Paul Louden

Julie and Phillip were always a little nervous when their Daddy took them with him to share Jesus door to door in town. But daddy always loved to do it so they went to learn how. Usually the Assistant Pastor from their church went along. Mostly people were nice and sometimes invited them in and sometimes the Pastor or Daddy would pray with the people to accept Jesus and that was really exciting.

One time though a man answered the door who wasn`t from our country. His skin was darker and he wore one of those turban things on his head. And when daddy shared about Jesus, the man got really mad and started yelling and seemed like he was going to come out and hurt daddy so the Pastor excused them from the man and they went to a bench nearby in the apartment complex.

“What was wrong with that man Daddy? Why did he have that hat on his head?? Phillip asked frightened.

“That is a man God loves just like he loves you and me Phillip. Now let`s pray for him.? And they did right there on the bench and they all felt better.

That night Daddy explained that the man was from another religion so he just didn`t understand that they were there to give him eternal life. “But Daddy,? Phillip interrupted. “It seemed like he wanted to hurt us. Does that mean what we were doing was wrong??

“Kids do remember the story of Stephen in the Bible?? Daddy said and before they knew it, Daddy was telling them the story. Daddy was an amazing storyteller because he was able to make Julie and Phillip feel like they were right there in the story.

“Where are we Daddy?? Phillip shook his head looking around at the huge crowd of what seemed to be really angry people. Phillip and Julie felt their Daddy holding onto their hands as he took them right into the bible story he was telling.

“We are in the story, Phillip. These people are all angry with Stephen. See over there??

The children worked their way between the legs of the shouting people and then they saw him. Standing apart from the crowd, dressed all in white. “Phillip!? Julie whispered. “That`s Stephen, just like Daddy said.?

“Kids over here.? They heard their Daddy whisper and they ran to him knelt between some people watching.

“Why are they all so mad Daddy?? Asked Julie a little scared and nervous for Stephen.

“They don`t want him to share about Jesus, sweetie.? Her Daddy answered.

“Daddy, he doesn`t even look scared. I would be SO scared if everybody was mad at me.? Phillip said watching Stephen with amazement.

?Can you hear what he is saying kids?? Daddy whispered and they listened close.

“He is praising Jesus Daddy.? Julie finally said. “He is thanking Jesus that he is going to be able to suffer and die for God. Daddy I don`t understand.? She said sobbing a little bit.

“Well honey, Jesus died for us so it`s a privilege to go through those things for him. Stephen is full of the Holy Ghost so he isn`t suffering at all. See his face, it`s full of joy. That`s what the Holy Spirit does when we go through hard things for Jesus. He replaces the fear and pain with joy and praise. Come on, we better get back, Mommy will have supper ready soon.?

As they moved to the back of the crowd, Julie saw a wrap that looked like it belonged to Stephen. She reached to pick it up but an older boy picked it up first. She looked him in the eyes.

“Why are you crying?? She asked the boy.

“I have always hated Christians, little girl? the boy said. “But Stephen has so much joy. The joy of Stephen makes me somehow want that in my heart.?

Back home at the supper table they told Mommy all about their adventure. “Well, Julie, who was that boy you talked to before you came home.?

“I don`t know Mommy. He said his name was Saul of Tarsus.? They didn`t talk about it any more but Mommy and Daddy exchanged knowing smiles and both knew that Daddy would be taking the children on another journey to find out more about how this Saul boy turned out.

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Don Moen (born June 29, 1950 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is an American singer-songwriter, pastor, and producer of Christian worship music. Moen produced 11 volumes for the Hosanna! Music series of worship albums. His first album under his own name, Worship with Don Moen, was released in 1992. His music has total global sales of over five million units.[1] He worked for Integrity Media for over 20 years, serving as creative director and president of Integrity Music, president of Integrity Label Group, and an executive producer of Integrity Music albums.[1] He left Integrity Media in 2008 to start a new initiative, The Don Moen Company.[2] Moen received a Dove Award for his work on the musical God with Us in addition to amassing nine nominations for his songs. Moen is also a prolific songwriter, having worked with Claire Cloninger, Paul Overstreet, Martin J. Nystrom, Randy Rothwell, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Debbye Graafsma, Paul Baloche, Tom Brooks, among many others. He has also worked with talented musicians, Justo Almario, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna, and Carl Albrecht. His name is associated with some of the most well-known songs in Contemporary Christian Music.[3] He was a student at Oral Roberts University. He lives in Mobile, Alabama, with his wife Laura and their five children.

