Bible Reading: Proverbs 4:20-27; 28:13; 1 John 1:9Gia traced her finger along a pack of gum in her pocket as she and her twin sister Teagan walked down a winding forest trail near their family's cabin. Mom had said they could take a hike if they stayed together and didn't go far. I wish Mom and Dad had let us buy gum when we stopped at the gas station, thought Gia. But their parents hadn't let them buy gum, so the girls snuck some from the shelf into their pockets. It seemed exciting when they did it, but now the gum was bothering Gia's conscience.She sighed and turned her attention to the trail. "Dad says there's a lake just over this little hill. I'll race you there." "Okay," said Teagan. "You're on!" The girls took off running.Gia was so eager to beat Teagan that she flew down the path, never looking down. She cut corners on the curves and often strayed off the trail. Suddenly, her foot hit a rock, and she went sprawling into the leaves and weeds. She felt bruised and shaken as she sat up and looked around. Her knee hurt and was bleeding.When Teagan caught up, she rushed to Gia's side. "Are you okay?" Teagan asked. "What happened?""I guess I got off the path," replied Gia. "My foot hit a rock, and I fell." Teagan looked thoughtful. "Does that remind you of anything? Like last week's Sunday school lesson?""Yeah. It was about getting off the path too," said Gia. "Only our lesson wasn't about straying off a path in the woods. It was about getting off the right path--God's path--by doing things that are wrong and…well, we did that, didn't we?"Teagan nodded. "Has that gum been bothering you too?" "I haven't been able to chew it," Gia said. "It bothers me more than this banged-up knee." She sighed. "Our Sunday school lesson was also about how Jesus forgives us when we sin and helps us get back on the right path. We need to confess what we did to Him.""And to Mom and Dad," said Teagan. "Let's ask them to take us back so we can return the gum. I'd rather get in trouble than feel like this.""Yeah," said Gia. "It's time to get back on the right path."-Karen E. CoganHow About You?Is something bothering your conscience? That's often a reminder that you've strayed off the path God wants you to take as His child. Maybe you tell yourself that what you've done is okay because other kids do it, but sin is never okay. Don't ignore a guilty conscience. Confess your wrong to Jesus, and trust Him to forgive you and help you get back on the right path.Today's Key Verse:Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. (NKJV) (Proverbs 4:26)Today's Key Thought:Walk on God's path

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs 4:20-27; 28:13; 1 John 1:9&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Proverbs 4:20-27; 28:13; 1 John 1:9</a>Gia traced her finger along a pack of gum in her pocket as she and her twin sister Teagan walked down a winding forest trail near their family's cabin. Mom had said they could take a hike if they stayed together and didn't go far. I wish Mom and Dad had let us buy gum when we stopped at the gas station, thought Gia. But their parents hadn't let them buy gum, so the girls snuck some from the shelf into their pockets. It seemed exciting when they did it, but now the gum was bothering Gia's conscience.She sighed and turned her attention to the trail. "Dad says there's a lake just over this little hill. I'll race you there." "Okay," said Teagan. "You're on!" The girls took off running.Gia was so eager to beat Teagan that she flew down the path, never looking down. She cut corners on the curves and often strayed off the trail. Suddenly, her foot hit a rock, and she went sprawling into the leaves and weeds. She felt bruised and shaken as she sat up and looked around. Her knee hurt and was bleeding.When Teagan caught up, she rushed to Gia's side. "Are you okay?" Teagan asked. "What happened?""I guess I got off the path," replied Gia. "My foot hit a rock, and I fell." Teagan looked thoughtful. "Does that remind you of anything? Like last week's Sunday school lesson?""Yeah. It was about getting off the path too," said Gia. "Only our lesson wasn't about straying off a path in the woods. It was about getting off the right path--God's path--by doing things that are wrong and…well, we did that, didn't we?"Teagan nodded. "Has that gum been bothering you too?" "I haven't been able to chew it," Gia said. "It bothers me more than this banged-up knee." She sighed. "Our Sunday school lesson was also about how Jesus forgives us when we sin and helps us get back on the right path. We need to confess what we did to Him.""And to Mom and Dad," said Teagan. "Let's ask them to take us back so we can return the gum. I'd rather get in trouble than feel like this.""Yeah," said Gia. "It's time to get back on the right path."-Karen E. CoganHow About You? Is something bothering your conscience? That's often a reminder that you've strayed off the path God wants you to take as His child. Maybe you tell yourself that what you've done is okay because other kids do it, but sin is never okay. Don't ignore a guilty conscience. Confess your wrong to Jesus, and trust Him to forgive you and help you get back on the right path. Today's Key Verse: Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. (NKJV) (Proverbs 4:26) Today's Key Thought: Walk on God's path

Off the Path

Bible Reading: Psalm 27:1-5, 14; 1 John 4:4Several boys on Diego's street were at it again, making fun of people in the neighborhood. Diego stood there, hating it all, but saying nothing. "Do you get it?" asked one of the boys when Diego didn't laugh at his joke about an elderly woman who lived nearby.Diego swallowed hard. "I have to go." He sighed as he walked away. Why didn't I tell them I don't like how they talk about people? he thought. It's not easy being the only Christian kid in the neighborhood. Diego was so wrapped up in his own thoughts he didn't see Pastor Barros until he smacked right into him. "Oh, sorry!" said Diego."Where are you going in such a hurry?" asked the pastor, who was fixing the fence in his yard."Nowhere--just getting away from the guys." Diego hesitated. "It's really hard to stand up to others all by yourself.""Yes, it is." Pastor Barros took a toothpick from his pocket. "You're like this toothpick. Here--see if you can break it."Diego took the toothpick and broke it easily. "You mean I'm weak--not strong enough to say anything, right?" He sighed. "Yeah, I know I am.""Oh, but look." Pastor Barros took a nail from his toolbox and held it out with another toothpick. "Hold the nail alongside the toothpick and see if you can you break them.""I can't do that!" said Diego. "I'd have to break the nail. That's impossible!""Well," said the pastor, "like I said, you're like a toothpick--but you're like the toothpick with the nail beside it."Diego frowned. "But who's like the nail then? My parents? Or you? I'd feel much stronger with one of you around, but you're not always there.""No," said Pastor Barros, "but Jesus is. Trust Him to help you. He's always there to give you the strength you need to do the right thing and treat others with love and kindness, even when you're the only one doing it."Diego looked at the nail. "Yeah, I guess you're right!""You know, I gave this same lesson to Lucas Cardoso yesterday," said Pastor Barros."Lucas?" asked Diego. "He lives just a few houses down from me."Pastor Barros nodded. "He's having trouble with the other boys too. You see, Lucas thinks he's the only Christian in the neighborhood."-Mary Rose PearsonHow About You?Do you have trouble standing up for what's right? Jesus will give you the strength you need. With His help, you can find the courage to refuse to take part in sinful things. You can find the strength to defend those who are being mistreated. And when you do, you may even discover there are other Christians around. You can encourage them to depend on God for strength too.Today's Key Verse:I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV) (Philippians 4:13)Today's Key Thought:Be strong in the Lord

