Christmas Gift Suggestions

Christmas Gift Suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness. 

To an opponent, tolerance. 

To a friend, your heart. 

To a customer, service. 

To all, charity. 

To every child, a good example. 

To yourself, respect

Date Squares

You will need:

• 1 packet Marie biscuits (200 gram) 
• 100 ml sugar 
• 250 gram chopped dates 
• 115 gram butter 
• 1 egg, whisked 
• 1 teaspooon vanilla essence or brandy 
• Desiccated coconut to coat the squares

Optional:

• 2 to 4 tablespoons glazed cherries-in-brandy, quartered 
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts 
• Desiccated coconut to coat the squares

How to:

1. Crush the biscuits into fingernail-size pieces. 
2. Melt the butter and the sugar. Add the dates and simmer until the mixture is soft and mushy. 
3. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool down a somewhat. 
4. If you want to add cherries, do it now. 
5. Add whisked egg and vanilla and mix. 
6. Add crushed biscuits and mix. 
7. Spread mixture into a lined container (we used a 150mm x 260mm brownie pan lined with foil). 
8. Refrigerate for a few hours and cut into small squares.

Note:-

-  Served as is, or cover in coconut to prevent the squares from sticking to each other.

-  Can be frozen.

-  We keep glazed cherries, half-covered with brandy, in a glass screw-top jar in the fridge. Using these cherries enhance the date square's flavour in a spectacular fashion.

Source: rainbowcooking.com

Unbaked Banana & Custard Tart

This is truly the best unbaked tart there is. The topping is the most delicious part, because that’s where all the condensed milk is.

You will need  the following:  (for 6 to 8 portions)

• 1 litre milk
• 90 ml custard powder
• 90 ml sugar
• 1 packet (200 g) Tennis biscuits
• 250 ml lemon juice
• 7 or 8 bananas
• 2 tins (385 g each) condensed milk
• 200 ml lemon juice

How to:
First make the custard: Heat milk in a saucepan. Mix custard powder and sugar and add a bit of the warm milk. Mix until a paste is formed. Add paste to the rest of the warm milk and keep stirring until the custard thickens. Pour custard into a bowl and cover with a piece of clingfilm. This will prevent a skin from forming. Now take a round dish with a diameter of about 20 cm, or a square dish, also with a diameter of about 20 cm. Dip biscuits in the 250 ml lemon juice. Place a layer of biscuits in the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of sliced bananas, followed by another layer of biscuits. Pour all the custard over the top. Add another layer of biscuits, dipped again in lemon juice, followed by another layer of bananas. Mix condensed milk with 200 ml lemon juice. The condensed milk will thicken as you stir. Spread over the tart, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

Source: sarie.com

How you CAN...

The romantic sunset

The romantic sunset

The sun is beautiful when fresh it rises,
like an explosion throwing us a hello!
- Blessed is he who with love
! Greet glorious sunset over a dream

I remember! I saw everything, flower, source, groove,
If swoon in his eye like a heart that beats ...
- Run to the horizon, it's late, run fast,
to catch at least one oblique beam!

But I continue in vain God who withdraws;
The irresistible Night established his empire,
Black, wet, sad and full of chills

smell of swimming tomb in darkness,
and my timid foot crumples at the edge of the swamp,
toads and Unforeseen cold snails.

Charles Baudelaire (1821-1867)

Speak Gently

Speak Gently

Speak gently! it is better far

To rule by love than fear

Speak gently; let no harsh word mar

The good we may do here!

Speak gently to the little child!

Its love be sure to gain;

Teach it in accents soft and mild;

It may not long remain.

Speak gently to the young, for they

Will have enough to bear;

Pass through this life as best they may,

‘Tis full of anxious care!

Speak gently to the aged one,

Grieve not the care-worn heart;

Whose sands of life are nearly run,

Let such in peace depart!

Speak gently, kindly to the poor;

Let no harsh tone be heard;

They have enough they must endure,

Without an unkind word!

Speak gently to the erring; know

The must have toiled in vain;

Pechance unkindness made them so;

Oh, win them back again.

Speak gently; Love doth whisper low

The vows that true hearts bind;

And gently Friendship’s accents flow;

Affection’s voice is kind.

Speak gently; ’tis a little thing

Dropped in the heart’s deep well;

The good, the joy, that it may bring,

Eternity shall tell.

G.W. Langford

Good Night...

Good night, sleep tight,

Don't let the bedbugs bite,

Wake up bright

In the morning light

To do what's right

With all your might.

