Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-3; Isaiah 41:10 Casey was sitting on the edge of the deck, shoving a pointy stick into the muddy spring earth, when Grandpa sat down next to him. “Hey, buddy. You’ve been quiet ever since your parents dropped you off to take your little brother to the hospital. Anything you want to…
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 “Did you see that clunky bracelet Megan is wearing?” Vivian whispered to the girls sitting near her on the bus, but Megan overheard. She looked down at the beaded bracelet she and her grandmother had strung together. Spaced between bright round beads were letters spelling J-O-Y. Megan had been excited to…
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 4:7-13 “I’m not going to Topher’s birthday party,” Declan told his mother as they walked down the grocery aisle. “Not if Walker’s there.” “That’s not very nice,” said Mom. “For Topher or Walker.” “Yeah, well, they both deserve it! Walker’s mean and makes fun of people, and Topher just…
Bible Reading: Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 5:43-48 “Let’s go get an ice cream cone at the Eskimo Palace, Dad,” said Kinsley. “We can be back before Mom gets home from her meeting.” “Good idea,” said Dad, so they went out to the car. As they drove along, they passed a couple of Kinsley’s classmates playing at…
Bible Reading: Isaiah 32:17-18; Luke 2:8-16 When she got home from school, Sybil collapsed into a chair so forcefully it scraped across the floor. “Sybil!” said Mom. “Be careful! You’re going to leave marks!” She sighed as Sybil’s little sister started crying in the other room. “This house is like a war zone,” she muttered….
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-17 When Sadie walked into the kitchen one morning, she found Dad cradling a tiny orange kitten. The kitten’s eyes weren’t even open. “What’s wrong with him?” Sadie asked. “Why is he crying?” Dad used an eyedropper to give him milk. “I found this little guy outside, alone and hungry. I’m afraid…
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:12-15 Grayson stomped into the kitchen where his mom was making a pie. “What’s wrong?” she asked when she saw the angry frown on his face. “Kobe stepped on my new remote control car.” Grayson held out the mangled toy. “He said he was sorry and that he’d pay to have it…
Bible Reading: Psalm 103:8-14; Hebrews 4:14-16 Editor’s note: This story mentions abuse and may not be suitable for young children. “Everyone, this is Grace,” the teacher told the class. Grace stared at the rows of faces from the front of the room. The teacher had everyone say their names, but Grace didn’t bother listening. No…
Bible Reading: Psalm 32:1-5 Gideon was busily sweeping the garage when his dad pulled into the driveway. “Hi, Gideon,” Dad said. “What’s going on?” “TJ has chickenpox,” Gideon announced, putting the broom away. “And you?” Dad arched his eyebrows. He knew that when Gideon did work without being asked, it usually meant he had done…
Bible Reading: Colossians 3:13; James 4:11-12 “Mom, what are we having for dinner?” Clara tapped her pencil against the table. Mom turned around from stirring the big pot on the stove. “Venison and veggie stew. Do you need any help with your homework?” “I can’t focus,” Clara said with a groan. She scowled. “I keep…
