Bible Reading: Colossians 3:23-24

Plink! Plink! Plink! One by one, Abbie slowly picked out the notes of the music for her piano recital. This is so hard, she thought. I'm not sure I'll ever get it good enough to play in front of a bunch of people! Abbie struggled on for a few minutes, then tossed the music book on the floor and began to play a song from memory. This is much more fun, she told herself.

Later that day, Abbie helped Mom plant seeds in the garden. "You always have such pretty flowers, Mom," said Abbie. "Grandma says you have a green thumb--whatever that means."

Mom laughed. "She means I have a talent for growing plants. That may be true, but I have to do a lot of work too. Thomas Edison, the great inventor, once said, 'Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.' I think he's right."

"You do work hard in the yard--and you make me work hard too!" Abbie teased. "I don't mind gardening, but I don't have a green thumb like you do."

"What do you like to do?" asked Mom. "What are you good at?"

"Hmm." Abbie thought for a moment. "Playing the piano!" Then she frowned. "But I'm already tired of practicing my recital piece. I wish I didn't have to practice so much."

"So I guess music is your green thumb area," said Mom. "You definitely have a talent for playing the piano. But if you want to develop that into something worthwhile, you'll have to work hard at it--just like I have to work hard at gardening even though I have a green thumb. But I know you can do it. God is the one who gave us our talents, and He will help us work to develop them so we can share our gifts with others and point them to Jesus."

Abbie grinned. "But I don't think it's fair--I can help you in the garden, but you can't help me play the piano."

"That's true," said Mom. "But I'll tell you what. When we're done here, I'll use another one of my talents while I listen to you rehearse your piece--I'll work on sewing your dress for the recital. How about that?" Abbie smiled and nodded.

– Mary Rose Pearson

How About You?
What are you good at? There are many ways you can use your talents to share good things with others and point them to Jesus. They can range from performing in front of people to serving quietly in the background. Singing, speaking, making things, cooking, writing, planning activities--whatever you do well is a talent God can use. Don't worry about what other people think--trust God to help you develop your talents and use them for His glory.

Today's Key Verse:
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (NLT) (Colossians 3:23)

Today's Key Thought:
Develop your talents

Bible Reading: John 3:16-18

"Hey, Dad!" Eleanor said as she bounced into the den. "What are you doing?"

Dad looked up from the papers on his desk and smiled at Eleanor. "Just going through some paperwork. How was school?"

"All right," Eleanor replied. "I got a B on my science test today." She paused, and after a moment, frowned. "Is your paperwork for that insurance stuff you were talking about with Mom? I overheard you talking about it when I was studying yesterday, but I don't understand what it means."

Dad shifted in his chair. "It's called life insurance," he began. "If something happened to me and I died, Mom would need money to pay for my funeral and to take care of you. She wouldn't be able to pay for all that herself. But with life insurance, the insurance company helps pay for everything."

"Oh," Eleanor said, turning the idea over in her mind. Suddenly, a thought struck her. "Are you getting this insurance because you're sick?" she asked. "I don't want you to die--we'd never be together again!"

"It's all right, Eleanor, I'm not sick," Dad said, giving her a hug. "But even if I did die, it doesn't mean you'd never see me again. Life insurance can only help pay for things on earth when someone dies, but I have the assurance of eternal life with Jesus, who paid a much greater cost--He died to pay the price of my sin. Because I trust in Him, I know that I'll go to heaven to be with Him when I die, and one day He will raise me from the dead! No life insurance company could ever promise anything as good as that," Dad said, pointing to the papers on his desk. "Do you have the assurance of eternal life too, Eleanor? Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? If so, then you and I will be together with Him forever."

"I've heard a lot about trusting in Jesus at church, but I--I guess not," Eleanor stammered. "Will you help me pray so I can tell Him I want to do

that now, Dad?"

"Absolutely," Dad replied, and they both bowed their heads.

– Ethan Denny

How About You?
Do you have the assurance of eternal life with Jesus? The price of your sin is too high for you to pay, but Jesus paid it for you when He died on the cross. When you trust Him as your Savior, He promises you eternal life with Him. Trust in Him today and know that you'll live with Him forever! (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page or go to www.keysforkids.org/goodnews.)

Today's Key Verse:
For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NKJV) (Romans 6:23)

Today's Key Thought:
Receive the assurance of eternal life

Bible Reading: Psalm 55:16-17, 22

As Jeremiah looked out the window at the falling rain, he felt like his life was as dismal as the day. Dad left home, and we don't even know where he is, he thought. Now Mom is sick, and it's up to me to look after her and my two little sisters. But how can I do all that plus run my lawnmowing business and go to school? I sure can't do it all alone.

Just then the city bus pulled up to the corner and an elderly woman got off. It was Granny Gresham, a nearby neighbor, and she had a big suitcase. The wind was so strong that Granny could scarcely take a step forward. Jeremiah hurried to pull on a raincoat and headed for the door. "I'm going to help Granny Gresham," he called to his mother. "She's out in the storm."

Jeremiah ran over to their neighbor and took the suitcase for her. When they finally reached her home, she turned to him gratefully. "What would I have done without your help?" She smiled. "How about a cup of hot cocoa?"

"Thanks, but I have to hurry home," replied Jeremiah. "Mom's sick."

"Oh, that's too bad," said Granny. "Now just remember that you don't have to face your problems alone, Jeremiah. I know you love the Lord, so don't forget that He's always with you, ready to take your burdens. The Bible tells us that Jesus is a Savior who empathizes with our struggles because He knows what it's like to live in this difficult world. Tell Him all about what you're going through and trust Him for help."

