Little Leroy came into the kitchen where his mother was making dinner. His birthday was coming up and he thought it would be a good time to tell his Mom what he wanted.

"Mom I want a bike for my birthday." Little Leroy was a bit of a troublemaker. He had gotten into trouble at school and at home.

Leroy's mother asked him if he thought he deserved to get a bike for his birthday. Leroy, of course, thought that he did. Leroy's mother, being a Christian woman, wanted him to reflect on his behaviour over the last year and write a letter to God and tell him why he deserved a bike for his birthday. Leroy stomped up the stairs to his room and sat down to write a letter to God.

Letter 1:
Dear God
I have been a very good boy this year and would like a bike for my birthday. I want a red one.
Your friend, Leroy

Leroy knew that this wasn't true so he tore the letter up and started over.

Letter 2:
Dear God,
This is your friend Leroy. I have been a pretty good boy this year and would like a red bike for my birthday.
Thank you, Leroy

Leroy knew this wasn't true either so he tore the letter up and started over.

Letter 3:
Dear God,
I have been an OK boy this year and I would really like a red bike for my birthday
Leroy

Leroy knew he could not send this letter to God either. He was very upset. He went downstairs and told his Mother that he wanted to go to the church.
Leroy's mother thought her plan had worked because Leroy looked very sad. "Just be home in time for dinner," his mother said.

Leroy walked down the street to the church and up to the altar. He looked around to see if anyone was there. He picked up the statue of the Virgin Mary and slipped it under his shirt. He ran out of the church, down the street, into his house and up to his room. He shut the door and started to write a letter to God.

Letter 4:
I'VE GOT YOUR MUM. IF YOU WANT TO SEE HER AGAIN, SEND THE BIKE.
Signed YOU KNOW WHO