puffed-up pride.sample

8/7/2019 Puffed-up Pride.Sample

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The opinions expessed in this manuscipt ae solely the opinions of the autho and do not epesent the opinions o thoughts of the publishe.

FootBeaeChaacte on Display Seies

Pint-size Paables

Puffed-up Pide

Copyight 2009. FootBeae Seies Ministy. P.O. Box 280835, Nashville, Tennessee 37228. Joyce Ann Evans. All ights eseved.

No pat of this book may be epoduced, stoed in a etieval system, o tansmitted by any means without the witten pemission of the autho.

Sciptue taken fom the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyight 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by pemission of Zondevan.

All ights eseved.

ISBN: 978-1-61658-699-7

PrINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMErICA.


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4 Pint-size Parables(Proverbs 16:18, NIV) Puffed-up Pride

Mrs. Poodles class waited quietly for the dismissal bell. But, minutes

before the sound could sweep the quiet halls, FB heard a familiar voice.

Attention everyone! the voice commanded. Its time for the afternoon

announcements.

FB locked his eyes on the black box. It buzzed over his head. He listened

while excitement oozed from Principal Buckey Beavers voice.

The Wacky Wildcats are coming tomorrow! he shouted through the

speaker. They will compete in our Winter Break Ice Skate. Our own Lucy

Ladybug won second place last year, he said. This year Meadow Wood is

expecting first place, he hinted at Lucy.

Lucy took his hint. She knew she was the best on the team. FB watched

Lucy quickly hop from her seat and bow before her cheering classmates.

He saw a prideful grin sweep across her snooty face.


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Puffed-up Pride 5Puffed-up Pride 5


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The bell rang, ending Lucys prideful performance. FB noticed that the

chairs quickly emptied, but Lucys pride didnt.

FB loved ice skating. He knew he needed his teammates help. He ran

and met Lucy near the coat rack. He smiled at her and pleaded his case.

Coach said I need to practice. Can you help me later? he begged Lucy.

Lucy became upset. She didnt want to help him.

Lucy snatched her jacket off the rack. Practice with you again? I think

not! she fussed. Besides, I need to shop for new ice skates.

She gave him the brush-off. FB, its too late for your figure eight! she

insulted. Although practice does make perfect...just look at me!

FB watched Lucy switch her dark-pink crocs into heelys. She skated a

perfect figure eight. Sadness swept FBs face, like shame swept his heart.

He watched the snooty skater slip out of sight.


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Lucy skated through the crowd. She jumped a forgotten lunch box.

She hung a sharp left at the corner. She swerved and missed the gray

water fountain. When she did, she spotted Eva at the lockers. Her pride

spotted another chance to show off.

Screech! Lucy slammed on her brakes in front of Eva.

Eva jumped. She yelled, Geez, Lucy! Yous almost hits me!

Lucy laughed. The near-collision seemed humorous. Dont worry,

Eva! I got this! she bragged.

Eva grabbed her backpack. Yous ready for tomorrow? she asked.

Duh! answered the prideful Lucy. She snubbed, Peep this!

Lucy raced across the floor. She spun another perfect figure eight

and boasted, Youre looking at the best, no matter the rest!

Lucys pride pushed her onward.


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Lucy danced through the snow, like thoughts of winning danced in

her head. When she reached the school bus, Lucy spotted Mookey and

Duncan taking pictures. Lucys pride demanded their attention.

Lucy slid beside Mookey. She bragged to Duncan, Take a picture of

me! Ill surely make school news tomorrow!

She posed for the camera.

Mookey quickly hopped out of her way. He told the high-and-mighty

Lucy, Whoa, girl! Quit buggin!

Mookey noticed her snooty attitude. So did Duncan. Anger gripped

him. He looked Lucy in the eyes and shouted, FB might win tomorrow!

Hes really that good!

Lucy laughed. The thought of FB winning seemed humorous. Lucys

pride was in control of her words.

FB...win? Against me? she mocked. Yeah, right! No competition!


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Suddenly, Lucy noticed the boys stepping backwards. Their mouths

hung open and their eyes looked surprised. Lucy slowly turned around

and looked behind her. There stood FB, her unworthy teammate. He

had heard every prideful word. Shame swept his heart a second time.

FB bowed his head and slowly stepped onto the bus. He sat alone that

day. Lucys words were as cold as the seat beneath his bottom.

FB sat there, feeling hopeless. He sighed, Maybe I should just quit

before I embarrass myself and Principal Beaver.

FB turned and looked out the frost-covered window. Ill never be as

good as Lucy, he mumbled.

Tears welled up in his eyes. That cold December day, FB decided to

quit the thing he loved the most.

puffed-up pride.sample

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