BIBLES STORIES

A VERY WISE KING

A legend retold about the wisest king there ever was.

TOPICS:
Solomon, Knowledge, Wisdom

DURATION:
Approximately 7 minutes

A long time ago, there lived a very, very wise King. He was so wise he
knew the ways of most everything. He knew of animals, birds, fish, and
trees. And he taught people from all over the world about these.

Now one breezy day, a tiny bee lost her way, and flew right into the
Kings beautiful palace. The little bee begged the King, Please, let me
live, and I will serve you some other day.

The King was amused to think a tiny bee could one day serve such a mighty king. He released the
bee and said, Go, be on your way, for I need nothing more from you today.

Many days later, the people of the kingdom filled the palace yard. A queen was coming to visit from a
a far away land. She heard many people claim this king was very wise. She had to know for sure
that they were not all just lies. Finally, she arrived and came up to the Kings lofty throne. She offered
her friendship and wonderful gifts, but finally the queen made her real purpose known.

I hear you are wise, she said. You are wiser than the rest. Would you be willing to put your wisdom
to a test?

The King agreed, and she did her best, with riddles, tricks, and difficult tests. In fact, she became
quite a bothersome pest.

One day she gave the King a large gemstone, and through the very middle was a tiny twisty hole.
See if you can put a thread through this gem, she challenged the King with a devious grin. But the
King asked a silkworm to climb through the hole, which is not a big problem for a tiny silkworm, you
know. And as it did, a thin thread of silk followed the silkworm all the way through.

Another time, the queen tested his skills by filling a room with fifty boys and fifty girls. They were all
dressed alike so the King could not tell, if one was a boy or another a girl. See if you can pick out
the boys from the girls. Then I will know you are the wisest in the world.
But the King knew exactly how he could tell. He had his servants bring bowls of water for each child.
Then he told the children not to make this a race, but he would like all of them to wash off their face.
The boys splashed and splashed at the very word go, but the girls daintily dipped their fingers into
the bowl. By this the King could very easily tell, who was a boy and who was a girl.

Now the queen was quite angered at the Kings show of wisdom, and all the more determined to find
a way to trick him. We must have a test, she challenged her advisors, To prove this kings a fool,
not to prove he is wiser!

So they came up with a plan that would surely not fail. It indeed was a test to make the others look
pale. They ordered the queens craftsmen to make ninety-nine flowers, fake through and through,
but looking so real. When finished, even the queen could not tell they were fake. She was sure the
King would make the very same mistake. And then from the Kings garden, she took just one real
flower, and cleverly hid it among all the others.

Tomorrow will be a wonderful day," the queen said, because we will make the wise King look
foolish instead. Yes, during the party that is held in his honor, we will test the King then, to find his
real flower.

The next day, the people gathered from over the land to attend the party and worship their king.
Then right after the meal the queen stood and spoke. She grabbed the attention of all of the good
folk.

Listen everyone, I have something to say. Just one more test to give the King today. My craftsmen
created many beautiful flowers. They all look so real to test the kings powers. Ninety-nine are fake,
but one is real somewhere. Can the King find that one, if only he dare?

The King, not wanting to be fooled by this queen, accepted the challenge she handed to him. He
sniffed at the flowers, but they all smelled so sweet, and all of the flowers were as soft as could be.
The flowers were all so beautiful to see, now which one could the real flower be? The King hesitated,
and the people did wonder, Could our king not be so wise and so great? Surely he could tell a real
flower from fake.

The King became a bit perplexed and did not know what to do next. Suddenly, he heard a faint
buzzing sound, something was there buzzing around. It was the tiny little bee he saved many days
before. I am here at your service, here I am sir. I am here to repay the kindness you gave, on that
one breezy day.