Gudnite my dear

I'm glad I have u near

4 da many things u've brought me

There's nothing I shall fear

Gudnite my dear

Let my songs wipe ur tears

We've certainly got each other

& we always shall through da years

Gudnite my dear

Let my prayer bring u cheer

Da moon is bright & da stars r shining

& day bless us always here

Sow Mercy

Listen while you read!

I can see her now, her weathered skin

Old straw hat and crooked grin

And she said child, let's make this garden grow.

Let's till the soil, and pull some weeds

And here's your bag of precious seeds

'Cause grandma's got a secret you should know

You always reap exactly what you sow

Sow mercy

Sow grace

Sow kindness

Sow faith

Words are like water, sprinkled with love

You will harvest all your heart's been dreaming of

Sow mercy

We knelt right there and she took my hand

That patch of dirt was Holy land

And she said child I learned this long ago

Oh, you can bless or curse

You can live or die

You choose the crop you want in life

That's the greatest secret Grandma knows

You always reap exactly what you sow

Sow mercy

Sow grace

Sow kindness

Sow faith

'Cause one day God forbid, you act a fool

And fall down hard and fast, 'cause life is cruel

If you ever reached to help a friend

A hand you held might lift you up again

What goes around comes back around you know

You always reap exactly what you sow

Sow mercy

Sow grace

Sow kindness

Sow faith

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/gaither-vocal-band/sow-mercy-lyrics/#9sS4lf2s1j5GWTVd.99

Every boy needs a Dog, and every dog needs a Boy...

I lie belly-up

In the sunshine, happier than

You ever will be.

Today I sniffed

Many dog butts—I celebrate

By kissing your face.

I sound the alarm!

Paperboy—come to kill us all—

Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I sound the alarm!

Garbage man—come to kill us all—

Look! Look! Look! Look! Look!

I lift my leg and

Whiz on each bush. Hello, Spot—

Sniff this and weep.

I Hate my choke chain—

Look, world, they strangle me! Ack

Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack!

Sleeping here, my chin

On your foot—no greater bliss—well,

Maybe catching cats.

Look in my eyes and

Deny it. No human could

Love you as much I do.

Good Morning

May you wake up this morning refreshed as ever. 

May your day be just as wonderful as your smile at the moment. 

And may you be showered with lots and lots of love and attention all day long. 

Good morning to you!

A Parent's Prayer for Patience

By Rabbi Naomi Levy | Prayer 

When my child tests me, teach me, God, how to respond with wisdom.

When I grow irritable, send me patience.

When my fury rages, teach me the power of restraint.

When I become fixed in my ways, teach me to be flexible.

When I take myself too seriously, bless me with a sense of humor.

When I am exhausted, fill me with strength.

When I am frightened, fill me with courage.

When I am stubborn, teach me how to bend.

When I act hypocritically, help me to align my deeds with my values.

When mundane pressures threaten to overwhelm me, help me to remember how truly blessed I am.

When I lose my way, God, please guide me on the road back to joy, back to love, back to peace, back to you. 

Amen

Cleared paths

Cleared paths

Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is 

old he will not depart from it  (Proverbs 22: 6).

A little girl followed his father vistoriava a new 

planting. She walked exactly where his father went. At 

any given time she talks to her father: "Dad, if you 

can avoid the mud on your feet I will not Mess me 

mud! " The father who loves his children looking floor in a 

clean way.

Are we aware that we are responsible for the life 

and future of our children? We have sought to be a model or 

example for them? We have strived to give them a 

proper education so that they will be victorious and happy?

The children often follow their parents' footsteps. See what 

they do and try to imitate them. They are your heroes, the 

people who judge and try to perfect, in every way, 

look like them.

A parent living drunk can lead children to the same 

path. A parent who does not respect anybody can not 

prevent your children are equal. A father who lies in 

front of the children do not get to make these are 

always true. He may be the reason for a future 

full of victorious or losses to your home.

We need to care for our children, lead them by 

way of honesty and respect for truth and righteousness, 

purity and humility. We need to illuminate the pathways 

through which will pass, and with much love and dedication, 

teach them the way of God. Safe in the hands of the Lord, 

they shall walk safely, strengthen hope, 

grow in faith, hold good dreams will be more than 

happy winners and live.

If you want your children to be happy and blessed, 

avoid the "paths of mud" ... walk by "lim pathspos."

Author:   Paulo Barbosa

Imagem:   Robert Duncan

Never forget ...

Never forget ... 

