Bible Reading: Psalm 147:3-5; John 11:17, 35-44; 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Willy found a chair at the back of the room and sank down onto it. He crossed his arms over his chest and sighed.

He watched as people greeted one another, hugging and talking. His grandparents were up front, and everyone seemed to want to talk to them the most.

Uncle Rob sat down beside him. "How are you doing, Willy?"

Willy turned and looked at his uncle. His eyes were shiny. "I want to go home." He covered his mouth with a hand. "Is it bad to say that? I don't want to seem mean or immature, I just don't want to be here. I don't want another person to tell me Aunt Tricia is happier in heaven than she would be here."

Uncle Rob nodded slowly. "I think most nine-year-old boys would rather be at home than at a gathering like this," he said. "And I understand what you're saying. We know that your aunt is happy with Jesus, but we also miss having her here with us. We wish she could have stuck around a little longer."

Willy's eyes widened. His uncle knew what he was talking about and didn't think he was wrong for saying it. "I know heaven is a good place, but Aunt Tricia was happy here too."

Uncle Rob rubbed the top of Willy's head. "Even though we know your aunt is happy with Jesus in heaven, it's okay to be sad. Death is a sad thing, and Jesus understands our need to mourn those we love. He cried when his friend Lazarus died, even though He knew that He was about to raise him from the dead. One day He will also raise Aunt Tricia and all Christians who have died from the dead, and we'll all live with Him forever and never be sad again! Until then, He promises to comfort us as we mourn and be with us when things are still sad."

Uncle Rob got to his feet. "Let's go see if your parents are okay with us going outside for a bit. I think God wants to give us some comfort out in the fresh air."

–Emily Acker

How About You?
Have you lost someone who is now in heaven with Jesus? Are you still sad that they're gone even though you know they're happy with Him? When a Christian dies, they have the hope of heaven waiting for them, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't mourn them or be sad. Jesus understands your pain, and He will be with you through it. Let Him mourn with you and comfort you in your sadness.

Today's Key Verse:
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. (NIV) (Matthew 5:4)

Today's Key Thought:
God comforts us in our grief

Bible Reading: Isaiah 41:10-13

Kelly fought hard to hold in the tears all day at school. When her mom picked her up afterward, they started leaking down her face.

Mom touched her arm. "What's wrong, honey?"

"Everything," Kelly said.

"You'll adjust to your new school eventually," Mom said, leaning over to give her a hug. "It was just the first day."

The worst first day ever, Kelly thought. She turned toward the window as she relived the past several hours, the tears continuing to flow. First, she'd nearly missed her first class because she couldn't find the room. Then she'd spilled the contents of her backpack and had to pick up her things while everyone watched and laughed at her. Then there was lunch--

"You can talk to me." Mom's gentle voice broke her train of thoughts. "What happened?"

"Lunch was a mess," Kelly said. "I couldn't even find a table to sit at, so I just ended up eating in the corner by myself."

Mom frowned. "I'm sorry, Kelly."

Kelly sighed. "What if I never fit in?"

"You will." Mom squeezed her hand. "Did you pray and feel God with you today?"

Kelly shook her head slowly, realizing she hadn't.

"God is always with you," Mom said. "Even when it feels like you're all alone, Jesus is there with you, offering you His peace and comfort. He understands what it's like not to fit in, and He'll help you through the hard days at your new school. He helped me through some hard days at my new job."

"He did?" Kelly turned to her.

Mom nodded. "I was struggling to find my place there. It's always hard when you don't know anyone yet. Plus, I couldn't even figure out the coffee maker!"

"Really?" Kelly knew how much her mom loved coffee.

"I prayed about everything, and today a nice older woman helped me figure out the coffee. I think I made a friend too." Mom smiled. "God will be with you and help you, honey. Don't give up on your new school yet."

"I won't." Kelly took in a breath and wiped away her tears. "I'll pray about it and try again tomorrow."

–Bethany Acker

How About You?
Have you ever gone to a new school or struggled to make new friends? Did you ask God to be with you and help you through that difficult time? Jesus gave His life for you, and He cares about what you're going through and promises to be with you. Trust Him to help you through all the difficult things you face and give you His comfort and peace.

Today's Key Verse:
I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you. (NIV) (Isaiah 41:13)

Today's Key Thought:
God is with you

Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-12; Ephesians 4:1-2; 1 Timothy 1:15-16

"The art competition is tomorrow, so make sure you finish your pots today," Miss Boone told the class. "Your final step is sealant, but don't forget--"

"What do you think of my pot, Miss Boone?" Alex raised his pot above his head.

"You've done a fantastic job, Alex, but you interrupted me while I was speaking. Now, as I was saying, you must wait for the paint to dry completely or the sealant will ruin your design. Please be patient."

"You'll probably win a ribbon, Alex," said Miguel, Alex's best friend.

Alex reached for the sealant. "I'll be the first one done too! Watch!"

"Alex, wait!" Miguel pointed to the paint. "It's still wet. Remember what Miss Boone said? Be patient or you'll ruin the design on your pot."

"I've waited long enough." Alex painted on sealant super-fast and put his project on the counter. "I win!" he shouted.

Before the competition, Alex stood outside the library where the artwork was displayed. "Is it time?" he asked when he saw Miss Boone coming to unlock the door. "Can I go in? I want to go in first!"

Once the doors were opened, Alex hurried in without noticing anyone else's artwork. "Where's mine?" he asked.

"Look up there, Alex." Miss Boone pointed to the table displaying pots with ribbons draped over them. Alex sprinted over.

"I don't see it! Where's my pot, Miss Boone?" Miss Boone pointed again, and Alex shook his head. "That's not mine." Then he looked more closely and gasped. "The sealant! It ruined my design!"

