AngelicDreams4U

God Bless My Bunny - Poem

2026-03-31T12:44:00.005-05:00

Dear God, I'd like to say hello
Just take some time to say
Made my bed I brushed my teeth
So now I want to pray

I want to tell you first of all
I love You very much
So very happy when Your near
I feel Your special touch

I thank you for my comfy bed
For all the clothes I wear
For all my friends that stay with me
So grateful they are here

My kitty I'm allergic too
But he's so sweet you know
I thought of giving him away
But I can't let him go

Bunny well, she's just so sweet
She's always by my side
Bless her for the love she gives
She fills me with such pride

And yes Dear God, I'd like to say
I'm grateful for all friends
For all my special gifts you give
With love that never ends

Guess you were just wondering
What else I have to do
But really God that's all you see
Just spending time with You

Oh yeah I have just one request
With love I will provide
A special hug to all my friends
My Bunny's arms are wide.

~ Francine Pucillo ~

Written especially for you
by Aunty Franny.

Image source: Bunny's Beat

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Patchwork Heart - Poem

2026-03-16T18:11:00.001-05:00

“What is a patchwork heart?” you ask,
Well, most all folks surely have one
A patchwork heart has many seams
Before God’s work is done.

Our hearts were perfect when we came
No scars the surface showed
But in so many different ways
Our hearts reaped what we sowed.

A patchwork heart’s been broken
At least a thousand times
The scars of life are showing
For all of life is not sublime.

A patchwork heart’s most any heart
That’s survived the flames of life
Its seams are stitched together
With joy and tears and strife.

For as He wishes us to be
So shall He mold our hearts
To create a better person
Who from Him will not depart.

So if your heart’s been broken
Like a puzzle fallen apart
Let God stitch it back together
And be proud of your patchwork heart.

Written By: Evegene © This poem is copyrighted

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Lent In A Bag

2026-03-16T17:43:00.004-05:00

Lent in a Bag: An Activity for Church or Home

What is Lent in a Bag?

Great for sending from the congregation out to the "domestic church" by distributing small bags (cloth, paper, or ziplock bags) with symbols of the season which assists individuals and families in practicing Lent at home. In addition to the items, include instructions, and reflections (on purple paper of course) to go with each item.

Place the Following Items in a Bag of Your Choice

Instruction Sheet
Include a piece of paper with these (or similar) instructions, or attach it to the outside of the bag:

"Here are two suggestions for using the contents of this bag:
1. Choose one night of the week and invite those around your table to pick one of the symbols as a starting point for conversation for the whole group, including children.
2. For your own devotion, daily or weekly, choose one of the symbols for your own reflection as you make your way through the season of Lent."

Sand
Place a sealable baggie filled with sand. Include the following (or similar) reflection:

"Just between his baptism and the beginning of his adult ministry, Jesus went into the wilderness for 40 days, ‘to be tested’. What constitutes wilderness in your life? What have you learned there? What might you learn there?"

Rock
Place a rock inside the bag. Include the following (or similar) reflection:

"While in the wilderness, Jesus was invited to transform stone into bread. Though he resisted the temptation there and then, he became justly renowned for feeding people who were hungry for food, or for love, or for a word of encouragement, or for simple acceptance. Might there be a stony place in you that needs transforming? Some attitude or habit that, with a little attention, might even become a gift for you and others?"

Human Figure
Use a clothespin or wooden figure. Place inside the bag with the following (or similar) reflection:

"Because Jesus was, as we confess, fully human, he gets us, understands us from inside our skin, and knows from experience that we’re each capable of great things, Godly things. And no matter what we do, he keeps on inviting us to join us in his work which has become our own. As you enter this Lent, what might you plan to do over these 40 days so that come Easter you will more closely reflect the Christ who lives in and through you?"

Candle
Place a candle inside the bag. Include the following (or similar) reflection:

"Lent begins in the dimness of late winter and ends with the burst of bright spring. Jesus is, according to John’s gospel, ‘The Light of the World’ and that Light insists: ‘You are the light of the world. Don’t be hiding under some bushel basket.’ So where do you shine? How do you keep your light lit?"

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Lenten Liturgical Tea

2026-03-16T16:40:00.004-05:00

Water Scripture- Matthew 27: 22-25 - for when Pilate washes his hands.

Olives Scripture- Luke 22: 39-46 – these are symbolic of Jesus’ agony in the garden (at the Mount of Olives).

Pretzel Rod Cross Scripture- John 19: 17- 19 – symbolic of the crucifixion.

Hershey’s Kiss Scripture- Luke 22: 47-48 – this is symbolic of the kiss of Judas.

Ritz Cracker with peanut butter and broken pretzel bits around the edge Scripture- John 19: 1-3 – symbolic of the crown of thorns placed on Jesus’ head.

Sword With Cheese Scripture- Luke 22: 49-54 – To stand for Jesus’ arrest.

Hard-Boiled Egg Scripture- Luke 22: 55-62 – symbolic of Peter’s denial. (Note: Cocks don’t lay eggs, but we can’t eat chicken on Good Friday, and this meal needed a little protein.)

Silver Peppermint Patty Scripture- Matthew 27: 3-8 – Judas’ 30 pieces of silver.

Salt and Vinegar Chips Scripture- John 19: 28-30 – for when they offered Jesus vinegar to drink.

