"Dreaming" by Callie (age 9)

As I sit in my seat,
I can't help it--I dream.
I dream 'bout tonight's dreams,
I dream of hot summer.
I dream, I'm dreaming, I dream.

I can't feel my seat,
This year was so quick!
I feel the ocean, waves, and pool!
I'm dreaming of summer!
I'm dreaming of fall!
I dream, dream, I dream!

I sit here and don't see
my classroom at all.
I see a pool, a beach, condo,
Am I really in school?
I am dreaming, that's all.
Just dreaming.
I think I'll fall asleep.

I dream, I'm dreaming, I dreamed.

You can, too.


*Author's Note: I write for other people's enjoyment all the time,but I usually don't write for encouragement.This poem is to persuade you to dream big every day and night- asleep or not. I dedicate this poem to my former first grade teacher, Mrs. Morgan- probably my biggest encourager, and now I encourage you to dream big- then try to write down your dream, and send it to me.Whaddaya know- maybe a poem will show up right here!!!:)            
                                                                                 - Callie

"When I Read a Book" by Callie (age 8)

I open a book, I read the title, I see what the first chapter is like. It is good, I read number 2. I tell mom, "I've begun a new book." You say the book is good at school the next day. The afternoon is spent reading to chapter 4. In the bath I read chapter 5. I sneak chapter 6 when Caleb's getting ready for school. Chapter 7 is delightful, I read it under blankets. Number 8 I do when I go to Tyler and Tucker's house. 9 is something I set aside and read in April. May comes quickly, I read chapter 10, 11, 12, and 13. In June I read 14 and 15, on breaks from wading at the beach. In July I read 16. I read 17, 18, 19, and 20 in August. I finish in September, chapters 21 and 22. I put down the book, realizing that I finished another wonderful adventure.

To my books and my feelings about them.

"My Decision" by Callie (age 8)

*Callie wrote and read this for her baptism.

I LOVE MY GOD, I know he is good. I want to follow him, and seek him only; for he is the king, the great I-am and I want to know who he is. But one thing is for sure-your love is everlasting. I know that you created everything-clouds to seas. You are the one I want to follow after, you are. Not mom, not dad, you. This is my decision, and I will always store in my heart that I have now showed everyone my choose. Follow or not? Follow. THAT'S MY DECISION.

"Goodness Can Be Found" by Caleb (age 5)

Holy Lord--
God, O God,
I am dying, too.
And I do not believe in strangers.
I just love you;
God, O God,
I would not worship other people.

"I Confess, Lord" by Callie (age 7)

Jesus, I put my heart to Yours,
Until I know what I've done;
There will be only one that I know,
Sinless.

Dance in the light,
Now dance in the night,
'Cause I want to see You, yeah.
I won't know till the moment
When I see Your face at last, yeah!

I will have to confess my crime.
I confess, Lord!
I confess, Lord!
I confess, I confess, I confess, Lord!
Yeah!

Give praise to the Lord--
The only, almighty Lord!
Yeah, 'cause I'm dying,
And I want to see you.

I'm wishing that You'll go, oh!
So I can think about my life, yeah!
So I can think.
I need to think--
What have I done?
There are many things I've done,
When how many did God do?
Not even one!

I confess, Lord!
I confess, Lord!
I confess, I confess, I confess, Lord!
Yeah!
I confess, Lord,
I confess . . . Lord.
I confess.

"At Sea" by Callie (age 7)

*Written while sitting on a balcony overlooking the Gulf in Destin, FL

When I'm alone by the sea,
I'm just thinkin' beautifully--
Thinkin' 'bout how God created everything
That I see today.

Everything's beautiful;
It's all God's creation,
Everything.

Holy! Holy is the highest.
Holy! Holy is the Lord.

All I can image
Is how God created
Everything.

Everything's beautiful;
It's all God's creation,
Everything.

Holy! Holy is the highest.
Holy! Holy is the Lord.

So when I'm alone by the sea,
I'm just thinkin' beautifully!

'Cause everything's beautiful;
It's all God's creation,
Everything.

Sign on Caleb's Bedroom Door at Age 6

"No Grls a allowed
olee Bores and
My MoMMY
Love
Caleb."

To be read:

"No girls allowed--
Only boys and
my Mommy.
Love,
Caleb."

"The Afternoon in Fall" by Callie (age 7)

Cool breeze---
The crickets start creeking.
The sun looks like it's dampening the world.
The birdies say their good-byes to warmth,
Leavin' in the fall.
Squirrels scampering 'round---
Saying 'bye to summer,
Collecting as they please---
The back yard---silent---
The smells get better and better---
Planes flying overhead---
Cars bringing home workers---
The crickets make sweet music.
The sunset beautiful---
Playing ball with dad---
Cross the street---NOT SAFE- 'cause cars zooming this way and that---
The bright lights cars have shining-
Already getting dark!
OOOhhh!
It's getting cool out!
There's a person passing through our street.
Cocoa 'd be nice and sweet
While it freezes.
The front yard---so still---
Halloween pumpkins are resting and rusting.
The porch is slowly freezing.
The neighborhood quiets down while everyone returns to inside.
The afternoon is great!

"At Night When You're in Bed" by Callie (age 7)

At night when you're sleeping,
You know the room is quiet.
You want to act right
And sleep nice and comfortable.
Everything in your head,
As you dream nicely in your bed.
Everywhere it's quiet.
Nicely and sweetly you want to sing a song!
Before you notice that you're sleeping,
Mommy takes off her silky ring.
One more blink
Before your last wink!
At night when you're in bed!