Joy: the Practice of Choosing Life

Our Summer 2016 online art and literary journal features writing and art by WBUUC children and teens.

Religious Education Children

Our friendships are full of colors, our world is a more beautiful place because of new friends!

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Finding a Friend
by Astrid Andre

October 23, 2015

Dear Astrid:

            I remember sitting in that store, waiting for someone to take me home. Lots of people passed me by but no one ever took me off the shelf-— until one day. The lady looked me over and said, “This one’s cute,” and bought me. I remember being put in her car and left there for days. I was so sad. I thought I would never leave.

            One day she got in her car as usual (as though to go to work) but instead she took me to this big brownstone building with a cross on top. She opened the backseat door and took me into the building. There were lots of people but we headed into this huge room with red velvet benches. We sat on the last one. We waited for everyone to file in before a man in a white suit came up to the pulpit to preach through a microphone about a guy named God.

            After what seemed like forever the guy in the white suit escorted everyone out row by row. When our row was let out we were first. We filed out to another large crowd. The lady pushed through some people saying, “Excuse me, sorry, coming through.”

            At one point, she stopped looking around through the crowd. Then her eyes landed on a little blonde girl and her mom. You were so cute, holding a green blanket and holding your mom’s hand. But you weren’t looking at us. You were looking at some older girls playing tag outside, through the window. But as we got nearer you turned your attention to us. Then you tugged at your mom’s hand and pulled closer just as we stopped in front of you.

            Then the lady said, “Hi, I have a surprise for you.” You let go of your mom’s hand and asked “Is it the pink Teddy Bear?” She looked at your mom and nodded. Then your mom smiled and said, “Yes it is.” Then the lady gave me to her and she gave you to me and said, “Here.” When you held me I was so happy. You smiled and said, “Huggy Bear” and it just stuck.

            The lady smiled and left. “Oh,” your mom said, “We better get home.” When we got to your room you smiled again and said, “We’re gonna be best friends forever.” And it was true. We did so much together. You took me wherever you went. You dragged me around the house, and you got stains on me. I didn’t care. I was just so happy to finally have a home. You played in your room with me and you slept with me. Those days are over now. You don’t play with me and you don’t take me anywhere. I’m stuffed in your closet with all the blankets and pillows you don’t want anymore. But I love you, just the same.

Still love you,
Huggy Bear

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Ways kids can help the world:

  • Recycling
  • Donate
  • Be kind
  • Share
  • Inspire

 

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Dear You:

Yes, YOU. You are amazing. Have a beautiful day! Please pick one then feel free to pass it on:

  • You are loved
  • You are worth it
  • You are talented
  • Your smile is beautiful
  • You are appreciated
  • You can make it happen
  • You are inspiring

 

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Social Action Sundays

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Homework/Soulwork – Wednesday Evenings

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Junior High Youth

 

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Hand Waves: The Art of Me

Every day, we change the world by our way of being:

Our choices
The friends we make
The way we respond
Values that matter to us

What waves do you make in the world?

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Creator Poems

cynicism                                  play devil’s      ask

advocate

 

your message                                                 question

 

what is going on

Be aware

you have the

capacity
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STRONG

giving

 

BEAUTY

 

great

 

                                                                                    Life

 

Style

 

LOVE

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Coming of Age

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Peace Jam

Being the Change!

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To be free is to be alive,
Breath.
flowing in and out,
A circle,
With a beginning…
so far away that it reaches
an end I will never know,
freedom.
A path to which I am looking for,
hoping to find
A path that will guide me
somewhere new?
somewhere old?
Maybe freedom is the circle,
the breath,
Bring  me back to the place,
from which I came.

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