One Christmas we had an interesting experience that I would like to share. Halfway through December we were doing the regular evening things when there was a knock at the door. We opened it to find a small package with a beautiful ceramic lamb inside. We looked at the calendar and realized that the 12 days of Christmas were beginning! We waited excitedly for the next night's surprise and only then, with the gift of a matching shepherd, did we realized that the lamb was part of a nativity set. Each night we grew more excited to see what piece we would receive. Each was exquisitely beautiful. The kids kept trying to catch the givers as we slowly built the scene at the manager and began to focus on Christ's birth. On Christmas Eve, all the pieces were in place, but the baby Jesus. My 12-year-old son really wanted to catch our benefactors and began to devise all kinds of ways to trap them. He ate his dinner in the mini-van watching and waiting, but no one came. Finally we called him in to go through our family's Christmas Eve traditions. But before the kids went to bed we checked the front step - No Baby Jesus! We began to worry that my son had scared them off. My husband suggested that maybe they dropped the Jesus and there wouldn't be anything coming. Somehow something was missing that Christmas Eve. There was a feeling that things weren't complete. The kids went to bed and I put out Christmas gifts, but before I went to bed I again checked to see if the Jesus had come - no, the doorstep was empty. In our family the kids can open their stockings when they want to, but they have to wait to open any presents until Dad wakes up. So one by one they woke up very early and I also woke up to watch them. Even before they opened their stockings, each child checked to see if perhaps during the night the baby Jesus had come. Missing that piece of the set seemed to have an odd effect. At least it changed my focus. I knew there were presents under the tree for me and I was excited to watch the children open their gifts, but first on my mind was the feeling of waiting for the ceramic Christ Child. We had opened just about all of the presents when one of the children found one more for me buried deep beneath the limbs of the tree. He handed me a small package from my former visiting teaching companion. This sister was somewhat less-active in the church. I had been her visiting teacher for a couple of years and then, when she was asked to be a visiting teacher, she requested to go with me. I had learned over time they didn't have much for Christmas, so that their focus was the children. It sounded like she didn't get many gifts to open, so I had always given her a small package - new dish towels, the next year's Relief Society lesson manual - not much, but something for her to open. I was touched when at Church on the day before Christmas, she had given me this small package, saying it was just a token of her love and appreciation. As I took off the bow, I remembered my friendship with her and was filled with gratitude for knowing her and for her kindness and sacrifice in this year giving me a gift. But as the paper fell away, I began to tremble and cry. There in the small brown box was the baby Jesus. He had come! I realized on that Christmas Day that Christ will come into our lives in ways that we don't expect. The spirit of Christ comes into our hearts as we serve one another. We had waited and watched for him to come, expecting the dramatic "knock at the door and scurrying of feet" but he came in a small, simple package that represented service friendship, gratitude, and love. This experience taught me that the beginning of the true spirit of Christmas comes as we open our hearts and actively focus on the Savior. But we will most likely find him in the small and simple acts of love, friendship and service that we give to each other. This Christmas I want to feel again the joy of knowing that Christ is in our home. I want to focus on loving and serving. More than that I want to open my heart to him all year that I may see him again. "To God be the glory"

This morning's soapbox is a Moby Christmas Tradition called "The Art Collector". The pre-recorded track is on the Moby in the Morning's first CD, "Going for the Gold" which is available in the Moby store on Mobyinthemorning.com

'Twas the night before Christmas & out on the ranch The pond was froze over & so was the branch. The snow was piled up belly-deep to a mule. The kids were all home on vacation from school, And happier young folks you never did see- Just all sprawled around a-watchin' TV. Then suddenly, some time around 8 o'clock, There came a surprise that gave them a shock! The power went off, the TV went dead! When Grandpa came in from out in the shed With an armload of wood, the house was all dark. "Just what I expected," they heard him remark. "Them power line wires must be down from the snow. Seems sorter like times on the ranch long ago." "I'll hunt up some candles," said Mom. "With their light, And the fireplace, I reckon we'll make out all right." The teen-agers all seemed enveloped in gloom. Then Grandpa came back from a trip to his room, Uncased his old fiddle & started to play That old Christmas song about bells on a sleigh. Mom started to sing, & 1st thing they knew Both Pop & the kids were all singing it, too. They sang Christmas carols, they sang "Holy Night," Their eyes all a-shine in the ruddy firelight. They played some charades Mom recalled from her youth, And Pop read a passage from God's Book of Truth. They stayed up till midnight-and, would you believe, The youngsters agreed 'twas a fine Christmas Eve. Grandpa rose early, some time before dawn; And when the kids wakened, the power was on.. "The power company sure got the line repaired quick," Said Grandpa - & no one suspected his trick. Last night, for the sake of some old-fashioned fun, He had pulled the main switch - the old Son-of-a-Gun! -anonymous

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the Pre-Christmas pressure. Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more. When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where. Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered. Frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor. In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor. He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom. Just then the doorbell rang, and an irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree. The angel said very cheerfully, 'Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?' And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree.

