By: Jean Boonstra

Hugo’s mom walked into the kitchen with a huge smile on her face. Hugo could see the ribbon peeking out from behind her.

“Oh no!” Hugo said with a groan. “Mom, really?”

His mom placed a huge package on the table. Hugo stared at the bright red paper covered in sparkly white hearts. The paper was wrapped neatly in shiny white ribbon tied into a huge bow at the top.

“Mom,” Hugo started to protest, but his mom interrupted.

“Oh come on Hugo,” she said. “You know Valentine’s Day is my favorite holiday. Now open your present!”

Hugo pulled on one corner of the white ribbon and ripped open the red paper. He pulled open the box and almost smiled. Inside was an enormous stuffed toy.

“Well, take him out of the box, Hugo!” his mom insisted.

Hugo’s hand landed on the softest fur he’d ever felt. Releasing the fluffy creature from the box, it grew in size. Sitting it down on the table, Hugo was eye to eye with the biggest teddy bear he’d ever seen.

“Isn’t he the cutest?” his mom gushed.

“Mom,” Hugo said, eyes still locked with the bear’s. “ I’m not really into Valentine’s Day presents anymore.”

His mom pulled up a chair and gazed into the teddy bear’s eyes. “You’re never too old to remember Valentine’s Day,” she said.

“It’s a silly holiday,” Hugo protested.

“It is a silly holiday,” she agreed.

“Then why do you do all this,” Hugo said pointing to the bear, the wrapping, and the heart decorations strung across the room.

“This holiday reminds me of the best gift I ever received,” his mom said quietly. “God’s love.”

Hugo wanted to run off, but somehow he couldn’t stop looking at the bear. He reached out and touched its paw. It was smooth and velvety.

“There’s a chapter in the Bible that talks about God’s love,” Hugo’s mom continued. “1st Corinthians 13. It says “...though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

“Faith to move mountains?” Hugo asked. “That’s not possible.”

“Oh I don’t know,” his mom answered. “Nothing is impossible with God. But as amazing as moving mountains would be, without God’s love it’s like having nothing.”

Hugo reached out and poked the bear’s nose. The plastic felt cold and just how Hugo imagined a real bear’s nose would feel.

“That chapter is called the love chapter,” his mom added.

Hugo wriggled uncomfortably.

“It says that love is patient and kind. Love doesn’t brag and it isn’t rude or demanding. And, Hugo?” his mom asked, “do you want to know what else?”

Hugo shrugged.

“Love never gives up faith or hope. We can always count on God’s love,” she said standing up. “Hugo, this teddy bear really needs something.”

“What?” Hugo asked.

“A hug!” his mom answered. “Now, come on if you don’t hug him, I will.”

“Oh fine, mom,” Hugo said with a sigh. He stretched and reached his arms around the teddy bear. He buried his face in the fluffy fur and he couldn’t help himself. He smiled.

“Not so bad, right?!” his mom teased.

“Now your turn,” Hugo laughed.

His mom squeezed the bear tight. “God’s love is even better than a bear hug, Hugo,” she said quietly. “And that’s why I love Valentine’s Day.”

By Jean Boonstra

This holiday season Mrs. Olsen’s class created their own Christmas cards. Their holiday cards are hilarious! Read them below and enjoy a smile with us this season. Merry Christmas from your friends at Discovery Mountain! 

 

Why is it so cold at Christmastime? 

Because it’s Decem-brrrr. 

 

What did Mr. Snowman say to Mrs. Snowman? 

"I smell carrots—do you?"

 

I know a girl who collects candy canes. 

They’re all in mint condition. 

 

What does a gingerbread man sleep under? 

A cookie sheet. 

 

What did the icy street say to the truck? 

"Do you want to go for a spin?"

 

Where do snowmen keep their money? 

In snowbanks. 

 

What falls in winter, but is never hurt? 

Snow.

 

What do you call a sharpened candy cane? 

A spearmint. 

 

How do the mountains keep warm in winter? 

They put on snowcaps. 

 

Why did the boy keep his saxophone in the snow? 

He wanted to play cool jazz music. 

 

One winter, a snowman fell in love with a mitten. 

It was glove at first sight. 

By: Jean Boonstra

Taliah’s father is a shepherd, and tonight he will witness a marvelous sight!

Taliah snuggled Brownie the goat in close. Her father Matthias, a shepherd, had just brought him home for her to take care of.

“Father, look! I cleaned up Brownie’s cut,” Taliah said happily. “It will heal just fine now.”