1 - 

"God does not choose 

qualified people, He empowers escolhidos.'

2 - 

"One with God is 

. Most ' 

3 - 

'We must pray 

always, even God does not hear us, but until we can hear from God. ' 

4 - 

'Nothing is out 

of reach of prayer except that which is outside 

of God's will. ' 

5 - 

'The most important thing 

is to find the right person, but being 

the right person. ' 

6 - 

'Moses spent: 

40 years thinking he was somebody; 40 years 

learning he was nobody and 40 years discovering what God 

can do with a NOBODY. ' 

7 - 

"Faith laughs at impossibilities. ' 

8 - 

'Do not confuse 

God's will with God's permission. 

9 - 

'Do not tell God 

you have a big problem. But tell the problem that you have a great God. '

Beautiful love quotes…..

…..Beautiful love quotes…..

• A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge.

• Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.

• A man reserves his true and deepest love not for the species of woman in whose company he finds himself electrified and en kindled, but for that one in whose company he may feel tenderly drowsy.

• A pair of powerful spectacles has sometimes sufficed to cure a person in love.

• A very small degree of hope is sufficient to cause the birth of love.

• A woman knows the face of the man she loves as a sailor knows the open sea.

• Absence diminishes mediocre passions and increases great ones, as the wind extinguishes candles and fans fires.

• Come live in my heart, and pay no rent.

• Affection is responsible for nine-tenths of whatever solid and durable happiness there is in our lives.

• Love is a many splendid thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love! ~ from the movie Moulin Rouge ~

• I would fly you to the moon and back if you’ll be . . . if you’ll be my baby. ~ From a song by Savage Garden ~

• I love you – those three words have my life in them. ~ by Alexandrea to Nicholas III ~

• What lies behind us, and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.~ by Ralph Waldo Emerson ~

• I have been astonished that men could die martyrs for their religion -                                     I have shudder’d at it.                                                                                                                     I shudder no more.                                                                                                                         I could be martyr’d for my religion                                                                                             Love is my religion                                                                                                                   And I could die for that.                                                                                                                  I could die for you.                                                                                                                        ~ by John Keats

• When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.                                     ~ by Elizabeth Bowen (1899-1973) ~

• The greatest thing you’ll ever learn                                                                                              Is to love and be loved in return.                                                                                                   ~ From “Unforgettable with Love” by Natalie Cole

Good Morning - It's FRIDAY!!!

It's difficult to even know what many of your limiting

Beliefs are because they are so well entrenched. 

Yet day after day, they hold you back and 

Obscure your view of life's best possibilities.

To set yourself free of those limiting beliefs, 

Crowd them out with inspiration. 

The more inspired you are, the more Easily 

You'll dissolve the beliefs that hold you back.

Focus on a beautiful, wonderful, meaningful possibility.

Feel how you must let go of your limiting beliefs in order

To fully imagine and comprehend that possibility.

See that ultimately, the only thing that really holds you

Back is your belief that you cannot move forward. Once

You've let that go, you free yourself to soar.

Anything is possible. And underneath all those illusions of

Limitation, you know it without a doubt.

Trade your limitations for inspirations. 

And fulfill the Best that is within you.

WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY WEEKEND !!

FAITH

Pumpkin Carving Prayer

LLERRAH Ecards <cards@lerrah.com

Dear God,

As I carve my pumpkin, 

help me say this prayer:

Open my mind, 

so I can learn about You;

(Cut the top of the pumpkin)

Take away all my sin 

and forgive me for 

the wrong things I do;

(Clean out the inside)

Open my eyes, 

so Your Love I will see;

(Cut two eyes)

I'm sorry for turning up my nose 

to all You've given me;

(Cut a nose)

Open my ears,

so Your Word I will hear;

(Cut two ears)

Open my mouth,

so I can tell others You're near;

(Cut a mouth)

Let Your Light shine

in all I say and do!

(Place a candle and light)

Amen

Happy Halloween

Goodnight my friends...

Good Afternoon

In life, if you are intelligent, you are admired. 

If you are wealthy, you are envied. 

If you are powerful, you are feared. 

But if you're blessed with a good heart, 

you are remembered, always. 

It's not about the wealth, power, and intellect, but 

the LEGACY in life behind those people you've touched.

Reindeer Cupcakes

categorized as christmas, cupcakes

1. Bake cupcakes of your choosing. I took the easy way out on these and made chocolate cupcakes from a box mix.
2. Frost with chocolate frosting.
3. Top with pretzels for the antlers, a Nilla Wafer for the face, white M&Ms for the eyes (or any other type of white candy), black icing for the eyeballs, and brown and red candies for the nose (I used peanut butter M&Ms and Cadbury chocolate balls).

