself.  I have an outline but it seems too planned.  I want this to develop naturally so it will be random until I get more and then start putting it all together.  I like it so far.  Go back to Locket Chapter 1 post if you want to read the first piece.  These aren't in any particular order right now.

     The locket fell to the ground but Hazel didn't hear it.  She was long gone down the street chasing after her dog.  The dog had gotten loose and was terrorizing the neighbor's orange cat.  Hazel had to run around the block to finally catch up to Frizzy and walk her back home.  That's when she realized the locket was gone.  She retraced her steps but it was no use.  It was getting dark and she had run all over the neighborhood, on the street and in the grass.  "Where could it be?" she thought to herself.
     She was so upset she couldn't even eat dinner.  She went to her room and cried herself to sleep.  She was sick.  How could she have lost it?  She decided that she would wake up early tomorrow and look for it, before the neighbors started bustling around.  Tomorrow was Saturday and she would normally sleep in but this was urgent.  She had to find that locket.  It was too special to not try to find it.  She would crawl around on her hands and knees if she had to.  She was determined to find it.  And so, she drifted off to sleep with a sniffling nose and swollen eyes on a tear-soaked pillow.

Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles

Wednesdays

I'm just so tired on Wednesdays;
it's so hard to go on.
With school and church and home
the day is so very long.

It's hard to focus and write a story
when my thoughts are bare.
I sit and try but the words don't come
and all I do is stare.

I hope Wednesdays get easier
or I feel that I may quit.
But then you wouldn't have poems or stories to read
and all you would do is sit.

Though tired and weary, I press on,
searching for words to keep.
But the words don't come and so, my friends,
I've got to get some sleep!


Copyright 2014 Jennifer Charles