Bible Reading: Psalm 33:4-9; John 16:33 “Ow!” Ian wailed as his mom rubbed a baking soda mixture on a bee sting. “It still hurts! Why did God make bees, anyway?” “I didn’t hear you complaining when you were spreading honey on your toast this morning,” said Mom. “But hang on—I’ll get you some ice to…
Bible Reading: Mark 4:35-4 Lightning flashed and thunder boomed, rattling the house and flooding the living room with flashes of light. Moments later, there was a thud of feet hitting the floor, followed by quick footsteps. Mom looked up from the sofa to see six-year-old Matthew standing outside his bedroom door, his face filled with…
Bible Reading: Psalm 121:1-4 Rose excitedly walked her first two-wheeler bicycle from the store to the car. “We’ll put the training wheels on when we get home,” Dad said as he loaded it into the back of the van. “I’ll help you learn to ride it too.” “I don’t need training wheels! I can ride…
Bible Reading: Ephesians 1:18-21 “Whew! I’m so hot!” Matt groaned as he slowly cycled up a hill. Sweat ran down his face and his legs were aching. A few feet ahead, Dad turned around and grinned. “You’re doing great! Just over this hill is a café. We’ll stop for ice cream.” Before Matt could answer,…
Bible Reading: James 4:13-17 Dad gently shook Mateo’s shoulder. “Time to go,” Dad whispered. “Fishing is best in the early morning, you know.” Mateo groaned but rolled out of bed, and soon he and Dad were pushing off in a rowboat. The sky was growing lighter, but a heavy mist hung over the still waters…
Bible Reading: James 1:2-7 It was Mia and Mom’s day to visit Grandpa, but Mom wouldn’t stop talking on the phone. “We’re going to be late!” Mia said. Mom put her hand over the phone. “Let’s play the waiting game.” Mia groaned. The waiting game wasn’t a game at all. It was just something Mom…
Bible Reading: Psalm 55:1-2; James 5:13-16 “Uncle Jeff is finally out of the hospital,” Mom told Nathan as they were setting the table. “Isn’t that great? Aunt Kate’s going to bring him here for something to eat before he goes home.” Nathan’s stomach churned. He bit his lip and shrugged. Uncle Jeff had been in…
Bible Reading: Matthew 11:28-30; John 6:37-40 The wind lashed at Sam’s hair, and salt water splashed on his face as the boat approached Liberty Island in New York Harbor. “Look! There she is,” Sam said, pointing to the Statue of Liberty. He stood at the rail as they got closer. “I’ve heard this area called…
Bible Reading: Psalm 84:11; John 16:33; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11 CRASH! “Sorry!” Johnny said. SMASH…SPLASH! “Oops, sorry again!” Amanda grinned at her mom. “Sounds like Johnny’s home.” “I’m okay,” Johnny said when Mom and Amanda found him standing in a watery mess. “I broke two flower vases.” As the three of them cleaned up the mess,…
Bible Reading: Luke 15:1-7 “Hey, where did Ellen go?” Josie looked around the dining hall. She and her fellow campers had just finished supper. “She was right here a minute ago.” Bianca looked around too. “I don’t see her,” she said. “Actually, I don’t see any of the counselors! Where did everyone go?” “Can I…
