One day, Tolly, a gnome of some repute, decided he would host a garden party.  No, no really, it was his wife, Goody, who wanted to host it. "Who can we invite?" asked Tolly. "All the village gnomes, fairies, familiars and such." declared Goody. So, the invitations went out far and wide.  Acceptances were received back.

Then the day for the garden party arrived.   Lolly and Goody stood out in the garden to greet their guests. Much to their joy, the Rose Fairy came with her rose colored parasol.  Wherever she went, she was said to leave strong magic, which would ensure the most beautiful garden.

Goody came out with a huge teacart laden with teapots, cups, saucers, milk, lemon, and sugar.  Lolly came out with another cart laden with sandwiches, scones, fruitcake and all kinds of snacks. More of the neighboring fair folk were arriving.  Silly, Goody's sister came with her husband, Hardy.  Leannea, the Ginger Fairy, who gave away sacks of ginger to everyone present, followed them. Several of the familiars were also there with their fae folk. 

 
One dragon had an upset tummy from too many snacks and was making little smoky belches. Peppy, the Peppermint fae, arrived and he gave the belching dragon some peppermints to calm his tummy. He felt much better.  His breath was also sweeter.

Tilly, the fairy of Sage brought some yummy cucumbers sandwiches, which were lightly coated with the Sage. Lolly and Goody was so happy with their party and the generosity of all their friends to each other.

Once everyone ate and drank their fill, the music started.  The dancing continued all afternoon well into the evening.   Lolly and Goody danced to the music of silver fiddles.  Their feet felt so light.  Many of the fairies were dancing in the air.  The dragons spiraled up and down to the music. More food was brought out and lots of milk.  The Fair Folk really love milk.

Soon everyone was tired.  It was time to go home. Finally, all the fair folk were taking their leave.  The last to go was the Rose Fairy.  Before she left, she pressed a packet of seeds into Goody's hand.

"These will ensure a lovely flower garden for now and for years to come."  She told Goody. Goody took the seeds and thanked the Rose Fairy.  "It is a great gift to have!" she exclaimed.

The next day, Lolly planted the seeds.  Since they were magical seeds, they worked immediately and the garden sprung into a wonderland of the most exquisite flowers. Goody was so thankful.  "Every year, we will give a garden party and give the Rose Fairy a place of honor for the blessing she bestowed on our house."

True to their word, they did just that.  They, in turn, had the most beautiful flower garden around and when they had children, they were the most fey little gnomes ever seen. And they all lived happily ever after.

There was a young man named Ben who was finishing a fast one day. His hand reached first for bread. He mused that after a fast he should crave that which represents the staff of life.

"Even in making a peanut butter sandwich, I think of Jesus!" he thought. Friends accused him of being absolutely fanatical on the subject, even friends who went to church. One friend Ted even accused him of being obsessive on the matter. Ted didn't understand his friend's fascination even though they were good friends at school.

Ben found himself thinking of Ted. He wished he could get Ted to understand the joy he had in making Christ the focus of his life. Ben poured himself a glass of milk, but he also poured out his heart to the Father.

"God, please help Ted to understand! I care for him so much! I wish we shared this love for you! We could really bond like brothers!"

About that time, the doorbell rang. Ben set aside his meal and went to the door and there stood Ted. He was shaking.

"What is the matter?" his friend asked him.

"It is Bill, he got a hold of some bad stuff at a party and he almost died, man! I found myself praying for him and he held on!"

Ben hugged his friend and asked to him to sit down. "Man, I felt so lost!" said Ted. "Then I felt peace come upon me. Like someone cared! Like God cared!"

Ben smiled "Maybe, you understand my fanaticism a little now."

Ted looked sheepish. "A little. But so many Christians are hypocrites. They judge and point and they're hardly perfect themselves, so I didn't want any part of it!"



Ben looked at Ted. "What's your favorite sport?"

Ted said, "You know it's baseball no secret there!"

"Well, are all the fans at the games nice, then?" asked Ben.

"Heck no!" exclaimed Ted. "Some are so obnoxious, it really gets on my nerves!"

Ben smiled a little smile and said to Ted, "You still like baseball in spite of that?"

 
"Yes."

"Well, I feel the same way about Jesus. Even if there are some obnoxious fans out there, I am not only rooting for a winning team, I am ON a winning team."

Ted was quiet for a while letting it all sink in.

"Hey" he said "If you go with me to see the game his Saturday, I will go with you to church Sunday."

Ben grinned and said, "It's a deal! Would you like a peanut butter sandwich?"