As Jeremiah hurried home, he thought about Granny's words. Jesus, he prayed silently, I feel like I have more stuff to take care of than I can handle, so thank You for having Granny remind me that You're with me all the time. Please show me how I can help Mom and take care of my sisters along with school and everything else.

That night, the phone rang. It was Granny. "Will you carry my suitcase once more?" she asked. "I'm coming to your house to help out until your mom is well."

Jeremiah grinned. Thank You, Jesus, he prayed after Granny hung up. Thank You for helping me.

– Mary Rose Pearson

How About You?
Do you have problems you don't know how to handle? Do you think there's no one who can help you? If you know Jesus, He invites you to boldly come to Him. He understands what it's like to face worries and troubles, and He has the power to solve every problem. Talk to Him about your situation, and trust Him for help and direction. Give Him your burdens and He will carry them.

Today's Key Verse:
Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT) (1 Peter 5:7)

Today's Key Thought:
Give your burdens to God

Bible Reading: Psalm 36:7-9; John 14:26-28

Stroking the hen's feathers, Rowan grinned as the chicks tugged at his pants, then scuttled under their mother. "Hi, girls." His sisters Opal and Sylvie joined him, peering under the hen at the chicks, but they knew better than to touch.

"They're so cute!" Five-year-old Rosalind tried to grab a chick, but the chick's mother puffed up and jumped at her defensively.

"Rosie, you have to be gentle, or else Luna will do that again," Mom said as she walked up and peeled off her gardening gloves. "She's a very protective mother, you know."

The chicks at last were allowed to wander out, but when the dog, Arabella, came bounding up, the chicks--Stella, Sunshine, Nova, and Aurora--scurried to take cover under Luna's outspread wings.

Rowan hopped up and grabbed Arabella's collar. "Whoa there, girl. You can't do that. See, you've frightened them." Arabella whined apologetically.

"You know," Sylvie said slowly, "this reminds me of a verse I read this morning."

"What?" Opal cocked her head.

Mom smiled. "Let me guess. 'People take refuge in the shadow of your wings'?"

"Exactly!" Sylvie laughed. "How did you know?"

"We're all reading the Psalms." Mom shrugged. "That was in the one for today."

"What does that mean?" Rosalind wanted to know.

"Think of it this way. When the chicks are afraid, where do they go?"

"Under Luna," Rowan replied promptly.

"Why?"

"Because they like her?" Rosalind guessed.

"Not exactly." Mom smoothed Rosalind's hair. "They go there because they are safe there. Arabella can't reach them there because Luna will protect them. And they know that, by instinct. It's a little like that with us and God. Sometimes we're afraid, or worried, or we feel alone. But like those little chicks, we can take shelter under God's wings. And He is able to protect us far more than Luna could ever protect her chicks. Jesus defeated sin and death to save us, and He promises to always be with us and take care of us."

"So even though Mimi and Papa are sick, and there's a war going on, and we're sometimes so scared we don't know what to do, we can always run to God." Rowan smiled. "Just like Luna's chicks run to her."

– Ellie Shirk

How About You?
What do you do when you feel afraid or worried? We all get scared sometimes, and we often forget that Jesus is right there with us, holding us. Even when we don't feel it, He is near. You can always run to Him, and He will shelter you and give you peace. Take refuge in the shadow of His wings.

Today's Key Verse:
In me [Jesus] you may have peace. In this World you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (NIV) (John 16:33)

Today's Key Thought:
We can take shelter in God

Bible Reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:9-13

"Did you see my hit, Dad?" Caden asked as he climbed into the pick-up. "My first of the season!"

Dad nodded. "You know, it could have been a double if you had stepped into the swing."

"I know, but..." Caden quieted.

Mom opened the front door as they drove up to the house. "How was the game, guys?"

"I got a hit," said Caden softly as Dad shuffled away to weed the flower beds.

"Great!" said Mom. "I'm sorry I couldn't be--" But Caden was already inside. He surveyed the kitchen for a snack as Mom followed him into the room.

"I tried a new cookie recipe today." Mom held out a plate and Caden took one. "A perfect way to celebrate your hit." Caden didn't respond. "Did something happen at the game, Caden? What's wrong?"

"Why can't Dad ever say 'good job'? It's just two words. Instead, he always points out what could be better."

"Dad is proud of you, Caden. I'm sure of it. He just forgets how important it is to say it. Maybe you should talk to him about it and tell him how you feel."

"I guess." Caden bit into his cookie. "Hey, Mom, these cookies are a little burnt."

Just then Caden's sister Emily bounded into the kitchen. "I did it! I finally finished the scarf I've been knitting." She held it up for them to see.

Caden glanced at it and frowned. "Aren't scarves supposed to be longer than that?"

Emily glared at him and then walked back to her room.

"What did I say?" asked Caden.

Mom touched his shoulder. "What was it again you wished Dad would have said after the game?"

"Good job. Just two simple words, 'Good--'" Caden stopped. "Oh."

Mom lifted her eyebrows. "Mmm hmm. Sometimes we all just need a little encouragement, don't we? None of us is perfect, but we're still loved--God loves us so much He sent Jesus to die for our sins! And He wants us to remind others that we love them too by acknowledging their accomplishments and encouraging them."

"I'll go find Emily," Caden said. "Looks like Dad and I could work on this together." Caden left the room, but quickly returned. "Hey, Mom? Good job on those cookies."

Mom smiled. "Thanks, Caden. That's just what I needed to hear."

– Kelly Carlson

How About You?
When was the last time you said "good job"? Is there someone in your life who needs to hear that? People rarely do things perfectly, but when they try their best and do well, we need to encourage them instead of pointing out what they could have done better. Make "good job" two of the words you say today!

Today's Key Verse:
Encourage one another and build each other up. (CSB) (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

Today's Key Thought:
Encourage others