Bible Reading: Isaiah 55:8-9; Nahum 1:7; Romans 8:28-32

Sienna grunted as her foot caught a root in the path. She squinted ahead of her, hoping to see where the path led, but all she could see were trees. She sighed and kicked at a stone. She knew Dad was hoping this mountain hike would take her mind off Kaia, but it wasn't working.

As Sienna made her way up a steep point in the path, her foot slipped and she fell, skinning her knee. Dad rushed over and pulled the first aid kit from his bag. As he bandaged her knee, Sienna started to cry.

"I want to go home!" she sobbed. "I know we're just doing this to forget about Kaia."

Dad helped her to her feet. "Trust me, Sienna, we're almost there. It'll be worth it, I promise."

Sienna wiped her eyes and nodded. She made her way up the hill, her knee stinging. As she crested the top, she saw a rocky ledge, and beyond that, open sky. They walked over to the ledge in silence, and the sight took Sienna's breath away. Below them, trees stretched out in every direction.

"Wow," said Sienna. "Look at how high we are!"

Dad nodded. "We've come a long way. We never would have gotten a view like this from the ground." He eased his pack off his shoulders. "I didn't bring you up here to forget about Kaia--I just wanted to give you a new perspective. Remember how you trusted me when I told you that the hard hike would be worth it?" Sienna nodded. "Well, God has a mountaintop view of our lives," said Dad.

"Meaning He sees things differently than us," Sienna said.

Dad nodded. "Trusting God doesn't mean we ignore the hard things in life. We don't know why your best friend got cancer, and we don't know what's going to happen because of it. But God does, and He promises to be with us in every situation. He loves us so much that Jesus died for us, and He gives us strength when it feels like we can't go on." He squeezed Sienna's shoulder. "I know you're worried about Kaia, but remember that while you can only see one small part of her life, God can see the whole thing. He loves her and can use even this tough situation to show her--and you--how good He is."

–Courtney Lasater

How About You?
Are you going through a difficult time in your life? When something bad happens, it's hard to see how any good could ever come from it. But while you can only see the part of your life you're living now, God sees the big picture. You can trust Him in any situation because Jesus died for us so that we could experience His goodness for all eternity. He will always be there during hard times and is always working, even if you can't see it now.

Today's Key Verse:
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV) (Romans 8:28)

Today's Key Thought:
Trust God with hard situations

Bible Reading: James 5:19-20

Theo carefully hung a poster on his bedroom wall. He stepped back to look at it. "EXTINCTION IS FOREVER! SAVE YOUR PLANET NOW!" it said, the large letters looming out at him. Then he ran down the stairs, two steps at a time.

"Whoa, Theo! Slow down! Where are you going, and what do you have in that box?" asked Dad.

"These are the calendars we're selling for our school project," replied Theo. "Each month has a picture of an endangered animal. The money we make is going to help with research on ways people can take better care of the earth. Lots of animals and plants are already extinct--they don't exist anymore. We want to keep that from happening to more." He opened the box. "How many do you want?" he asked eagerly.

"I'll take two," said Dad. He smiled. "I'm proud of you, Theo. It's important to take good care of the earth God has given us." Then he sighed. "Though it's too bad we often forget what's in the greatest danger of all."

"What are you talking about?" asked Theo. "The rainforests?"

Dad shook his head. "I wasn't thinking of animals or the environment. I was thinking of people's souls. Anyone who dies rejecting Jesus will experience something much worse than extinction--they'll face eternal punishment in hell. It's good to be concerned about saving the earth, but we should be even more concerned about saving people."

"I never thought about that," said Theo. He frowned. "But I can't make people become Christians!"

"No," said Dad. "But think about your earth project, Theo--are you able to keep people from doing things that destroy the earth?"

"Well, no," said Theo. "But I can raise awareness about what's happening to the earth so they know about it. Then hopefully they'll decide to change."

"Right," said Dad. "And that's what we need to do for people who don't know Jesus. We can't make them become Christians, but we can tell them what Jesus did for them, pray for them, and show them God's love through our actions. Then hopefully they'll decide they want to trust in Jesus too."

–Linda E. Knight

How About You?
Are you concerned about our planet? Everyone needs to do their part to take care of God's creation. But what about the people you know who don't know Jesus--are you concerned about their souls? Humans are God's greatest creation, and Jesus became human Himself to take the punishment for our sins on the cross so we could be saved. Trust Him to help you share the good news of His love with others.

Today's Key Verse:
Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. (NKJV) (Mark 16:15)

Today's Key Thought:
Tell others about Jesus

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