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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: New Year (05/09/05)
January opened her journal and began to jot down her New Year’s resolutions.

Attend church faithfully!

June opened her journal and wrote down the happenings of the week.

Family’s here from up north. Was unable to attend church today. Went boating with family. God understands. Family is important!


December opened her journal and scribbled down her thoughts for the past year.

I can’t believe it! I went to church today and someone came up and asked me if I would fill out a visitor’s card! I know I’ve missed a few Sundays, but who do they think they are?

January opened her journal and jotted down her dreams for the coming year.

Lord, I’m willing to be used however You see fit. Put me where You need me, Master!

June opened her journal and wrote down what happened that week.

Pastor Paul asked me if I would help in the nursery at church. Now, that takes a lot of gall! Doesn’t he know that I am way too educated to be wiping noses and bottoms? I think the mothers of all those possessed urchins should take care of their own little monsters. That’s what’s wrong with mothers today. They expect others to do their dirty work. They don’t want to take care of their own. What’s the world coming to?

December opened her journal and scribbled down her thoughts for the past year.

I am so sick and tired of Pastor Paul asking for volunteers at the church. I guess I need to type up a resume of jobs I will not do: work in the nursery, teach Sunday school, clean the church, & visitation. Why, can’t he see how valuable I am? What I would love to do is be in charge of a seminar. I could teach on “SERVANTHOOD!”

January opened up her journal and began to jot down her goals for the New Year.

Give above and beyond my tithe this year!

June opened up her journal and penciled in the drama for the week.

Every thing costs so much; Libby’s braces, Rachel’s college, health insurance! God gave me this great job to meet my needs. I know He’ll understand if I only give 3% for the next few months.

December opened up her journal and penned her these words.

The church treasurer gave us our yearly financial receipts for tax purposes. This can’t be right. According to this report I only gave God my pocket change. This sure doesn’t help me get much of a tax break!

January opened up her journal and jotted down her expectations for the next few months.

Forgive those who have offended me!

June opened up her journal and began feverishly writing.

Who on earth does Lillie Williams think she is? Just because she inherited all those millions, she thinks she can just boss everybody around. Who died and made her queen?

December opened her journal groaning and moaning as she wrote.

I cooked Lillie Williams’ goose today. I’ve informed all the ladies at Bible study about her ulterior motives in giving all that money to the church. She thinks I don’t know what she is up to. She’ll probably want the church named after her. I can see it now: Lillie’s Christian Center! It’s a good thing God has made me so discerning so I can warn the pastor about her. He is so gullible, always believing the best in people.

**

January slipped inside the sanctuary. She sat on the back pew right between June and December.

“You guys, I read your journals.” January gasped! “I couldn’t believe my eyes!”

“We read yours, too, January.” June replied as December nodded. “Let’s face it we’re a mess!”

“We need some major help.” December sighed. “Do you think Dr. Phil could help us?”

June shook her head. “Nope! But I think I know who can. Pastor Paul tells us about Him week after week.”

“Let’s get it right this time.” January pleaded.

December smiled, “Yeah, I’m tired of coming up short at the end of the year.”

June nodded, “I’m game if you two are. I’m tired of spiritual summer slumps.”

“And I’m tired of end of the year burn out.” December cried.

January put her arms around her two companions and chuckled, “Time for a group hug.”

They all chimed together at the top of their voices in unison, “We must stay close to Jesus! No more polution in our New Year's resolutions!”
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This article has been read 1811 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Corinne Smelker 
05/16/05
I like how you have personalised the months - clever twist and made a predictable story clever - that's what good writing is all about and you did it well.
Val Clark
05/17/05
I love the irony in this one! A point subtly but clearly made. How ealily we are blinded to or own faults and there is only one who can help us see! Oh well done!
Helga Doermer
05/17/05
An interesting perspective on the unfolding of the year. A very creative way to engage the reader.
Penny Baldwin
05/17/05
I started off reading this thinking.. this sounds a bit like mine...but of course it's not. And of course it's much better!
Sally Hanan
05/20/05
Cleverly done. Somehow I don't believe that January is that perfect!
dub W
05/20/05
Love the personification.
Deborah Porter 
05/24/05
Dixie, I just wanted to pop in quickly and let you know that you were in the semi-finals for the New Year challenge and actually did extremely well. You weren't that far off the Editors' Choice. So well done on another excellent entry. With love, Deb (Challenge Coordinator)