Taking Time for Others
By Alex Odenweller, grade 4
1st in Div. II and 2nd in state
My Mom’s side of the family takes time for others by raising money for the poor. We save our extra money all year long. We raised $1,600 the first year and we have raised more every year. We adopt a family for Christmas every year. This year we had a family with five kids. We bought them things like CDs, jewelry, Dora doll, Bratz dolls, make-up kit, car wash supplies and new clothes. We also buy supplies for a very special family. They are very nice people. When we delivered their Christmas gifts, a man we know came along and blessed their house. The lady knitted a snowman and a santa for my brother and me. We offered to shovel their driveway, but their neighbor did it for them. It is fun shopping for others.
I take time for others by playing with my brother. I let him play my video games with me. I play Memory with him. I watch TV with him, even if it is Dora. I play football with him. I lift him up so he can dunk the basketball hoop when we play basketball. I read to him and help him type. I help him draw and write his friends’ names down on a sheet of paper. I play Yahtzee and Sorry with him.
We are so blessed to have a nice home and nice things. That is why I think taking time for others is very important.

The Beauty of God’s Creation
Trevor Kroeger, grade 8
1st in Div. II and 1st in state
What is more beauteous than a bright red fox roaming through an empty forest covered with shimmering, white snow? Is God’s beauty only shown through nature and comely animals? To me, there is nothing greater than life. God’s beauty shines like a brilliant star in the night sky–it is seen everywhere.
The human body is simply the most complex and striking part of God’s design. To think that something can operate without electricity is amazing, especially something that runs for, well, a lifetime. I mean, the human body and the way it works makes the invention of electricity look like dust in a filthy woodshop. It’s sad to say that someone could neglect such a beautiful thing, merely for a ten-second high. It makes me weary just thinking about it.
The human mind is one of God’s wondrous makings, if not the most creative. Look, you wouldn’t be reading this or even holding opinions on this essay without it–and a language teacher, that is. The mind is unending. Just think about all the minds that have changed normal-day life; Debussy, Einstein, Shakespeare, Da Vinci, Monet, Gates and the numerous others.
Nature, too, is a beauty in itself. Ponder on this for a moment–how can a small, colorful wad of flowers live on a slim but steady stem, that makes food by using the glowing rays of the sun to produce energy? It is overwhelming to think that God could take such a complex puzzle like life and craft it into such a simple object.
Life to me is the most beautiful of all creations. Everywhere one looks there is life, whether it’s a blade of grass or a sales clerk at the department store. This is the most stunning of all God’s creation, because without life there would be no point to creating a world–there would be nothing and why would there be a God? I mean, what would be the point if there were no people to serve Him and for Him to save. The greatest part of life is that not one person or thing holds the same characteristics. We can all be our own self, and God will love us no matter how different we are. How boring this life would be if we were all the same.
I am one of God’s greatest creations. As with all people, I am a sign of God’s power and mercy. I guess the day I was born was another of God’s successful days at work. I am myself and I think that is what sets me apart from others, I go where he leads.
God is simply a beauty in himself and without Him, well, there’s no point on explaining. God’s creation and power is unexplainable. God’s love is awe-striking and his greatness is immeasurable.
God is just off-the-charts great!
Taking Time for Others
by Kim Miller, senior
Div. III 3rd place
Ever since I was little, I could remember wanting to go over to my next door neighbor’s house, Alice. No matter what, we always had fun. Alice was seventy-nine years older than me with speckled, pink glasses, curly hair, and bright white dentures. We saw right through the age difference and into each other’s hearts. As the years passed by, Alice became more fragile, so she called upon me for assistance.
Everyday after school I would walk 30 steps over to Alice’s house. She would greet me with a warm, gentle hug and everything on her would light up. Alice had a son, but I was really the only one who saw her everyday. Then for about a half an hour we would just sit down and talk about our day. She would tell me about her day and I would mine. When I would be getting ready to leave, she would find some little thing that she needed help with so that I would stay just a little longer. When she couldn’t find anything else, I would lean over and give her a kiss on her wrinkly cheek. I often imagined that each one of her wrinkles had a different story and if she had told me any of the stories. I would then leave her with “I love you and see you tomorrow.”
When Saturday rolled around, I would go over to Alice’s house around 9:00 to set her hair in curlers. I always enjoyed doing his because she would tell me stories of her childhood and of her husband. In return, I would tell her about my life. The best thing about Alice, was that she would always whole-hearted listen to me. Then, when everything was done, I would end with my normal ritual and tell her I would see her the next day.
Alice grew sick and had to go live with her son. This upset me, but I still got to see her once a week. I would walk into her room and help her with anything she needed. I even sponged bathed her if she needed me to. She counted on me for a lot. Alice eventually had to move to the nursing home and died about two weeks later. Her death devastated me, but with time, each day grew easier. I just tried to remember the happy times with her. I hope I did as much for her as she did for me.
Alice helped mold me into the person I am today and I am very thankful of that. I was glad I had the opportunity to help Alice out because we became really close. Even though she is not with me anymore, I still know that her spirit lives on inside my heart. Those who give will receive and I believe I received the greatest gift of all, her love.