Pretzel Nets Full of Fish Scripture - John 21:1-14 – Jesus appearing to the disciples, while they were fishing.

http://www.catholicicing.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/scripture-lunch-to-teach-the-Easter-story-on-Good-Friday.jpg

Fig Newtons to remind us of the story of the fig tree in the Garden of Gethsemane
Flatbread for the unleavened bread that Jesus broke and shared. Pita bread would be great here too.
Tic Tacs to symbolize the bitter tears that Peter wept realizing that he denied the Lord, as Jesus had foretold
Cool Whip to remind us of the “clouds of heaven” that Jesus told Caiaphas that he would be returning on.
Celestial Seasoning Sleepytime Tea to remind us of how the apostles fell asleep while Jesus was praying in the garden.

Lent Activity Calendar PDF

Also see this Passover Supper Menu "Lenten Food Journey for Holy Thursday" https://chasingtimeanddrinkingwine.com/tag/holy-thursday/ http://raisingyoungones.blogspot.com/search/label/Holy%20Thursday

More Sources / Menus : https://www.showerofrosesblog.com/

http://raisingyoungones.blogspot.com/2012/04/good-friday-2012.html

http://mommyerin.blogspot.com/2010/04/good-friday.htmlhttp://catholiccuisine.blogspot.com/2013/03/gf-lenten-tea-menu.htmlhttp://www.catholicicing.com/story-of-the-passion-lunch-symbolic-lunch-for-good-friday/

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Is There a Jazz Band Up in Heaven?

2026-03-09T03:41:00.001-05:00

Is there a Jazz Band up in heaven?
Is Count Baisie on trombone?
Is Stevie Wonder at the piano
Behind the microphone?

Will I hear Ray Charles
Singing "Georgia on my Mind"?
If I listen hard enough,
Who do you think that I will find?

Will Eric Clapton be playing,
"The Bell Bottom Blues"?
And will Elvis be singing
"My Blue Suede Shoes"?

Will Kenney G be playing smoothly
On the saxophone?
Well, if there's a Jazz Band up in heaven,
Then I'll know that I am home!

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A Tea Party For Jesus

2026-03-09T02:47:00.000-05:00

I awoke this morning wondering
If my Jesus would like tea
So I took my dollies off the shelf
Then asked Him to join me

I dressed my dollies lovingly
In their awesome Sunday best
Then dressed myself up in some bows
You know we had to look our best!

I got down on my knees to pray
Then asked the Lord above
If he would like cream & sugar
Or just some tea with love

For I know my eyes can't see Him
But my heart shows me the way
With faith I always reach Him
I count on that each day

I felt His presence with me
When pouring the first cup
Of course I gave that one to Him
And with us He did sup

It was a very special day indeed
One I will not forget
The day that Jesus joined me
In the tea party I did set

You know He's with us always
He is never far away
Just talk to Him, and love Him
For He will join you too, today

Debbie Looney ©2004
My Dream World of Inspiration

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God's Clock - by Helen McAlerney Barth

2026-03-05T10:13:00.000-06:00

God's Clock - by Helen McAlerney Barth

Obituary Find-a_Grave

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The Cold Within - Inspirational Story

2026-03-04T12:32:00.002-06:00

Six humans trapped by happenstance
In black and bitter cold
Each possessed a stick of wood,
Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs,
The first woman held hers back
For on the faces around the fire
She noticed one was black.

The next man looking 'cross the way
Saw one not of his church
And couldn't bring himself to give
The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes
He gave his coat a hitch,
Why should his log be put to use
To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought
Of the wealth he had in store,
And how to keep what he had earned
From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge
As the fire passed from his sight,
For all he saw in his stick of wood
Was a chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group
Did naught except for gain,
Giving only to those who gave
Was how he played the game.

The logs held tight in death's stilled hands
Was proof of human sin,
They didn't die from the cold without,
They died from the cold within.

© by James Patrick Kinney

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Puppy Love

2026-02-21T03:25:00.036-06:00

What a wonder is sweet puppy love
With us always in our deepest woe,
Only loyal while we weep on
Remaining ever close.
Somehow understanding joy and sorrow
Intrinsically as one,
While we are busy trying to find release
And let the pain be done.

For, there's something very special
About the bonding they will show in grief,
Don't we wonder at their loving touch
How together we can weep.
As sorrows call forth a depth in relationship
Never felt another way,
And while we contemplate the ways of suffering
For what comfort we will pray.

And then how much more we appreciate
Blessings that come our way
If we like a puppy, feel another's pain
Might we never more complain.
They are grateful in innocent joy no matter what
So at rest will they be
How can we like them, accept things as they are
In all the heartache that we see.

Circumstances remain the same
Yet their hearts are free,
How will we find a joyous release like they
Within the limitations that we feel.
Can we too, trust a Master
With such blind devotion of heart,
Believing His abounding care
Is in all He does impart.

A puppy's tender eye of love
Speaks so, of how fragile we also are,
Ever subject to the big world's unknowns
Who can safely keep our tender heart.
Oh, Jesus is our trusted loving master
For He broke the power of fear and death,
We can be secure in Him, just like puppy love
If in His love we rest.

Soft Whispers from Derry's Heart Poems
© 2004 used with permission

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The Mission Field

2026-02-14T02:48:00.003-06:00

Take a walk in the park
you have a lot to see
The pitiful little children
not so blessed as we.

