Bible Reading: Luke 15:4-7 Lila walked wide-eyed through the market. It took two hours of walking out of the Andes mountains to reach the village in the valley, so Lila rarely accompanied her mother. Now she stared in wonder at the variety of goods for sale. There were piles of produce—potatoes, cucumbers, and maize—tables filled… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Colossians 3:8-14 “Grandma! Grandpa!” called Reagan and Vinny as they ran outside to greet their grandparents, who had just pulled into the driveway. Grandma gave them each a big hug. “We missed you while you were on vacation!” she said. “Did you have a good trip?” “We sure did,” said Vinny. “Come see… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Genesis 12:1-5 “Goodbye,” Lily said as she looked around at the home she’d always lived in. “I’ll miss you.” As she got inside the car with Mom, Lily thought of the garden with its apple trees and the swing she loved. She swallowed back the tears, wondering how their new house could possibly… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:1-3, 8-9 “We’re hungry!” announced Addison after she and her cousin Morgan helped their grandmother get her house ready for their family’s New Year’s Eve party. “Then I guess you’d like something to eat,” said Grandma. “What sounds good?” “Pizza!” the girls sang out together. Grandma smiled. “Don’t know why I asked…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 10:29-31 Thomas’s heart was heavy as he trudged down the road. Maybe I should run away, he thought. I bet nobody would even notice I was gone. Lately Thomas had felt left out in his family. When his older brother got a home run in a ball game or a good grade… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 147:3-5, 11 Sophia’s whole body shook with sobs. “Sophia,” said Aunt Kelly, comforting her, “please try to stop crying so you can tell me what’s wrong.” With great effort, Sophia did her best to control her tears. Her breath caught in her throat as she said, “Mom and Dad just told me… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 4:1-4; John 6:35-40; James 4:7 “Grandma, look! A squirrel climbed up on your bird feeder and scared all the birds away. He’s taking the food you put out for them. How can we make him leave it alone?” “I don’t know,” said Grandma. “I’ve tried several things, but squirrels are very good… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Acts 10:1-2, 30-33 Christmas was over. Colorful wrapping paper and bright ribbons had been cleared away, and the opened presents were sitting under the tree. Because Dad had been out of work for several months, most of the gifts were very practical—useful things like socks, sweaters, mittens, and boots. “God is good,” Dad… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Anthony flicked off the radio. He couldn’t stand to hear one more Christmas song. Ever since his dad walked out on him and his mom on Christmas Eve two years ago, Anthony dreaded the holiday season. He sighed and flopped onto the couch as Mom walked into the room. “Hey, Anthony…. Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 13:55-56; Hebrews 4:14-16 “Mom!” Mason stormed through the living room, past the manger scene and Christmas tree, and into the kitchen. “Look at this.” He held up four baseball cards. “Abby drew hearts all over my best cards!” “Oh no.” His mother closed the oven door. “I’ll talk to her about it… Continue Reading…