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 27:1-5, 14; 1 John 4:4&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 27:1-5, 14; 1 John 4:4</a>Several boys on Diego's street were at it again, making fun of people in the neighborhood. Diego stood there, hating it all, but saying nothing. "Do you get it?" asked one of the boys when Diego didn't laugh at his joke about an elderly woman who lived nearby.Diego swallowed hard. "I have to go." He sighed as he walked away. Why didn't I tell them I don't like how they talk about people? he thought. It's not easy being the only Christian kid in the neighborhood. Diego was so wrapped up in his own thoughts he didn't see Pastor Barros until he smacked right into him. "Oh, sorry!" said Diego."Where are you going in such a hurry?" asked the pastor, who was fixing the fence in his yard."Nowhere--just getting away from the guys." Diego hesitated. "It's really hard to stand up to others all by yourself.""Yes, it is." Pastor Barros took a toothpick from his pocket. "You're like this toothpick. Here--see if you can break it."Diego took the toothpick and broke it easily. "You mean I'm weak--not strong enough to say anything, right?" He sighed. "Yeah, I know I am.""Oh, but look." Pastor Barros took a nail from his toolbox and held it out with another toothpick. "Hold the nail alongside the toothpick and see if you can you break them.""I can't do that!" said Diego. "I'd have to break the nail. That's impossible!""Well," said the pastor, "like I said, you're like a toothpick--but you're like the toothpick with the nail beside it."Diego frowned. "But who's like the nail then? My parents? Or you? I'd feel much stronger with one of you around, but you're not always there.""No," said Pastor Barros, "but Jesus is. Trust Him to help you. He's always there to give you the strength you need to do the right thing and treat others with love and kindness, even when you're the only one doing it."Diego looked at the nail. "Yeah, I guess you're right!""You know, I gave this same lesson to Lucas Cardoso yesterday," said Pastor Barros."Lucas?" asked Diego. "He lives just a few houses down from me."Pastor Barros nodded. "He's having trouble with the other boys too. You see, Lucas thinks he's the only Christian in the neighborhood."-Mary Rose PearsonHow About You? Do you have trouble standing up for what's right? Jesus will give you the strength you need. With His help, you can find the courage to refuse to take part in sinful things. You can find the strength to defend those who are being mistreated. And when you do, you may even discover there are other Christians around. You can encourage them to depend on God for strength too. Today's Key Verse: I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV) (Philippians 4:13) Today's Key Thought: Be strong in the Lord

The Nail and the Toothpick

Bible Reading: Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 2:1-5"Mom! I don't want Sparky to leave!" exclaimed Sarah. "He's part of our family." Sparky was a service dog, and they had been fostering and training him until he was ready to leave and be rehomed. "Please let him stay," Sarah begged. "Why can't we keep him?"Mom gently held her daughter's hand. Sparky's soft brown eyes looked up at them both. He sat down beside them, wagging his tail, sensing they were troubled."I'm sorry, sweetheart, but no, we can't keep him. Sparky is a very special dog with an important job to do. We've been blessed to have him with us, but it's time for him to move on and be a blessing to someone who needs his help. Sarah stormed up to her bedroom. Sparky followed. Hugging him, she sobbed and said, "I'm going to miss you so much. I'll always love you." Then she whispered a prayer. "Dear Jesus, please help me do this." When James, the dog handler in charge, came to collect Sparky the next morning, Sarah's eyes were stinging and red."It's okay to cry," said James. "I know you're heartbroken about losing Sparky. You and your mom have done a wonderful job looking after him. Now, by letting him go, you're helping a blind man who needs him. Sparky will change his life, and you'll be free to foster and train another dog for someone else who needs help."Tears streaming down her face, Sarah waved goodbye to Sparky as he left.Once inside, Mom hugged her. "I'm so proud of you. You've been brave and unselfish. I know how difficult this is for you, but your sacrifice has given a man hope." Mom smiled at her. "That's like what Jesus did for us. He made a much bigger sacrifice when He died on the cross so we could have the hope of eternal life with Him.""I prayed and asked Him to help me do this, and He did," said Sarah. "But it still hurts." She dried her eyes. "Can we pray for Sparky and the blind man?"Mom nodded, and as they prayed, Sarah's heart was at peace. Even though letting go of Sparky was difficult, she knew Jesus would use him to help someone in need.-Cindy LeeHow About You?Have you ever made a sacrifice for someone? Though it can be very hard, letting go of something so someone else can be blessed by it is one way to show people God's love. God loves us so deeply that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross so we could be saved and have eternal life. He can help you let go of something when it's hard so that you can bless others. Today's Key Verse:Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (NIV) (Philippians 2:3)Today's Key Thought:Trust God to help you bless others