The Beauty of God’s Creation
By Danielle Hale, grade 8
Div. II Essay 3rd Place
“Class,” the teacher announced, “I bet you’ve learned a great deal about…”the teacher silently pointed her index finger upward, looking solemnly at the ceiling, “about God, agreed?”
Everyone’s head nodded to show they weren’t entirely asleep. Obviously , this satisfied the teacher, because she immediately continued her synopsis.
Janna’s attention departed from the classroom as she entered how own mind. Laughing to herself she thought, “Ha! Look at her pants. Were those made in the seventies or what? She is babbling on and on, blah, blah, blah. What is that old bat talking about?”
Bang! Janna’s thought were interrupted by the loud crack of wood hitting her desk.
“Thanks to Janna,” the teacher chided, “you will have to write a story about what you feel is the beauty of God’s creation, due tomorrow.”
Groans and hurtful comments directed toward Janna filled the room. “Sincerely Mrs. Never-shuts-up.” the teacher added.
Janna quickly covered the note she was writing to her friend that reads, “Mrs. Never-shuts-up is at it again!” with an arrow pointing to an overweight teacher’s mouth the size of a bulldozer.
When Janna arrived home she immediately went straight to work, on organizing her clothes of course.
“God isn’t important to me, not nearly as important as my clothes.” Janna thought to herself. “Besides, this report is garbage anyways. Who cares about god’s creation? I could lie and just say, ‘I love God. His creation is so beautiful, thank you God. Alleluia, praise the Lord, the end.’ That will only take what, five minutes? Yeah, that’s all it will take, I don’t care about the dumb paper anyways. I think I’ll watch some television to clear my mind, get me focused.”
“Ding-dong!” The doorbell rang repeatedly.
“I’m coming!” Janna barked crossly at the door. “Ding-dong!” Trying not to lose her temper, Jenna angrily swung the door open.
“Hello,” Janna said in her calmest fake voice. She couldn’t help but to stare at the boy pushing the doorbell. He looked much older than six, yet he still had a pacifier and he kept rhythmically ringing the doorbell.
“Hello” the older man shouted over the shrill rhythmic ding-dongs. “I’m your Uncle Earl, and this is your cousin James.” Earl looked down at the boy and hastily motioned for him to go inside. “We were just stopping in to…” Janna didn’t catch the rest.
“What a peculiar child.” Jan thought as James began rocking back and forth, saying “I good boy for daddy.” over and over again.
“That was the first time I saw James,” Janna tells her class “but it wouldn’t be the last. Turns out he’s autistic. At first his disability scared me, but after playing with him I realized what true love was all about. Love is accepting of the differences of others. It is giving without expecting anything in return. Love shows no signs of fear or regret. Endless-love…that is the beauty of Gods creation, that’s James.

The Beauty of God’s Creation
by Brian Hammons, senior
Div. III 2nd Place Essay
Over my lifetime I have had the opportunity and luxury to visit many amazing places. I have visited majestic sites; however I have most understood the Lords presence at the Smokey Mountains, the Grand Canyon, and Big Sur. When my family and I vacationed to these breathtaking locations, I truly realized the great surroundings God has bestowed on all of us. My family and I admired earth’s astonishing beauty. Nothing else in the world seemed to matter at that moment, as I was consumed in the elegance of nature.
When I traveled to the Smokey Mountains the first aspect I noticed was the amazing magnitude of the area. The mountains are covered with a dense mist most of the time. When looking at the mountains from a high peak, the mountains seem to rise out of thin air, and elevate to a dramatic crest. The steep mountains are blanketed with a sea of pines and rhododendrons. Their fresh scents refreshed my lungs as I soaked in the glory of God’s creation. The Smokey Mountains exemplified God’s love and joy with us. In the mountains He stated how we need to calm ourselves and take time to talk with God.
Another place that moved me closer to God was the Grand Canyon. I was stunned when I laid eyes on the canyon. The magnitude of the site overwhelmed me and I stood at the top gawking at its beauty. The rocks that make up the canyon was brightly covered in shades of red, orange, yellow, and brown. The colors layered themselves, and stepped their way to the bottom of the canyon. At the bottom, a river winded its way through the gorge. It was amazing to see the water flowing so seamlessly through the arid trench. Once again the Lord marked His presence in nature, just as He marks all of us with the Holy Spirit running through our bodies.
One trip that impacted me the most was a trip to California. The highlight of this trip was traveling along the coast of the Pacific Ocean called Big Sur. The moment I overlooked the ocean I fell in love with it. Along the coast, jagged mountains sharply descended into the indigo sea. The short beach was pearl-white, and large rocks protruded out from the sand. Fleshy seals swam in the ocean, catching fish, or lazily sleeping upon the water soaked cliffs. The towering waves crashed against the rocks, demonstrating their awesome power. God’s mercy and justice was displayed in the most pure form. He shows all of us the beauty in Him through His divine creations.
God’s love and beauty has been demonstrated to me in many forms. However, I believe that God speaks to me through nature. I have experienced this at every one of these graceful places, however His beauty can be found all around us. Each day we are surrounded in His magnificent world. The Lord has left His marks in all aspects of nature, waiting for us to listen to their call.

