Everyone who has ever been on a stake trek knows what I'm about to tell you all, but for those that haven't...
I just came back from our Mapleton Stake Trek and had a great time. We went to Martians Cove, Rocky Ridge and all over the state of Wyoming. It was good overall, but my most favorite part was that I got to know some of the people from my ward better (you know, the people you know of, but you don't know them as a friend or such.)
We had such a fun time on the bus ride home! But that comes later...
We left on Thursday morning at 4:00 IN THE MORNING! But although most of the youth weren't that excited about our departure time, I always feel like its an adventure when you have to get up that early! I got assigned to my "family" and met them all. There were five boys and four girls including me. I was a bit nervous that there was no one in my ward there, but I got to know my "siblings" better and found out that we all have some very different personalities, hobbies, ideas and such. It was better than I had thought it would be! =D
My little brother, Tyson, was in group 12, and I was with 26, so we were pretty far away. I had hoped he was having a good time, already I could see him making friends.
My family and I got on our bus #73, (this was my first time EVER on a school bus, =D) and started the long drive to Wyoming. Most of the people slept, but I kept up conversation with those that weren't checking the back of their eyelids for holes. When one of them drifted off, I would just chat with another one. That's basically how it went the whole way there, because I can't fall asleep in moving vehicles. =)
We stopped for bathroom breaks every two hours, and had lunch in a small town somewhere in Colorado. I couldn't seem to find my family anywhere, so I just sat with one of the girls from my ward. Then I went people-watching while eating my turkey wrap and chips. Its interesting the kind of things you see when you watch people specifically like that. You guys should try it out sometime!
When we finally got to Martians Cove (9 hours later :D) we all unloaded, and ran to the bathroom. I went to fill my water bottle when I saw one of the guys from my EFY group. I was happy to see a familiar face, and I quickly said 'hi' before being called off somewhere else again. I think we should really get together and have a EFY reunion, 'cause I miss all those guys so much!
Anyway, I was smart and wore my shawl that day, when it was around 95 degrees outside, and hardly any breeze. I laugh at myself, but at least I looked like a real pioneer!
Our families rounded us all up eventually and brought us to an orientation in the missionaries cabin. We watched a little clip from President Hinckley, and heard some stories about the different pioneers etc. The missionaries also told us how our little sisters (ages 8-11) made blankets for the people in third-world countries. They had all of us, who had a little sister that helped, stand up. I was proud of Sierra when I stood up with the rest, and thanked her much when I got home. I'm sure those people will really benefit, at least in some small way, what she sacrificed for them.
After our orientation, they set us off on a 5 mile hike up to the cove. They had asked us to be reverently quiet when we had reached the Dan Jones cove, and in silence as we walked the last little bit to Martians Cove. Our stake president spoke to us at the first cove, all about the sacrifice those pioneers had made, and many more stories of their experience on the trek there. I think its so awesome to hear these tales of how life really was then, and actually be there where it happened so long ago. They told us that if we had our minds and hearts opened, that we could feel the presence of those people that died, and sacrificed so much there.
After hearing from our stake president and another missionary, we started off in silence for Martians cove. I said a little prayer that my mind and heart might be open to the experiences they had had there, and that I might feel at least a small portion of their strong, faithful spirits. I expected the cove to be more of a cave, so I was a bit surprised to hear that little valley, in between the mountains, was really where they stayed. I thought about what it would have been like, all covered in snow, with hardly any food, and nearly no shoes, just bandages on their feet. How cold the must've been, how happy they were to finally stop and rest, and how very sad they felt when 13 members of their party died in one night from freezing or overexhaustion.
The song "Come, Come, Ye Saints," kept running through my head as I walked along. I didn't feel any particular strong feeling come over me as I expected, just a quiet peace. One that I had often felt before. Simple, gentle, calm, as if they were telling me that they knew, with all their hearts, that they would have done it all over again. That much faith I cannot seem to comprehend....
We got back to the bus in quiet, but then the boys had an overwhelming urge to take care of that need. So about 30 of them went out into the middle of nowhere, (there is a lot of that in Wyoming ;D) turned their backs to us. Most of the girls turned to look just as I said, "Don't look outside!" I couldn't believe they actually did that! They must really have had to go. I wished, later, that I would have brought my camera.... :D
We got to our camp, and I cannot tell you how very happy I was to see that the tents were all set up for us, and the food was ready and waiting! Even though we were more than an hour behind schedule...
While I was eating with some friends, a guy walked up and started talking to us. He looked very familiar to me, but I couldn't place him. So I said, "Hey, you look familiar. Where do I know you from?" He told me that he had danced with me at a stake dance. Wow, I thought, I can't believe he would remember that. Then I asked how long ago. "'Bout six months," he said. SIX MONTHS ?!? I was thinking; I know I wouldn't have remembered!
Turns out he was the kid I had been hearing about that kept playing his harmonica all the way there, and the people on his bus were getting really bugged with him. I told him about another guy from my ward, who kept singing, (he loved to sing) during the trip as well, then apologized and stopped after he realized he was irritating people. When he fell asleep, some of them played a mean trick, and drew on his face with a red marker. I had told the guy from my ward to not let what people think bother him, and I said he was awesome for singing, and I loved his voice. I felt so bad that they would do that though...so I said the same thing to Preston, (from the stake dance.)
Of course you want to be considerate of others, but there is a point when what people think shouldn't matter to you, if you are doing what makes you the most happy. And to just be yourself. (There are many exceptions to this, as expected, but I think he got the basic message.)
(Contiued on my other article "Trekking Across Wyoming Cont.)
