Deep Roots

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5 “It looks like Dad’s getting ready to mow the lawn,” said Lucia as she and her mother worked in the flower garden. Mom nodded as she looked out across the lawn in front of their house. “It will be the first mowing of the year, and it’s time—just look at all…

Memorials

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 “We’re here!” Joshua and Jonathan tumbled out of the car and ran ahead of their parents through a gate. Then they stopped and looked around, puzzled. “This is a cemetery!” Jonathan said. “I thought we were going to a battlefield!” “Yeah,” said Joshua. “The only soldier around here is that…

Missed by a Hair

Bible Reading: Ephesians 2:4-10 Andrew dashed out the door and ran down the street toward the bus stop. When he heard the long blast of a horn, he knew the bus was already there, and he hurried even faster. But as he approached the corner, he saw the bus driving away. There was nothing to…

Under the Covers

Bible Reading: Mark 4:35-41 BOOM! Seven-year-old Aaron sat up in bed. Rain spattered against the window, and lightning streaks made his room as bright as day. He could see his favorite teddy bear propped up in a corner. BOOM! Another loud crash of thunder. Aaron burrowed under his covers, a pillow pressed over his ears….

Walking the Beam

Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:20-27; Matthew 14:22-32 Mara climbed up onto the beam Dad had built for her. She was determined to make the school gymnastics team, but after taking a few steps, she wobbled and nearly slipped off. “Focus your eyes on that picture you put up,” Mom said. While staring at the picture on…

Mirage

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Editor’s note: This story’s subject matter may not be appropriate for young children. Several older boys at school often urged Nick and his friends to try drugs. “Getting high is the best thing ever,” one boy told them. “Yeah!” said another. “You’ll love how it feels! C’mon, try ’em. They’re…

Cracked Glass

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-30 “Mom, I’m home!” Alyssa called as she came in after school. “Hi, honey!” said Mom. “How was your day? Did you learn anything interesting?” “We sure did!” said Alyssa. “Mr. Eddleman, our science teacher, poured some really hot water into two glasses. One glass had a spoon in it, and the…

The Comparison Game

Bible Reading: Exodus 20:12-15; Ephesians 4:25-32 Will walked into the kitchen where his sister Stasia sat at the table doing homework. “Jase got in trouble again,” said Will. “I can’t believe he’s going to flunk math over this!” Stasia put down her textbook and looked up in surprise. “Over what?” she asked. “What did he…

Pretender

Bible Reading: Matthew 15:7-9; Titus 1:15-16 “Look,” said Adrian, pointing to an insect he and his sister Eva had caught out in the garden. “Maybe it’s praying!” Sure enough, the bug’s forelegs were folded together as if in prayer. “Let’s see if we can find out what it is.” The kids searched online and found…

Goodnight, Ringo

Bible Reading: John 14:25-27 Luke and Rebecca’s new golden retriever puppy gnawed on an old shoe. “Ringo sure played hard today,” Luke said. “He never rests!” “Kids!” Mom called. “It’s time to put Ringo to bed.” Luke and Rebecca had promised they would take care of their new puppy. This was Ringo’s first night with…