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 2:1-5&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ephesians 5:1-2; Philippians 2:1-5</a>"Mom! I don't want Sparky to leave!" exclaimed Sarah. "He's part of our family." Sparky was a service dog, and they had been fostering and training him until he was ready to leave and be rehomed. "Please let him stay," Sarah begged. "Why can't we keep him?"Mom gently held her daughter's hand. Sparky's soft brown eyes looked up at them both. He sat down beside them, wagging his tail, sensing they were troubled."I'm sorry, sweetheart, but no, we can't keep him. Sparky is a very special dog with an important job to do. We've been blessed to have him with us, but it's time for him to move on and be a blessing to someone who needs his help. Sarah stormed up to her bedroom. Sparky followed. Hugging him, she sobbed and said, "I'm going to miss you so much. I'll always love you." Then she whispered a prayer. "Dear Jesus, please help me do this." When James, the dog handler in charge, came to collect Sparky the next morning, Sarah's eyes were stinging and red."It's okay to cry," said James. "I know you're heartbroken about losing Sparky. You and your mom have done a wonderful job looking after him. Now, by letting him go, you're helping a blind man who needs him. Sparky will change his life, and you'll be free to foster and train another dog for someone else who needs help."Tears streaming down her face, Sarah waved goodbye to Sparky as he left.Once inside, Mom hugged her. "I'm so proud of you. You've been brave and unselfish. I know how difficult this is for you, but your sacrifice has given a man hope." Mom smiled at her. "That's like what Jesus did for us. He made a much bigger sacrifice when He died on the cross so we could have the hope of eternal life with Him.""I prayed and asked Him to help me do this, and He did," said Sarah. "But it still hurts." She dried her eyes. "Can we pray for Sparky and the blind man?"Mom nodded, and as they prayed, Sarah's heart was at peace. Even though letting go of Sparky was difficult, she knew Jesus would use him to help someone in need.-Cindy LeeHow About You? Have you ever made a sacrifice for someone? Though it can be very hard, letting go of something so someone else can be blessed by it is one way to show people God's love. God loves us so deeply that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross so we could be saved and have eternal life. He can help you let go of something when it's hard so that you can bless others. Today's Key Verse: Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves. (NIV) (Philippians 2:3) Today's Key Thought: Trust God to help you bless others

Goodbye, Sparky

Bible Reading: Romans 5:1-5, 8:28; James 1:2-4A big nose blew a gust of air into the side of Torin's head, and he turned and patted his grandparents' horse Firefly on the head before continuing to brush her glossy brown coat. He was glad his parents had let him come to Wyoming to help with the chores on the ranch for a while, after everything that had happened. In late May, his grandmother got sick and had to go to the hospital. Then one day when Grandpa was going to see her, another car crashed into his. Grandpa wasn't hurt, but the car was totally wrecked. That same week, a pine tree behind the stables had been struck by lightning and burned down.Torin finished brushing Firefly and sent her out to the pasture. He thought about asking Grandpa if he wanted to go horseback riding later that day, but Grandpa always seemed tired from taking care of Grandma, who was home now and in bed most of the time. Grandpa would probably want to go to bed early so he wouldn't be tired at church in the morning. I don't see how they can still trust God after everything that's happened to them, Torin thought. "Care to take a walk?" asked Grandpa after church the next day."Sure," said Torin. As they passed the remains of the tree that had burned, Torin pointed to the ground. "Look! Some of the pine cones don't even look burned."Grandpa picked one up. "That tree was a lodgepole pine," he told Torin. "This kind of cone only opens when it's exposed to a great deal of heat. A fire seems like a bad thing, but there will soon be new trees growing because of it." Grandpa smiled. "Through His marvelous handiwork, God ensures that even a fire will result in something good.""I didn't know God made pine cones like that," said Torin."He sure did." Grandpa handed the pine cone to Torin. "It's been a rough summer for us. Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged, but when I look at these pine cones, I'm comforted. I know God can bring good out of the fiery trials we face. He cares for us, Torin, and He won't let anything we experience go to waste. He can use the hard things that happen in our lives to help us grow to be more like Jesus and remind us of the hope and joy we have in Him."-Linda WeddleHow About You?Have you experienced bad things in your life? Remember that Jesus is there for you. He cares about the forest enough to make sure new life comes from a fire, and He cares about you even more. Look to Him for comfort and peace when bad things happen, and trust Him to bring good out of the difficult experiences in your life. Today's Key Verse:When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (NLT) (James 1:2)Today's Key Thought:God cares for you

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans 5:1-5, 8:28; James 1:2-4&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Romans 5:1-5, 8:28; James 1:2-4</a>A big nose blew a gust of air into the side of Torin's head, and he turned and patted his grandparents' horse Firefly on the head before continuing to brush her glossy brown coat. He was glad his parents had let him come to Wyoming to help with the chores on the ranch for a while, after everything that had happened. In late May, his grandmother got sick and had to go to the hospital. Then one day when Grandpa was going to see her, another car crashed into his. Grandpa wasn't hurt, but the car was totally wrecked. That same week, a pine tree behind the stables had been struck by lightning and burned down.Torin finished brushing Firefly and sent her out to the pasture. He thought about asking Grandpa if he wanted to go horseback riding later that day, but Grandpa always seemed tired from taking care of Grandma, who was home now and in bed most of the time. Grandpa would probably want to go to bed early so he wouldn't be tired at church in the morning. I don't see how they can still trust God after everything that's happened to them, Torin thought. "Care to take a walk?" asked Grandpa after church the next day."Sure," said Torin. As they passed the remains of the tree that had burned, Torin pointed to the ground. "Look! Some of the pine cones don't even look burned."Grandpa picked one up. "That tree was a lodgepole pine," he told Torin. "This kind of cone only opens when it's exposed to a great deal of heat. A fire seems like a bad thing, but there will soon be new trees growing because of it." Grandpa smiled. "Through His marvelous handiwork, God ensures that even a fire will result in something good.""I didn't know God made pine cones like that," said Torin."He sure did." Grandpa handed the pine cone to Torin. "It's been a rough summer for us. Sometimes it's easy to get discouraged, but when I look at these pine cones, I'm comforted. I know God can bring good out of the fiery trials we face. He cares for us, Torin, and He won't let anything we experience go to waste. He can use the hard things that happen in our lives to help us grow to be more like Jesus and remind us of the hope and joy we have in Him."-Linda WeddleHow About You? Have you experienced bad things in your life? Remember that Jesus is there for you. He cares about the forest enough to make sure new life comes from a fire, and He cares about you even more. Look to Him for comfort and peace when bad things happen, and trust Him to bring good out of the difficult experiences in your life. Today's Key Verse: When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. (NLT) (James 1:2) Today's Key Thought: God cares for you