Tags: adoration, by, Canada, de, Don, Eydely, father, France, gabon, gospel, Hands, heart, louange, Moen", one, Our, Praise, Two, USA, Worship
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Princess was a very pretty pony. But none of her friends understood why she never competed for ribbons like all the other beautiful ponies. They all stayed in the common stables in town when they were not with their owners or training or racing or being shown for prizes.

“My master shows me in every pretty pony show in the kingdom,? Polly Pony said with great pride in her stable. She even kept her hair in braids and her ribbons on in the night when all the other ponies were ready for bed. That was how proud she was. “If your master was proud of you Princess, he would show you so all would know how pretty you are.?

“My master races me in all the races. When I win, he give me treats and promises me many more races.? Peter Pony said pawing the ground as though he was running that very minute.

“You have only belonged to your master for a month.? Polly said to Peter. “What happened to Prancer Pony, he belonged to your master before??

“I think master sold Prancer because he stopped winning races.? Peter said sadly. “I liked Prancer, we were good friends. I think he had to go pull carts at the factory.? And Peter looked very sad.

“You know, my master used to care for me and my sisters.? Priscilla Pony said sadly. “But when Porsche and Petunia stopped winning?.? She said and then a sad realization came over the stable.

“Don`t worry ponies.? Princess said in a joyful voice. “I am sure your masters love you and will keep you for all of your lives so you can play with master`s children and be part of their holidays and know the joy of being his family.?

“Wait,? Peter said with fear and despair in his pony voice. “It makes sense now. I always win so Master always give me treats but then I have to train for hours and hours each day. I never see master. I love him so much but I only see him on race days. He doesn`t even ride me, just one of his workers. Why won`t my master play with me and train me and ride me? It`s like I am property, not his prize pony.? And he cried. Instead of knowing the joy of the love of his master and the pride of his great wins, Peter Pony felt small and lonely for his master.

“Do you know all those things Princess?? Polly Pony asked.

“Yes Polly. My master cares for me and all his horses and animals with tender care. He would do anything for us. Why once last winter, he went out in that horrible snowstorm to save Sammy Sheep who had gotten lost and was freezing in the woods. The master himself could have died but he was ready to give his life to save even the least of his own.?

“My master didn`t even come to the stable during that storm.? Priscilla said with sadness and despair in her voice. “I wanted to be with him because I was so afraid. Are you ever afraid, Princess Pony?? She said wondering about how Princess had gotten such a wonderful master.

“Yes, I get afraid. We all do. But when I do, my master knows it and he comes to me and comforts me and I know that nothing in the universe can harm me as long as I am his.?

“Who is this wonderful master?? Peter said wishing he could serve such a one that cared so much for his ponies.

“His name is Jesus,? Princess announced happily. “And he wants all ponies to know his love. I was owned by an evil master such as yours before Jesus saved me from him. But now I am not only the servant of Jesus, I am his friend and he loves me as his very own. He bought me at a great price from my evil master.? She said remembering the day she met him with tears in her pony eyes.

“I wish he would buy me.? Polly Pony said her face almost to the ground with sadness and feeling almost like she was dead.

“Well I have good news.? Princess said. “My master has room in his home for all of us. He doesn`t want any ponies to suffer or not know the joy of a loving master. Why just today, he saved Prancer and took him slavery into the family of Jesus. And right now he is doing the same for Porsche and Petunia. If any of you will come to him, all of you can be bought by Jesus and be owned by a master who loves you.

And they all wanted that and Jesus was faithful to her promise for he had given all he had to save the ponies and they all became his and were treated as loved and loving friends and they had his family to love and play with and they were never thrown away for not being fast or pretty enough.

“Finally,? Polly said with a loud and happy whiney. “Finally we all know what Princess knew. We know the joy of knowing Jesus for our master.?

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“What do you mean I do it wrong? All coyotes hunt.? Rodney defended himself when his best friend George Coyote accused him of being “too cruel? when he hunted. Rodney was right about one thing. All coyotes and in fact, every living thing hunts for its food and that is the way God created the world to be for now. There is a whispered belief in the coyote community that a world will be one day where all creatures would be at peace together and God would provide all the food and nobody would have to hunt or be hunted but that`s not the way it is now so Rodney knew his instinct to hunt was not evil.