These are super easy to make and kids will love them!!

The Nimble Butterfly

Time, the nimble butterfly

Slips deftly through our fingers

Not ongoing grief of solemn prayer

Will make it pause or linger

The rich colors of the butterfly

Enchants as it spread it's wings

But while we see the color

We fail to see the means

We think of time as now or or past 

Or something yet to be

Be our concept of the butterfly

I know reality

Time can't be measured by a loock

On some gigantic hand

For time's a place not now or past

Time's the hollow of God's hand.....

Claire-Eugene Denton Bear © copyright 

Puppy Love

Image: Donald Zolan

In helping my friend with her puppy-raising, I noticed an issue beginning to develop—one that happens to a lot of people, even without special-needs children that most owners do not stop in the beginning signs of the problem, but rather wait until it is a full-blown issue.

The puppy was starting to chase and jump all over the kids whenever he saw them, treating them more like littermates than his leaders. The puppy was not respecting their space. The German Shepherd puppy would run after the autistic son as soon as he spotted him in the morning. The child did not even have a chance to come all the way down the steps after waking before the 8-week-old pup was chasing him in an excited manner. The pup was also behaving this way towards their older daughter. 

Most see behaviors like this and interpret them as the puppy loving the child. They are best buddies just wanting to play, but actually when a dog respects a human or object they give it space. They do not come barreling over jumping on it. Rushing humans or objects is not respect, but quite the opposite. 

This behavior can start off caused by the child's excitement. A high level of excitement is a weakness to a dog, and if all you show the puppy is excitement and play, and never show him leadership, the pup will start to see himself as above the kids in the pack order. This will become a problem as the puppy grows up into an adolescent and adult. If the puppy grows up to own the child in the house it can be very dangerous as the dog guards the child as their property. It may cause issues with your child's friends; they will not be safe in your house. For example: if your child is playing with their friend and they get hurt or start to play in a manner that your dog feels is too rough, the dog might decide to protect his "property" against the other child. 

A dog should own NO property. Everything belongs to the humans; the children are not property the dog can own. This is where a lot of people go wrong, they do not see the warning signs and they do not act like leaders. 

In cases such as this, the parents need to step in and "claim" the kids, communicating to the dog that he must respect them. They also need to teach their children how to be leaders. It does not matter if the dog is large, medium or toy-sized. The behaviors mean the same thing no matter what size the dog might be. 

http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/kidsdogsrespecting.htm 

You Made My Day

       The day is finally over,

I made it through another one;
Thank You Lord, for walking with me,
Talking with You made it more fun.


You showed me so many wonders,
God created in seven days;
You taught me many new lessons,
I can use as I walk my trails.


I promise to share what You've taught,
With every one I talk to;
I promise to treat those I meet,
The way You would want me to do.


And as I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my Lord, You'll stay with me;
Teach me more lessons as I dream,
Help me to be all I can be.


Now before I drift off to sleep,
I'd like to thank You once again;
For walking and talking with me,
And for being my life long friend.


Thank You my Lord; You made my day!

~ Paul D. Berube ~

Good Evening Friends

Last night the Rain spoke to me...

“Last night the rain spoke to me

slowly, saying, 

what joy to come falling

out of the brisk cloud, 

to be happy again in a new way

on the earth! 

That’s what it said as it dropped, 

smelling of iron, 

and vanished like a dream of the ocean

into the branches and the grass below.

Then it was over.

The sky cleared.

I was standing under a tree.

The tree was a tree with happy leaves, 

and I was myself, 

and there were stars in the sky that were also themselves

at the moment at which moment

my right hand was holding my left hand

which was holding the tree

which was filled with stars and the soft rain –

imagine! imagine! 

the long and wondrous journeys still to be ours.” 

― Mary Oliver

The Garden of Life

The Difference between Rich and Poor People

Life is too short And friends are too few.

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poor people live. 

They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. 

On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, "How was the trip?" It was great, Dad."

Did you see how poor people live?" the father asked. Oh yeah," said the son. 

So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?" asked the father. 

The son answered: "I saw that we have one dog and they had four.

We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end.

We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. 

Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon.

We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight.

We have servants who serve us, but they serve others.

We buy our food, but they grow theirs.

We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them." 

The boy's father was speechless. Then his son added, "Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are."