Pine Cones

Bible Reading: 1 Corinthians 2:6-9; Colossians 1:24-27; 2:2-3Becca and her mom sat on the back porch, reading and drinking iced tea."I just finished my third mystery!" Becca closed her book with a smile. "I love reading mysteries and trying to guess the endings. I'm pretty good at it.""I like mysteries too." Mom grinned at Becca. "My favorite mystery book is the Bible!"Becca gave her a strange look. "The Bible isn't a mystery, Mom."Mom laughed. "Sure it is! A mystery is something hidden being revealed, right?""Yeah, but you usually don't find out who did it until the end."Mom took a sip of her tea. "In the Old Testament, God told His people He would send a Savior to save the world from sin and all the bad stuff that happens because of it. Though we get clues about Him all throughout the Old Testament, that Savior isn't revealed until the New Testament. Then we meet Jesus, God's Son.""Well, maybe you're right. If someone reads the Bible from the very beginning, and they don't already know who the hero is, they'll probably be surprised!" "Whoever wants to solve the mystery of life should read this book." Mom held up her Bible. "It reveals the answer to that mystery--Jesus. It tells us why the world is the way it is and what God is doing to fix it. But, for those who don't know about Jesus and how He died and rose again to save them, life won't make sense and will remain a mystery.""Henry, a boy in my class, told everyone there's no such thing as life after death," said Becca. "He said people just turn back to dirt after they die. That might have made sense to me if I didn't already know about Jesus."Mom nodded. "Unfortunately, many people don't know the answer to the mystery. They believe this world is all there is. It's up to us to give them a spoiler alert and point them to the answer God gives us in the Bible." "I'll try to do that with Henry." Becca pointed to the Bible her mom held in her lap. "I love mysteries, but I'm glad I already know the ending to that book. Otherwise, life would be pretty scary!"  -Bonnie CarrHow About You?Have you solved the mystery of life? The answer to that mystery is in the Bible, and--spoiler alert--it's Jesus! When we wonder what the future holds or what will happen to us after we die, we can look to Jesus, who came to fix our broken world and give us eternal life. This is one ending you can share with others even before they read it in the Bible for themselves!Today's Key Verse:My goal is that they…may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. (NIV) (Colossians 2:2)Today's Key Thought:The Bible reveals God's mystery--Jesus

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Corinthians 2:6-9; Colossians 1:24-27; 2:2-3&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 2:6-9; Colossians 1:24-27; 2:2-3</a>Becca and her mom sat on the back porch, reading and drinking iced tea."I just finished my third mystery!" Becca closed her book with a smile. "I love reading mysteries and trying to guess the endings. I'm pretty good at it.""I like mysteries too." Mom grinned at Becca. "My favorite mystery book is the Bible!"Becca gave her a strange look. "The Bible isn't a mystery, Mom."Mom laughed. "Sure it is! A mystery is something hidden being revealed, right?""Yeah, but you usually don't find out who did it until the end."Mom took a sip of her tea. "In the Old Testament, God told His people He would send a Savior to save the world from sin and all the bad stuff that happens because of it. Though we get clues about Him all throughout the Old Testament, that Savior isn't revealed until the New Testament. Then we meet Jesus, God's Son.""Well, maybe you're right. If someone reads the Bible from the very beginning, and they don't already know who the hero is, they'll probably be surprised!" "Whoever wants to solve the mystery of life should read this book." Mom held up her Bible. "It reveals the answer to that mystery--Jesus. It tells us why the world is the way it is and what God is doing to fix it. But, for those who don't know about Jesus and how He died and rose again to save them, life won't make sense and will remain a mystery.""Henry, a boy in my class, told everyone there's no such thing as life after death," said Becca. "He said people just turn back to dirt after they die. That might have made sense to me if I didn't already know about Jesus."Mom nodded. "Unfortunately, many people don't know the answer to the mystery. They believe this world is all there is. It's up to us to give them a spoiler alert and point them to the answer God gives us in the Bible." "I'll try to do that with Henry." Becca pointed to the Bible her mom held in her lap. "I love mysteries, but I'm glad I already know the ending to that book. Otherwise, life would be pretty scary!" -Bonnie CarrHow About You? Have you solved the mystery of life? The answer to that mystery is in the Bible, and--spoiler alert--it's Jesus! When we wonder what the future holds or what will happen to us after we die, we can look to Jesus, who came to fix our broken world and give us eternal life. This is one ending you can share with others even before they read it in the Bible for themselves! Today's Key Verse: My goal is that they…may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ. (NIV) (Colossians 2:2) Today's Key Thought: The Bible reveals God's mystery--Jesus

Spoiler Alert

Bible Reading: Psalm 34:8-14"Yummy!" Sophie squealed as she popped another blueberry into her mouth.Amber giggled. "Sophie is having so much fun.""When you were little like your sister, you used to do the same thing," Mimi said. "There's just something special about picking blueberries for the first time.""And picking them off your blueberry bushes--well, that makes them taste even sweeter!" Amber added.Amber continued picking blueberries with her sister and grandmother until their baskets were full. "Now," said Mimi, "let's go inside and make some blueberry pancakes!"Once inside, everyone washed their hands, and Mimi got out all the ingredients to make the pancakes."I help! I help!" Sophie said as she knelt on a chair next to the counter.Mimi smiled and said, "You can help stir the batter. Amber, would you start adding in some of the ingredients?"Amber mixed in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt as Mimi read off the recipe. Then Mimi poured in the egg and milk. "Okay, Sophie, you can start stirring."Sophie began to slowly stir all the ingredients. She was extra careful not to splash any out of the bowl.Once the dry ingredients had been mixed in well, Amber dumped in the blueberries, and Mimi heated up the griddle."These pancakes are delicious, Mimi," Amber said as she ate one a few minutes later."The blueberries are really sweet this year, and that makes the pancakes extra yummy," Mimi said. "You know, that reminds me of a verse in the Bible. Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!'""What does that verse mean, Mimi?" Amber asked."Well, remember how excited Sophie got today when she tasted the sweet blueberries for the first time? That's what knowing God can be like for us. The more we get to know Jesus through the truth of His Word, the Bible, the more we discover His goodness and love for us and know we can always trust Him.""More pancakes! More pancakes!" Sophie called out.Mimi laughed. "I think I know a little someone who has tasted the goodness of blueberries!"=Lisa FullerHow About You?Have you personally experienced God's goodness and love in your life? First you need to trust Jesus as your Savior. (See "Have You Heard the Good News?" on page 102.) Then dig deep into God's Word and let His words take root in your heart. In doing so, you will discover how good God is and how much He loves you. He wants you to taste the sweetness of knowing Him!Today's Key Verse:How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. (NLT) (Psalm 119:103)Today's Key Thought:Get to know Jesus