This is a mission field
no missionary is there
We just over look them
not much time to spare.

Some who have so much to give
don't go to foreign land
To find God's plan for you
fill these little empty hands.

We need to teach each one
about Jesus Christ their Lord
They need our help right here
they haven't enough, they need more.

Take a moment, look around
find some way to help
Just share the things you have
you'll feel better about yourself.

These are God's children too
the poor and needy he spoke about
Lets open up our hearts
we all can help them out.

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Jake Here - Story and Poem

2026-02-02T13:00:00.020-06:00

We walk through life relying on our own strength and knowledge. We don't give God a second thought. However, when trouble rears it's ugly head, we shoot up a quick prayer and then get annoyed when it's not answered to our need....Here's why!

Jake, the rancher, went one day
to fix a distant fence.
The wind was cold and gusty
and the clouds rolled gray and dense,

As he pounded the last staples in
and gathered tools to go.
The temperature had fallen
and the snow began to blow.
When he finally reached his pickup,
he felt a heavy heart,
from the sound of that ignition,
he knew it wouldn't start.

So Jake did what most of us do
if we'd have been there.
He humbly bowed his balding head
and sent aloft a prayer.

As he turned the key for the last time,
he softly cursed his luck.
They found him three days later,
frozen stiff in that old truck.

Now Jake had been around in life
and done his share of roamin'.
But when he saw Heaven,
he was shocked-it look just like Wyomin'.

Of all the saints in Heaven,
his favorite was St. Peter.
Now, this line, it ain't needed
but it helps with rhyme and meter.

So they set and talked a minute or two,
or maybe it was three,
Nobody was keepin' score-
in Heaven time is free.

"I've always heard," Jake said to Pete,v
"that God will answer prayers,
But one time I asked for help,
well He, just plain wasn't there.

Does God answer prayers of some,
and ignores the prayers of others?
That don't seem exactly square-
I know all men are brothers.

Or does he randomly reply,
without good rhyme or reason?
Maybe, it's the time of day,
the weather or the season.

Now I ain't trying to act smart,
it's just the way I feel,
And I was wonderin', could you tell-
what the heck's the deal?

Peter listened very patiently
and when Jake was done,
There were smiles of recognition,
and he said, "So, you're the one!

That day your truck, it wouldn't start,
and you sent your prayer a flying,
You gave us all a real bad time,
with hundreds of us a trying.

A thousand angels rushed to check
the status of your file,
But you know, Jake, we hadn't heard
from you in quite a while

And though all prayers are answered,
and God ain't got no quota,
He didn't recognize your voice,
and started a truck in North Dakota.

~author unknown~

Image and Poem Source: MyDailyMessage

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I KNOW I SAW AN ANGEL - True Story

2026-01-12T12:33:00.032-06:00

I KNOW I SAW AN ANGEL WHEN YOU WENT

TO SLEEP THAT DAY.

I KNOW I SAW AN ANGEL COME

TO TAKE YOU

AWAY.

AS I SAT LOOKING OUT THROUGH THE

SUN FILLED WINDOW THAT DAY.

PRAYING TO JESUS TO ALLOW

YOU TO STAY.

I KNOW I SAW AN ANGEL COME

TO TAKE YOU

AWAY.

THE ANGEL SAT BESIDE ME AND I COULD

HARDLY SEE. THE BRIGHT SUN

THROUGH THE WINDOW

SHINING THERE ON ME. BUT NOW

I KNEW IT WAS AN ANGEL

SITTING THERE WITH

ME.

HE TOLD ME MY BROTHER WAS READY

TO GO HOME THAT DAY. I TOLD HIM

MY BROTHER WAS

ILL AND IN THE HOSPITAL

HE HAD TO

STAY.

AT THAT MOMENT I NEVER REALIZED WHAT

THAT ANGEL WAS TRYING TO TELL ME.

I THOUGHT HE MEANT RON'S EARTHLY

HOME IS WHERE MY BROTHER

WANTED TO

BE.

NO ONE KNEW THIS MAN WHEN I DESCRIBED

HIS FACE. NOW THAT I REMEMBER HE WAS

BEAUTIFUL AND SOFT

SPOKEN WITH

GRACE.

WHEN I LOOK BACK AND REMEMBER THIS DAY

IN MAY. I KNOW WITH ALL MY HEART IT

WAS A BEAUTIFUL ANGEL WHO

CAME TO TAKE MY

BROTHER RON

AWAY.

THIS IS A TRUE STORY, SET TO RHYME.

MY BROTHER HAD LIVER CANCER AND

WAS VERY ILL THE LAST TWO DAYS OF HIS

LIFE.

HE WAS IN THE HOSPITAL AND ALL HE

WANTED TO DO WAS GO BACK HOME. I WAS

OUT SIDE HIS HOSPITAL ROOM ALONE

LOOKING OUT A SUN FILLED WINDOW,

PRAYING THAT THE LORD WOULD SPARE

HIM AND ALLOW HIM TO GO TO HIS

HOME. WHEN A BEAUTIFUL MAN

CAME AND ASKED IF HE COULD SIT WITH ME.

HE ASKED IF I HAD SOMEONE THERE IN THE

HOSPITAL, AND I TOLD HIM YES MY BROTHER

RON.