Isn't perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen 

if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don't have.

Appreciate every single thing you have, especially your friends! 

Pass this on to friends and help them refresh their perspective and appreciation. 

Life is too short & friends are too few.

With all Respect and Love.

Everyone has secrets.

by: Gabrielle

Everyone has secrets. 

But this girl has darker secrets.

Hiding in the depths of her heart.

They are killing her. (Secretly)

Don't tell. 

There are childish secrets. 

Janet likes Avery.

Amanda is getting a new phone. 

A secret birthday party. 

Don't tell.

There are adult secrets. 

When they are alone.

And the door is closed.

They do things.

I opened the door once. 

Don't tell.

Then there are my secrets.

Different somehow. 

A boy who broke my heart. 

Not broke, but completely destroyed it. 

A friend who abandoned me. 

For the girl who had nicer things. 

A father who yells in my face. 

I can't do anything right.

Don't tell. 

And when the pain gets so bad.

From keeping the secrets locked away 

I take a piece of sharp metal. 

I write on my arm. 

Because it must me my fault somehow.

Everything is my fault... That's what they told me. 

And suddenly the secrets don't hurt anymore.

I keep writing. 

I will never tell.

Bull Terriers -"The most beautiful ugly dogs on the planet"

Hulle sê daar is honde en daar is Bull Terriers…..

Nou ja – ek wou my lewe lank nog ‘n varkhond hê – waarom weet ek nie, want heimlik was ek ook maar lugtig vir die “gevreedse” Chinadogs met hul berugte kakebene wat glo sluit as hulle jou in die hande kry!

Na heelwat gekerm en uit radeloosheid het Manlief en kinders dit toe goed gedink om verlede jaar vir my verjaarsdag een te gee. My wens was ‘n witte met ‘n patch op die een oog. Opreggeteeld!

Ek het toe intussen vir my ‘n boek oor bullies aangeskaf en na ek dit deeglik deurgelees het, so by myself besluit – miskien is ‘n bullie nie vir my nie! Ek onthou een gedeelte uit die boek (wat intussen die BULLIE BYBEL gedoop is) baie goed.

“So you want a Bull Terrier? Do you want a dog that is playful, active, curious, quirky, clownish, sensitive, loyal, affectionate and attached to his owner? Before you scream out yes, you must further consider these things: do you want a dog that is stubborn, willful, overconfident, aggressive, bossy, dominant and destructive? Now you’re not so sure?” (BULL TERRIER deur BETHANY GIBSON)

Wel, vandag – presies ‘n jaar gelede het die nuwe baba toe gearriveer! En na ‘n jaar van – amper sê ek hel – kan ek bogenoemde woorde absoluut beaam! Maklik was die jaar beslis nie en baie aardse besittings het in die slag gebly. Al die “china ware” is hoog gebêre, die kombuiskaste se knoppe bestaan so te sê nie, al die hoeke is rond gekou, drade is afgekou, plante is verwoes, ek en Manlief is van tafel en bed geskei. Van bed – want Madampie slaap by ons op die bed en met gebrek aan spasie het ek toe maar my intrek op die ander bed in die kamer geneem en van tafel – want ek eet alleen met hond vasgemaak by my voete, anders kry nie een sy kos in soos daar agter haar aangehardloop moet word nie.

Maar sy het al soveel plesier gebring en sy het die hele gesin in die sak en gelukkig is Manlief – ek dink- nog liewer vir haar as wat ek is. En sy het ons al soveel laat lag! En die bulliebybel meen hulle is net die eerste 18 maande so erg.

Ek sal hierdie tipe honde egter nie vir enige een aanbeveel nie. Jy moet Job se geduld hê, ‘n baby sitter is ‘n absolute moet, want die oomblik as hulle alleen gelaat word, tree hulle afbrekende gedrag na vore, moenie te geheg aan jou aardse goed wees nie en weet maar, hulle kos en veearts rekeninge gaan hoog wees!

Hulle is regte couch potatoes.

maar hulle wil tog elke dag ‘n rukkie gaan speel of stap.

En hulle is sterk – hulle sleep jou waar hulle wil wees. Opleiding en gehoorsaamheid en ‘n ystersterk leiband is ‘n moet!

MAAR die absolute liefde en aanbidding wat jy van hierdie honde kry, is onbeskryflik. Die meeste mense is doodbang vir hierdie honde met hul skrefiesoë, maar dit is heeltemal onnodig. Hulle is die liefdevolste honde wat daar is en geen ander hond het jou lief soos wat ‘n Bullie jou lief het nie! En hulle sal jou beskerm met hul lewens.