'Someone asked the other day, 'What was your favorite fast food when you were growing up?' 'We didn't have fast food when I was growing up,' I informed him. 'All the food was slow.' 'C'mon, seriously. Where did you eat?' 'It was a place called 'at home,'' I explained! 'Mom cooked every day and when Dad got home from work, we sat down together at the dining room table, and if I didn't like what she put on my plate I was allowed to sit there until I did like it.' By this time, the kid was laughing so hard I was afraid he was going to suffer serious internal damage, so I didn't tell him the part about how I had to have permission to leave the table. But here are some other things I would have told him about my childhood if I figured his system could have handled it : Some parents NEVER owned their own house, never wore Levis, never set foot on a golf course, never traveled out of the country or had a credit card. In their later years they had something called a revolving charge card The card was good only at Sears & Roebuck. My parents never drove me to soccer practice. This was mostly because we never had heard of soccer. I had a bicycle that weighed probably 50 pounds, and only had one speed, (slow) We didn't have a television in our house until I was 19. It was, of course, black and white, and the station went off the air at midnight, after playing the national anthem and a poem about God; it came back on the air at about 6 a..m. I was 21 before I tasted my first pizza, it was called 'pizza pie.' When I bit into it, I burned the roof of my mouth and the cheese slid off, swung down, plastered itself against my chin and burned that, too. It's still the best pizza I ever had.. Pizzas were not delivered to our home But milk was. I never had a telephone in my room. The only phone in the house was in the living room and it was on a party line. Before you could dial, you had to listen and make sure some people you didn't know weren't already using the line. All newspapers were delivered by boys and all boys delivered newspapers --my brother delivered a newspaper, six days a week. It cost 7 cents a paper, of which he got to keep 2 cents. He had to get up at 6AM every morning. On Saturday, he had to collect the 42 cents from his customers. His favorite customers were the ones who gave him 50 cents and told him to keep the change. His least favorite customers were the ones who seemed to never be home on collection day. Movie stars kissed with their mouths shut. At least, they did in the movies. There were no movie ratings because all movies were responsibly produced for everyone to enjoy viewing, without profanity or violence or most anything offensive. If you grew up in a generation before there was fast food, you may want to share some of these memories with your children or grandchildren. Just don't blame me if they bust a gut laughing.

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron , his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very attached to Belker, and they were hoping for a miracle. I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker, and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home. As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience. The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker’s family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away. The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, ''I know why.'' Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation. It has changed the way I try to live. He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice.'' The Six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long.'' Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like: When loved ones come home, always run to greet them. Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. Allow the experience of fresh air & wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. Take naps. Stretch before rising. Run, romp, and play daily. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. Avoid biting when a simple growl will do. On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass. On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. When someone is having a bad day........be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