THEN HE LOOKED ME SQUARE IN THE FACE

AND SAID YOUR BROTHER WANTS TO GO HOME.

I BECAME INDIGNANT AND SAID NO HE IS

VERY ILL AND HAS TO BE IN THE HOSPITAL.

EVEN THOUGH I WAS INDIGNANT, HE GAVE

ME A SMILE THAT I WILL NEVER FORGET.

NOW I KNOW IT WAS AN ANGEL WHO

CAME THAT DAY TO TAKE MY

BROTHER RON AWAY.

By Heather ©

November 2006

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The Boy Who Wants Everything (Three Kings Day)

2026-01-06T03:16:00.065-06:00

Once upon a time, there was a boy named George, his mother Mary, and his father John. On Three Kings' Day, he asked for more than twenty things. His mother told him: But you understand that... look, I'm going to tell you that the Three Kings have camels, not trucks; second, you can't fit them in your room; and third, look at other children... think about the other children, and don't get angry because you should ask for less.

The boy got angry and went to his room. His father said to Maria, "Oh, he wants to borrow almost an entire store, and his room is full of toys."

Maria nodded. The boy said in a low voice, "What Mom said is true. I must listen to them. I'm very bad."

It was time to go to school and the teacher said: Let's see, Jorge, tell us how many things you have asked for.

And she said softly, "Twenty-five." The teacher fell silent. When she finished, everyone left, and the teacher told Jorge that he didn't have to ask for so many things. When his parents had to leave, Jorge immediately changed the menu, even though he asked for fifteen things. When his parents arrived, he told them he had taken ten things off the list. The parents thought, "Well, not bad."

And they said: And are you going to share that with your friends?

Jorge said: No, because they are mine and I don't want to share them.

They realized they didn't have a Nativity scene or a Christmas tree. And they went to a store, but they were out of stock. They went everywhere, but nothing. While the boy was in the car, he saw a star and prayed this: I know I don't pray much, sorry, but I want to find a Nativity scene and a Christmas tree. Suddenly, the car stopped, they got out, and an angel appeared and said to George: You've been very good at crossing things off the list, so I'll give you the Nativity scene and the tree. Three minutes passed, and the angel continued: Look in the trunk and you'll see. While the angel drove away, John said: Hey, thank you very much! But what about the car? And the mother said: Come on, it's working now! It started by itself! And the father thanked him again.

The long-awaited day finally arrived: Three Kings' Day. When George got up and went to see the gifts they had brought him, he was in for a big surprise. They had brought him all 25 things on his list. He immediately woke his parents and told them he wanted to share his toys with the poorest children.

A week passed, and the boy brought home many poor children. Jorge's mother made hot chocolate and cakes for everyone. Everyone was very happy. And that was it, that story was over.

(by Sheila García González)

What is Three Kings Day and why is it celebrated?
Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes), also known as the Epiphany, is a Christian celebration that commemorates the Biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child. This marks the official 12th day of Christmas.

Find more Christmas Stories on ACIPRENSA

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The Ox, the Donkey, and Baby Jesus

2025-12-13T02:59:00.001-06:00

The Ox, the Donkey, and Baby Jesus
(All living creatures should celebrate the arrival of Jesus)

In a small town called Greccio, there was a man named John, a very devoted follower of Saint Francis. About two weeks before Christmas, Saint Francis called John and said:

"My son, if you want us to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Greccio, prepare everything I'm going to tell you. I would like to represent the Child born in Bethlehem to see with my own eyes the discomforts He faced that holy night. Our Lord was laid in a manger between the ox and the donkey. So you prepare a grotto. Try to arrange everything as it must have been on the night the Child Jesus was born."

Juan immediately goes to the designated place to prepare what is necessary according to Saint Francis's plan.

And Christmas Eve arrives. On this occasion, Saint Francis invites many friars to come to Greccio.

Shortly before midnight, men, women, and children arrive jubilantly from the region's villages. They bring candles and torches to illuminate the holy night.

Saint Francis also arrives at the grotto. He sees that everything has been prepared according to his wishes. He is radiant with joy.

A farmer puts an armful of hay in the manger, and then an ox and a donkey are brought into the grotto.

Greccio has become a new Bethlehem. The forest around the grotto resonates with voices and festive songs.

Saint Francis, who has also invited a priest to celebrate Holy Mass in the grotto, assists the celebrant.

After reading the Gospel, Saint Francis speaks to the people gathered before the grotto. With tender words, he recalls the birth of the Child Jesus. Even the ox and the donkey listen attentively.

Saint Francis pronounces the word Bethlehem with a trembling voice. In his mouth, the word sounds almost like the bleating of a lamb.

At midnight sharp, as soon as Saint Francis had finished speaking, the grotto was miraculously illuminated.

In the manger, between the ox and the donkey, appears the radiant figure of the Child Jesus. The farmers and shepherds closest to the entrance of the grotto clearly see how the Child lies smiling in the hay of the manger.

The ox and the donkey warm the little Child with their breath, just as the ox and the donkey had done in Bethlehem.

Saint Francis kneels in adoration before the Nativity scene.

The shepherds and farmers sing a Christmas carol. Someone plays flutes and panpipes. Children wave torches.

After a few moments, the Child Jesus disappears and the light in the grotto gradually fades.

After Mass, people return home singing and waving candles and torches. Many stars shine in the sky.