The tiny bee quickly flew over the flowers and in no time at all found the one searching for, the one
with the honey, so sweet and so pure. The King stooped down and plucked the flower. Here is the
one, no need to look further. He handed it to the queen to see. And the craftsmen confirmed, it was
the real one indeed. Finally, the queen had to give in and admitted this king was truly the wisest
there ever had been.
And yes he truly was, for this was King Solomon, the son of David. When Solomon prayed for
wisdom instead of riches, God said, "I will do what you have asked. I will give you a wise and
discerning heart, so that there will never have been anyone like you, nor will there ever be.
Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked forboth riches and honorso that in your
lifetime you will have no equal among kings." (1 Kings 3:12 -13)
AT THE CARNIVAL
Follow the great adventure one family had at "The Carnival."

TOPICS:
Christian Living, Eternal Life, Heaven, Kingdom of God, Salvation

DURATION:
Approximately 15 minutes

In a not so large town called Aspen, there was a carnival situated just past
the last corner. This carnival seemed to have been in existence forever.
Rumor had it that the owner was so rich he might own the whole town.
People say that although they do not know why, they think the owner
lives inside the carnival grounds.

Many have said they occasionally see him drive out of town in his expensive limousine, and then not
return for several days, even weeks. They can always tell when he comes home, because there
seems to be a big celebration going on. At night, the Carnival is so brightly lit, it is like looking at
fireworks. You can see in the distance the magnificent rides, and the joyful noise of people rings
through the wee hours of the night.

Although the carnival is just right there within the reach of every resident, the strangest thing is that
nobody seems to have been inside. And believe it or not, you can find some worn out
advertisements in just about every store in Aspen that entrance to the carnival is free!

One day, a new family from a distant place moved into town. They had two school-aged children, a
dog and a cat.

They searched far and wide for a place to settle before they decided on this town. Their decision
was based mostly on the carnival being nearby. The family thought it would be good for the children
to be able to go to an amusement park without crossing the whole country!

The children were excited. They couldnt wait to start school, meet new friends and go to the
carnival. After a few days of getting settled in, the family ventured out to meet their new neighbors.
They were happy to find that their neighbors were all wonderful. Some brought them welcome
cookies, some were eager to tell them about their wonderful town, and some were just plain friendly
neighbors. Next, the family went to the biggest store in town.

Although the store was big, everyone that went in and out seemed to know each other. The large
selection of toys should have caught their eyes, but the one thing that really grabbed their attention
was a worn out little piece of paper plastered on the back wall of the toy area. It read, FREE
ADMISSION for anyone who wants to go to the Carnival.
The family found what they needed and while checking out had the pleasure of meeting the
storeowner. What do you know about the carnival? the dad inquired.

The carnival, yes. You know its free to anyone who wants to go inside, replied the storeowner.
People that have been there think its great. But lots of folks that live here, I would say, have never
seen the inside. It's just outsiders that visit the carnival.

That seems strange, why is that? asked the dad, unable to make sense out of the storeowner's
response.

The storeowner looked up at the ceiling, as if contemplating, I dont know, he finally answered. But
you know what is even stranger, the carnival has been here such a long time, its taken for granted
by the residents here. I can count on my fingers the number of people I know that went inside. But
that was years ago. I remember when they came out, they were so happy. All they talked about was
how wonderful it was inside the carnival. Then they yes all of them, as if by some unseen force
were driven away. Said they had to tell people everywhere they should try to see the carnival, and
that they needed to get people from other towns to come and visit the carnival. So really, all those
people you see there that keep on visiting, they re all outsiders. Most of the original folks here dont
really want to be bothered. Some think those people are nuts. As for myself, I dont care for all that
stuff. It may be wonderful there, it may be free, but Im comfortable right here. I can get enough
amusement and happiness from what I have. Who knows, maybe someday Ill pop in for a while.
After all, the carnival is just right past the corner."

Another man standing next in line also commented, I know what you mean. If you ask me, I think its
strange. I have seen the owner. He is the only rich person I know that smiles at you. He even knows
my name. But nah, I think it is scary. What if he has something hidden that will trap you? And all
these people that visit the place, they are so happy its creepy!"