“Thank you, Taliah,” her father replied. “Take good care of him for me tonight. I’ll return for Brownie tomorrow.”

“Oh father,” Taliah answered, her voice sounding sad. “I wish that you didn’t have to sleep near the sheepfold again tonight. I miss you being home.”

Taliah’s father put his arm around his daughter’s shoulder. “I miss you too, but there are so many new people in Bethlehem for the census. I need to be close to my flocks and herds to keep them safe.”

Taliah squeezed Brownie in closer. “Father,” she said her large eyes looking sad. “Couldn’t someone else stay with the sheep?”

“Taliah, I am their shepherd. My sheep hear my voice,” her father answered, patting Brownie lovingly on the head as he spoke. “Let’s pray together before I leave.”

Taliah folded her hands as she snuggled the little goat and her parents joined hands for prayer next to her. Her father began to pray in his deep, sensible voice.

“Dear God our Father, please care for my dear ones as I am out in the pastures again today and tonight. Lord, watch over them, and please watch over our sheep and goats, too,” Taliah’s father prayed.

“Father,” Taliah whispered, her eyes squeezed closed in prayer, “don’t forget to pray for you, too.”

“Oh, dear Father, please protect me and my fellow shepherds too,” her father added.

“Father,” Taliah whispered again, “pray for Messiah to come, too!”

Taliah’s father prayed again, his voice full of happiness. “And, dear God as my noisy little lamb Taliah has reminded me, I pray as I do each morning and evening that Messiah will come soon. Dear God, you have promised that out of Bethlehem, our home, will come the Messiah and He will be a ruler in Israel. Oh, God we pray that you will send Messiah to rescue us from the Romans.”

Taliah’s father paused and in a whisper added, “Anything to add to our prayer, little lamb?”

Taliah prayed with all of her heart these words. “Dear Heavenly Father, we’ve been waiting for Messiah. We believe He will come. Will you send our Savior—even now?”

“Amen.”

Taliah hugged her father goodbye as he left for the pasture. Did God hear her prayer?

Listen to the rest of this story in the episode called Taliah’s Prayer this holiday season.

“Dad! Dad!” Umi cried, running into the house. “Dad?!”

“Umi,” Olivia answered. “Your dad is working at the hospital. Are you ok?” 

Umi turned away from Olivia and shoved her hands deep into her pockets. “Ugh, Hugo!” she sighed. 

“It sounds like you’re frustrated,” Olivia answered. “Come on into the kitchen and tell me about it. 

Umi slumped onto the stool at the kitchen counter. She kept her hands in her pockets. 

“You’re late coming home from school,” Olivia said looking at her watch. “I got home almost an hour ago.” 

“Yeah,” Umi answered, swiveling the kitchen stool. “Hugo had a brain wave.” 

“A brain wave? Tell me more.” 

“Well, you know how I’ve been trying to stop biting my nails?” Umi asked. 

“Yes,” Olivia answered. “Your dad and I’ve given you lots of tips. Anything helping?” 

“Not really,” Umi mumbled. “But Hugo told me that he had the perfect solution.” 

“Oh dear,” Olivia said sitting down on the stool beside her. 

“He said that he had a special paint that makes your nails taste terrible. So that way I wouldn’t be tempted to bite them because they would taste yucky,” Umi explained. 

“Nail-biting polish,” Olivia nodded. “Your dad told you about that.” 

“Yeah, well, Hugo said the stuff he had was the best!” Umi said. 

“Umi,” Olivia asked, concern rising in her voice. “Why are your hands in your pockets?” 

“Oh, Olivia,” Umi sobbed. “Hugo ruined my hands.” 

“Well, it can’t be that bad,” Olivia soothed. “Show them to me.” 

Slowly Umi pulled her hands out of her pockets. Olivia gasped at the sight. Umi’s nails and most of her fingertips were covered in something thick and black. 

“Well, it isn’t too bad,” Olivia mumbled bravely. 

“It’s a disaster!” Umi cried. 

“Is it paint?” Olivia asked. 

“I don’t know,” Umi wailed. “I washed my hands over and over, but it won’t come off!” 

“Let’s try something. I’ll be right back,” Olivia said.

Umi stared at her black fingernails and fingertips. Will they ever be normal again? she wondered. 

Olivia walked back in with a slender bottle and a handful of cotton balls. “Let’s see if this works,” she said, dabbing clear liquid from the bottle and onto a cotton ball. 

“Will this hurt?” Umi sniffled. 