Saint Francis remains in the grotto for a long time, praying. He strokes the ox and the donkey and says to them:

-Brother ox and brother donkey, you are fortunate among all animals because you have been able to see your Lord and Creator with your own eyes. You have been able to warm Him with your breath.

The ox and the donkey look at the saint with their large, sweet eyes, still filled with the light that appeared in the grotto.

Then Saint Francis commands his friars:

- My brothers, for the love of Our Lord, I command you that in future years, on Christmas Eve, you shall feed all the animals. In particular, give good hay to the oxen and the donkeys. All living creatures shall celebrate the Nativity of Jesus.

Since then, until the death of Saint Francis, the friars went to the stables of Greccio every year to bring good hay to all the oxen and donkeys on Christmas Eve.

You too, dear children, on Christmas Day remember to feed all the little animals you have at home or that you find along the way with good food.

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The True Value Of Things

2025-12-11T05:04:00.001-06:00

It was only five days before Christmas. The spirit of the season hadn’t yet caught up with me, even though cars packed the parking lot of our Houston area Target Shopping Center. Inside the store, it was worse. Shopping carts and last minute shoppers jammed the aisles.

Why did I come today? I wondered. My feet ached almost as much as my head. My list contained the names of several people who claimed they wanted nothing but I knew their feelings would be hurt if I didn’t buy them anything. Buying for someone who had everything and deploring the high cost of items,

I considered gift buying anything but fun. Hurriedly, I filled my shopping cart with last minute items and proceeded to the long checkout lines. I picked the shortest one but it looked as if it would mean at least a twenty-minute wait.

In front of me were two small children—a boy of about age ten and a younger girl, about 5. The boy wore a ragged coat. Enormously large, tattered tennis shoes jutted far out in front of his much too short jeans. He clutched several crumpled dollar bills in his grimy hands. The girl’s clothing resembled her brother’s. Her head was a matted mess of curly hair. Reminders of an evening meal showed on her small face. She carried a beautiful pair of shiny, gold house slippers. As the Christmas music played over the public address system, the girl hummed along, out of key but happily.

When we finally approached the checkout register, the girl carefully placed the shoes on the counter. She treated them as though they were a treasure. The clerk rang up the bill. “That will be $6.09,” she said.

The boy laid his crumpled dollars atop the stand while he searched his pockets. He finally came up with $3.12. “I guess we will have to put them back,” he bravely said. “We will come back some other time, maybe tomorrow.”

With that statement, a soft sob broke from the little girl. “But Jesus would have loved these shoes,” she cried.

“Well, we’ll go home and work some more. Don’t cry, we’ll come back,” he said.

Quickly I handed $3.00 to the cashier. These children had waited in line for a long time. And, after all, it was Christmas. Suddenly a pair of arms came around me and a small voice said, “Thank you sir.”

“What did you mean when you said Jesus would like the shoes?” I asked.

The small boy answered, “Our mommy is sick and going to heaven. Daddy said she might go before Christmas to be with Jesus.”

The girl spoke, “My Sunday School teacher said the streets in heaven are shiny gold, just like these shoes. Won’t mommy be beautiful walking on those streets to match these shoes?”

My eyes flooded as I looked into her tear streaked face. “Yes,” I answered, “I am sure she will.”

Silently I thanked God for using these children to remind me of the true spirit of giving. Christmas is not about the amount of money paid, nor the amount of gifts purchased, nor trying to impress friends and relatives. Christmas is about the love in your heart to share with those as Jesus Christ has shared with each of us. Christmas is about the birth of Jesus Christ whom God sent to show the world how much He really loves us.

Source Unknown To Me

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Christmas Is For Love - MarieB

2025-12-10T03:13:00.001-06:00

Christmas is for love. It is for joy, for giving and sharing, for laughter, for reuniting with family and friends, for tinsel and brightly decorated packages. But mostly, Christmas is for love. I had not believed this until a small elf-like student with wide-eyed innocent eyes and soft rosy cheeks gave me a wondrous gift one Christmas..

Mark was an orphan who lived with his aunt, a bitter middle aged woman greatly annoyed with the burden of caring for her dead sister's son.

She never failed to remind young Mark, if it hadn't been for her generosity, he would be a vagrant, homeless waif. Still, with all the scolding and chilliness at home, he was a sweet and gentle child.

I had not noticed Mark particularly until he began staying after class each day (at the risk of arousing his aunt's anger, I later found) to help me straighten up the room. We did this quietly and comfortably, not speaking much, but enjoying the solitude of that hour of the day.

When we did talk, Mark spoke mostly of his mother. Though he was quite small when she died, he remembered a kind, gentle, loving woman, who always spent much time with him.

As Christmas drew near however, Mark failed to stay after school each day. I looked forward to his coming, and when the days passed and he continued to scamper hurriedly from the room after class, I stopped him one afternoon and asked why he no longer helped me in the room.

I told him how I had missed him, and his large gray eyes lit up eagerly as he replied, "Did you really miss me?"

I explained how he had been my best helper. "I was making you a surprise.." he whispered confidentially. "It's for Christmas.." With that, he became embarrassed and dashed from the room. He didn't stay after school any more after that.

Finally came the last school day before Christmas. Mark crept slowly into the room late that afternoon with his hands concealing something behind his back.