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 34:8-14&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 34:8-14</a>"Yummy!" Sophie squealed as she popped another blueberry into her mouth.Amber giggled. "Sophie is having so much fun.""When you were little like your sister, you used to do the same thing," Mimi said. "There's just something special about picking blueberries for the first time.""And picking them off your blueberry bushes--well, that makes them taste even sweeter!" Amber added.Amber continued picking blueberries with her sister and grandmother until their baskets were full. "Now," said Mimi, "let's go inside and make some blueberry pancakes!"Once inside, everyone washed their hands, and Mimi got out all the ingredients to make the pancakes."I help! I help!" Sophie said as she knelt on a chair next to the counter.Mimi smiled and said, "You can help stir the batter. Amber, would you start adding in some of the ingredients?"Amber mixed in the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt as Mimi read off the recipe. Then Mimi poured in the egg and milk. "Okay, Sophie, you can start stirring."Sophie began to slowly stir all the ingredients. She was extra careful not to splash any out of the bowl.Once the dry ingredients had been mixed in well, Amber dumped in the blueberries, and Mimi heated up the griddle."These pancakes are delicious, Mimi," Amber said as she ate one a few minutes later."The blueberries are really sweet this year, and that makes the pancakes extra yummy," Mimi said. "You know, that reminds me of a verse in the Bible. Psalm 34:8 says, 'Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!'""What does that verse mean, Mimi?" Amber asked."Well, remember how excited Sophie got today when she tasted the sweet blueberries for the first time? That's what knowing God can be like for us. The more we get to know Jesus through the truth of His Word, the Bible, the more we discover His goodness and love for us and know we can always trust Him.""More pancakes! More pancakes!" Sophie called out.Mimi laughed. "I think I know a little someone who has tasted the goodness of blueberries!"=Lisa FullerHow About You? Have you personally experienced God's goodness and love in your life? First you need to trust Jesus as your Savior. (See "Have You Heard the Good News?" on page 102.) Then dig deep into God's Word and let His words take root in your heart. In doing so, you will discover how good God is and how much He loves you. He wants you to taste the sweetness of knowing Him! Today's Key Verse: How sweet your words taste to me; they are sweeter than honey. (NLT) (Psalm 119:103) Today's Key Thought: Get to know Jesus

Picking Blueberries

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 23:23-28"Half of these nuts aren't any good," complained Gracie, who had been cracking walnuts for the dessert her mother was making. "They're black and dried up on the inside." She picked up a nut and showed it to her mother."Don't bother cracking the bad ones," said her brother Calvin, who had just come into the kitchen. "Dump those and use the good ones."Gracie scowled at him. "You can't tell which ones are good. They all look fine on the outside.""I bet I can tell," Calvin said, shaking one. "This one's good." Gracie took it and cracked it open. Sure enough, it was good. "See," said Calvin, grinning. "I'll pick them out for you." He chose another one. "This one's good too." Gracie cracked it open, but it was dried up. Calvin frowned and handed her another nut. It wasn't good either."You can't tell any better than I can," declared Gracie, taking a nut Calvin had rejected. "I'll try this one." She was delighted to find that it was good."Let's split them up and see who can find the most good ones," said Calvin.Gracie laughed. "Okay."As they ate the dessert that evening, Gracie told Dad about the trouble with the walnuts. "Those nuts sound like people," said Dad.Calvin's eyes twinkled. "Are you saying we're nuts?"Dad laughed. "What I mean is that people can appear to be Christians. We may look good on the outside, but what would others see if they could look inside at our hearts and minds? The outside doesn't always match the inside. Jesus said the religious people in his day, the Pharisees, were like that. They appeared to be good, but they really were hypocrites."Mom nodded. "You kids had trouble telling which nuts were good, and others can't really tell for sure if our hearts are in the right place. But God knows. He sees through the shell and knows what each of us is like on the inside. He knows whether we've truly trusted Jesus to save us from sin and give us a new, clean heart."Gracie nodded. "We can't fool God." -Hazel W. MarettHow About You?Do you go to church, treat people well, and avoid bad things? That's good, and doing those things may make others think you're a Christian. But are you really? People only see what's on the outside, but God can see what's in your heart. Doing good things can't clean your heart of sin--only Jesus can do that. Trust Him as your Savior and He will make you clean. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)Today's Key Verse:On the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (CSB) (Matthew 23:28)Today's Key Thought:Be clean inside

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 23:23-28&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremiah 17:9-10; Matthew 23:23-28</a>"Half of these nuts aren't any good," complained Gracie, who had been cracking walnuts for the dessert her mother was making. "They're black and dried up on the inside." She picked up a nut and showed it to her mother."Don't bother cracking the bad ones," said her brother Calvin, who had just come into the kitchen. "Dump those and use the good ones."Gracie scowled at him. "You can't tell which ones are good. They all look fine on the outside.""I bet I can tell," Calvin said, shaking one. "This one's good." Gracie took it and cracked it open. Sure enough, it was good. "See," said Calvin, grinning. "I'll pick them out for you." He chose another one. "This one's good too." Gracie cracked it open, but it was dried up. Calvin frowned and handed her another nut. It wasn't good either."You can't tell any better than I can," declared Gracie, taking a nut Calvin had rejected. "I'll try this one." She was delighted to find that it was good."Let's split them up and see who can find the most good ones," said Calvin.Gracie laughed. "Okay."As they ate the dessert that evening, Gracie told Dad about the trouble with the walnuts. "Those nuts sound like people," said Dad.Calvin's eyes twinkled. "Are you saying we're nuts?"Dad laughed. "What I mean is that people can appear to be Christians. We may look good on the outside, but what would others see if they could look inside at our hearts and minds? The outside doesn't always match the inside. Jesus said the religious people in his day, the Pharisees, were like that. They appeared to be good, but they really were hypocrites."Mom nodded. "You kids had trouble telling which nuts were good, and others can't really tell for sure if our hearts are in the right place. But God knows. He sees through the shell and knows what each of us is like on the inside. He knows whether we've truly trusted Jesus to save us from sin and give us a new, clean heart."Gracie nodded. "We can't fool God." -Hazel W. MarettHow About You? Do you go to church, treat people well, and avoid bad things? That's good, and doing those things may make others think you're a Christian. But are you really? People only see what's on the outside, but God can see what's in your heart. Doing good things can't clean your heart of sin--only Jesus can do that. Trust Him as your Savior and He will make you clean. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.) Today's Key Verse: On the outside you seem righteous to people, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. (CSB) (Matthew 23:28) Today's Key Thought: Be clean inside