But Rodney had a love of the hunt that was far more intense than any other coyote he knew. He lived for the hunt. But it wasn`t just hunting that he loved. He loved to corner a rabbit or small animal and see how terrified it was and make it stay like that instead of using the methods his mother and uncles taught him to hunt quickly and efficiently. No, to Rodney, the stalking and “playing with? his pray was exciting.

“That`s what I am talking about.? George said. It`s kind of gross Rodney so why don`t we hunt separately for a while.

George`s scolding and change so he couldn`t hunt with the pack upset Rodney but he considered them all to be just weak and not as good as hunting as he. So he hunted alone. “I might as well hunt alone.? He said to himself since he was the only one still talking to him. “I am the only real expert at it. Who needs the pack anyway when I WHOOP?????

Rodney felt himself falling and then there was a THUNK. The “Thunk” was Rodney hitting the bottom. Rodney had toppled down a steep incline that dropped off at the end about 20 feet from the bottom. He stood up and looked around. It wasn`t a pit like the hunters use to capture wild animals. It was a ravine that used to be a dead end canyon but it had been closed off after a rockslide. Three of the walls were sheer slick wall that went up 20 feet before there was a ledge which then sloped up to where Rodney had fallen from. The fourth wall was solid rock from the landslide and unclimbable.

Now Rodney knew what the pack was for. Suddenly he was terrified at being trapped at the bottom like this. Rodney was trapped. He paced from end to end of the tiny space he had to himself and tried his best to figure out how to escape but no good. He yelped for help but no good. He was starting to panic. He knew very well that he could starve to death in this pit without anyone even knowing he was here. “This couldn`t get much worse.? Rodney said to himself pacing and trying to leap up the walls only to fall with a painful YELP!

Then it got worse. Night began to settle in. As Rodney strained his eyes to see if anyone was coming to help him, he saw a huge shadow pass over the ridge. Then that shadow moved down the embankment and settled in on a very wide flat bed of grass right above the 20 foot rock wall. Rodney froze in place but did not make a sound for fear of what it could be. He hunkered down in fear trembling and finally fell asleep.

Before Rodney opened his coyote eyes, he heard the rumble. It was like a loud roar of one of the human engines but different. It was an animal. And it was coming from where that dark shape was last night. It was almost like a purr but very very loud. Slowly he let one eye open and then he squeezed it shut in terror. It could not be. But he forced his eyes open and it was true. What sat on that ledge was as large as a small rhinoceros but it was covered in a smooth matt of stripped fur that could only belong to one being. They said it was a myth, something someone made up to scare little coyotes but there he was. It was Havohej, the Great Tiger. He stared directly at the tiny coyote with piercing eyes but he did not blink. And he was purring.

“Wake up little one.? The mighty tiger spoke. Rodney reluctantly opened his eyes and stood to face his doom.

“Are you Havohej, the Great Tiger?? He said with his voice quivering.

“Yes and I know you. You are Rodney, the cowardly coyote who makes his hunt a game of terror for those he finds, who finds cruelty to be fun and a way to take joy where there is none inside you.?

“Are you going to kill me?? Rodney said his voice seeming squeaky and small more like a mouse than a predatory coyote. Suddenly a mighty roar burst from the chest of the powerful cat. The roar was so startling and powerful it blew Rodney off his feet and he hit the wall opposite where Hovohej was laying.

“Truly you deserve to be killed and eaten. Justice would even call for terror to enter you before your doom. But redemption is a more powerful law than revenge.?

Then Havohej did something Rodney did not expect. He rose and walked with huge cat strides to the loose rock where the landslide had occurred. He looked at the stones piled there and then he crouched and released a massive roar 10 times more earth shattering than the first one. Rodney just put his head between his paws and whimpered at the cat`s terrible anger. But instead of leaping to the pit to destroy the tiny coyote, something else happened. A huge stone was loosened by the roar of the Great Tiger. It teetered in place and then suddenly, it toppled into the pit giving Rodney a perfect stepping stone to escape. Havohej returned to where he had been laying and turned his back on Rodney and laid his head down showing that he was not watching.

Quick as he could climb Rodney was up and out of the pit. He stood at the top of the incline looking down at the mysterious beast. He started to run away and join the hunt for he was very hungry but something stopped him and he went back. He began down the incline toward the huge cat and then he sat in front of Havohej straight up, ears perked at stared at the wide face of the sleeping Tiger. Finally one eye of the cat opened and he said “What is it you want little coyote??

“Why?? Rodney asked. It was all that needed to be said. Hovohej raised his powerful regal head and looked into the eyes of the little beast and then he spoke.