“No, not at all,” Olivia answered, taking Umi’s hand in hers. Gently she rubbed the cotton ball on her index fingernail.

“It’s coming off!” Umi squealed. “Olivia you’re a genius!” 

“I don’t know about that,” Olivia answered with a smile. “I’ve just had a bad manicure or two.” 

“Manicure?” Umi asked. “So this is just regular nail polish?” 

“Appears so,” Olivia answered. “Your hands will be as good as new in no time.” 

“I can’t believe it,” Umi grinned. “Forgiveness in a bottle!” 

“Forgiveness? I guess so. This nail polish remover will fix Hugo’s work anyway.” Olivia smiled as she tossed the first cotton ball and reached for a fresh one. “But, Umi, real forgiveness happens in our hearts.” 

“I know,” Umi said quietly. “I’m going to have to forgive Hugo for this, aren’t I?” 

“Well, that sounds like a conversation you and God should have,” Olivia said. 

“Yeah,” Umi agreed. “And I’ll talk to Hugo, too!” 

“Forgiveness in a bottle,” Olivia said with a wink. “We might need a few more bottles with Hugo in Discovery Mountain. 

“Yes, indeedy,” Umi laughed. 

By: Jean Boonstra

“Umi,” Piper called out to her friend. “You forgot this!” Piper lifted the colorful garment off of the grass and held it out to her friend. 

Umi took the bright orange scarf from Piper. “I keep dropping this,” she said with a scowl.  Umi shook the scarf and dry leaves fluttered off of it and back onto the grass. Umi wrapped the scarf back around her neck and smiled at Piper. 

“Hugo and Logan are playing foursquare,” Umi said. “Come on, let’s join them.” 

Piper crossed her arms and dug her heels into the grass. She watched Umi’s back as she ran off, wondering how long it would take before she noticed that she wasn’t following. 

Umi turned around and then stopped. “Come on,” she hollered back at her friend. 

Piper shook her head and stood still as a statue. Umi shrugged and ran back to her. “Piper, what’s going on?” she asked, frustrated. 

“You forgot something,” Piper said. 

Umi scratched her head. “No,” she puzzled. “You found my scarf for me.” 

“That’s it,” Piper said with a pout. “I found your scarf and you forgot to say thank you.” 

“Did I?” Umi asked her nose scrunching up as she thought. “I felt thankful. Didn’t I say that?” 

“Nope,” Piper said shaking her head. 

“I’m sorry Piper.” I sometimes forget to say what I’m thinking. “But, it’s not that big a deal. Come on, or the game will be over.” 

Piper stood firm. “It is a big deal, Umi,” she said. “I’m your best friend and I’m not mad, but it’s rude to not say thank you.” 

“Rude? I don’t know about that,” Umi protested. 

“Umi,” Piper said flopping her arms at her side in exasperation. “It’s important! Even Jesus took time to be thankful.” 

“Really now, Piper,” Umi said. “You’re making this way too big a thing.” 

“Umi,” Piper continued, “I’m not. Think about how busy Jesus was. His ministry on Earth only lasted a few years. And He had a pretty big job. Actually, the biggest job ever.” 

“Do you mean to save us all?” Umi asked. 

“Yeah,” Piper agreed. “And still Jesus was thankful. You remember when He fed the five thousand people with some bread and fishes, right?”

“Yeah,” Umi said. “Of course, I listen in Chaplain Jake's Bible class.” 

“Well then do you remember that he gave thanks for the food?” Piper asked. 

“I sort of forgot that part, I guess,” Umi said quietly. 

“And then at the Last Supper, Jesus took time to thank God for the food and drink,” Piper said. 

“At the last supper? That was at the very end of His life,” Umi said thoughtfully. “He didn’t have very much time left before He was arrested.” 

“Exactly,” said Piper. “But He took time to be thankful.” 

Umi ran her hand over her orange scarf. She felt the smooth fabric under her hand and against her neck. “I love this scarf,” she said to Piper. “It keeps me warm and cozy on these fall days when the wind is cool.” 

Piper nodded, still waiting for the rest of what she thought Umi should say. 

“Thank you, Piper,” Umi said. “Thank you for finding my scarf for me.” 

Piper stared at Umi without blinking. Umi braced herself for another speech. Instead, Piper grinned and grabbed her arm. “You’re welcome,” she said. “Now let’s go play some foursquare!” 

By: Jean Boonstra

Harold’s mom lifted one end of a big cooler out of the trunk of her car. “Give me a hand with this,” she said. 

