May 30, 2019

Persistence Pays

Bible Reading: Luke 11:5–13 “Oh, wow! A chemistry set!” exclaimed Carlos when he opened the birthday present from his parents. “It’s just what I wanted!” His parents chuckled. “We know,” said Mom. “How could we help but know after all the hints you’ve given?” “Hints?” asked Carlos innocently. Dad laughed. “Well, when I walked into… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:17

May 29, 2019

The Boss’ Boss

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:13–17 “I get tired of everybody bossing me around, Grandpa,” grumbled Tripp. “My teacher said I had to stay in at recess and finish my homework. Dad told me to clean the garage. Mom says I have to make my bed every day. And my Sunday school teacher gives me Bible… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 13:1

May 28, 2019

Perfect Baby

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:14–18; 1 Peter 1:13–16 “Hi, honey,” said Mom as Wren came into the house. “How would you like to go to Aunt Melody’s to see the new baby?” “Yes!” Wren squealed. “I can’t wait to see her.” At Aunt Melody’s house, Wren held her new cousin. “Oh, she’s so beautiful,” she said…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: James 1:4

May 27, 2019

The Small Rectangular Idol

Bible Reading: Exodus 20:1–6 Grace plopped down on the couch with her phone. I’ll put this away when I hear Mom come, she thought. She’s always getting after me about spending too much time on my phone. When Grace heard her mother’s steps on the porch, she put the phone in her pocket and grabbed… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hosea 13:4

May 26, 2019

Sound of Warning

Bible Reading: Revelation 20:11–15 “Wow!” Greyson whispered to his sister as they listened to the pastor’s sermon on hell. “Do you think he’s trying to scare us or what?” Rosalie shrugged. The kids didn’t usually attend church, but they were spending a few days with their aunt. Later that day, Aunt Ella set a box… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:9

May 25, 2019

Imperfect Parents

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:18–23 Dante was getting ready to go meet some friends when his father came in from the backyard. Dad was frowning. “Dante,” he said, “how often do I have to tell you to put the garden tools away when you’re done with them?” He held up a rake and a hoe…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:32

May 24, 2019

Flower Clothes

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:28–32 Emma bent down and smelled a rose in her yard. “Oh, that smells so good! I’m going to miss our flower garden so much.” “Me too,” Mom said as she took a picture of some flowers with her phone. The garden was in full bloom. There were two rose bushes, one… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:28

May 23, 2019

The Value of a Dollar

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:26; 10:29–31 Emerson sat on the steps of his house, thinking about the baseball game. Over and over again, he replayed in his mind each and every time he faced the pitcher—the windup, the throw, waiting for just the right moment to swing . . . and then the miss. By the… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:26

May 22, 2019

Unexpected Arrival

Bible Reading: Luke 12:37–43 “Who wants to go to a movie this afternoon?” asked Dad as he opened the door to leave for work. “Me!” chorused Liv and Shaylee. “Okay,” said Dad. “Have your rooms cleaned by the time I get home, and then we’ll go.” After Dad left and Mom went downstairs with a… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 12:40

May 21, 2019

Too Many People

Bible Reading: Psalm 127:3–5; Matthew 19:13–14 “Hey, except for you, I’m the only one up!” Emerson said as he ate a bowl of cereal one morning. He grinned at his mother. “Mom, do you ever wish you didn’t have all six of us kids?” Mom looked at him in surprise. “Of course not! Whatever made… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 127:3