The family thanked the storeowner for serving them and everyone said goodbye to each other. Then
they all left the store, quite intrigued by what they heard.

One day, the children were playing with their dog in the yard, while the cat was inside the house just
watching. Somehow, the cat got out and started running. The dog chased after the cat and the
children chased after them both. Then the cat slipped through an open gate, and they were all still
running and chasing and chasing and running. Suddenly, the children stopped. It just dawned on
them were they were.

Looking wide eyed they gazed left to right, right to left, up and down, with their mouths wide open.
They couldnt move out of amazement. Right there in front of them was the biggest carousel in the
world! The white horses gleaming with their golden manes, and they had wings. They were not like
your regular carousel horses made of wood, these were real, going clipity clop round and around,
floating, no, flying low, in unison in a circular motion underneath an umbrella-like canopy of brilliant
colors. The horses looked at the children invitingly, their eyes serene, as if telling them it is okay.
Behind the carousel was a Ferris wheel that seemed to reach the sky, with spokes made of shiny
silver. As it was spinning it produced bright lights that looked like fireworks, but it was daylight, and
yet the lights were not blinding. It was just magnificent! Not far beyond the Ferris wheel, was a
crooked looking rainbow. Thats weird, look, a crooked rainbow, said the girl as she ran towards it
with her brother not far behind.

As they got nearer, the rainbow seemed to get wider and closer to the ground. They could see that it
was not a crooked rainbow after all. It was a roller coaster sitting on clouds of different heights and
sizes, and it started just above the ground in front of them. They were just about to get on when the
boy saw something moving. Look! he cried pointing to a baby lion. Lets go pet it! As they ran
nearer to the lion, many different kinds of animals appeared from everywhere. They seemed to be
roaming around freely, with no one tending to them. There were chickens perched just about
everywhere they looked, goats were happily nibbling grass nearby, and a camel strutted by as if
going on a long journey. They even saw an elephant squirting water playfully at all sorts of birds
teasing him, flying in circles around him.

Then, they saw their cat. It was nuzzled against a big lion. The lion was licking the cat like his own
cub. And next to the lion was a gentle looking sheep, talking to the lion. Listen, the sheep is talking
to the lion, exclaimed the boy.

SHHH!" said the girl not moving. Maybe if we just keep still, they wont notice us, lets call Kitty."
The girl tried to call the cat, but it didnt seem to hear her. They both tried a few more times and were
about to give up when they felt someone was with them.

As they looked behind them, there was this man that appeared like a farmer, motioning something to
the cat. At once, the cat came and jumped into the boys arms. When he looked down, there was his
dog too, patiently waiting. We are very sorry, we didnt mean to break in, we were just going after
our pets, said the girl.

The farmer gently explained to them that it was all right for them to be there, and he offered them to
stay and play and have fun. But the boy was hesitant. We do not really know you, and we dont
really understand where we are or the meaning of this. Our parents need to know where we are. We
will need their permission.

Very well, replied the farmer. Im sure Ill be seeing you again soon.

With that, the children went home, and promptly told their parents. Their mom and dad were worried
at first, but after hearing all that happened, they became less concerned. Instead they were quite
intrigued and curious. If all they heard was true, how come the townspeople dont know about this. If
this was truly a wonderful place, and above all else free, why was it that no one would bother to find
out. They thought and pondered about it for some time. Occasionally, they would ask the children if it
really was a wonderful place, was it truly free?
The parents reasoned, "Well, the only way to find out was to go there ourselves. But wait, what if
there was a catch. Maybe the carnival owner lets children in free so the parents will come next, and
then they are trapped. Maybe the parents will be asked for money or made to work hard. Even so,
the visitors that came and went always returned happy, and always seemed to have one purpose
after each visit. They all wanted to tell others about the carnival, saying it had something that they
have never experienced before."