Inside the Shell

Bible Reading: Matthew 6:25-33"Mom, I'm scared," Presley whispered in the middle of the night. "I can't sleep. I keep thinking about Isabel and her car accident. What does intensive care unit mean?"Mom offered her a much-needed hug. "Presley, have you not been able to sleep because of this? It's scary, isn't it? Intensive care unit means she's getting extra care at the hospital right now.""I woke up wondering if I will ever see Isabel again," Presley said. "I would miss her so much."Presley's mom went to the kitchen and came back with two glasses of milk. "I know this is really hard. I've been praying for Isabel and her family ever since Pastor Jim called. The doctors are doing all they can, but it's possible she may not survive."Tears welled up in Presley's eyes. "How could God let this happen?"Mom shook her head. "Some things we just don't know. The best thing we can do is trust God." "But how?" asked Presley. "I just get a sick feeling in my stomach whenever I think about it.""Here." Mom picked up a stack of textbooks Presley brought home from school that day. "Hold these in your arms. How would you like to carry these books for days, weeks, months, maybe even years?"Presley felt the weight of the books sink into her arms. "I'd get tired of carrying them. They're heavy." "Don't you think worry is the same way? We can choose to carry our fear and worry, but we get tired of carrying it because it's so heavy. Or we can let God carry it for us, knowing He loves us so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus, to set us free from sin and make us His children." As she said this, she took the books from Presley, relieving her of the heavy weight. "See? How does that feel?""Much better," Presley replied with a small smile. "I guess I need to trust God to carry my worry about Isabel for me." "We'll pray together," said Mom as she tucked Presley back under the covers. "And then you get some sleep. Maybe we'll be able to go visit Isabel in the hospital tomorrow."-Meredith BrowerHow About You?Do you ever get scared or worried about bad things that could happen? God knows that worry is a heavy burden that's too hard to carry by yourself. That's why He tells us to give our worries and fears to Him. Pray and give your worries to God. He loves you and is more than happy to carry them for you.Today's Key Verse:Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT) (1 Peter 5:7)Today's Key Thought:Give your worries to God

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew 6:25-33&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Matthew 6:25-33</a>"Mom, I'm scared," Presley whispered in the middle of the night. "I can't sleep. I keep thinking about Isabel and her car accident. What does intensive care unit mean?"Mom offered her a much-needed hug. "Presley, have you not been able to sleep because of this? It's scary, isn't it? Intensive care unit means she's getting extra care at the hospital right now.""I woke up wondering if I will ever see Isabel again," Presley said. "I would miss her so much."Presley's mom went to the kitchen and came back with two glasses of milk. "I know this is really hard. I've been praying for Isabel and her family ever since Pastor Jim called. The doctors are doing all they can, but it's possible she may not survive."Tears welled up in Presley's eyes. "How could God let this happen?"Mom shook her head. "Some things we just don't know. The best thing we can do is trust God." "But how?" asked Presley. "I just get a sick feeling in my stomach whenever I think about it.""Here." Mom picked up a stack of textbooks Presley brought home from school that day. "Hold these in your arms. How would you like to carry these books for days, weeks, months, maybe even years?"Presley felt the weight of the books sink into her arms. "I'd get tired of carrying them. They're heavy." "Don't you think worry is the same way? We can choose to carry our fear and worry, but we get tired of carrying it because it's so heavy. Or we can let God carry it for us, knowing He loves us so much that He sent His own Son, Jesus, to set us free from sin and make us His children." As she said this, she took the books from Presley, relieving her of the heavy weight. "See? How does that feel?""Much better," Presley replied with a small smile. "I guess I need to trust God to carry my worry about Isabel for me." "We'll pray together," said Mom as she tucked Presley back under the covers. "And then you get some sleep. Maybe we'll be able to go visit Isabel in the hospital tomorrow."-Meredith BrowerHow About You? Do you ever get scared or worried about bad things that could happen? God knows that worry is a heavy burden that's too hard to carry by yourself. That's why He tells us to give our worries and fears to Him. Pray and give your worries to God. He loves you and is more than happy to carry them for you. Today's Key Verse: Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. (NLT) (1 Peter 5:7) Today's Key Thought: Give your worries to God

Give It to God

Bible Reading:  Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 4:13-16"Happy third birthday, Jake," Elizabeth said, handing her younger brother his present. It was beautifully wrapped up in superhero paper. "Hope you like it."They were having a party outside in the garden for him with some families from church. Jake glanced up before giving a loud shriek and yelling. He left the package on the table and ran inside. Dad followed him."What have I done? Why doesn't he want my gift?" Elizabeth asked, blushing. "I saved up my pocket money to buy him something special. Now he's crying and run off!""Darling, you haven't done anything," Mom said. "He's tired. You know he doesn't like change. It's all been too much for him having so many people around. It's not your fault."Elizabeth couldn't concentrate on the conversations around her. Her thoughts rattled with the memory of Jake and his outburst. Why did I even bother? she thought crossly, taking the unopened gift and throwing it on a chair. Soon Dad calmed Jake down and brought him outside again. Elizabeth struggled to taste the party food she usually loved and was glad when all the visitors had left. Dad took Jake upstairs to get ready for his bedtime story and prayers.  "Are you okay, sweetheart?" Mom asked, picking up the unopened gift. "Dad and I are both proud of you and your efforts to make this a special day for your brother.""I'm disappointed, I guess." Elizabeth sighed. "I know feeling overwhelmed is part of Jake's condition, but I wish he'd opened my gift. I was so excited about it.""I know, sweetheart. Your brother is tired, but tomorrow he'll be refreshed and still have your present to look forward to. I'm sure he'll treasure it." Mom gave her a hug. "Life can feel overwhelming for all of us sometimes, but like Jake, we still have wonderful gifts from God that we can enjoy. He fills our lives with blessings, and no matter what we're going through, we can always enjoy the greatest gift of all--the love and presence of Jesus, who understands how we feel and promises to help us through our struggles."Elizabeth smiled as she thought about the gift from God she could enjoy every day--a relationship with His Son, Jesus.-Cindy LeeHow About You?Do you ever feel overwhelmed by what's going on in your life? Even in the midst of struggles, you can enjoy the many blessings God wants to give you. Out of love, God sent His Son, Jesus, to repair the damaged relationship we had with Him. Because of that gift, we never have to face our struggles alone. Jesus is always with us, and He brings new blessings into our lives every day.Today's Key Verse:Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NLT) (Matthew 28:20 )Today's Key Thought:Enjoy God's blessings