Harold grabbed the opposite handle. 

“Let’s set it down over here in the shade of the wall,” his mom said. 

Lifting his ball cap, Harold wiped the perspiration from his forehead. “Mom,” he asked. “Do we really have to do this today?”

“Harold,” his mom said with a sigh. “You need the community service hours for Pathfinders.” 

“This might be the last hot day of summer,” Harold complained. “And all my friends are going to the pool with Chaplain Jake.” 

His mom reached into the cooler and pulled out a frozen ice pop. “We should be back in time for you to join them.” 

“Alright fine,” Harold whined. “I’ll take a purple one.” 

“A purple what?” his mom asked with a glint in her eye. 

“Popsicle!” Harold said. 

“These are for our neighbors in Mountain Meadows,” his mom answered, turning towards the gate in the community wall. “Oh, there’s a car coming! Hand me one of the flyers.” 

Harold handed her one of the colorful invitations to visit the Harmony Corner Church.

“Hello,” Harold’s mom said as the driver rolled down his window. “Would you like a cold treat on a hot day?” 

The driver nodded. “Sure, ma’am. Thank you!” 

“You’re welcome. It’s a gift from your friends at the Harmony Corner Church. Stop by and visit us sometime.” The driver accepted the flyer and smiled as he drove off. 

“Now, your turn,” Harold’s mom said. “Next car, just do what I did.” 

Harold reached into the cooler and pulled out an icy cold popsicle. As a car passed he smiled and held out his hand. This car didn’t slow down.

“I’m terrible at this,” Harold protested.

“Nah,” his mom disagreed. “Here comes another car. Try again.” 

This time the car slowed down. The mom smiled and asked if she could have an ice pop for both of her children. Harold happily handed her two along with a flyer. 

It continued that way for a while. The cooler emptied quickly until there was just one ice pop left. 

“Mom, we’re done!” Harold said happily. “One last one for me. Payday!” 

“Harold,” his mom said. “We brought these to share.” 

“Fine,” Harold agreed. Half-heartedly, Harold held out the popsicle. The one he wished he was eating. A car slowed down and the passenger window rolled down. 

“Would you like a cold treat on a hot day?” he asked. 

“I’d love one,” the girl in the passenger seat answered, reaching eagerly for the ice pop.  Unwrapping it she said, “Purple, my favorite!” 

Harold held out a flyer. “It’s a gift from your friends at the Harmony Corner Church. Stop by and visit us sometime.”

The girl seemed to freeze in place. Turning to the driver she said, “Dad, did you hear that?” The man nodded. 

“Thank you,” the girl said quietly. “Just this morning my parents and I prayed about finding a place to go to church. And here you are.” 

“Really?” Harold asked. “Then I’m glad I didn’t eat that last popsicle.” 

“You wanted it?” the girl asked, seeming reluctant now to enjoy the treat. 

“Not anymore,” Harold laughed. “I see that God wanted you to have it.” 

The girl smiled warmly. Harold waved enthusiastically as they drove off. He forgot all about swimming and wanting an ice pop. 

 “Thanks for helping me, mom,” he said. 

“Anytime,” his mom said with a smile. “Anytime.” 

By: Jean Boonstra

This month we remember our dads and grandads. We love each of the dads in Discovery Mountain. We even love their dad jokes! 

Umi: Dad, I’m hungry. 

Ken: Hi hungry. I’m Dad. 

Peabody: I sold our vacuum. 

Harold: Why, Dad? 

Peabody: It was gathering dust. 

 

Chaplain Simon: Why did Beethoven dislike his neighbor’s chickens? 

Natasha: They were too noisy? 

Chaplain Simon: No. All they could say was “Bach. Bach. Bach.” 

 

Ken: What do you call a bear with no teeth? 

Umi: What? 

Ken: A gummy bear. 

 

Officer Lewis: What did the drummer name his twin daughters? 

Logan: What? 

Officer Lewis: Anna one, Anna two. 

 

Natasha: Grandad are you daydreaming? 

Mr. Simon: Oh I was just thinking about the lovely herb garden we had last summer. 

Natasha: Oh?

Mr. Simon: Yes. Good thymes. 

 

Logan: Dad, aren’t you working today? 

Officer Lewis: Yes. I’m working right now. 

Logan: But, how? You’re still in bed. 

Officer Lewis: I’m working undercover. 

 

Ken: Why do pumpkins sit on porches? 

Umi: Why? 

Ken: They don’t have any hands to knock on the door.