Bible Reading: Revelation 5:9; 7:9-10 “I love flowers! And you make such pretty bouquets and centerpieces, Mom,” said Stella as she and her mother worked in the flower garden, selecting and cutting flowers for bouquets. “It’s fun to help you with your florist business,” Stella added. “You’re so creative.” Mom smiled. “Thanks, honey,” she said,… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Proverbs 2:1-9 For what seemed like the fiftieth time, Mike twirled the dial on his locker and silently prayed it would work. He glanced around nervously, hoping nobody noticed how long he’d been trying to get the locker open. This is a lousy way to start middle school, he thought, his stomach tightening… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-7; Philippians 1:9-11 “What is a masquerade, anyway?” asked Lindsay, holding up a flier from school. “It’s just a fancy word for a costume party,” replied Mom as she sifted through old clothes and random items from the attic. “I’m hoping we can find some costume ideas in this heap of forgotten… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Luke 6:43-45 Abby used a large spoon to carefully lift a peach from the hot water Mom had poured over the fruit. After gently peeling it, she passed it to her mother. Mom cut the peach in half, broke it apart, and removed the pit. “Too bad peaches don’t grow around here all… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:30-32; 5:1-2 “Look! Here comes that girl on her three-wheeler,” said Marcus. “She’s not too bright,” he added with a snicker. “Yeah,” said Nolan. “Let’s pretend we’re going to run into her and see what she does.” So Marcus and Nolan steered their bikes toward the girl. Fear spread across her face… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, 14-15, 17-21 George stuck close to his father as they quietly walked into the church for Mr. Benson’s funeral. The elderly man had lived two houses down the street from them, and George often helped him with yardwork. In fact, just last Saturday the two of them had cut and… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-17 I wish we didn’t have family devotions right after breakfast every day, thought Jordyn. She especially wished she could skip them on days when she was late getting downstairs and had to wait till after devotions to eat breakfast—and that happened quite often. One day when she was late, she… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Galatians 5:22-26 I’m hungry for a plum,” declared Jenna as she and her sister, Haley, helped their father pick peaches in the family’s orchard. “We’ve got lots of peaches. Wouldn’t it be nice to have some plums too?” “Oh, just pretend they’re plums,” said Haley. “Close your eyes and think plum while you… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Revelation 19:11-16 Micah let out a sigh of relief as he set the last box on the floor and sat down. “I sure am glad the garage is finished. This fall cleaning is hard work!” “Don’t get too comfortable,” said Grandpa. “We still have to clean out the spare room.” He smiled as… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:12-14; 139:23-24 “Hi, Rylee,” Zari said into the phone. “I was wondering if you’d like to come to my birthday party on Saturday. It’s at one o’clock.” She paused, then said, “Okay, see you there!” Mom smiled as Zari handed her the phone and headed out to play with her friend Lillian…. Continue Reading…