It’s the Law

Bible Reading: Exodus 20:3-17 Graham set a large birthday present on his knees and shut the car door. Mom fastened her seat belt and turned to Graham. “You don’t have your seat belt on,” she said. “I can’t reach it while I’m holding this present,” said Graham. “It’s only two blocks to Cameron’s house, so…

In God’s Hands

Bible Reading: Psalm 56:3-4, 8-11 Dylan grinned as his sister lay back on her inflatable raft. “I’m going to pop your float,” he told her. “You’ll sink.” Gabrielle smiled, unfazed. “My life jacket will hold me up.” “What if I take the life jacket?” Dylan asked. Gabrielle shrugged. “It still won’t matter. This is the…

Sin Slivers

Bible Reading: Psalm 32:1-5 “Ouch!” cried Wren as she climbed into the tree house her dad was building. Dad stopped hammering and raised his brow. “I hurt my finger,” Wren said. “Let me take a look,” said Dad. He put his hammer down and studied her finger. “You’ve got a sliver, but don’t worry, I’m…

Growing Light

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:8-20 The girls in Cabin 9 were walking down the path to the campfire at Bible camp when Bethany pointed up at the sky. “Look at the moon tonight! Yesterday there was no moonlight at all in the sky, but today there is a bright sliver of light.” Her counselor, Jami, nodded,…

Like a Badger (Part 2)

Bible Reading: Romans 12:6-8 “I heard the kids’ choir at church is holding auditions next week,” Mom said as Caleb set the table for dinner. “Why don’t you try out? I know how much you love to sing, and they could sure use you.” Caleb shrugged. “I’m sure those kids are way better than me,…

Like a Badger (Part 1)

Bible Reading: Romans 12:9-18 What are you reading about?” asked Kate as she peered over her brother’s shoulder to see what was on his computer screen. “Oh, look at that little animal! He’s so cute!” “Stop saying everything is cute!” said Caleb. “That’s a badger, and badgers are interesting, not cute!” Kate sniffed. “Well, I…

Too Many Suckers

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-25; Colossians 3:8-10 “Mom, why do you break off parts of the tomato plants?” asked Kyra as she and her brother helped their mom in the garden. “Doesn’t it hurt them when you do that?” “No, I’m just pruning them—removing the suckers,” replied Mom. “Suckers?” asked Kyra. She grinned at her brother….

All Things Are Pawsible

Bible Reading: Matthew 19:26, Luke 6:45; James 3:7-10 “Mom,” said Noah, “Rexy had an accident on the welcome mat again.” Mom made her way to the front door and rubbed her forehead. “I don’t know what to do with that dog. He chews up everything in the house. He barks at the garbage truck. He…

An Important Minute

Bible Reading: Psalm 90:4-6, 10-12 Maisie groaned as another car passed their street. “You always do that, Mom!” “Do what?” asked Mom. “You drive up to the corner, and then you sit there forever, waiting for cars to go by—even when you have time to turn and get ahead of them!” “Well, it would have…

Be Careful What You Stir Up

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-26 Just do it,” coaxed Henry. “She’ll never know it was you.” Henry was trying to get his classmate, Jeff, to put a whoopee cushion on their teacher’s chair. “Come on, it will be hilarious!” “Okay,” said Jeff. But when Mrs. Mills sat down and her face turned red, it didn’t seem…