December 31, 2018

Thick or Thin

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 When Grandpa pulled up some photos of his recent ice-fishing trip on his phone, Naomi could hardly believe her eyes. “You mean you drove right out onto the ice, Grandpa?” “Yes, I did,” Grandpa replied. “I drove out onto the lake and fished through a hole in the ice.” “But you… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Acts 16:31

December 30, 2018

Sight Unseen

Bible Reading: John 20:24-29 “Mom! My arm!” Blake called out as he stumbled into the kitchen. “It’s bleeding bad! I fell on my bike and hit that window on the side of the garage.” Mom got a clean towel and pressed it tightly against the cut on Blake’s arm. “It looks pretty bad,” she said…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 20:29

December 29, 2018

Fifty Miles for a Bible

Bible Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6 When Zoe and her grandpa got home from church, Zoe carelessly tossed her Bible onto the arm of a chair and walked to the bookcase. “Got any books I could read this afternoon?” she asked. Zoe saw Grandpa frown as her Bible slid to the floor. He quietly picked it… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:103

December 28, 2018

After-Christmas Cookies

Bible Reading: Luke 2:15-20 Jenny slumped onto the couch. “I’m so bored!” In the few days since Christmas, she had been moping around the house with nothing to do. “How about trying out your new basketball?” Mom suggested. “Or putting one of your new puzzles together.” “I already did all that,” Jenny said. Mom sighed…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 2:17

December 27, 2018

A Part of Something Bigger

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:14-25 Sarah stopped as she walked past Jonathan practicing the trumpet in the living room. “That sounds awful!” she exclaimed. “No one can sing with that.” Jonathan gave her a funny look, then went back to practicing his part for the church orchestra. Sarah went on to the den to see… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:27

December 26, 2018

Gabe and Asaph

Bible Reading: Psalm 73:3-7, 12-18, 25-28 Gabe crossed his arms and scrunched his face in disgust. “Hunter’s parents let him do anything he wants,” he told his dad, “and it seems like everything always turns out right for him. He just got a brand-new skateboard for Christmas!” Gabe started to feel bitter as he thought… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 73:28

December 25, 2018

White Christmas

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-7 Christmas had always been one of Mia’s favorite holidays, but this year she was feeling blue. She sighed as she dragged her feet into the kitchen for their special Christmas Day breakfast. “I just haven’t been able to get into the Christmas spirit this year,” she muttered. “Yeah,” said her sister,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:7

December 24, 2018

The Most Important Gift

Bible Reading: Matthew 2:1-2, 9-11; 2 Corinthians 8:1-5 Austin woke with excitement and quickly jumped out of bed, wondering what would be in the wrapped presents under the tree. “It’s Christmas Eve, Mom!” he said as he ran into the kitchen for breakfast. Austin’s family had a tradition of opening their gifts on Christmas Eve…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 8:5

December 23, 2018

Label of Love

Bible Reading: John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18 “Back so soon?” Mom asked as Phoebe came in with a bag of groceries. “Did you find the tomato sauce all right?” “Sure did. And look what else I bought.” Phoebe took several cans out of the bag. “These were really cheap because the labels are gone. I… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 John 3:18

December 22, 2018

Worth the Pain

Bible Reading: Isaiah 53:3-5 Jacob grinned up at his dad as they walked down the front steps of the church together. “Papi, Camila is so cute,” he said. His baby sister curled against Papi like a small purple cloud, head resting on his shoulder. Her eyes were shut tight and her mouth was smooshed open,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Romans 5:8