I'm so glad you could join us for Fiction Friday, whether you're posting fiction or reading--or both. Be sure to join us at Karlene's blog, Heart and Soul for links to more fun fiction.
And don't forget that this week Lisa Lickel is in the author spotlight (Tuesday) and there's an interview with her, too (Wednesday). She's also giving away TWO books, and boy do they sound good! Leave a comment on one of her posts to be entered in the book drawings.
Oh! Heidi posted on Adding Zest today, too! ;-)
Dunkin' Cookies
Willa looked out her kitchen window and saw the new neighbor boy still slouched in a lawn chair. That's it, Lord. He's been there for half an hour. I'm going over. She pulled down a plate and piled fresh cookies on it. After setting it on a tray with a carton of milk and two glasses, she went outside.
“Jason, come give me a hand, honey. Grab this little table and stick it between the chairs so we can enjoy these cookies.”
Jason's bare feet scuffed the grass, but he moved the table then stood back.
Willa held the plate out to him. “I love baking, but with just me and Howard it's just not as fun. Think you could help me out?”
He smiled at her and reached for a cookie, waiting politely while she poured them some milk. She dunked her cookie in her milk and took a big bite. “Mmmmmm. I don't know about you, but I love cookies an' milk.”
A big grin lit Jason's face as he followed her example.
“Not too shabby, huh?” Willa said with her mouth full.
This time Jason giggled.
Willa made her eyes wide. “What? Do I have crumbs on my chin?”
He giggled again. “I thought my Nana was the only old lady who dunked her cookies in milk and talked with her mouth full.” Jason reached for another cookie, but his hand stopped midair.
Willa smiled and nodded to the plate. “Help yourself, because if you don't, I'll eat more than you do.” She took another big bite of cookie. “So, your nana likes cookies an' milk, too?”
Jason sighed. “Yeah. But she can't come this summer.”
“That's too bad. I bet she really misses you.” Willa looked around their adjoining yards and sighed. “I miss my grandkids since they moved.” She looked at him. “We're quite a pair aren't we? I'm a granma, missing my grandkids, and you're a grandkid missing your nana. We ought'a just adopt each other.”
Jason grinned. “Yeah, we ought'a.” He took a drink of milk and eyed the cookie plate. “Does that mean I could have another cookie? These are the best chocolate chip cookies I've ever had.”
Willa laughed. “Why thank you! You can have as many as you like.” Lord, please don't let me come on too strong and scare him away. “Have you ever been to Vacation Bible School, Jason?”
Jason's eyes sparkled. “Yeah! Nana use'ta bring me every summer. It was great.” The sparkles quickly faded. “Mom's too busy, though.”
“Would you like to come with me next week?” Willa asked. “I asked your mom this morning and she said it's ok.” Please Lord, let him come with me.
“Really? You're going?”
“Yup. I go every year and I'd love for you to go with me.” Willa passed the cookie plate. “You want the last one?”
Jason took the cookie, his eyes never leaving Willa's. “Next week?”
“Yup. All week.” Willa smiled.
“Will they teach me about Jesus?” Jason asked, hope filling his eyes.
Willa's heart squeezed. “Yes, they will. Do you know Jesus?”
“I wanted ta ask Him inta my heart last year, but I didn't get to 'cuz the the teacher didn't ask if anyone wanted to on the last day.” Jason buried his toes in the grass.
“Honey, asking Jesus into your heart is something you can do anywhere.” Lord, please save him.
“Really? Do you know Jesus, Willa?”
“Yes, sweetie, I do, and I know He loves you. Did you know He died on the cross for your sins?”
“That's what the teacher said. An' she said that we'd go to hell because we're sinners. Willa, I don' wanna go ta hell. I wanna be with Jesus.” Jason's fingers clenched, squishing his forgotten cookie.
“Jesus will forgive your sins if you ask Him to, Jason. He'll live in your life and make you His special child. You just need to ask Him.” Please, Lord...
“How do I ask Him?”
“By praying.”
“Can I pray now?”
“Yes, you can,” Willa said, her eyes filling with tears.
Jason squeezed his eyes shut. “Jesus would You forgive my sins and live in my life, please? I wanna go ta heaven an' be with You. Amen.”
Jason looked at Willa, his eyes sparkling. “I'm His special child now, aren't I?”
Willa hugged him. “Yup. You're oh-so special, honey! To Jesus and to me.”
Vacation Bible School is a summer highlight for many children--and with good reason! It's fun and it can be life changing for them. I was saved as a result of VBS, back when we lived on the coast of Maine. I'm so thankful! I'm praying that VBS will make a difference to some children this year.
Don't forget the book giveaways!
Next week Trish Perry will be here at Patterings, be sure to join us!
I love this story! I had the best times in Vacation Bible school, too. It's so exciting for children...and SO draining for the adults involved-LOL. But it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteLove it, love it, love it! I came to know Christ through a children's program too so anything in this vein is very special.
ReplyDeleteI'll join the club of those that were saved as a result of children't meetings! Great story, Peejie! I loved your little guy, he captured my heart!
ReplyDeleteI remembered this one as soon as I saw the title. You brought me to tears, girl. WONDERFUL. Obviously, I never went to Vacation Bible School, but I think I'm actually gonna help this year. I see such wonderful things come back from it.
ReplyDeleteOh, Peej, you made me cry!! (Tears of joy, of course!) What dear sweet lady. I love her constant prayers as she talked with Jason. Our VBS is next week, and I pray I can be an influence in the lives of our visiting children, that they want to know Jesus too, just like Jason. (wipes tears)
ReplyDeletePrecious!
ReplyDeleteMy grandkids don't live so very far away, but I miss them anyway! Sweet story - although I didn't come to the Lord as a child I know many did, and the kids' programs are so important.
ReplyDelete