“Hunting is noble and to be done with dignity and grace. You have heard the law of the jungle is survival of the fittest. That is incorrect. The law of the jungle is mercy. It is that way because the law of the creator of all life is mercy. He gives mercy to us, his creation and to his chief creation, mankind when he sent his son to redeem this fallen place. So too, I gave mercy to you and you give mercy to others. And every act of mercy you give will be as though you are the servant of the most high himself. Go little coyote and live in mercy, live in peace and live in the grace of your creator. Do this and you will never go hungry.?

With that, Havohej stood and leapt seemingly straight up and disappeared into the jungle. At that moment, he knew that the Great Tiger did not come to destroy Rodney. He came to teach him, about his creator and his son who died even for a lowly coyote. He came to teach him how to live in the image of that great creator. Instead of death, Havohej gave life and instead of becoming a meal, Rodney became a beloved member of the jungle society not because of his great skill at the hunt but because of his great mercy.

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“Who needs him, he`s such a loser.? Roger responded to his friend Steven when the subject of Danny came up.

“That`s a pretty harsh thing to say about your brother.? Steven responded. Roger knew it was harsh. He thought back when he and Danny were kids. Danny, the older by a year and a half, was always the guy who could “fix anything?. Oh, how mom and dad bragged on Danny when he fixed the washing machine or the lawnmower of unclogged a drain in the kitchen. At first, Roger tried to learn to do what Danny did but it never worked out.

Finally, in high school, Roger found his gift and like his own dad, it was the gift of gab. He won competition after competition in speech, debate and other forms of speech giving. He seemed to have a natural ability to talk to people, give speeches or just get people to see things his way or rally to his cause. It served him well as he moved into a sales career whereas Danny built a very successful auto mechanics business around his skill.

But sadly, for all the success the brothers had their dislike of each other kept them apart. Danny never understood by talking was a good skill and Roger thought being able to tinker with machines or pipes or wires was a geeky way to be. They fought about it endlessly until Danny moved out but holidays were always tense except when they went to see Grandma. Everything stopped at Grandma`s house because she saw them as her sweet baby boys and for a while when they visited her, they were sweet and children again, innocent and always ready to play.

Steven left his friend Roger in his office thinking about his brother. Roger wondered if there ever be a way to make things ok between them. He didn`t know that over I his garage, while fixing a car, Danny was wondering the same thing. Roger`s thoughts were broken by the phone ringing. He answered it. The sound of urgency in the voice was frightening.

“Roger, the floods have his Pilger.? Steven informed him. Pilger was not far from the large city where his family grew up. “The water is rising there and people are becoming trapped in their second floors. The Red Cross is going in to try to get people out.?

At first, Roger didn`t get too alarmed but then he remembered, Pilger was where Grandma lived. He picked up the phones and called her but no answer. He knew she lived alone in that big house and probably could not get to the phone. The thought of her alone facing that terror was more than he could stand. Moving almost on instinct, Roger got moving. He organized a rescue mission for the town of Pilger using his huge network of contacts at church, work, his clubs and his business contacts. Within hours, Roger had an army of men and machinery gathered in the parking lot of the Church. They were ready to invade Pilger and save those people.

“Folks,? he announced to the crowd of rescuers from his bullhorn. “We need to pray. My grandma is down there and you all have relatives there too. Let`s pray that God help them until we can get there.? And then he bowed his head and led them in prayer.

“Roger we have another area to pray about.? Steve shouted out. “Lots of these boats are broken. We need mechanical help or getting all of us down there will be no good. We need someone who can fix anything.? Roger felt his face go hot with emotion because it was like God was telling him, “Get Danny.? He had no time to wallow in self-pity or resentment at Danny. He picked up his cell phone and called his brother`s number.

All he had to say to Danny was “Danny, its Roger, grandma`s in danger. Get down here.? And he knew Danny would fly to the scene. And that is what happened. Danny brought his tools and workers and in no time, they had the machines in tiptop shape. Side by side, the brothers loaded the boats and together they got to Pilger and got every citizen out. As the brothers sat side by side on the boat heading to grandma`s house they both suddenly knew why they were so different. Danny knew that he could have never gotten such a huge response and organized the rescue so beautifully. And Roger knew that Danny`s gift for fixing things was crucial to their success.