South Korean Flag!
Friday, July 27, 2007
Monday, July 23, 2007
13 Years Old and Dreaming
Prepare yourself for a long read. This is a story I dug up from a few years ago. I remember loved writing stories like this one.
Jacob the Shepherd
“Eat before you go out, Jacob,” his mother said, setting the bread and cheese on the small, wooden table. As he sat down to eat, Rebekah thought how grown up her youngest son looked! He was just thirteen last week, and now could guard the flock like any of his older brothers. His dark brown hair was swept untidily across his forehead, almost covering his grey-blue eyes. His chin was strong like his fathers, and owned calloused hands that worked creating new things. As a little boy, he had loved inventing new toys out of wood and ways to do things easier. He was extremely creative, which caused the other boys his age to make fun of him. Jacob had been in a fight more than once, but he always came to his mother for comfort. She made him feel like home, and loved long talks with her in the night. Whenever he had a problem, he knew he could always go to her, and no matter how tired she had been, she always found time for him.
“Don’t forget your sheepskin blanket,” she reminded him, doing her duty as a mother. “You know how cold it gets,”
“Yes, Mother,” he said smiling. She had made him a large wool blanket from the first time he skinned his sheep, Snowtail. Most shepherd boys had a dog for a pet, but not Jacob. Ever since Snowtail was born, he had loved her like any other. Her coat of wool got whiter every time she was sheared, but the whitest part of her was her tail. Jacob always said it was so white, it glowed. Snowtail and he were best friends, romping around in the grass and running together. She knew her own name and went to Jacob whenever she heard him coming to the pasture.
Of course, that separated him from the other boys even more, but he still loved his sheep.
Finished, he stood and went to the lean-to, grabbing the blanket and crook. Then walking to the door he said, “Good bye, mother,” closing the door behind him.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, and a light breeze was blowing through the trees by the pasture. “Snowtail!” he called, running towards his happily bleating sheep. The flock was drinking out of the small, crystal stream running along the field and down the hill, to the city.
“Glad to see you’re up,” called one of the village boys, Andrew by name. Jacob waved and replied “Yes, I wouldn’t want to miss my first day,”
He walked with his crook in hand to a shaded place, and sat down.
“Isn’t the city beautiful in the afternoon?” Andrew said, pointing to the bright little town. The walls surrounding it seem to shimmer with the sun’s rays and he could see little figures moving to get their early shopping done. “Yeah, everyone looks so busy,” then he switched the subject. “Do you like to be a shepherd, Andrew?”
Andrew pondered this for a moment, leaning on his staff. Finally, he answered. “Sometimes yes, and sometimes no; I love that you can relax, and don’t really have to work, but I would like to be out there,” he said, indicating the city. “Where all of the people are. You know, doing things like anyone else,” he sighed. “But I know that I can’t be there, until my father says I can,”
Jacob looked away. “At least you have a father,” he whispered. Andrew caught what he said and tried to comfort him. “Let’s go throw stones across the stream, and perhaps I can beat you,” he suggested. Jacob readily agreed, anything, he thought, to get his mind off of his father.
Throwing stones was one of Jacob’s favorite games, usually because he was very good at it. They walked to the edge of the clearing and found stones about the size of a potato, good for tossing.
“I have a new strategy now, so I think I might win you,” said Andrew backing up to the worn line in the grass and preparing a toss.
“No chance,” Jacob said, watching the rock fly into a tree trunk.
“Okay then,” Andrew retorted “Let’s see you go farther.” Jacob stood at the line, took his stance, and threw the stone carefully. He heard the soft plop of the rock as it landed in the creek.
“Ha!” said Andrew joyously. “I beat you,” he grinned, “Do you want to try again?”
Jacob looked away. “No, I…need to take a break, but you keep on practicing,” he said, walking to his favorite place to rest, under a large, lonely oak. “Come along, Snowtail,”
The sheep reluctantly obeyed, and found a new bit of grass to munch while watching Jacob lay with his hands behind his head.
He loved laying under that tree, where his father and mother had carved their initials into the bark. It was the only tree at the very top of the hill, overlooking the city of Bethlehem. His father had died suddenly of an unknown illness when Jacob turned five, eight years ago. He used to lay with Jacob every night and watch the sun go down until he was required to stay in his bed. He loved those precious minutes shared together with his father and the sight of an old day departing.
Rebekah was extremely sorrowful when her husband died, and with four boys to raise, it was difficult to keep going. She believed that she would see her husband again in the next life, and continued to help her children understand and have faith. She taught them to pray every night, and show gratitude for the blessings given. They had family prayer in the mornings to get them started for the day. When it was little Jacob’s turn to pray, he would ask that all of them might see Jesus when He came to earth. The entire family anticipated that day, watching for signs of His birth.
He was always comforted of the thought that he would see his father again someday, and continually looked for the day Jesus came to Earth. With all of his heart he desired to be there, and kept his childish prayer to Heavenly Father that he would.
Andrew watched his friend sadly. Then he went to join the other boys with the flock, looking back at the lonely figure with his pet sheep.
“What’s wrong with him?” asked Mark, motioning his thumb Jacob’s direction. Andrew reluctantly said “Oh, he’s probably just tired,”
Andrew was the only boy that had found out about Jacob’s father and Jacob made him swear never to tell anyone. So far, Andrew had kept his promise. Mark simply shrugged and pushed it to the back of his mind.
