December 26, 2019

The Guiding Hand

Bible Reading: Psalm 31:1-5 “This is fun,” said Miles as he guided the aluminum fishing boat across the lake. The wind was strong and the waves were quite high, but Dad had agreed to let Miles try steering the boat. “Need a little help?” asked Dad. Miles shook his head. “I can do it alone.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Isaiah 58:11

December 25, 2019

What Are You Waiting For?

Bible Reading: John 5:24-30 Addie wiggled all through the Christmas service. Sitting still was so hard, especially when you weren’t interested in what the pastor was saying. Addie wanted to go home and open presents. Funny, she was more excited about her sister’s present than her own. Abigail had asked for a special movie-making kit… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 5:24

December 24, 2019

The Grinch

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:13-17 Isaac slammed the door and began kicking off his boots while grumbling under his breath. “Everything all right?” his mom asked. “Not according to Mr. Hanson,” Isaac spat out. “Whatever I do for him is never good enough! I mean, it took me an hour to shovel his sidewalk, and… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:15

December 23, 2019

Follow the Right Map

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16 Henry’s family was going on vacation, and his job was to clean out the car to get it ready for the trip. As he was rummaging around for trash, he found a stack of old maps stuffed in the driver’s-side door. Curiosity got the best of him, so Henry spread them… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105

December 22, 2019

The Plimsoll Mark

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:12-13; Hebrews 4:14-16 Caden looked at the crumpled wrapping paper and the pile of birthday gifts from everyone in his family. He liked all his presents—but he couldn’t help a small shiver of excitement when the last gift was brought out and placed in front of him. This was from Grandpa… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:13

December 21, 2019

Fixed Focus

Bible Reading: Matthew 14:22-31 “Hey! Look where you’re going!” Ben said. His older brother was driving him to school and had let the car drift over the yellow line. Dakota quickly jerked the steering wheel to the right, and Ben drew a deep breath. “What if another car had been coming?” Ben asked. “Sorry,” Dakota… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 12:2

December 20, 2019

A New Life

Bible Reading: John 3:14-18, 36 “Look, Mom. This big leaf broke off our purple African violet,” Paige said, carrying the leaf in from the porch where the violet plants sat by the window. She threw it in the wastebasket. Mom quickly took it back out. “Wait a minute. Let me show you what we can… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 3:36

December 19, 2019

Fixing a Bully

Bible Reading: Romans 12:16-21 Dayton tossed his lunchbox on the counter. “I’m going to get even with that bully if it’s the last thing I do!” “What’s this all about?” Dad asked, looking up. “When I got off the school bus, Andre and four of his friends started chasing me,” replied Dayton. “Andre grabbed my… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 12:17

December 18, 2019

Growing Two Ways

Bible Reading: Colossians 1:9-12 “No fair standing on your tiptoes!” Dad teased as he measured Preston’s height and marked it on the closet door. Preston laughed. “When Aunt Carrie comes, she’ll see a big change in me!” “You’ve grown a lot,” Dad agreed. “You were only eight when she left.” Preston remembered the day Aunt… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Peter 3:18

December 17, 2019

Stretched to Protect

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:19-24 Mom handed Tracy half of a fitted sheet. “Would you help me, please, sweetheart?” Tracy grunted as she stretched the sheet as taut as she could over a mattress corner. She surveyed her attempt and frowned. “It’s barely hanging on, and it has more wrinkles than a Shar-Pei.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:2