So finally one day, the family set out to go to the carnival. The parents had felt for a long time that
they were missing something, and the only way to fill that empty feeling was to go and see. We can
take Kitty and Pup, said the little boy, but their parents hesitated.

It will be ok, and maybe the talking lion misses Kitty, the girl assured her parents. The parents
thought the idea about the lion was absurd, but finally agreed. So they started out for the carnival.

Upon reaching the gate, the pets bolted in and the children ran, but the parents stood for a moment
and gingerly peeked in. They were startled and almost screamed when suddenly they found
themselves face to face with a lion.

Come in, the lion said as it walked on ahead. They followed in, and just like the children earlier,
they were filled with emotions and feelings that they never felt before. They saw things that didnt
exist outside the gate. The carousel with living horses, a Ferris wheel gleaming and sprinkling the
sky with fireworks, the crooked rainbow, and oh, all the animals, wild animals, acting like they were
pets. They looked at the ground, but could not see dirt or floors. Instead they seem to be walking on
a dense mist, and yet it wasnt moist.

Mother, called out the little girl, Would you like some fruit?" The mother went to her, followed by
her husband still looking a little dazed.

What is this? the mother asked as she took one. The fruit was the size of her hand, it felt like jell
and was colorless. She was hesitant to put it in her mouth.

It tastes like any fruit you want it to be, said the boy. At that the mother tasted it while thinking of an
apple, and it tasted like one. Then she thought of a banana, and it tasted like a banana.

I cant believe all of this. This is what we have been missing all along! the husband finally declared.
We can live here, all of us can just stay here.

Just then the farmer arrived and the husband recognized him. It was the same guy he saw in the
limousine that went out of town occasionally. Do you like it here? asked the farmer in a voice that
sounded like it was coming out from a gentle stream. This place is for people who believe it exists. I
have told the townspeople that it is wonderful here, but some choose not to believe. Others who
came here saw and believed. They stayed for a while but then they found in their hearts the need to
share what they discovered. They could not contain their joy, so they decided to spend their life
telling others about the carnival, and telling everyone that most of all, its free. You are most definitely
welcome to stay if you like. In fact, there will be another big celebration tonight for all the people that
came.

The family stayed for awhile. But it didnt take very long for the parents to make up their minds. They
will tell others about this carnival. Their friends, brothers and sisters, their boss, even people that
they didnt know must hear about this great place. They will travel far and wide to tell everyone of
this great joy.

The Kingdom of God is like the carnival in this story. It is entirely free, yet so many people miss out
on the joy that comes from being part of God's family. The excuses are many. For some, it is the
feeling that life is going fine just the way it is, why change? They feel they dont need God right now.
But they may never find out how wonderful heaven can be, until it is too late. Others may think, that
too much must be given up to become a Christian. The cost is too great. But salvation costs nothing.
It is a free gift from God. And everyone who receives this free gift will see things like never before.
They will experience a new life in Christ without worldly fear. And you will know them by their fruits.
The joy of Christ cannot be kept inside, it must be shared to all the world.
THE LAZY SOLDIER
Even the best soldiers, if not careful, can get caught up in the wrong things.

TOPICS:
Laziness, Preparedness, Readiness, Serving, Temptation

DURATION:
Approximately 7 minutes

Once upon a time in a land fairly close by, lived a solider named Benny.
Benny held the rank of sergeant in the country of Zeal's army. Sergeant
Benny was a very hard worker and took care to ensure that everything
was in its place. He saw that his rifle was properly taken care of, his
uniform spiffy clean, and that all orders were followed to the letter.

Sergeant Benny would work long hard hours to ensure that everything got done and that everything
was secure. The people of Zeal slept easier knowing that Sergeant Benny was on the job.

One day, the top official of the country of Zeal's army noticed what an outstanding job Sergeant
Benny was doing. He spoke with some of the other officials and they decided to send Sergeant
Benny to the island of Lackadaisical.