A baby’s born in Bethlehem, A star cast light upon His head, And the Angels gathered round Him, In a manger for His bed. The people came from near and far, Following the big star’s light, They moved in close to see Him, On this very first Christmas night. The people stared in wonder, Not quite knowing what was odd, The star and the Angels voices, The child they saw was the son of God. There was fear in the higher places, That this child would bring them down, This baby not even old enough, To have His feet set on the ground. He was hidden for many summers, Then became a carpenter by trade, He spoke to groups of people, Who had seen their hope begin to fade. The people saw the miracles, That the son of God could do, Some He made to walk again, And He made some eyes as good as new. A baby’s born in Bethlehem, A baby born our sins to bear, The precious baby Jesus, God sent to earth to show His care. Written By: Danny Dunbar MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Hey Moby! My name is Stephanie, 17 yrs old, from Cedartown. My Dad and I listen to you every morning on the way to school. I just wanted to let you know that your Small Town Soapbox's make me cry almost every morning, but I enjoy them. (especially military ones). My fiance is a Marine, stationed at Camp Lejeune, NC. As it is right now i've seen him 4 times this year. He is expecting to be one of the Tank Mechanics to be deployed somewhere in Korea around the middle of next year. I am so thankful that he will be here for this Christmas, I am very lucky. Thank you for making me smile. . . and cry! :) Please write back, YEAHHHH BABY! Dear Stephanie, You’re so young, so beautiful, and so in love. Just as you asked me to write you back, I ask you to print and save this. It’s Christmas time 2010. The love of your life, a handsome, young, strong, dedicated United States Marine will probably have to go far away to honor the oath he freely took. While he’s away protecting and defending the Constitution of our United States, you will also be serving America, Stephanie. A young bride to be, keeping the home fires burning. That will be your duty to America. The job you’ve committed to, will be to make sure your Marine knows there’s a warm, and welcoming home to return to. While he’s being the man he pledged to be, when he closes his eyes at night, it’ll be your face he sees. Returning home to you will consume him, and keep him vigilant. Looking so forward to the hug and kiss waiting when your eyes meet again, that’s kept so many Marines going when they thought they could go no further. In some ways, my patriotic angel, your strength will need to be equal to his. If he didn’t already believe it was, he wouldn’t be so desperately in love with you this Christmas season. I think it might be a good thing for the both of you to visit a nursing home before he leaves with his troops, or maybe reach out to a VFW post. It won’t be hard to find an old couple there, still very much in love. A couple that many years ago were a pretty young girl, and a duty bound Marine on his way to war. Then maybe someday a young couple will come to visit the two of you, and they’ll see an elderly couple holding hands, that have great stories to tell, and they’ll listen in amazement. Do you understand this “cycle of life”, sweet Stephanie? Understand this. It’s simply the way it’s always been. These days are such a beautiful part of that story. I think it’s just supposed to take several decades for you to thoroughly understand the beauty of this wonderful life the two of you will have together. But you will understand it, and a blessing for me would be that a long time from now, Stephanie & her Marine would read this simple email response to their grandchildren. You asked me to write you back, and I have. My duty here, I feel, was to give you a perspective you might not have had in the mix of your fear, dread, impending loneliness and pain. All those things are certainly part of life, Stephanie, but they’re only the price that’s to be paid for the life you’ll be blessed with, you and your handsome Marine. God bless you both, Moby

This morning's soapbox is a Moby Christmas Tradition called "A Soldier's Night Before Christmas". The pre-recorded track is on the Moby in the Morning second CD, "Moby Done Gone Plumb Platinum" which is available for purchase in the Moby store on Mobyinthemorning.com

Hi Mr. Moby, This is radio cousin Dianne, just thought I would share a story with you. My husband and I went to Hawaii back in 1998 to spend 3 weeks staying on 4 different islands while there. When asked what was on top of my lists to do, Pearl Harbor was it. As we were there, visiting the Arizona Memorial, my emotions were of sadness and pride and gratitude for the lives lost and what they did for our freedom. We cannot imagine the suffering they went through for us, but, when you are actually there, you can somehow realize what it must have been like to go through what they did. While on the Arizona Memorial, no one was talking, you could have heard a pin drop. The feeling was somber as we stood on top of the final resting place of these brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice. As I returned home, I could not shake the feeling of not being able to show comfort to someone, who was there, for I knew no one. I guess this next encounter I had was meant to be. As I was in Kmart in Rome one day, I say an elderly gentleman and his wife leaving as I went in the door. He was wearing a Pearl Harbor Survivor cap. The feeling was overwhelming as I found myself approach the man, not knowing what I was really going to do next, I said to him. Sir, were you at Pearl Harbor? As he said yes Maam, I was. I explained our visit to the Memorial and I wanted to say "Thank you for what you and the other men and women went through for us." I asked if I could give him and hug and our tears started to fall. It was a feeling I can never replace as I hugged the complete stranger. You know the song, "I Saw God Today?" Well, I did. I will never forget the face of this old man as he said "Thank You." Mr. Moby, I knew Tuesday was the anniversary, but, I knew you would not be able to have time to listen to my story over the phone and I knew I would become emotional as I told it to you. Just thought you might want to hear about this. Take care and yeah baby. Dianne Watters

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children; after many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable, and after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids. She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year - overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, get that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, make sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card. Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot." From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet, calm voice respond, "Don't worry. We already crucified Him." For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop. Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word. If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack. It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an attack against Malaya. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night, Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands. Last night, the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This morning, the Japanese attacked Midway Island. Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The People of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation. As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might, will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the People when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost, but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us. Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding determination of our People - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God. I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, 1941 a state of War has existed between the United States and the Japanese empire. The words of an American leader in a day when our dedicated American leader was respected from coast to coast, and no one doubted his resolve in protecting and defending these United States of America, and the Constitution under which we all thrive. Don’t forget, and don’t let your children forget that the nation they were lucky enough to be born citizens of, is the greatest nation on Earth, and without the dedication of sworn, and devoutly patriotic leaders, that might not long be the case. Without your parenting, without the leadership of all those we elect, December 7th, 1941 will ultimately not be a day that lives in infamy. Shame on us all if that indeed are the results of 2 and a quarter centuries of prideful history of this beacon on the hill.