Miguel walked over and laughed when he saw Alex's pot. "You need to be more patient, Alex. That sealant made your pot look weird!"

Alex sighed. His parents and Sunday school teacher were always telling him to be patient too, because Jesus was patient and always thought of others instead of only thinking of Himself. I'm sorry, Lord, he prayed silently. Please help me slow down and think of others. You're always patient with me, and I know you can help me be patient too.

Miguel nudged him, "Hey, look--you got a ribbon for 'Most Unique!'"

Before the awards ceremony, Miss Boone asked each ribbon winner if they had a title for their artwork.

"I do, Miss Boone," said Alex. "I'm calling mine 'Patience.'"

–Kelly Carlson

How About You?
Do you patiently follow directions or do things your own way? Do you charge ahead without thinking of anyone else? It's not easy to be patient, especially when you're excited for something or know exactly what you want, but the Bible tells us to be patient. When you slow down and think things through, you'll be more loving and considerate toward the people around you--just like Jesus.

Today's Key Verse:
Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (NIV) (James 1:19)

Today's Key Thought:
Be patient

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-23; Colossians 1:9-12; 3:23-24

Ian frowned as he crumpled up another piece of paper and threw it in the recycling bin. "I'm supposed to write about a couple of jobs I might like to do when I grow up," he said. "I thought about being a professional baseball player--or maybe a photographer like Dad. But the chances of me playing pro baseball aren't very good, and I don't really want to be a photographer--no offense to Dad or anything."

"Well, I know Dad doesn't expect you to do what he does," Mom assured him. "God has given you talents of your own to use for Him."

"Maybe I should want to be a pastor or a missionary," said Ian. "God would probably want me to do something like that, wouldn't He?"

Motioning for Ian to follow, Mom got up and walked to the kitchen window. She pointed to a tree in the backyard. "What kind of fruit does that tree out there produce?" she asked.

Ian looked at his mother suspiciously. "Apples, of course. It's an apple tree, Mom."

Mom nodded. "Yes, and apple trees produce apples, not some other kind of fruit--and they don't struggle to do it. They automatically produce apples because that's what God made them to do. That applies to you too."

"Yeah? But I'm not an apple tree," said Ian with a grin.

Mom smiled. "No, you're not, so God doesn't expect you to produce apples--and He doesn't expect you to act like somebody you're not either. Whatever you end up doing for a career--working as a lawyer, farmer, missionary, businessman, factory worker, pastor, or whatever--you can share the love of God with others through what you do. He wants Christians serving Him in every field of work. The Holy Spirit is already doing His own work in your life so that you will produce spiritual fruit that points people to Jesus in everything you do, both now and when you grow up."

"Well, that makes me feel better," said Ian. "But I still don't know what to write for my paper."

"Think about things you like to do and things you do well," suggested Mom. "Those are pretty good clues to help you begin to understand what God may lead you to do for Him someday."

–Miriam K. Nowak

How About You?
What are you good at? What do you like to do? Your interests may change over time, but keep praying about these things, and keep working at the things you enjoy doing. Be willing to let God use you and the abilities He's given you in any way He sees fit. Trust Him to help you share His love and point people to Jesus in whatever you do, both now and in the future.

Today's Key Verse:
Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (NKJV) (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Today's Key Thought:
Use your talents for God

Bible Reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, 11

"It's raining! It's pouring!" sang six-year-old Callie as she ran into Amber's room. "I love rain," she said. "It makes puddles to play in."

"Yeah, and it cancels picnics," Amber snapped,

"Are you going on a picnic?" asked Callie.

"I'm not going anywhere," grumbled Amber. "I told you. My picnic was canceled." She sighed. "And that's not all! I was supposed to go to an amusement park tomorrow with Morgan and her family, but Morgan's sick, so those plans got canceled too!"

"Well, if it storms, maybe the lights will go out, and we can use candles," said Callie. "That's always fun!"

"I hate storms!" Amber shook her head. "You're a strange kid. You love storms and rain and snow and cold weather--and hot weather too."

Mom laughed as she came into the room. "To Callie, there's no such thing as bad weather--only different kinds of weather."

"Do you know all the seasons, Amber?" asked Callie. She counted on her fingers. "There's spring and fall and winter and--"

"Summer," Amber cut in. "I know them too, Callie."

Callie threw her arms open wide. "And I love them all!"

"I'm glad you do," said Mom. "There are different seasons of the year, and there are different seasons in life too. There's childhood and adolescence. Then, before we know it, we're adults, and then maybe parents and even grandparents."

"Yeah, well, the teen years are the worst!" Amber exclaimed.

"Every season has its blessings as well as its problems, Amber," Mom said. "It's true that there are stormy times in teen years, but people of every age experience both storms and sunshine."

"Is it going to storm hard?" asked Callie. "I'll get the candles out." Amber gave a half-smile as Callie ran from the room.

"Even storms have a purpose," continued Mom. "For example, lightning puts nitrogen into the atmosphere to help plants grow. And life's storms can help us grow in our faith in Jesus. He loves us, died for us, and is always with us, and He'll help us through any kind of weather we face in life. That's something we can be thankful for every day, no matter what season of life we're in."

–Barbara J. Westberg

How About You?
Are you going through some stormy times in your life? Make a list of things that are happening to you. Have any of them helped you experience Jesus's love and care in a new way? Is there anything you think God might be trying to teach you in what you're going through right now? No matter what season you're in, thank Him for each day and remember that He's always with you, in good weather and bad.

Today's Key Verse:
This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. (NKJV) (Psalm 118:24)

Today's Key Thought:
Trust God in every season of life