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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Sunday School (10/25/07)

TITLE: The Sunday School Diaries of Virginia Dee
By LauraLee Shaw
10/29/07


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(7 years old—)

Deer Diry,
I got to go to sundy skool today. I had fun. My teechrs name is Mistr Mark. He says his name is jest lik the mark in the bibl. A Boy named Fil poold my hare.

Deer Diery,
I jes lernd that G-O-D luvs me in sunday skool that made me feel glad. Fil Smith kep gofing off.


(10 years old---)


Dear Diary,
Jesus loved me and dyed for me. My teacher said that she loved me too. I want to know more about what we learned in Sunday school yesterday. We sang a lot and I love that part. Phil sang in a high voice in my ear to iritate me. The teacher winked at me and smiled.


(15 years old---)

In youth class today, I learned about fighting temptatation with prayer and the Bible. I really needed to hear that message. I can’t believe that Jesus was tempted in every way I am tempted. That is neat. I got to play piano for the song time. Phil Smith really embarassed me when he started clapping loud and smiling at me.


(19 years old----)

I finally found a church with a college s.s. class! It is so incredible, because we go really deep into the Word! No more baby food for me! I’ve never felt so close to God—ever! I have to admit, though—I sorta miss Phil.


(25 years old---)

It’s strange going to a young marrieds class. All the guys go on one side of the room while the ladies go to the other. It feels so shallow compared to the people I knew in the singles class. Oh well, Phil says we’ll get used to it soon enough.


(37 years old---)

We’re only making it to S.S. twice a month now. Phil and I thought that it was time to take all the Bible knowledge we have and use it to teach the younger kids. It’s fun, though, especially since we can’t have children of our own.


(52 years old---)

I am truly amazed and blessed by how our Sunday school class has surrounded us through Phil’s cancer. I honestly don’t know how we would’ve made it through without the love of the Lord being poured out through them.


(70 years old---)

My heart is torn to bits over losing Edith Howard this past week. She was the prayer warrior of our class for over twenty years. She did so much for me when I lost my Phil. Seems like our class is dwindling down to nothing quickly.


(82 years old---)

I miss the days of prayer and study in my Sunday school group. They don’t have one here at the facility. I do enjoy playing the piano in the cafeteria, but I just feel lonely for the people I grew in body and spirit with for so long. I thank God for them every day.


(87 years old---recorded by Beth Johnson, nursing home volunteer, on behalf of Virginia D. Smith)

My brother's granddaughter came to see me in the facility today. She said that her church is no longer going to have Sunday school. Something about changing its model. What’s odd is that she didn’t seem the least bit upset by it. But my soul is broken to bits thinking about her missing out on the fellowship and community that made my love for God and others so deep and full. What will she do when she’s old and gray with mainly her memories to keep her company?

Hopefully, she will be led soon to a church that understands the value of a good Sunday school program.
I’m going to ask the nurse to help me get to my knees to pray.
It is the only thing I can do.

God save Sunday School.


*********
These journal entries were compiled by Allison D. Jenkins, the great niece of Virginia Dee Smith. In her last days, she begged me to go through her diaries and gather the entries of her Sunday School memories. It meant so much to her that I couldn’t help but respond to her request. One month after her passing, I found a church with a thriving Singles class. Even though they don’t call it Sunday School, I have never had such godly connection, so it must be the same thing. I owe it all to Aunt Virginia for praying. My only complaint is this guy named Jay who really bugs me.


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This article has been read 847 times
Member Comments
Member Date
Laury Hubrich 11/02/07
This is great! How neat to see a person grow up and live life in so few words right in front of our eyes! Good job!
Laury
Debbie Wistrom11/02/07
I loved the progression, and was moved by Virginia's faith.
Peter Stone11/02/07
Great entry. I love the way Fil is threaded throughout the story, ending up the girl's partner. And how history repeats itself in the last paragraph with Jay.
Betty Castleberry11/03/07
This is very good. I felt connected with your MC, and like how you spanned so much time with so few words. Your last line is perfect.
Kristen Hester 11/04/07
What fun. I so enjoyed watching Virginia as she grew and went through the many stages of her life. Great job.
Joanne Sher 11/05/07
So neat - I love the progression, and especially the note in the end!
Angeline oppenheimer11/05/07
Love the chronicle of Virginia Lee's faithfulness through the years. A great encouragement for Sunday School teachers too.
Preacher Johnson11/06/07
When I finished reading this, I leaned back in my chair, and thought over what I just read, it had impact. I wish I could get this into the hands of everyone that don’t go to Sunday school.
Lynda Schultz 11/06/07
Wonderful, unique take on the theme. I love it. Well done, and amen — God bless the Sunday School.
c clemons11/06/07
This is a winner in more places than just here. All of us of a certain age who had Sunday School the old fashion way can relate. It's one of those things that should never die out, thank you for the reminder.
Joy Faire Stewart11/06/07
Oh, I love this! The progression is perfect and the message is outstanding. Excellent entry!
Leigh MacKelvey11/07/07
this is a winner! ( in my book, sorry, I'm not a judge this time)I loved it so much. Very well written and I'm assuing this is true due to author's note!? If so, how wondeful to be able to read over diary notes of such a woman of faith.
Verna Cole Mitchell 11/07/07
This is an outstanding piece. It really connects with the reader. Great job!
Sheri Gordon11/07/07
This is wonderful -- and became even more special when I read it was about a real person. What incredible memories -- and a great witness to the power of "Sunday School." Really good job with this entry and the topic. One of my favorites.
Christine Dunn11/08/07
Wow - I love this, Laura! I really like the transition from childhood to adulthood, along with her changing feelings about Phil. Very well written - Can't wait to read more of your work.
Sheri Gordon11/08/07
Congratulations on your much deserved EC. This is great.
Therese Witkus11/08/07
A great writing for a lovely message. Congratulations!
Peter Stone11/08/07
Congrats on your Editors Choice Win and coming 2nd in your level. It's off to Advanced for you already!
Patricia Todd11/09/07
Congratulations! This article is quite strikingly different.
Anne Linington11/10/07
When I started reading, I didn't spot the ages at first, but I loved this article and felt it deserved a high placing. Hope you keep on being creative; you're really good at that baby talk!
Mo 11/10/07
Neat entry & great last paragraph & line. Congrats on your EC!


   
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