Hulle sit of lê nie by jou nie – hulle wil bo-op jou wees.

As jy iets doen, wil hulle sien wat jy doen!

Hierdie honde is net die dierbaarheid vanself!

Daar is buiten die wittes ook swartes

en bruines

en die brindle kleur

HULLE IS …….”THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UGLY DOGS ” OP DIE PLANEET!!!!!

Hier is my varkie, Schabbers, die dag toe ons haar gekry het (6 weke oud)

en so lyk sy vandag – een jaar later met haar verjaarsdagstrik

Bull Terriers – spesiale honde vir spesiale mense.

Intelligent Morning Talks

Intelligent Morning Talks !

Maturity is not when we start speaking BIG things.

It is when we start understanding small things..

Search a beautiful heart not a beautiful face.

Beautiful things are not always good but

good things are always beautiful.

Do you know, why God created gaps between fingers? 

So that someone who is special to you, 

comes and fills those gaps by holding your hands forever.

Never Think Hard about PAST, It brings Tears...

Don't Think more about FUTURE, It brings Fears...

Live this Moment with a Smile, It brings Cheers.!!!!

Every test in our life makes us bitter or better,

Every problem comes to make us or break us,

Choice is our whether we become victim or victorious !!!

If you are right then 

there is no need to get angry, 

And if you are wrong 

then you don't have any right to get angry.

Alone ?

You are . . .

True Story about a Little orphan boy's search for the true meaning of love and a home

John 3:16 ( The Story)

John 3:16 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

In the city of Chicago, one cold, dark night, a blizzard was setting in. A little boy was selling newspapers on the corner, the people were in and out of the cold. The little boy was so cold that he wasn't trying to sell many papers.

He walked up to a policeman and said, "Mister, you wouldn't happen to know where a poor boy could find a warm place to sleep tonight would you? You see, I sleep in a box up around the corner there and down the alley and it's awful cold in there for tonight. Sure would be nice to have a warm place to stay,"

The policeman looked down at the little boy and said, "you go down the street to that big white house and you knock on the door. When they come out the door you just say John 3:16, and they will let you in."

So he did. He walked up the steps and knocked on the door, and a lady answered. He looked up and said, "John 3:16." The lady said, "Come on in, Son." She took him in and she sat him down in a split bottom rocker in front of a great big old fireplace, and she went off. The boy sat there for a while and thought to himself: John 3:16....I don't understand it, but it sure makes a cold boy warm.

Later she came back and asked him "Are you hungry?" He said, "Well, just a little. I haven't eaten in a couple of days, and I guess I could stand a little bit of food," The lady took him in the kitchen and sat him down to a table full of wonderful food. He ate and ate until he couldn't eat any more. Then he thought to himself: John 3:16... Boy, I sure don't understand it but it sure makes a hungry boy full.

She took him upstairs to a bathroom to a huge bathtub filled with warm water, and he sat there and soaked for a while. As he soaked, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I sure don't understand it, but it sure makes a dirty boy clean. You know, I've not had a bath, a real bath, in my whole life. The only bath I ever had was when I stood in front of that big old fire hydrant as they flushed it out.

The lady came in and got him. She took him to a room, tucked him into a big old feather bed, pulled the covers up around his neck, kissed him goodnight and turned out the lights. As he lay in the darkness and looked out the window at the snow coming down on that cold night, he thought to himself: John 3:16... I don't understand it but it sure makes a tired boy rested.

The next morning the lady came back up and took him down again to that same big table full of food. After he ate, she took him back to that same big old split bottom rocker in front of the fireplace and picked up a big old Bible. She sat down in front of him and looked into his young face.

"Do you understand John 3:16?" she asked gently.

He replied, "No, Ma'am, I don't. The first time I ever heard it was last night when the policeman told me to use it," She opened the Bible to John 3:16 and began to explain to him about Jesus. Right there, in front of that big old fireplace, he gave his heart and life to Jesus. He sat there and thought: John 3:16. .. .. I don't understand it, but it sure makes a lost boy feel safe.

You know, I have to confess I don't understand it either, how God was willing to send His Son to die for me, and how Jesus would agree to do such a thing. I don't understand the agony of the Father and every angel in heaven as they watched Jesus suffer and die. I don't understand the intense love for ME that kept Jesus on the cross till the end. I don't understand it, but it sure does make life worth living.

TomTripp

The Storyteller