"I have your present.." he said timidly when I looked up. "I hope you like it." He held out his hands, and there lying in his small palms was a tiny wooden box.

"Its beautiful, Mark. Is there something in it?" I asked opening the top to look inside. "

"Oh you can't see what's in it.." He replied, "and you can't touch it, or taste it or feel it, but mother always said it makes you feel good all the time, warm on cold nights, and safe when you're all alone.."

I gazed into the empty box. "What is it Mark," I asked gently, "that will make me feel so good?"

"It's love.." he whispered softly, "and mother always said it's best when you give it away." And he turned and quietly left the room..

So now I keep a small box crudely made of scraps of wood on the piano in my living room and only smile as inquiring friends raise quizzical eyebrows when I explain to them that there is love in it..

Yes, Christmas is for gaiety, mirth and song, for good and wondrous gifts.

But mostly, Christmas is for love...

Copyright © 2000-2005
Marie B.com
All rights reserved.

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A CRIPPLED BOY'S PRAYER - International Disability Day

2025-12-03T13:19:00.024-06:00

A CRIPPLED BOY'S PRAYER

A little boy sat all alone in a wheelchair
He was watching all the other kid's run and play
On his face I saw a look far and distant
With trembling voice I heard this little boy say

They say you must be born again to enter heaven
Walk the straight and narrow way on this earth
I don't seem to understand all the reasons
I've never walked since the day of my birth

Will I be a Crippled Boy in Heaven?
Will my wings refuse to sail through the air
Lord I know the way I am is for a reason
But will I be a crippled boy up there

His eyes were closed
His little face turned toward heaven
Will my life there be the same
I heard him say
Through tears of joy his face lit up
And I knew he had found the answer

He turned to me
And then I heard him say

I won't be a crippled boy in heaven
I know my wings will sail through the air
I can and run and play with
All the children
I won't be a crippled boy up there

I won't be a crippled boy in Heaven
I know my wings will sail through the air
I can run and play with
All the other children

There will be no crippled boys up there

~ Steve Sanders © ~
We are all crippled one way or another and we will only be whole when we meet Jesus none of us will be crippled in Heaven. We all have hope in Jesus

International Disability Day
Noor Relief Fund › disability-day
How can you contribute to this day
and support people with disabilities.
It is celebrated on 3rd December every year.

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Bethlehem Snack Mix / Nativity Lunch

2025-12-03T10:34:00.004-06:00

This "Bethlehem Snack Mix" is the perfect kitchen gift to share thru-out the holiday season's gatherings and/or even as neighbor gifts.

I am sorry that the recipe I have does not include quantities. Probably if you started with a cup of each ingredient, you could not go wrong. * Red and green M&Ms and star-shaped pretzels can usually be found in stores as soon as the holiday items begin to appear. ** Potato sticks are the (fried, I assume) shoestring-shaped snack item -- like potato chips, only in sticks. They come in a can. It looks a bit like hay or straw if you use your imagination.

The poem could be printed on a gift tag which you would attach with a ribbon to the top of a clear plastic treat bag. Or, fold the top of a plastic or paper treat bag over and staple a rectangular tag to the top of it. The mix could also be placed in a jar, which would make for a festive-looking gift as well.

POEM reads as:

This yummy snack is an easy way
To remember that very first Christmas Day!
Potato sticks remind us of hay
Like that in the manger where Jesus lay.
These crackers remind us of the animals that night --
Sheep and donkey surprised at the sight.
Pretzels in the shape of stars
Remind us of all that the shepherds saw.
Red and green, the colors of the season,
Remind us that Jesus is the only reason!

Or you could certainly write your own poem, or simply list what the ingredients are intended to represent. Have fun with this idea! I can see individual bags of this mix being a wonderful gift for Sunday School students.

Image Source: Nativity Lunch Christmas Ideas suggests these little "pigs in a blanket" some shredded cheese for the hay and pretzels for frame. You could also add a Star on top with using ketchup or mustard.

Christmas Story Snack Mix (Free Printable!)

Also check out this pinterest board for more ideas for nativity lunches etc...

Source: Mrs. T's Christmas Kitchen Pinterest Board and her blog

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Good For Nothing? (A Christmas Story)

2025-12-01T03:49:00.000-06:00

Just before the Blessed Mother was about to give birth to the Baby Jesus, God the Father sent an angel to earth to search for the right animals that could assist the Holy Family in Bethlehem. The first place that the angel went to was the forest where he met a lion and a fox.

“I need animals to help the Holy Family, for the Lord Jesus is to be born,” the angel told the beasts. “What can you two do?” he asked.

“I will guard the Holy Family so that no one can harm them. With my claws and fangs, I will shred to pieces anyone who goes any inch nearer them,” said the lion.

“Oh my,” said the horrified angel, “you are not only too powerful; you are very violent too. Thanks anyway.”

The fox stepped forward and said, “I volunteer to help them, angel.”

“And what how will you do so?” asked the angel.

“I will see to it that the Holy Family will not starve,” said the fox.

“Hmmm…sounds very practical. And how do you plan to do that?” inquired the angel.

The fox replied, “I will sneak into the neighbors’ barns every night and steal their chickens for the Holy Family so that Mary, Joseph, and the Baby can eat well everyday.”

“Oh, no,” the angel said sadly, “you can’t feed the Holy Family with something stolen from others. You are rather sly. I’m sorry, you do not qualify.”