As they got grandma into the boat, she hugged them both and kissed them and then she said what they both were thinking. “God has given each of you boys a wonderful spiritual gift. Working together you are a powerful tool for him.? They knew it was right because that is how God blesses the church. By giving everyone unique and wonderful gifts, we all can work together to do what God has for us to do. Separate we are incomplete but together we are powerful tools for God to use for good.

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Marsha Andrews , singer/pianist/songwriter

Tags: Christian, Contemporary, healing, Music, piano, pop, Worship
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Everything was just fine for Stanley in the Garden of Eden. He was a harmless little snake and just like all the other animal children, he just wanted to play with the mongoose and the lambs and the turtles and the mice. See in the Garden of Eden, none of the animals were enemies so they all played together all day long. That is how it will be in heaven too.

Stanley loved foot races with the Cheetah. Oh, I forgot to mention that snakes had legs and feet in the Garden of Eden too. Well, everything was peaceful and fun and loving in the garden until one day, all of a sudden, the garden became very dark. The animals scurried about to try to figure out what was going wrong.

“What is it?? Stanley pleaded with his best friend Morris the Mongoose.

“Something is wrong with the Garden.? Morris cried out.

“But we should find Adam. He will know what to do.? Stanley said trying to calm his friend.

“That`s just the problem.? Morris yelled as they ran. “Adam and Eve caused the trouble.?

They joined the throng of animals all rushing to the center of the garden, the great tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Suddenly they stopped as the ridge that surrounded the center of the garden where God always walked and played with his humans was filled with animals. There stood God, majestic and awesome as always. Before him stood Adam and on her knees behind Adam was Eve and she was weeping, something nobody had ever seen before since there never was any sorrow in the perfect garden. Then off a ways was a very strange beast. It was a snake but not a sweet snake like Stanley and his brothers and cousins. This snake was huge, swelled up like he was full of bad things and he was hissing and snorting like he had been angry since the dawn of time.

“Do you know him Stanley?? Doris the Dove said landing on Stanley`s head.

“No.? Stanley said. “He isn`t like any snake I ever saw. He isn`t sweet and full of games and love like most snakes.?

“That`s because he isn`t a snake at all.? A voice came from behind. Everyone turned and saw Henrietta the Hummingbird flitting from head to head. “A few minutes ago, all of us Hummingbirds flew down there to find out what is going on. That`s no snake, Stanley. That is God`s enemy. They call him Satan and he has done a terrible thing.?

All of a sudden, there was a terrible earthquake and everybody was thrown every which way. Stanley screamed trying to stay close to his friends but it was no use. Things were falling and it was all he could do to tell which was up and which was down. Chaos rained down for what seemed like days and then all of a sudden, it was still. Stanley stared up at the sky. Suddenly Henrietta appeared. “You ok Stanley??

“Yes, I think so Henrietta.? He said rolling over. Then he noticed something terrible. His legs were gone. “Hey no I`m not. Somebody stole my legs.?

“They weren`t stolen Stanley.? The little bird explained. “God passed judgment on the great evil snake because he brought sin into the garden.?

“Well that`s not my fault!? Stanley complained. “Why should I suffer because someone else did wrong??

“Everybody is suffering, Stanley.? She continued. “Look around you, the garden is gone. See over there. That fierce angel with the fiery sword is standing guard over it. Nobody can go back. The earth and the people are fallen because Adam and Eve did the one thing they were not supposed to do.?

“What could they do that was so bad?` Stanley wondered. “They kept the garden nice and made sure we all had names and played with us every day. Wait, they didn`t,? he gasped.

“Yes, they ate the apple they were told not to eat. It was the only rule and they broke it. And now not only are they cursed, they brought the curse on all of us.? So he learned to crawl without his legs right over to Adam and Eve.

“Look at me.? He said to them. “My beautiful legs are gone. I look stupid like this. What are we going to do? Is there any hope for us?? He pleased with the two very sorry humans. Finally, Adam turned and looked into Stanley`s eyes and smiled and touched his head. There was love in his eyes, and hope.

“I know you are sad. We all are Stanley.? Adam said to the little snake. “But God will not leave us to perish. He loves us too much for that. Before we were punished, he gave a promise that some day, he own son will come to earth and make it all like it was before. He will defeat the evil snake, Satan and defeat death and make everything perfect again.?

“He will?? Stanley said almost crying in happiness at that news. “Maybe then I will get my legs back.?

“Don`t worry Stanley.? Eve said picking him up so he could slither around her fingers. “You look cute like this and we will all take care of each other until the Son of God comes and fixes it.