The sunset was the most beautiful one he had ever seen yet. The colors of crimson, pink and purple streaked across the sky, as if some joyful dance. Jacob smiled and pulled the wool blanket tighter around his shoulders. He felt like his father was sitting next to him again, watching this miracle of radiant beauty. As the last minutes of twilight faded away, he thought he could spy the first star in the sky. It was brighter than the others and seemed to hover directly above the town in the distance. Eventually other stars appeared and the sky darkened into a silvery black.
“Did you see that, Snowtail?” he asked smiling, as the sheep grazed steadily. Snowtail glanced at Jacob for a second then continued eating.
As the cloak of darkness completed its descent, the other older shepherds came in to replace the boys, but Jacob was required to stay out all night. He kept his eyes open until Snowtail fell asleep, and then he too began to nod off.
He was standing in an open field. In all directions it was flat. In the distance he could see the city of Bethlehem, bathed in moonlight. At the edge of the town was a small stable for horses, but directly above it, was the brightest star he had ever seen. Its radiance seemed to encompass the stable in a glow of white light.
He saw two figures in the light, a man and a woman, standing over a manger of hay. Why they were there, he had no idea, but this seemed like a very important and special night. The woman picked up something that was in the manger and he could see that it was alive. A baby!
Jacob woke with a start; some wet thing had touched his face. He could hear the baby crying! No…wait that was only Snowtail bleating to wake him up. He pushed the lamb away and slowly sat up. The sky, though still dark, looked very different. He couldn’t quite figure out why, but he knew something strange was happening.
Snowtail seemed to know it too, for she kept bleating and scampering away, then running back, nodding her head.
All of the shepherds seemed anxious, although none of them could say why. Jacob was pondering his vision.
Why did I have such a strange dream? It felt like… he searched for words, Like that baby knew me, and I knew him. He shook his head, trying to clear it. No more of the dream came to him, and he sighed.
“Hey, Jacob.” called Andrew, walking up behind him.
He turned around to glance at his friend. “Andrew!” he said in surprise.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had to switch jobs at sundown.” Andrew grinned. “I wanted to be here on your first night, little man.” Jacob smiled back.
Andrew glanced up to the sky. “Have you looked at the stars lately?” when Jacob shook his head, he continued, “I think that there is a new one, or a number of them. I’m not sure exactly. It is especially bright, kind of like a far away candle.” Andrew was known as a star expert among the shepherds. If any of them had a question, he could answer it.
“I think I’ve seen it actually, now that I remember. It was the first one out tonight.” He pointed to it and Andrew nodded. “That’s it,” he said.
Jacob wondered if Andrew’s new star had anything to do with the one in his dream.
“Well, I have to go catch my flock. See you around.” Andrew waved and walked to the other part of the field, across the river.
So many mysteries in one night thought he, as he stroked Snowtail gently.
Suddenly, Jacob felt as though someone was watching them, and slowly turned around. He gasped at what he saw, and his gasp echoed throughout all of the shepherds. A small glow in the sky was growing bigger until it could be seen by all of the shepherds. He covered his eyes, for it was so bright, as did the others. Fear shook his being as a body appeared in the light, a grown man whose robe seemed whiter than the light encompassing him. His hair was like pure snow, yet he did not look very aged.
“Fear not,” he spoke with a voice of authority and gentleness. “For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, witch shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,”
Jacob glanced up, startled. “Just like in my dream!” he thought. The messenger continued,
“And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
The shepherds looked at one another in amazement. An angel had appeared before them! They spoke in hushed voices until more light came and they ceased speaking. There, on that hill, a great multitude of heavenly beings emerged from the radiance, each crowned with a glory so profound that the shepherds stood in awe.
Jacob could not believe what his eyes were seeing, nor what his ears, hearing. Andrew looked bewildered; it had all happened so suddenly. The angels spoke as one, with a voice so penetrating and strong, it shook the ground.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men,”
Then the light faded and the angels departed, leaving behind shepherds in wonder. None of them knew what to say, and everyone wanted to see the babe.
Then Jacob spoke up and shouted, “Let us go to the city, to see this thing which the angels have told us about.”
“What about the sheep?” one of the shepherds asked. “We can’t leave them here.”
Jacob refused let anything prevent them, “We will take them with us. I’m sure they will be fine, and it’s not a very large flock anyway.”
The shepherds nodded and began prodding the sheep down the hill towards the city, Jacob and Snowtail leading.
The stars all were much brighter, as if some sign of a wonderful thing come to pass. The frozen grass crunched beneath their feet as they walked toward the lights of Bethlehem. Jacob pulled the wool blanket tighter around his shoulders and looked back.
Most of the shepherds had cold, blue faces and were rubbing their hands together and blowing on them, but none refused to be left behind. He led them through the city gates and found the stable, and a heavenly sight.
The virgin, Mary, was resting on some piled hay, while Joseph stood over the manger, his eyes filled with tears.
Jacob saw the tiny hands moving about in the cradle as he humbly approached the stable. He realized that tears were streaming down his cheeks as he knelt down by the manger, and looked at the Son of God.
He could see the face of his father in it for just a second, then it disappeared and he saw the babe. The small face was so beautiful, and loving. The cloth surrounding the babe was thin, and he seemed to shiver. Jacob thought, I must give a gift to this great child, but what? Snowtail came in behind him and nudged her nose against the wool blanket. He reached down and stroked the lamb, took up the soft blanket and looked at Mary. She saw what he was doing and nodded slowly, a small smile upon her weary face.
Jacob laid the blanket around the infant and wrapped it warmly. Snowtail seemed to smile too, as he stepped back. Behind him the other shepherds were gathered in a group. Reverently, he motioned them forward and they each in turn looked upon the face of God.