The angel’s next stop was a barn where he met a peacock, a donkey, and an ox. He informed them about what brought him there.

The peacock said, “Did you say, the Baby is to be born in a stable? Very well then, I will spread my beautiful tail and make the stable look more enchanting than Solomon’s palace or even more than the Temple in Jerusalem.”

“You’re quite vain, Mr. Peacock. Sorry, but you’re not the one I need.” said the angel.

Too shy to volunteer themselves, the donkey and the ox were asked by the angel to step forward. “Is there anything you can offer?” asked the angel.

“Nothing,” chorused the two. “I spend my days carrying loads on my back and there seems to be nothing that I learn from doing so except some patience and humility,” said the donkey. “I do almost the same thing everyday that my friend here, Mr. Donkey, does, but he forgot to mention that we also always swing our tails to keep flies away,” the ox added.

“Aha, that’s perfect! Please hurry and go to Bethlehem. You are badly needed there,” said the angel to the donkey and the ox.

Now, we know why there is no lion, no fox, and no peacock in the nativity scene.

Source: Crumbs - Spiritual Reflections of Fr. Bobby R. Titco

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Put God In Your Marriage

2025-10-15T04:23:00.001-05:00

The love of newlyweds is special and new
Their future is bright and fresh as dew
Full of promise and their hope is bright
No problem too big that they can't fight.

The first two years, the threat is real
So say the experts, of win or fail
But these two are tried and true
The threat has come and gone; their love is still new.

The first five years have come and gone
Through trials and tribulations, they're still as one
Their love for each other is just as bright
Their dreams of the future is looked on with delight.

Six years, seven years, eight years go past
Dreams of the future now don't last
Even though they say they love one another
They look at each other and silently wonder.

The fights and arguments begin to increase
And the love for each other begin to decrease
Where once they considered the feelings of each other
Now it's too much trouble; they don't want to bother

They've never gone to church; God is a stranger
They go on through life, not seeing the danger
They silently ask themselves, "should this marriage continue
Or should we just stop it now, it's no longer new?"

Once they would agree; now it's "You're wrong, I'm right!"
Not willing to budge, but preparing to fight
They forgot true love and the vows they once canted
Now all they do is take each other for granted.

They look to the future, now it looks bleak
Past fights and emotional scars have made them weak
Without God there to help them grow
They decide to quit, divorce and go.

If only they would have invited Jesus from the very start
Into their lives, and marriage and hearts
There still would be struggles, there and here
But God's Word says, Not To Fear

Your hearts He will refresh daily in love made new
And give you wisdom to know what to do
On Him all your fears and troubles do you cast
And your marriage will be all joy and will continue to last.

What I have spoken here is tried and true
My love for my wife is just like new
Over thirteen years we have been wed
And by God's Word we are still led.

So please, you newlyweds and everyone reading this now
Invite God into your hearts, and you will see how
Your love for each other will always burn bright
As long as you continue in God's Holy Light.

Rick Harris © 11/10/2004 - Dedicated to my loving wife, Ruby

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Children's Bible Answers

2025-09-11T17:33:00.001-05:00

25 hilarious out-takes about the Bible from a child's perspective.

1. Adam and Eve were created from an apple tree Noahs wife was called Joan of Ark Noah built an ark which the animals come on in pears

2. Christians have only one spouse This is called monotony

3. David was a Hebrew king skilled at playing the liar He fought with the Finklesteins a race of people who lived in Biblical times

4. In the first book of the bible Guinessis God got tired of creating the world so he took the Sabbath off

5. It was a miracle when Jesus rose from the dead and managed to get the tombstone off the entrance

6. Jesus enunciated the Golden Rule which says to do one to others before they do one to you He also explained a man doth not live by sweat alone

7. Jesus was born because Mary had an immaculate contraption

8. Lotu2019s wife was a pillar of salt by day but a ball of fire by night

9. Moses died before he ever reaches Canada Then Joshua led the Hebrews in the battle of Geritol

10. Moses led the Hebrews to the Red Sea where they made unleavened bread which is bread without any ingredients

11. One of the opossums was St Matthew who was also a taximan

12. Samson slayed the Philistines with the axe of the Apostles

13. Samson was a strongman who let himself be led astray by a Jezebel like Delilah

14. Solomon one of Davids sons had 300 wives and 700 porcupines

15. St John the blacksmith dumped water on his head

16. St Paul cavorted to Christianity He preached holy acrimony which is another name for marriage

17. The Egyptians were all drowned in the dessert Afterwards Moses went up on Mount Cyanide to get the ten amendments

18. The Jews were a proud people and throughout history they had trouble with the unsympathetic Genitals

19. The epistles were the wives of the apostles

20. The first commandment was when Eve told Adam to eat the apple

21. The greatest miracle in the Bible is when Joshua told his son to stand still and he obeyed him

22. The people who followed the lord were called the 12 decibels

23. The seventh commandment is thou shalt not admit adultery

24. When Mary heard that she was the mother of Jesus she sang the Magna Carta

25. When the three wise guys from the east side arrived the found Jesus in the manager

TV Outtakes - Children Talk About Their Favorite Bible Story

Adapted From: http://loveandsalvation.blogspot.com

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Parable of the Yeast / Leaven

2025-09-04T04:33:00.000-05:00

Parable of the Yeast

What is the meaning of the Parable of the Leaven?