You see the soldiers on the island of Lackadaisical were not very hard workers and they hardly ever
finished all their work. The island wasn't very secure. Rumor had it that this island would be the first
place attacked, if and when a war broke out. Sergeant Benny would be a big help to make the island
secure.

Sergeant Benny gladly accepted his new orders, just as he always did. When he arrived on the
island of Lackadaisical he couldn't believe his eyes. The other soldiers' uniforms were very sloppy,
their rifles were covered with dirt and grim, their shoes needed to be shined, and most of them were
lying in the shade drinking lemonade. Sergeant Benny shouted, "What kind of soldiers are you?"

The other soldiers laughed and said to Benny, "Lighten up, who do you think you are anyway? If you
got a problem you should go see the top official of the island."

Sergeant Benny marched right over to the official's house and asked to speak with him. The top
official's name was Mr. Apathetic. Sergeant Benny noticed that Mr. Apathetic was in worse shape
than the soldiers of Lackadaisical.

"Yes, how may I help you?" Mr. Apathetic yawned. Sergeant Benny began to explain how sloppy the
soldiers were and how unsecured the island was, when Mr. Apathetic interrupted him, "Yes, yes,
whatever. Please come back and talk to me after lunch. I need to take a nap right now."
Sergeant Benny returned after lunch and was told to come back after dinner. When he returned after
dinner he was told to come back after breakfast. Mr. Apathetic was always playing and didn't have
time to talk.

This went on for days. The days stretched into weeks. Sergeant Benny tried to talk to the other
soldiers, but they would just laugh and ask who had made him the boss. After a month of this,
Sergeant Benny began to think that maybe he had also been working just a little bit too hard. The
island was beautiful and had many nice places to swim. He decided to take the afternoon off and go
swimming.

After swimming, he was very hungry and ate a big lunch. After eating, he took a long nap. At first
Sergeant Benny felt bad about goofing off and not doing his work, but the more he goofed off, the
easier it became. Soon Benny was goofing off everyday. His rifle was caked with mud, he couldn't
find his boots, his shirt was torn, and he needed to comb his hair.

Benny was just getting ready to take a nap when the alarm sounded. The island of Lackadaisical
was under attack. Benny jumped to his feet and began to run to the army base where he thought he
left his rifle. However, he couldn't run very fast because he was so out of shape. The enemy quickly
defeated the soldiers of Lackadaisical. Not one of the people of Lackadaisical survived the sudden
attack.

We are also in an armyGods army. As soldiers in God's army, we need to make sure that we stay
in shape, by reading our Bibles, praying, worshiping our Lord, and helping others.

Many things can try to distract us from staying in shape.We may think its more fun to ride our bikes
or play videogames, and it is not wrong to do those things, but we need to make sure we put God
first. Some people may not understand the importance of prayer, reading the Bible, or spending time
serving the Lord. Don't follow their bad examples. God wants the best for us and He wants us to stay
in shape. That's an order, soldier!
THE LITTLE APPLE
We may have some plans for our lives, but God always has something better planned for us.
We need to have faith, be patient, and seek the Will of God.

TOPICS:
Faith, Fruitfulness, Patience, Will of God

DURATION:
Approximately 7 minutes

The little apple clung tightly to the branch as a gentle breeze blew by. An
older apple, noticing the younger apples despair chuckled and said,
Looks like your holding on to that branch for dear life little buddy.

The little apple glanced up at the older apple and said, I am! I dont want to fall to the ground. Dont
you know its hard and dusty down there? The ground is filled with worms and creepy crawling bugs.
Why just take a look for yourself, cant you see all the rotten apples down there?

The older apple thought for a moment, and then replied, I know youre concerned about falling from
the tree, but some good things have come from the ground.

Thats not the life for me, retorted the little apple, I plan on being hand picked by a special family,
taken to their home and placed into a beautiful fruit bowl. With my shiny red skin, I shall be the most
delicious looking piece of fruit in the entire bowl!

The older apple gently replied, There is much more to being an apple than just having shiny red
skin.

