Here is your Monday STORY on: LOVE: Do you love the beauty of your partner or the beauty of their soul? When you are sat in another room and can hear your partner talking to your children, inspiring them for a day at school; do you think of their face or find that a quiver tickles your soul in recognition of their beauty? We must never forget when a moment of love can make a big difference in someone’s life. You may not be aware of the intention of a particular action, but suddenly realise that the action will transpire into a moment to cherish. Often an instant, intuitive gut reaction can be an affection of love that is deep and meaningful. Today’s story is about the love of both a family and a child. Please enjoy and see the numerous intuitive reactions and how love flows through each. THE ICE CREAM PRAYER Last week I took my children to a restaurant. My six-year-old son asked if he could say grace. As we bowed our heads he said, "God is good. God is great. Thank you for the food, and I would even thank you more if Mom gets us ice cream for dessert. And Liberty and justice for all! Amen!" Along with the laughter from the other customers nearby I heard a woman remark, "That's what's wrong with this country. Kids today don't even know how to pray. Asking God for ice cream! Why, I never!" Hearing this, my son burst into tears and asked me, "Did I do it wrong? Is God mad at me?" As I held him and assured him that he had done a terrific job and God was certainly not mad at him, an elderly gentleman approached the table. He winked at my son and said, "I happen to know that God thought that was a great prayer." "Really?" my son asked. "Cross my heart." Then in a theatrical whisper he added (indicating the woman whose remark had started this whole thing), "Too bad she never asks God for ice cream. A little ice cream is good for the soul sometimes." The elderly gentleman placed a few coins on the table and said, “Allow me the pleasure of buying your children ice cream.” I quickly considered the value of this offer as normally I would have refused his grateful offer, but it seemed more of a symbol than an offering. When the ice cream arrived at the table, my son stared at this for a moment and then did something I will remember the rest of my life. He picked up his sundae and without a word walked over and placed it in front of the woman. With a big smile he told her, "Here, this is for you. Ice cream is good for the soul sometimes, and my soul is good already." (Unknown Author) QUOTE: "Remember, that if thou marry for beauty, thou bindest thyself all thy life for that which perchance will neither last nor please thee one year; and when thou hast it, it will be to thee of no price at all; for the desire dieth when it was attained, and the affection perisheth when it is satisfied.” (Sir Walter Raleigh)