The Beauty of God’s Creation
By Tyler Koester, grade 8
Division II Essay Second
Have we ever taken a moment from our day to admire and contemplate God’s creation? Are we so busy that we don’t even notice all of the wonders around us? Do we go to an extreme low and destroy God’s creation with litter and pollution. I know life is hectic these days, but it would create an influential difference in the world if everyone would stop and smell the roses.
If we just think for a second we will uncover many simple pleasures that we overlook each day. Just enjoy the gentle breeze, or the light, sweet aroma of budding lilacs can make an enormous positive impact on our attitude. The tranquil trickle of a miniature fountain combined with the gentle reverberation of wind chimes can generate a warm, relaxed sensation in anyone. Crispy crunching leaves under foot, the warm feeling of the sun, and the majesty of a vibrant rainbow are great examples of God’s love expressed in nature. God took the time to create all those beauties of nature for our benefit, and I strongly believe we should take time to appreciate and enjoy every splendid one.
Simple beauties are important, but rare beauties contribute an extraordinarily more compelling emotion of pleasure. The forceful roaring of Niagara Falls is almost as astonishing as its stunning beauty and magnificence. It’s obvious why sightseers travel vast distances merely to gaze upon the majestic, spectacular waterfall. God’s creations are not limited to Earth, God also created the entire universe. Saturn’s spectacular rings have amused and amazed astronomers for hundreds of years. Mar’s mysterious marvels of red dust, bizarre rock formations, and frozen ice caps can amaze and make us wonder if God created life on other planets.
While I’m speaking of life I think I should declare that life is one of God’s greatest creations. The miracle of birth is perhaps the exceptionally, unsurpassed greatest endowment God has presented to us. Birth is the lone method for human life to reproduce, or at least it is the single one we know of. The exquisiteness of a newborn baby is unmatched compared to God’s other, yet magnificent creations. Therefore, treat birth and pregnancy with undying respect, and do not abuse any stages of this gift.
Although we should be appreciative of God’s creations not everyone is. Drug abuse is a sinful, gruesome technique to destroy the body God gave to each of us. Littering and polluting the environment demolishes the wonders of nature for everyone now, and generations to come. Abortion is a cruel, heartless method of killing new life. All of the corrupt, ghastly actions stated above should be avoided, and be halted for their awful methods.
God’s beautiful creations should constantly be treasured no matter how simple. Likewise, we should never participate in corrupt, incorrect activities. Be prudent and compassionate, so we all can enjoy God’s glorious, superb, and overwhelming extraordinary creations.

