by Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

Every Christmas, for as long as I can remember, my dad—with the help of my mom—would set up a treasure hunt for my older sister and me. And every Christmas, my sister and I knew that whatever we would find at the end of the hunt would be the biggest gift ever. (more…)

by Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

He was my first puppy.

I was thirteen or fourteen when I fell in love with him. My family had finally moved out of a rental house and on to a nice piece of land, a place where we would be able to get a dog.

We picked out the most adorable border collie, and he became my best (animal) friend. (more…)

By Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

Dear Callie,

I know you’re going to be confused when I don’t show up at your house this  afternoon and I don’t answer any of your calls. In fact, this is the last email message I’m sending you. Why? Well, it’s a really long story. (more…)

By Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

I could feel my eyes widen and my face heat up.  My thumb lingered over the television remote’s “go back” button, but I didn’t press it. My eyes were glued to the screen. I was now a victim of the movie’s creators and my own curiosity. I was trapped. (more…)

By Staff Writer Jennifer Grimes

Lately I’ve learned a bit about service. I was feeling sort of depressed, wondering if I really do anything with my life. I mean, I have school and piano lessons and my part-time job but…that’s about it.

I’m not very social or into lots of projects like some teenagers are. I’ve never been on a missions trip. I don’t volunteer at a soup kitchen. So after thinking about my pathetic-ness for long enough, I realized something… service starts at home. (more…)