Bible Reading: Colossians 1:9-12 “No fair standing on your tiptoes!” Dad teased as he measured Preston’s height and marked it on the closet door. Preston laughed. “When Aunt Carrie comes, she’ll see a big change in me!” “You’ve grown a lot,” Dad agreed. “You were only eight when she left.” Preston remembered the day Aunt… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2; 1 Peter 2:19-24 Mom handed Tracy half of a fitted sheet. “Would you help me, please, sweetheart?” Tracy grunted as she stretched the sheet as taut as she could over a mattress corner. She surveyed her attempt and frowned. “It’s barely hanging on, and it has more wrinkles than a Shar-Pei.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Matthew 1:18-23 As Mateo and his friend Tory rode the bus home from school, they talked about their Christmas plans. “Grandpa and Grandma are coming for a whole week this year,” said Tory, “and on Christmas Eve we’re all going to see a movie about Santa Claus! Wanna come with us? I’m sure… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Hebrews 10:23-25 “Dad, why do we go to church so much?” asked Denver one Sunday as the family got into the car. “We go more than any of my friends do. Why do we go so often?” “To worship God,” came the reply from Denver’s brother, Austin. “And to learn more about Jesus.”… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 51:1-10 “I think everyone had fun at my slumber party,” said Willa. “That’s great,” said Mom, “and you were a perfect hostess. I like the way you treated your friends.” Willa sighed. “Skye spilled chocolate milk on my new bedspread, and it left a big brown stain. She felt so bad, so… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 “Look at this, Mom!” Konrad pointed to a webpage on his tablet. “It says here the local library has declared today to be a fine-free day. All overdue books can be returned without paying a fine.” Konrad grinned. “I have a whole bunch of books that are overdue!” Konrad’s sister… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:7-11 Mom turned from the sink when she heard a door slam and feet running quickly down the stairs. “Mom!” Alicia cried as she ran into the kitchen. “Candice is being mean to me, and she even said she hates Christmas!” Alicia’s foster mom dried her hands. “I heard… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 “Five more people were saved at the revival meeting tonight!” Regan’s father exclaimed as he walked into the house late one evening. “I’m so glad Pastor Henderson was able to be the special speaker for the week. I always thought he had a real gift for preaching.” “Yes, and several… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:7-11 “Watch me, Grandma. I’m a pigeon!” Dallas said with a giggle as they walked through the park. Soon Grandma was laughing because Dallas had captured the pigeon walk perfectly—head forward…stop…head back…stop. “If you’re a pigeon, Dallas, you better have some popcorn,” Grandma said when they reached the sidewalk vendor. She bought… Continue Reading…

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-6 As Josie headed home after school, she dreaded going into the empty house. She thought about what her teacher had told her class earlier that day. “There are millions of kids who are home without adults for some time each day,” Mrs. Richards had said. “Many of them are scared but… Continue Reading…