Yes, I know! the little apple quickly interrupted. One of the children will probably take me to school
for lunch or perhaps have me for a snack after school. He or she will know that I was more than just
a beautiful apple with a shiny red peel. He or she will find out that my fruit is great tasting and
healthy for him or her.

Yes, yes, you could be all those things for a season, the older apple tried to reply.

But once again the little apple broke in, Why, after he or she has finished eating the fruit, and all that
is left is my core he or she will will... The little apple's voice dropped, will probably throw my core
in the trash.

Yes, replied the older apple, That is what your life could be like, if you decide to live for the
moment and choose to reap the quick rewards.
Whatever do you mean? asked the little apple, What other life is there?

The older apple spoke, I have been trying to tell you, if youd just slow down for a moment and
listen.

Well please hurry, as it appears that the wind is picking up again, the little apple said nervously.

Soothingly the older apple explained, When the winds come you may be shaken from the tree and
fall to the ground. It is then that your shiny red skin will keep you from splitting apart and becoming
applesauce. Once on the ground a hungry bird or squirrel may find you and carry you away from the
base of the tree. Once youve met its needs and filled its stomach, it shall leave your core and a little
fruit behind. Then, your real work begins.

That doesnt sound a bit better," the little apple screeched. "In fact it sounds worse!

Please allow me to finish, the older apple said sternly. Once you are left on the ground, the rest of
your fruit shall slowly rot and blend into the soil. It is at this point that your seeds shall be buried into
the earth. For a period of time the seeds will remain in the earth, but then ever so slowly something
wonderful begins to happen. The seeds begin to sprout, breaking through the dirt. The sunlight and
the rain help the sprout to grow into a small tree. Within a few seasons the tree shall grow big
enough to start producing apples of its own. From that season on, the tree shall produce hundreds of
apples each season. So you see, little apple, there is so much more you can be.

All the little apple could say was, Wow!

As the winds picked up you could see both the apples swinging in the breeze hoping beyond hope to
fall to the ground and begin their lifes work.

Our lives can be very much like the apples. We could choose to live for the moment and fulfill our
own plans and desires. The plans we have for our lives may be good, but God always has a better
plan for us, if we're patient, if we take the time, and if we listen to what He softly tells us. We can
surround ourselves with many things to make us comfortable, but alas, these things only last for a
season. Or, we could use the time, talent, and money God gave us for His purpose and glory. It is
only then that we can reach our full potential.
THE GARDEN CLUB
A story about how one girl's desire for perfection prevented her from participating in the big
event.

TOPICS:
Believing, Doubt, Witnessing, Works, Worthiness

DURATION:
Approximately 10 minutes

Jenny was new at her school. She sat alone in the cafeteria while she
looked curiously at a small group of girls who were admiring some potted
plants. Some had pretty flowers, but others appeared to be newly planted.

Suddenly one of the girls waved at her to join them, and as Jenny approached, a girl named Christy
smiled at her. "Hi, I think I know you, Jenny right?

Yeah, Jenny replied. Whats going on here, is this for a science class or something?

Lisa spoke up, Oh no! Its for our garden club. We grew these plants from the kit we received after
becoming a member. Do you like gardening?

A little bit, Jenny admitted. So youre all in a garden club? Isnt that a little lame? I could see being
in an art club or playing sports or music, but growing flowers?"

This is not an ordinary club," Lisa continued. "First of all, its free, not like some clubs that cost a lot
of money. Secondly, there is no competition like in sports. We just get to admire what becomes of
the seeds we plant, and see what kind of flowers they produce. Some turn out beautiful, others not
too great, but you dont have to feel bad if your plants dont grow well. You never know what kind of
seeds you planted in the first place. The kit says if you follow the instructions, they will grow."

Well it sounds intriguing. How much would it cost me to join? Jenny asked.

Everyone turned and replied at the same time, Its free!