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search= Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 4:13-16&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 4:13-16</a>"Happy third birthday, Jake," Elizabeth said, handing her younger brother his present. It was beautifully wrapped up in superhero paper. "Hope you like it."They were having a party outside in the garden for him with some families from church. Jake glanced up before giving a loud shriek and yelling. He left the package on the table and ran inside. Dad followed him."What have I done? Why doesn't he want my gift?" Elizabeth asked, blushing. "I saved up my pocket money to buy him something special. Now he's crying and run off!""Darling, you haven't done anything," Mom said. "He's tired. You know he doesn't like change. It's all been too much for him having so many people around. It's not your fault."Elizabeth couldn't concentrate on the conversations around her. Her thoughts rattled with the memory of Jake and his outburst. Why did I even bother? she thought crossly, taking the unopened gift and throwing it on a chair. Soon Dad calmed Jake down and brought him outside again. Elizabeth struggled to taste the party food she usually loved and was glad when all the visitors had left. Dad took Jake upstairs to get ready for his bedtime story and prayers. "Are you okay, sweetheart?" Mom asked, picking up the unopened gift. "Dad and I are both proud of you and your efforts to make this a special day for your brother.""I'm disappointed, I guess." Elizabeth sighed. "I know feeling overwhelmed is part of Jake's condition, but I wish he'd opened my gift. I was so excited about it.""I know, sweetheart. Your brother is tired, but tomorrow he'll be refreshed and still have your present to look forward to. I'm sure he'll treasure it." Mom gave her a hug. "Life can feel overwhelming for all of us sometimes, but like Jake, we still have wonderful gifts from God that we can enjoy. He fills our lives with blessings, and no matter what we're going through, we can always enjoy the greatest gift of all--the love and presence of Jesus, who understands how we feel and promises to help us through our struggles."Elizabeth smiled as she thought about the gift from God she could enjoy every day--a relationship with His Son, Jesus.-Cindy LeeHow About You? Do you ever feel overwhelmed by what's going on in your life? Even in the midst of struggles, you can enjoy the many blessings God wants to give you. Out of love, God sent His Son, Jesus, to repair the damaged relationship we had with Him. Because of that gift, we never have to face our struggles alone. Jesus is always with us, and He brings new blessings into our lives every day. Today's Key Verse: Be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (NLT) (Matthew 28:20 ) Today's Key Thought: Enjoy God's blessings

The Party

Bible Reading: John 9:1-7Seth crept into the dark room. He switched on the lamp and waved his arms back and forth above the crib. Leah didn't notice him. She was blind."Hi, baby," he whispered. She turned her tiny head toward the sound of his voice. He patted her hand through the bars. "What are you doing in here?" asked Mom, coming in from the hallway."I'm trying to make Leah see me," Seth said.Mom spread a quilt on the floor. "I'm not sure she'll ever be able to see you, Seth. But she can hear your voice and feel your touch."Seth sighed. "Why did God give her eyes that don't work?" Mom lifted Leah out of her crib and laid her on the quilt beside Seth. "We don't always understand the ways of the Lord, but we know that He can use the bad things that happen to us for good." "Blind eyes aren't good," said Seth."The Bible tells a story about a man born blind like Leah," said Mom. "People questioned Jesus about that man's eyes too." Leah gripped Seth's finger as Mom continued. "Jesus said the man was born blind so the world could see the great love and awesome power of God." Mom stroked Leah's cheek. "Then Jesus healed the man and he was no longer blind." "Is Jesus going to heal Leah?" asked Seth."I pray for that every day," said Mom. "As we wait for His answer, we can pray that Leah will hear God's voice and that He will give her special eyes to see Him with her heart.""I don't need eyes in my heart because my other eyes can see, right, Mom?""Everyone needs heart-eyes," said Mom. "We are all blind like Leah until we listen to God's voice and turn to Jesus.""My Sunday school teacher says the Bible is God's voice," said Seth."She's right," said Mom. "God's Word tells us why we need Jesus to save us from sin. When God opens our eyes to its truth, we can see His great love for us."Seth jumped up and bolted from the room. He returned with his Bible and plopped onto the quilt. "I think Leah will like the rainbow story."Leah turned her face toward Seth as he read God's Word. -Trine GrilloHow About You?Are you able to see with the eyes of your heart? Seeing with your heart-eyes is more important that seeing with your physical eyes, because that's the only way to see God's great love for you. The Bible is God's Word, and it tells us who God is and what He did to save us. As you read and listen to His Word, trust God to open the eyes of your heart and help you hear His voice.Today's Key Verse:I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you. (NIV) (Ephesians 1:18)Today's Key Thought:Listen to God's voice