There was not a dry eye in the humble stable that night, as the shepherds reluctantly took their leave. Jacob was the last to go, lingering to take in the picture of the first Christmas; Mary holding the infant in her arms with Joseph standing over her; A donkey standing in the background with some scattered sheep and chickens; Horses looking over their stalls, to see the baby Jesus, and a new star so bright, hanging over the stable watchfully.
This, thought Jacob, is something I know I will never forget; this is the first night of Christmas.
Ending 1: After telling his watchful mother of the events that night, they both knelt down and thanked the Lord for sending His Son as a little babe down to the humble city of Bethlehem. There were tears streaming down her face as Rebekah looked up and caught the radiant glow around her youngest son.
Ending 2: So he walked back to the field where sheep lay sleeping, with his loyal lamb following behind, thinking of the night’s events with great respect and reverence.
Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
By Haley Brooksby
December 21, 2004
Jacob the Shepherd
“Eat before you go out, Jacob,” his mother said, setting the bread and cheese on the small, wooden table. As he sat down to eat, Rebekah thought how grown up her youngest son looked! He was just thirteen last week, and now could guard the flock like any of his older brothers. His dark brown hair was swept untidily across his forehead, almost covering his grey-blue eyes. His chin was strong like his fathers, and owned calloused hands that worked creating new things. As a little boy, he had loved inventing new toys out of wood and ways to do things easier. He was extremely creative, which caused the other boys his age to make fun of him. Jacob had been in a fight more than once, but he always came to his mother for comfort. She made him feel like home, and loved long talks with her in the night. Whenever he had a problem, he knew he could always go to her, and no matter how tired she had been, she always found time for him.
“Don’t forget your sheepskin blanket,” she reminded him, doing her duty as a mother. “You know how cold it gets,”
“Yes, Mother,” he said smiling. She had made him a large wool blanket from the first time he skinned his sheep, Snowtail. Most shepherd boys had a dog for a pet, but not Jacob. Ever since Snowtail was born, he had loved her like any other. Her coat of wool got whiter every time she was sheared, but the whitest part of her was her tail. Jacob always said it was so white, it glowed. Snowtail and he were best friends, romping around in the grass and running together. She knew her own name and went to Jacob whenever she heard him coming to the pasture.
Of course, that separated him from the other boys even more, but he still loved his sheep.
Finished, he stood and went to the lean-to, grabbing the blanket and crook. Then walking to the door he said, “Good bye, mother,” closing the door behind him.
It was a beautiful, sunny day, and a light breeze was blowing through the trees by the pasture. “Snowtail!” he called, running towards his happily bleating sheep. The flock was drinking out of the small, crystal stream running along the field and down the hill, to the city.
“Glad to see you’re up,” called one of the village boys, Andrew by name. Jacob waved and replied “Yes, I wouldn’t want to miss my first day,”
He walked with his crook in hand to a shaded place, and sat down.
“Isn’t the city beautiful in the afternoon?” Andrew said, pointing to the bright little town. The walls surrounding it seem to shimmer with the sun’s rays and he could see little figures moving to get their early shopping done. “Yeah, everyone looks so busy,” then he switched the subject. “Do you like to be a shepherd, Andrew?”
Andrew pondered this for a moment, leaning on his staff. Finally, he answered. “Sometimes yes, and sometimes no; I love that you can relax, and don’t really have to work, but I would like to be out there,” he said, indicating the city. “Where all of the people are. You know, doing things like anyone else,” he sighed. “But I know that I can’t be there, until my father says I can,”
Jacob looked away. “At least you have a father,” he whispered. Andrew caught what he said and tried to comfort him. “Let’s go throw stones across the stream, and perhaps I can beat you,” he suggested. Jacob readily agreed, anything, he thought, to get his mind off of his father.
Throwing stones was one of Jacob’s favorite games, usually because he was very good at it. They walked to the edge of the clearing and found stones about the size of a potato, good for tossing.
“I have a new strategy now, so I think I might win you,” said Andrew backing up to the worn line in the grass and preparing a toss.
“No chance,” Jacob said, watching the rock fly into a tree trunk.
“Okay then,” Andrew retorted “Let’s see you go farther.” Jacob stood at the line, took his stance, and threw the stone carefully. He heard the soft plop of the rock as it landed in the creek.
“Ha!” said Andrew joyously. “I beat you,” he grinned, “Do you want to try again?”
Jacob looked away. “No, I…need to take a break, but you keep on practicing,” he said, walking to his favorite place to rest, under a large, lonely oak. “Come along, Snowtail,”
The sheep reluctantly obeyed, and found a new bit of grass to munch while watching Jacob lay with his hands behind his head.
He loved laying under that tree, where his father and mother had carved their initials into the bark. It was the only tree at the very top of the hill, overlooking the city of Bethlehem. His father had died suddenly of an unknown illness when Jacob turned five, eight years ago. He used to lay with Jacob every night and watch the sun go down until he was required to stay in his bed. He loved those precious minutes shared together with his father and the sight of an old day departing.
Rebekah was extremely sorrowful when her husband died, and with four boys to raise, it was difficult to keep going. She believed that she would see her husband again in the next life, and continued to help her children understand and have faith. She taught them to pray every night, and show gratitude for the blessings given. They had family prayer in the mornings to get them started for the day. When it was little Jacob’s turn to pray, he would ask that all of them might see Jesus when He came to earth. The entire family anticipated that day, watching for signs of His birth.
He was always comforted of the thought that he would see his father again someday, and continually looked for the day Jesus came to Earth. With all of his heart he desired to be there, and kept his childish prayer to Heavenly Father that he would.