“I promise to take care of you too, and Henrietta and Morris and all my friends.? He promised and when she put him down, he coiled around her toes. He was still sad but now he had salvation to hope for. And besides, he kind of liked being cute without his snake legs. At least for a little while.

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Maggie liked watching big storms. So when the rain was really pouring down that night, she sat in the front room with the lights off and watched it safely in her house. Suddenly she saw a small figure walking into their cul-de-sac. It was a girl. She had no coat on and the rain was soaking her hair and dress completely. It was clear she was crying.

“Mommy come quick.? Maggie cried out and when mommy saw the poor girl, she rushed out onto the porch. Maggie came out with her and as she looked more closely, she suddenly recognized the girl. “Oh Mommy, its Angie!? Angie was Maggie`s best friend ever and they had been like sisters since kindergarten.

“Go get her Maggie.? Mommy said wisely knowing that if Angie was upset, seeing her dear friend first would be the best thing. She watched her daughter rush to the street and embrace her friend and then lead her back to the porch. As the girls approached, mommy went inside and got some blankets to dry Angie.

“I ran away Maggie. I am so cold.? Angie said as Maggie brought her to the house.

“Come in. You will get sick out here.? Maggie said in tears so afraid for her friend. Angie came in and quickly mommy and daddy were there drying her hair and warming her. Mommy gave her some of Maggie`s warmest things to wear for a while and daddy got some of the hot soup they had enjoyed at dinner and the whole family sat with her and made her feel safe and loved as she recovered. Angie just looked at Maggie`s mom and dad in amazement as she sipped her soup and finally the shivering stopped.

“Why don`t you two girls go to Maggie`s room and play so you can settle down.? Mommy said noticing that Angie wasn`t talking much with the adults around.

“Why did you run away?? Maggie asked right away when they were in her room.

“I was so afraid. My mom has a very expensive display of glass angel statues. Well while they were out today, I took one down the play with it and I broke its wing. I think it was her favorite and I knew she would be so mad so I ran away. I was so upset, I didn`t know where else to go so I came to you.? Angie said crying again.

“I am so glad you came here Angie.? Maggie said hugging her friend.

“Your parents are so amazing. They didn`t act mad that I messed up their carpet or anything.

“Angie, parents are like that. Your mom and dad are too. Sure, they correct us. We need that. But your mom and dad love you no matter what.? Maggie explained.

“Angie, your mom is on the phone.? Maggie`s mommy called. Right away Angie got scared. Then Maggie`s mommy stepped into the room holding her hand over the speaker. “She is crying Angie. I told her you were safe but she wants to tell you how much she loves you.?

Maggie and her mom stepped out so she could take the call. Finally, she came out sniffling. She handed the phone to Maggie`s mom to talk to her parents and then turned to Maggie. “She said nothing in the world was more important than me and she wanted me home in my own room where I can be safe and with her and daddy.? Angie said looking confused.

When Maggie`s mom finished on the phone she sat down with the girls and helped Angie dry her tears. Maggie`s daddy came in and sat down too. “I don`t understand why my mommy isn`t really mad I broke her angel.? She told Maggie`s parents.

“Angie, you have to understand something about parents.? Daddy said. “Your dad and mom love you no matter what. When they scold or try to teach you, that is part of love because they just want you to grow up to be all that God made you to be. But their love is unconditional. That means nothing you can do will make you deserve it and nothing bad you ever do will ever make them stop loving you.?

“But I don`t understand how they can do that? Angie said looking to Maggie`s dad for help.

“That`s easy Angie.? Mommy interrupted. “It`s because that is how God loves us and how God loves you. God is your heavenly father and he made moms and dad just like him. In fact, God loved you and me so much, he was willing to let Jesus die on the cross so we can always be in heaven with him. Your mom and dad would die rather than see you hurt sweetie. That is the nature of God in them.? She said holding Angie`s hand.

“But I love them so much. I don`t want them to die or sick or get old or even be sad.? Angie said emotionally.

“Then let`s get you home to them and when you get there, you hug them and tell them how much you love them.? Daddy instructed her. “Then in the future if you do something wrong, you tell them right away and never ever run away again ok??

“I promise.? Angie said and then Maggie and her parents drove her home.

As she ran up to the door and hugged her mom and then her dad. Maggie said. “It`s too bad about the broken angel.?

But mommy just smiled and hugged Maggie as she watched. “It looks to me like the real little angel isn`t broken any more and will never get broken again.?

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