Christy continued talking about the club. The headquarters for the club is somewhere out of state.
The president of the club lives there. It is said he has a beautiful place, and a magnificent garden.
Occasionally he will invite members to see his wonderful garden and they get to travel first class,
free.

Well, I think Im interested. How can I join? Jenny asked.

I just happen to have a membership application here, answer all questions sincerely and youre in.

After sending in her application, Jenny received her kit. She read the instructions over and over to
make sure she did everything just right. She was determined that her seeds will grow and produce
beautiful flowers. Occasionally, she would take her plants to school and talk with the others about
gardening.

After a few weeks, she noticed that some of her plants werent growing as fast as she expected. She
felt she might be doing something wrong, so she decided to go to some nurseries and ask
questions. Then she went to the library and read all kinds of books about plants and gardening.
Once in a while, she would even go with some friends to seminars. She was becoming an expert on
how to grow flowers.

One day, a big announcement came to the club. The president was very pleased that new members
were being added to the club, and that the joy of gardening was spreading. So he wanted to have all
members come to visit his magnificent garden, all expenses paid. Brand new members were also
invited, even if their plants werent fully grown. There was a lot of excitement among all the
members. They gathered after school to talk about the big event.

Is the president really that rich to pay for everyone to come to see his garden? Jenny asked. How
can he really be that wealthy?

Well, I love the club and everything it has done for me, Christy admitted. I have so many new
friends now who care about the same things I care about, and who love gardening! If he says the trip
is free, then I believe it. Maybe hell even give me a prize when he sees some of the beautiful plants
grown from my kit. But thats really not important. Just going will be fun.

You mean we will have to bring our plants? Jenny asked a little surprised.

Well of course, Lisa piped in. After all, this is a gardening club. Naturally you would want to bring
your plants. You were given the seeds, so you wouldnt want to show up with nothing. Even if it were
not mandatory, as a member you should want to show how you did.

Jenny shook her head, Well, Im sorry to tell you this Lisa, but your plants didnt bloom too well.

I know. I followed the instructions and everything. There is only so much I can do. I cant be blamed
for something I cant control.

I wish I could have helped you, said Jenny. I went to seminars, read several books and studied
hard about plants. But the truth is, I can't seem to do it right either. I really like gardening, but
sometimes I feel so hopeless. Some of my seeds grew into beautiful flowers, but others just so-so,
and still others hardly grew at all. I must be doing something wrong, I just dont know what it is. Its
so embarrassing when your plants dont grow well.
Lisa shook her head and replied, What you have is more than acceptable Jenny. You can still go. I
didnt hear anyone say you had to have perfect plants before you could go. Like you said, look at
mine! They arent anywhere near as pretty as yours, but Im going.

I just dont know," Jenny replied. "I was always taught to do things the right way. I cant accept
anything for something I didnt work hard for, much more this free trip. I cant bring these plants.
Theyre not perfect. I joined the club because I thought I could do it, but now I just feel like a failure.
As for the trip, Im not really sure I believe it is free either. Somehow, somewhere, it may turn out that
it will really cost me something. Maybe I can save up for the plane fare so I can enjoy seeing the
garden without any worry or doubt.

You are too hard on yourself Jenny. The announcement didnt say bring perfect plants! As for me, Ill
take my chances and go. Maybe when I am there, I can learn the real story about the seeds."

When the big day came, everyone in the garden club was ready to board the plane with all of their plants and fly
magnificent garden, everyone, that is, except for Jenny. She never did save enough to pay for the flight on her ow
big day she was still feeling inadequate because not all of her plants grew into beautiful flowers. However, what
know was that all of her plants grew exactly as they were supposed to grow.

The members of the garden club are like many people who become Christians. They have joy
and enthusiasm in their heart, and sincerely love the Lord. The seeds represent the Word of God,
planted to grow in each Christians life. They also show how the Word of God can be shared
with others, but the growth depends on God. Unfortunately, like Jenny, some Christians receive
Gods Word, but tend to rely on their own efforts for growth and salvation, so doubt creeps into
their faith.