Andrew watched his friend sadly. Then he went to join the other boys with the flock, looking back at the lonely figure with his pet sheep.
“What’s wrong with him?” asked Mark, motioning his thumb Jacob’s direction. Andrew reluctantly said “Oh, he’s probably just tired,”
Andrew was the only boy that had found out about Jacob’s father and Jacob made him swear never to tell anyone. So far, Andrew had kept his promise. Mark simply shrugged and pushed it to the back of his mind.
The sunset was the most beautiful one he had ever seen yet. The colors of crimson, pink and purple streaked across the sky, as if some joyful dance. Jacob smiled and pulled the wool blanket tighter around his shoulders. He felt like his father was sitting next to him again, watching this miracle of radiant beauty. As the last minutes of twilight faded away, he thought he could spy the first star in the sky. It was brighter than the others and seemed to hover directly above the town in the distance. Eventually other stars appeared and the sky darkened into a silvery black.
“Did you see that, Snowtail?” he asked smiling, as the sheep grazed steadily. Snowtail glanced at Jacob for a second then continued eating.
As the cloak of darkness completed its descent, the other older shepherds came in to replace the boys, but Jacob was required to stay out all night. He kept his eyes open until Snowtail fell asleep, and then he too began to nod off.
He was standing in an open field. In all directions it was flat. In the distance he could see the city of Bethlehem, bathed in moonlight. At the edge of the town was a small stable for horses, but directly above it, was the brightest star he had ever seen. Its radiance seemed to encompass the stable in a glow of white light.
He saw two figures in the light, a man and a woman, standing over a manger of hay. Why they were there, he had no idea, but this seemed like a very important and special night. The woman picked up something that was in the manger and he could see that it was alive. A baby!
Jacob woke with a start; some wet thing had touched his face. He could hear the baby crying! No…wait that was only Snowtail bleating to wake him up. He pushed the lamb away and slowly sat up. The sky, though still dark, looked very different. He couldn’t quite figure out why, but he knew something strange was happening.
Snowtail seemed to know it too, for she kept bleating and scampering away, then running back, nodding her head.
All of the shepherds seemed anxious, although none of them could say why. Jacob was pondering his vision.
Why did I have such a strange dream? It felt like… he searched for words, Like that baby knew me, and I knew him. He shook his head, trying to clear it. No more of the dream came to him, and he sighed.
“Hey, Jacob.” called Andrew, walking up behind him.
He turned around to glance at his friend. “Andrew!” he said in surprise.
“What are you doing here? I thought you had to switch jobs at sundown.” Andrew grinned. “I wanted to be here on your first night, little man.” Jacob smiled back.
Andrew glanced up to the sky. “Have you looked at the stars lately?” when Jacob shook his head, he continued, “I think that there is a new one, or a number of them. I’m not sure exactly. It is especially bright, kind of like a far away candle.” Andrew was known as a star expert among the shepherds. If any of them had a question, he could answer it.
“I think I’ve seen it actually, now that I remember. It was the first one out tonight.” He pointed to it and Andrew nodded. “That’s it,” he said.
Jacob wondered if Andrew’s new star had anything to do with the one in his dream.
“Well, I have to go catch my flock. See you around.” Andrew waved and walked to the other part of the field, across the river.
So many mysteries in one night thought he, as he stroked Snowtail gently.
Suddenly, Jacob felt as though someone was watching them, and slowly turned around. He gasped at what he saw, and his gasp echoed throughout all of the shepherds. A small glow in the sky was growing bigger until it could be seen by all of the shepherds. He covered his eyes, for it was so bright, as did the others. Fear shook his being as a body appeared in the light, a grown man whose robe seemed whiter than the light encompassing him. His hair was like pure snow, yet he did not look very aged.
“Fear not,” he spoke with a voice of authority and gentleness. “For behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, witch shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord,”
Jacob glanced up, startled. “Just like in my dream!” he thought. The messenger continued,
“And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
The shepherds looked at one another in amazement. An angel had appeared before them! They spoke in hushed voices until more light came and they ceased speaking. There, on that hill, a great multitude of heavenly beings emerged from the radiance, each crowned with a glory so profound that the shepherds stood in awe.
Jacob could not believe what his eyes were seeing, nor what his ears, hearing. Andrew looked bewildered; it had all happened so suddenly. The angels spoke as one, with a voice so penetrating and strong, it shook the ground.
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, good will towards men,”
Then the light faded and the angels departed, leaving behind shepherds in wonder. None of them knew what to say, and everyone wanted to see the babe.
Then Jacob spoke up and shouted, “Let us go to the city, to see this thing which the angels have told us about.”
“What about the sheep?” one of the shepherds asked. “We can’t leave them here.”
Jacob refused let anything prevent them, “We will take them with us. I’m sure they will be fine, and it’s not a very large flock anyway.”
The shepherds nodded and began prodding the sheep down the hill towards the city, Jacob and Snowtail leading.
The stars all were much brighter, as if some sign of a wonderful thing come to pass. The frozen grass crunched beneath their feet as they walked toward the lights of Bethlehem. Jacob pulled the wool blanket tighter around his shoulders and looked back.
Most of the shepherds had cold, blue faces and were rubbing their hands together and blowing on them, but none refused to be left behind. He led them through the city gates and found the stable, and a heavenly sight.
The virgin, Mary, was resting on some piled hay, while Joseph stood over the manger, his eyes filled with tears.
Jacob saw the tiny hands moving about in the cradle as he humbly approached the stable. He realized that tears were streaming down his cheeks as he knelt down by the manger, and looked at the Son of God.
