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

December 16, 2019

A Special Baby

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-23 As Mateo and his friend Tory rode the bus home from school, they talked about their Christmas plans. “Grandpa and Grandma are coming for a whole week this year,” said Tory, “and on Christmas Eve we’re all going to see a movie about Santa Claus! Wanna come with us? I’m sure… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:21

December 15, 2019

Let’s Go, Team!

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25 “Dad, why do we go to church so much?” asked Denver one Sunday as the family got into the car. “We go more than any of my friends do. Why do we go so often?” “To worship God,” came the reply from Denver’s brother, Austin. “And to learn more about Jesus.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 122:1

December 14, 2019

The Ugly Stain

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-10 “I think everyone had fun at my slumber party,” said Willa. “That’s great,” said Mom, “and you were a perfect hostess. I like the way you treated your friends.” Willa sighed. “Skye spilled chocolate milk on my new bedspread, and it left a big brown stain. She felt so bad, so… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 101:2

December 13, 2019

A Fine-Free Day

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “Look at this, Mom!” Konrad pointed to a webpage on his tablet. “It says here the local library has declared today to be a fine-free day. All overdue books can be returned without paying a fine.” Konrad grinned. “I have a whole bunch of books that are overdue!” Konrad’s sister… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 6:2