The Parable of the Leaven, also called the parable of the yeast, is one of the shortest parables of Jesus. It appears in Matthew 13:33 and Luke 13:20–21, as well as in the non-canonical Gospel of Thomas. - Wikipedia

The main lesson of the parable of the leaven is that the Kingdom of Heaven, though it may start small and hidden, will powerfully and completely grow to transform and affect everything it touches, much like a tiny bit of leaven causes a large batch of dough to rise. This growth is a mysterious but powerful work of God's grace and sovereignty, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God's promises on a global scale. - AI Overview

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The Miracles of Jesus

2025-09-04T01:47:00.006-05:00

The "miracles of Jesus" refer to supernatural events recorded in the New Testament where Jesus displayed divine power over nature, sickness, evil spirits, and even death, such as turning water into wine, calming a storm, healing lepers and the blind, casting out demons, and raising people from the dead.

The 37 Miracles of Jesus in Chronological Order from SunnyHillChurch in Wytheville, VA

45 Jesus Miracles Clipart - Bible Story Watercolor Illustrations
Images can be found at Etsy

YouTube: The 37 MIRACLES of Jesus Christ ✨ Every Miracle Recorded in the Gospels (KJV)

Famous Saints Thru The Centuries

2025-09-03T21:33:00.017-05:00

FAMOUS SAINTS DOWN THROUGH THE CENTURIES

St. Ambrose

St. Jerome

St. Gregory the Great

St. Athanasius

St. John Chrysostom

St. Basil the Great

St. Gregory of Nazianzus

St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Bonaventure

St. Anselm of Canterbury

St. Isidore of Seville

St. Peter Chrysologus

St. Leo I, the Great

St. Peter Damian

St. Bernard of Clairvaux

St. Hilary of Poitiers

St. Alphonsus Liguori

St. Cyril of Jerusalem

St. John of Damascus

St. Cyril of Alexandria

St. Bede the Venerable

St. Ephrem the Syrian

St. Peter Canisius

St. John of the Cross

St. Robert Bellarmine

St. Albert the Great

St. Anthony of Padua

St. Francis de Sales

St. Lawrence of Brindisi

St. Catherine of Siena

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

PDF Resources:

St. Ignatius ~ 1st Century.pdf

St. Ireneous ~ 2nd Century.pdf

St. Cyprian ~ 3rd Century.pdf

St. Cyril ~ 4th Century.pdf

St. Leo the Great ~ 5th Century.pdf

St. Gregory ~ 6th Century.pdf

St. Bede ~ 7th Century.pdf

St John of Damascus ~ 8th Century.pdf

St. Alfred the Great ~ 9th Century .pdf

St. Wolfgang ~ 10th Century.pdf

St. Peter Damian ~ 11th Century.pdf

St. Hildegard ~ 12th Century.pdf

St. Thomas Aquinas ~ 13th Century.pdf

St. Catherine of Siena ~ 14th Century.pdf

St. Ignatious of Loyola ~ 15th Century.pdf

St. Teresa of Avila ~ 16th Century.pdf

St. Bellarmine ~ 17th Century.pdf

St. Alphonsus ~ 18th Century.pdf

St. Elizabeth Seton ~ 19th Century.pdf

St. Maximilisn Kolbe ~ 20th Century.pdf

St. John Paul II ~ 21st Century.pdf

Image Credit: HappySaints.com
Resources: The Saints That Changed The World, Top 10 Saints and Saints through the Centuries by Richard Thornton

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'Twas the night before kindergarten

2025-09-02T17:50:00.021-05:00

'Twas the night before kindergarten, when all through the house
All the little people were sleeping, it was just me and my spouse.

Her backpack was placed by the front door with care,

A special new outfit laid out on the floor, she would wear.

She had picked it herself, that girl was quite proud.

It was totally her style, it was colorful and loud.

She had stood in those aisles 'till she found the right one.

It was covered in glitter, it was so happy and fun.

When down the kids' hallway we heard a small sound,

Followed by little feet tiptoeing on the ground.

Our tiny kindergartner peeked her head 'round the wall,

Her bottom lip quivering, she started to bawl.

We called her over and held onto her tight,

She buried her face into my chest and squeezed with all her might.

"I'm afraid to go to kindergarten, I'm scared for you to leave me,

What if I miss you? What if I feel lonely?"

My husband and I looked at each other and sighed,

We knew this was coming, and I tried not to cry.

"It's ok to be scared and feel a bit nervous,

But here is a secret, I want you to remember this.

"Wherever you go, whatever you do,

Mommy and Daddy will always believe in you!

You were made for this moment, to go do big things,

God made you for tomorrow, to spread your new wings.

"He has empowered you to be who you are, there's no one else like you.

And when you get scared, you can do what I do.

I just close my eyes and think of Jesus next to me,

His hand on my shoulder, He's right here with me.

Then I take a deep breath and I say in my mind,

'It's not by my strength, but by His I'm defined!'

So when tomorrow morning comes you can bravely walk in,

Knowing you're not alone, that you never have been."

So today when I dropped my little girl off,

She bravely walked in, with her wings she took off.

But I heard her whisper as she walked out of sight,

"I've got this Mommy, with Jesus I will be alright."

Source: From Blacktop to Dirt Road