He could see the face of his father in it for just a second, then it disappeared and he saw the babe. The small face was so beautiful, and loving. The cloth surrounding the babe was thin, and he seemed to shiver. Jacob thought, I must give a gift to this great child, but what? Snowtail came in behind him and nudged her nose against the wool blanket. He reached down and stroked the lamb, took up the soft blanket and looked at Mary. She saw what he was doing and nodded slowly, a small smile upon her weary face.
Jacob laid the blanket around the infant and wrapped it warmly. Snowtail seemed to smile too, as he stepped back. Behind him the other shepherds were gathered in a group. Reverently, he motioned them forward and they each in turn looked upon the face of God.
There was not a dry eye in the humble stable that night, as the shepherds reluctantly took their leave. Jacob was the last to go, lingering to take in the picture of the first Christmas; Mary holding the infant in her arms with Joseph standing over her; A donkey standing in the background with some scattered sheep and chickens; Horses looking over their stalls, to see the baby Jesus, and a new star so bright, hanging over the stable watchfully.
This, thought Jacob, is something I know I will never forget; this is the first night of Christmas.
Ending 1: After telling his watchful mother of the events that night, they both knelt down and thanked the Lord for sending His Son as a little babe down to the humble city of Bethlehem. There were tears streaming down her face as Rebekah looked up and caught the radiant glow around her youngest son.
Ending 2: So he walked back to the field where sheep lay sleeping, with his loyal lamb following behind, thinking of the night’s events with great respect and reverence.
Luke 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.
19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.
By Haley Brooksby
December 21, 2004
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Funny Thoughts from my Siblings
You know when someone says something that just makes you burst with laughter? Well, my siblings are some of the funniest people I know, so I'm dedicating this article to all the hilarious thoughts they share with me. Most of them are at a mealtime, when everyone fights to get in their thoughts, or story. :D
This one is from my little brother, Tanner.
Flies are evil.
Why, you ask? Well, when they land, you watch them for a bit. Their little front legs go up, and start rubbing each other like hands. Just as if they are plotting something, like the destruction of the entire human race. Bwahahahah!!
Savannah, my little three-year old sister, was at the dinner table one day, telling us all exactly how you are supposed to use the bathroom.
"And you pull your pants down, and you sit down, and you go deehunashh deehunashhh deehunashhh, like this, and...." Suddenly her expression fell. She sat up extremely straight and said very loudly,
"I have to go potty!" Then she jumped down, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her towards the nearest toilet.
This one is from my little brother, Tanner.
Flies are evil.
Why, you ask? Well, when they land, you watch them for a bit. Their little front legs go up, and start rubbing each other like hands. Just as if they are plotting something, like the destruction of the entire human race. Bwahahahah!!
Savannah, my little three-year old sister, was at the dinner table one day, telling us all exactly how you are supposed to use the bathroom.
"And you pull your pants down, and you sit down, and you go deehunashh deehunashhh deehunashhh, like this, and...." Suddenly her expression fell. She sat up extremely straight and said very loudly,
"I have to go potty!" Then she jumped down, and ran as fast as her little legs could carry her towards the nearest toilet.
Family prayer and scripture time.....ah the memories! Dad would yell, "Everyone to the family room for scriptures and prayers!" and most of the kids would wander here and there, not paying much attention. Then Dad would yell a little louder, "Please come everyone," and start counting down. (You know, like most parents do, "5....4....3....etc) When only a few had responded at "1," he shouted,
"Get over here now! All of you! We are going to have a spiritual experience, whether you like it or not!"
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Trekking Across Wyoming Cont.
(Read the above article first, if you want to make some sense of this! :D)
The next morning we packed up and headed out on the trail. We stopped for lunch to listen to some music and stories told by more missionary couples. I played my harmonica (I had gotten it on the bus, and it was my first time to try it) while everyone was eating, and when we started back on the trail again.
I met Jacob's (from EFY) mom while in line for the bathroom. I thought that was pretty cool, she seemed like a nice lady. : )
It was very hot by the time we got to the pony express trail. There they had us, in our families, read the issue for all the men to join the army to help fight the war for Texas. So off the men went. I knew this was coming, and I was ready for it. I wanted to push that handcart really bad.
But before we went, one of the bishops talked to us all about the power of the Priesthood, and what we can do, as young women, to be worthy of it, and to support those that held it.
When we first started up the hill, I was doing okay. Two of the girls were in the front, two in the back. I felt so bad for the girls with only two or three in there family, and the ma's weren't allowed to help us. I was one of the girls pulling from the front.
Then the dirt turned to sand, and the hill began to get steeper. I could feel my heart beating at least 100 times a minute, and I was sweating badly. My feet kept slipping out from underneath me, and it became harder to walk in a straight line uphill. I kept thinking, "Just a little further, and then I will rest. Just a little more, then I'll be there." I realized I wasn't as strong as I thought I was; the girls behind us were still pushing with all their might. They switched with us two in the front. It was a bit easier to push than to pull.
I glanced up, from staring at the moving ground, and saw the top of the hill. There, all of the boys were, clapping and cheering us all on. As I walked through the parted crowed of boys, I said winningly,
"I promise, I'll never take you guys for granted again!" That got a few laughs.
After that we got our boys back, but I still helped them push up the next hills to remind me how much I depended on them. At the top of the next rise, I noticed some people running downhill quickly, as if something had excited them. I wondered what. Then we came to a bathroom stop, and I smiled. But my joy for that break was short-lived...