I had a dream the other night, I didn't understand A figure walking through the mist, with flintlock in his hand His clothes were torn and dirty, as he stood there by my bed He took off his three cornered hat, and speaking low he said: "We fought a revolution, to secure our liberty We wrote the Constitution, as a shield from tyranny. For future generations, this legacy we gave In this, the land of the free and the home of the brave" You buy permits to travel, and permits to own a gun Permits to start a business, or to build a place for one. On land that you believe you own, you pay a yearly rent Although you have no voice in choosing, how the money's spent. Your children must attend a school that doesn't educate. Your Christian values can't be taught, according to the state. You read about the current news, in a regulated press. You pay a tax you do not owe, to please the I.R.S. Your money is no longer made of Silver or of Gold. You trade your wealth for paper, so you life can be controlled. You pay for crimes that make our Nation, turn from God in shame. You've taken Satan's number, as you've traded in your name. You've given government control, to those who do you harm, So they can padlock churches, and steal the family farm, And keep our country deep in debt, put men of God in jail, harass your fellow countrymen, while corrupted courts prevail. Your public servants don't uphold the solemn oath they've sworn. Your daughters visit doctors, so their children won't be born. Your leaders ship artillery, and guns to foreign shores, And send your sons to slaughter, fighting other people's wars. Can you regain the freedom for which we fought and died? Or don't you have the courage, or the faith to stand with pride? Are there no more values for which you'll fight to save? Or do you wish your children, to live in fear and be a slave? People of the Republic, arise and take a stand! Defend the Constitution, the Supreme Law of the Land! Preserve our Great Republic, and God-Given Right! And pray to God, to keep the torch of Freedom burning bright! As I awoke he vanished, in the mist from whence he came His words were true, (WE ARE NOT FREE), we have ourselves to blame. For even now as tyrants, trample each God-Given Right! We only watch and tremble, too afraid to stand and fight. If he stood by your bedside, in a dream, while you're asleep, And wonders what remains of our Rights he fought to keep What would be your answer, if he called out from the grave: "Is this still the land of the free and the home of the brave???"

The LORD is my real boss, and I shall not want. He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me. He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without murmuring and complaining. He reminds me that He is my source and not my job. He restores my sanity everyday and guides my decisions that I might honor him on all that I do. Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks,, gossiping co-workers, discriminating supervisors and an aging body that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I will not stop, for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power will see me through. He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me. He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens to let me go. His faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check. His retirement plan beats every 401K there is! When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot longer and for that, I bless His name! Amen.

“Good morning”, said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on ground. The man slowly looked up. This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life "Leave me alone," he growled...To his amazement, the woman continued standing. She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked. "No," he answered sarcastically "I just had breakfast with the president. Now go away." The woman's smile became broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm. "What are you doing, lady?" he asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.” Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked.. "No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get him to his feet. Will you help me?" The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's a fixture around here for a. What do you want with him?" "See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile." "Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything." "This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer told him. "Don't blow it." Finally, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so the lunch bunch had not yet arrived.... The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?" "This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered. "Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business." Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. I didn't want to come here in the first place." The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled.. "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?" "Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms." "And do you make a goodly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?" "What business is that of yours?" I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company." "Oh." The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?" "No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty." "Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?" "Yes, mam. That would be very nice." The cafeteria manager said, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer." The officer watched him leave. "You certainly put him in his place," he said. "That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this." She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?" Old Jack searched her face. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar." "I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry." "Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry "I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. It was February, I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat" Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against policy." "I know," the woman said. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble. Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right." "So you started your own business?" Old Jack said. "I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you." There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said. "Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus... He led me to you." Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways.... "Thank you for all your help, officer," she said. "On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And..And thank you for the coffee." May God Bless You Always and don't forget that when you "cast your bread upon the waters," you never know how it will be returned to you.. God is so big He can cover the whole world with his Love and so small He can curl up inside your heart.

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend. The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have superhuman ears!" "No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for." "But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise." "Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs. "See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you." What's important to you? What do you listen for? Some people say that there is no God, and that He never speaks to us anymore. But perhaps they can't see or hear Him because they aren't listening for Him. They are living for themselves, not for God. If you are in tune with God, you will be able to notice Him at work in your life and in the world. And you'll be able to hear Him when He speaks.