The Beauty of God’s Creation
Megan Smith, senior
Division III Essay First
In many people’s eyes, nature is considered one of the most beautiful things that God has created. They witness the pure blue water of the ocean, the glistening stars in the sky, the burnt-orange sunsets, and the whirlwind of colors in spring flowers. Although, they are exquisite creations made by God, I think the most beautiful creation is people.
Humans are the instruments that make the world what it is. They connect the circle of life with all of God’s other creations. A person whose character, portrays love is completing the duty that God has asked of us. Love’s beauty has the power for people to become involved in a more meaningful relationship. Whether it is in a relationship of a friend, a companion or with God, love is the link that brings all humans to share in something that is a generated essence.
Another way a human demonstrates beauty is by service. Humans are responsible for being caretakers of the earth. We have the duty to help those who are in need and for those who suffer. God made each person on earth to serve a purpose. Whether it is to care for others, love others, teach others or preach to others, each and every human contributes to the life we live. Some may take on this responsibility graciously, but others may take it for granted. God made the earth so that we could share in the hard and joyous times. To be there for one another is our responsibility to make the world a better place. God created the beauty and humans are the inhabitants of it.
Lastly, I believe that faith has numerous ways of making God’s creation beautiful. We use our faith to guide us to what is moral and just. In being moral and just, immeasurable things can be accomplished. Having faith in God can mean that he will help us become better people if we believe in Him and do what He calls us to do. Faith is what carries us on our journey through life, without it there would be no meaning to the life we live on earth.
People are the ones who get to experience the gift that God gave us from the very beginning, life. God’s creation has an impact on everyone, including those who are young and old or good and bad. We are created for a specific purpose and that is to live our lives for the well being of others.

Taking Time
Take time for others,
To let them know you’re there.

To lend a hand when they’re in need
And to let them know you care.

To listen when someone needs to talk
Or help someone who cannot walk.

Make a meal for someone with no food
Or cheer someone up when they’re in a bad mood.
David Lindeman
3rd Div. 2, grade 7

God’s Creation
These are the flowers
These are the trees
This is the moon
And these are the bees

Got put them all here
For a very special reason
Because He wants us to
See Him in all the seasons
Elizabeth Winhover
3rd Div. I, grade 4

The Beauty of God’s Creation
We should take time out of our busy day
To appreciate all that God has given us.
He gave us so many great things in life,
including the gift of life.
If you are just sitting there with nothing to do
You could thank God for the
Wonderful life He has given us.
The trees, the animals, the plants and friends and family.
And most important, we have God Himself.
Haley Calvelage
1st Div. 2, grade 6

God’s Great Creations
God created all creatures with his love; from the deer to the bear to the birds above.

He created all things you see; from the mountains to the prairies where the animals roam free.

He made man many a color
He wants us all to love one another;
So let’s put our hands together
and praise the Lord forever and ever.
Halie Benavidez
1st Div. 1, grade 4
Taking Time For Others
There is not one memory of Grandma
ever being upset
Always laughing and playing
Since the first day we met

I know that she’ll be there
through thick and thin
After all she is my Grandma
the best that’s ever been.
Olivia Miller
2nd Div. I, grade 4

Taking Time for Others
Just the simplest smile can brighten the day
It will bring joy to others in the simplest way
Take the time to say hello and God bless
Because you never know if these words can make the person hurt less
Take the time to help a person in need
Your rewards will come in the end
And you will benefit forever for your deeds
Jeff Ostendorf
1st Div. 3, senior

Taking Time for Others
Out there in the world someone needs us.
It is up to me to help without a fuss.
It may be to go to a store for an elderly being,
Or to turn a doubter into believing.
It may be taking someone’s hand and leading the way,
Or showing a child how to pray.
Whatever it may be, take time for others.
Adam Warnecke
3rd Div. 3, sophomore

Take Time for Others
I took a moment and looked around
Guess what my wandering eyes have found
I’m not the only person on this earth
God created many people since my birth

One may say, why are we here
To freely assist God’s people far and near
Love thy neighbor, hold open a door
Tend to the sick, give to the poor

In this lifetime it is up to me
To be the helpful and generous person God wants me to be
The quality time I spend helping others
Will truly benefit my sisters and brothers
Doris Lindeman
1st, adult

Taking Time For Others
The theme is “Taking Time for Others.” This does not mean just family sisters and brothers.
Not the people we meet and talk to each day.
But people of all countries and territories far away.
We must love them all and pray for them every day.
And, if possible, give to them in a financial way.
The Lord loves each one of us unconditionally and blesses us abundantly in this world and eternity.
Mary Young
2nd, adult

Time Taking
Giving my time is hard to do
But I made a friend or two.
Gone was my time to talk on the phone
But I know someone was home alone.
When I arrived it came to be
They always had a smile for me.
Some days cookies we bake
Other days, walks we take.
Afternoons are filled with chores
And groceries from the local store.
I feel good about my self
When I give time for someone else.
Anthony Buzard
2nd in Div. II, grade 7

What God Made For Me
As I walk through the woods that God made for me,
I admire its beauty, so wild and free.
All the creatures that God made, in the air, on the ground,
I can feel his presence all around.
When I go to this place where the wild things roam,
In a strange sort of way, I feel at home.
So thank you, God, for these wonderful things.
I am thinking of you as the cardinal sings.
Tyler Warnecke
2nd in Div. III, senior