They killed off me and another of my sisters, giving us white handkerchiefs to carry and sending us on a different path then the rest of them. Of course we assumed then, that dead people didn't have to go to the bathroom. :D We talked as we walked along the dusty trail, thinking about what heaven was like for the real pioneers that had died.
Soon after we were re-united with our families for the crossing of the river. Leisle and I got to ride in the wagon for the muddy part, but we had to walk through the actual river in our water shoes. Some of the boys went in all the way, and came out soaking from either going willingly, or being dunked. My brother was one of the dunked ones. =D
Near the end of the trail, we crosses another river, (I took the bridge that time.) I caught up with Conner (the guy from my ward who loved to sing) and feeling musically inclined, started playing "Kumbaya," on my harmonica. Then Conner started singing, "Come, Come Ye Saints," so I followed along. I joined in the singing after the first verse (cause lets just say I'm not the best harmonica player in the world. :D) Just as we were singing the end of the last verse, we saw our bright yellow buses waiting for us. I thought that was a perfect ending to a good trek.
The drive to our next campsite took an hour, but I was very glad to be sleeping in a tent again when they had gotten it all set up. We had Bishops Hour (my absolute favorite time, because I got to see all the people from my ward again,) after dinner. Then I ran back to get my sweatshirt, because it was getting cold.
A few of the people from my ward had wanted to do some games, so I gathered up more friends and went back to our campfire spot. There were some kids there trying to light a fire, then Trevor, from my ward, came and showed them how to really do it. He told us bug spray was highly flammable, so just to spray it on the kindling and step back quickly! I laughed at how entertained he was by the fire, (his dad used to be a fireman) and I found myself getting caught up in the excitement of it all as well.
People had just started to arrive when the Stake Trek Director found us, and told us to go back to our families and go to bed. I was sad to leave the people from my ward again. I love them all so much! They are like a big family to me. But I went and got into bed, as instructed... ;P
The next morning, (don't worry, you're almost to the end!) we all got up early for the final activity; testimony meeting. We were split up into our companies (Hobbs, Martian, and Willie) then given and hour to bear our testimonies.
There were quite a few awkward pauses, but the testimonies that were borne were very powerful. I was the second to stand up. Near the end my 'ma' even went, just when everyone thought they were done. And they gave us all extra time, because we didn't want to disturb those who were still going. So I went again, at the end as well, simply telling all of the youth how awesome they were for coming, and how much I enjoyed their testimonies. I apologized for going twice, but I felt I really needed to say that. Some of them had given such deep, insightful testimonies, that it made me think how much I take for granted all the many blessings in my life, like being able to pray and know I will receive an answer.
Anyhow, after that we packed up all of our tents, ate breakfast, and waited for the buses to come at noon. We were finished with our food around 9:30am, so we really had nothing to do until the buses came. I chatted with a few people from my ward, and eventually headed down to the small river to get cool. About five minutes after I had taken my shoes off and waded in, the buses arrived. :D just my luck.
A few of us had planned on switching buses to be with more people from our ward; we had heard it was alright if we did. I got the okay from my ma and pa and the bus driver, but when it came to actually getting on the other bus, they said no. I was sad as I waved to the other guys from my ward, and climbed back on #73. The first two hours were pretty boring, either sleeping or...well, sleeping.....or watching people sleep =) Then we got a lunch stop in a Wyoming park somewhere. A girls softball game was going on, and for all of us who had to use the bathroom there, it was pretty interesting. Well, actually they thought we were interesting. ;D
One girl came up to us and asked us, "So what are you all dressed up for?"
"A stake trek," one of us replied. "A track?" she asked.
"No, more like we re-inact what the pioneers did a long time ago,"
"Oh, so like a play?" (by this time we were all giggling behind our hands, some rolling their eyes) "Well, I guess you could call it that...." It was entertaining!
I ate lunch with the guys and girls from the ward I'd missed on that last bus. We played a Disney character guessing game, and had alot of fun. Then we were told that the buses couldn't leave for another hour. Most of the youth groaned, but I was happy I had a bit more time to play before I had to get back on that bus. I went to the artificially colored blue (almost like a Kool-aid) lake, and chatted with some more people about my first year at school, and met another guy named Ryan. He was going to be in choir as well, so I was pretty happy I had so many friends doing the same thing as I was. Now I won't be alone!
The bus ride the rest of the way was very fun. Leisle and I sat a few seats closer to Ryan, Tyler, and Trent (from my ward) and met another guy named Alex. We played 20 questions, guessing riddles, the Disney character game again, and Black Magic. I had such a great time! But when we finally got home, I was happy to be able to take a shower. Clean again!
(Okay now you can sigh with relief that this is over.)
The next morning we packed up and headed out on the trail. We stopped for lunch to listen to some music and stories told by more missionary couples. I played my harmonica (I had gotten it on the bus, and it was my first time to try it) while everyone was eating, and when we started back on the trail again.
I met Jacob's (from EFY) mom while in line for the bathroom. I thought that was pretty cool, she seemed like a nice lady. : )
It was very hot by the time we got to the pony express trail. There they had us, in our families, read the issue for all the men to join the army to help fight the war for Texas. So off the men went. I knew this was coming, and I was ready for it. I wanted to push that handcart really bad.
But before we went, one of the bishops talked to us all about the power of the Priesthood, and what we can do, as young women, to be worthy of it, and to support those that held it.
When we first started up the hill, I was doing okay. Two of the girls were in the front, two in the back. I felt so bad for the girls with only two or three in there family, and the ma's weren't allowed to help us. I was one of the girls pulling from the front.
Then the dirt turned to sand, and the hill began to get steeper. I could feel my heart beating at least 100 times a minute, and I was sweating badly. My feet kept slipping out from underneath me, and it became harder to walk in a straight line uphill. I kept thinking, "Just a little further, and then I will rest. Just a little more, then I'll be there." I realized I wasn't as strong as I thought I was; the girls behind us were still pushing with all their might. They switched with us two in the front. It was a bit easier to push than to pull.
I glanced up, from staring at the moving ground, and saw the top of the hill. There, all of the boys were, clapping and cheering us all on. As I walked through the parted crowed of boys, I said winningly,
"I promise, I'll never take you guys for granted again!" That got a few laughs.
After that we got our boys back, but I still helped them push up the next hills to remind me how much I depended on them. At the top of the next rise, I noticed some people running downhill quickly, as if something had excited them. I wondered what. Then we came to a bathroom stop, and I smiled. But my joy for that break was short-lived...
They killed off me and another of my sisters, giving us white handkerchiefs to carry and sending us on a different path then the rest of them. Of course we assumed then, that dead people didn't have to go to the bathroom. :D We talked as we walked along the dusty trail, thinking about what heaven was like for the real pioneers that had died.
Soon after we were re-united with our families for the crossing of the river. Leisle and I got to ride in the wagon for the muddy part, but we had to walk through the actual river in our water shoes. Some of the boys went in all the way, and came out soaking from either going willingly, or being dunked. My brother was one of the dunked ones. =D
Near the end of the trail, we crosses another river, (I took the bridge that time.) I caught up with Conner (the guy from my ward who loved to sing) and feeling musically inclined, started playing "Kumbaya," on my harmonica. Then Conner started singing, "Come, Come Ye Saints," so I followed along. I joined in the singing after the first verse (cause lets just say I'm not the best harmonica player in the world. :D) Just as we were singing the end of the last verse, we saw our bright yellow buses waiting for us. I thought that was a perfect ending to a good trek.
The drive to our next campsite took an hour, but I was very glad to be sleeping in a tent again when they had gotten it all set up. We had Bishops Hour (my absolute favorite time, because I got to see all the people from my ward again,) after dinner. Then I ran back to get my sweatshirt, because it was getting cold.
A few of the people from my ward had wanted to do some games, so I gathered up more friends and went back to our campfire spot. There were some kids there trying to light a fire, then Trevor, from my ward, came and showed them how to really do it. He told us bug spray was highly flammable, so just to spray it on the kindling and step back quickly! I laughed at how entertained he was by the fire, (his dad used to be a fireman) and I found myself getting caught up in the excitement of it all as well.
People had just started to arrive when the Stake Trek Director found us, and told us to go back to our families and go to bed. I was sad to leave the people from my ward again. I love them all so much! They are like a big family to me. But I went and got into bed, as instructed... ;P
The next morning, (don't worry, you're almost to the end!) we all got up early for the final activity; testimony meeting. We were split up into our companies (Hobbs, Martian, and Willie) then given and hour to bear our testimonies.
There were quite a few awkward pauses, but the testimonies that were borne were very powerful. I was the second to stand up. Near the end my 'ma' even went, just when everyone thought they were done. And they gave us all extra time, because we didn't want to disturb those who were still going. So I went again, at the end as well, simply telling all of the youth how awesome they were for coming, and how much I enjoyed their testimonies. I apologized for going twice, but I felt I really needed to say that. Some of them had given such deep, insightful testimonies, that it made me think how much I take for granted all the many blessings in my life, like being able to pray and know I will receive an answer.
Anyhow, after that we packed up all of our tents, ate breakfast, and waited for the buses to come at noon. We were finished with our food around 9:30am, so we really had nothing to do until the buses came. I chatted with a few people from my ward, and eventually headed down to the small river to get cool. About five minutes after I had taken my shoes off and waded in, the buses arrived. :D just my luck.
A few of us had planned on switching buses to be with more people from our ward; we had heard it was alright if we did. I got the okay from my ma and pa and the bus driver, but when it came to actually getting on the other bus, they said no. I was sad as I waved to the other guys from my ward, and climbed back on #73. The first two hours were pretty boring, either sleeping or...well, sleeping.....or watching people sleep =) Then we got a lunch stop in a Wyoming park somewhere. A girls softball game was going on, and for all of us who had to use the bathroom there, it was pretty interesting. Well, actually they thought we were interesting. ;D
One girl came up to us and asked us, "So what are you all dressed up for?"
"A stake trek," one of us replied. "A track?" she asked.
"No, more like we re-inact what the pioneers did a long time ago,"
"Oh, so like a play?" (by this time we were all giggling behind our hands, some rolling their eyes) "Well, I guess you could call it that...." It was entertaining!
I ate lunch with the guys and girls from the ward I'd missed on that last bus. We played a Disney character guessing game, and had alot of fun. Then we were told that the buses couldn't leave for another hour. Most of the youth groaned, but I was happy I had a bit more time to play before I had to get back on that bus. I went to the artificially colored blue (almost like a Kool-aid) lake, and chatted with some more people about my first year at school, and met another guy named Ryan. He was going to be in choir as well, so I was pretty happy I had so many friends doing the same thing as I was. Now I won't be alone!
The bus ride the rest of the way was very fun. Leisle and I sat a few seats closer to Ryan, Tyler, and Trent (from my ward) and met another guy named Alex. We played 20 questions, guessing riddles, the Disney character game again, and Black Magic. I had such a great time! But when we finally got home, I was happy to be able to take a shower. Clean again!
(Okay now you can sigh with relief that this is over.)
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