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John 9:1-7&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">John 9:1-7</a>Seth crept into the dark room. He switched on the lamp and waved his arms back and forth above the crib. Leah didn't notice him. She was blind."Hi, baby," he whispered. She turned her tiny head toward the sound of his voice. He patted her hand through the bars. "What are you doing in here?" asked Mom, coming in from the hallway."I'm trying to make Leah see me," Seth said.Mom spread a quilt on the floor. "I'm not sure she'll ever be able to see you, Seth. But she can hear your voice and feel your touch."Seth sighed. "Why did God give her eyes that don't work?" Mom lifted Leah out of her crib and laid her on the quilt beside Seth. "We don't always understand the ways of the Lord, but we know that He can use the bad things that happen to us for good." "Blind eyes aren't good," said Seth."The Bible tells a story about a man born blind like Leah," said Mom. "People questioned Jesus about that man's eyes too." Leah gripped Seth's finger as Mom continued. "Jesus said the man was born blind so the world could see the great love and awesome power of God." Mom stroked Leah's cheek. "Then Jesus healed the man and he was no longer blind." "Is Jesus going to heal Leah?" asked Seth."I pray for that every day," said Mom. "As we wait for His answer, we can pray that Leah will hear God's voice and that He will give her special eyes to see Him with her heart.""I don't need eyes in my heart because my other eyes can see, right, Mom?""Everyone needs heart-eyes," said Mom. "We are all blind like Leah until we listen to God's voice and turn to Jesus.""My Sunday school teacher says the Bible is God's voice," said Seth."She's right," said Mom. "God's Word tells us why we need Jesus to save us from sin. When God opens our eyes to its truth, we can see His great love for us."Seth jumped up and bolted from the room. He returned with his Bible and plopped onto the quilt. "I think Leah will like the rainbow story."Leah turned her face toward Seth as he read God's Word. -Trine GrilloHow About You? Are you able to see with the eyes of your heart? Seeing with your heart-eyes is more important that seeing with your physical eyes, because that's the only way to see God's great love for you. The Bible is God's Word, and it tells us who God is and what He did to save us. As you read and listen to His Word, trust God to open the eyes of your heart and help you hear His voice. Today's Key Verse: I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you. (NIV) (Ephesians 1:18) Today's Key Thought: Listen to God's voice

Leah’s Eyes

Keys For Kids Ministries is a children's ministry organization, offering Keys for Kids, Down Gilead Lane, and much more.

Bible Reading: Psalm 16:2, 11; Philippians 1:6, 9-11; 1 Peter 3:10-11Not another essay! Serena groaned to herself as the teacher wrote the subject on the board: What I Want to Be When I Grow Up. I hate writing essays. Besides, I don't know what I want to be. Serena sighed and wrote down the topic. At home that evening, Serena complained about the assignment. "How do I know what I'll want to do when I'm older? I'm just a kid!" Dad smiled as he lit a candle on the table. "You don't have to commit to any career right now, but it doesn't hurt to think about what you might enjoy doing. In fact, I think you're already doing that. Just a couple days ago you and your sister hauled me into your doctor's office to check my ears and blood pressure. And a couple days before that, you and your brother were talking about settling on the moon."Serena grinned. "Maybe I will be a doctor someday. Or an astronaut. I don't know. But I can tell you what I don't want to be--an author. I don't like writing.""That's okay, but who knows? That may change," said Dad. "Just remember that your career isn't the most important thing in life anyway." He pointed to the flame of the candle. "Someone once told me our lives are like a flame. Is a flame a good thing or a bad thing?""Well, it could be either one," said Serena. "It could light a fire to cook food or provide warmth--that would be good. But it could do really bad things too, like start a fire that burns down a house or injures someone."Dad nodded. "Exactly. So, how is a person's life like a flame?"Serena hesitated. "Because it could be used for either good or bad?" "Yes," said Dad. "Life is a precious gift from God, but it's meant to be lived in relationship with Him. That's why we need to trust in Jesus. Even though Christians still make mistakes in life and do things that are wrong, Jesus forgives us and works through us to do good things. You don't need to know right now what you want to be when you grow up. Just know that, no matter what career you have, Jesus will use your life for good because you trust in Him."  -Mary Rose PearsonHow About You?Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? You don't need to decide right now, though it's not too early to start thinking about it. What's really important isn't what you do but who you know. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him? If not, you can know Him as your Savior today. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.) Then trust Him to guide your steps and use your life for good.Today's Key Verse:Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life. (ERV) (Psalm 23:6)Today's Key Thought:Trust Jesus to use your life for good

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 16:2, 11; Philippians 1:6, 9-11; 1 Peter 3:10-11&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 16:2, 11; Philippians 1:6, 9-11; 1 Peter 3:10-11</a>Not another essay! Serena groaned to herself as the teacher wrote the subject on the board: What I Want to Be When I Grow Up. I hate writing essays. Besides, I don't know what I want to be. Serena sighed and wrote down the topic. At home that evening, Serena complained about the assignment. "How do I know what I'll want to do when I'm older? I'm just a kid!" Dad smiled as he lit a candle on the table. "You don't have to commit to any career right now, but it doesn't hurt to think about what you might enjoy doing. In fact, I think you're already doing that. Just a couple days ago you and your sister hauled me into your doctor's office to check my ears and blood pressure. And a couple days before that, you and your brother were talking about settling on the moon."Serena grinned. "Maybe I will be a doctor someday. Or an astronaut. I don't know. But I can tell you what I don't want to be--an author. I don't like writing.""That's okay, but who knows? That may change," said Dad. "Just remember that your career isn't the most important thing in life anyway." He pointed to the flame of the candle. "Someone once told me our lives are like a flame. Is a flame a good thing or a bad thing?""Well, it could be either one," said Serena. "It could light a fire to cook food or provide warmth--that would be good. But it could do really bad things too, like start a fire that burns down a house or injures someone."Dad nodded. "Exactly. So, how is a person's life like a flame?"Serena hesitated. "Because it could be used for either good or bad?" "Yes," said Dad. "Life is a precious gift from God, but it's meant to be lived in relationship with Him. That's why we need to trust in Jesus. Even though Christians still make mistakes in life and do things that are wrong, Jesus forgives us and works through us to do good things. You don't need to know right now what you want to be when you grow up. Just know that, no matter what career you have, Jesus will use your life for good because you trust in Him." -Mary Rose PearsonHow About You? Do you know what you want to be when you grow up? You don't need to decide right now, though it's not too early to start thinking about it. What's really important isn't what you do but who you know. Do you know Jesus? Do you have a relationship with Him? If not, you can know Him as your Savior today. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.) Then trust Him to guide your steps and use your life for good. Today's Key Verse: Your goodness and mercy will be with me all my life. (ERV) (Psalm 23:6) Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus to use your life for good

The Flame

Bible Reading: Jeremiah 29:12-13; 1 Peter 3:12"Grandma, you're on mute. You have to tap the little microphone icon to turn your sound on," ten-year-old Samara instructed her grandmother over the video call. "I can see your mouth moving but I don't know what you're saying," Samara said in frustration. She was eager to tell her grandmother about her dance recital. "Let me call you back and see if that will turn your microphone on." She ended the call then tapped the video call button again. After a few rings, her grandmother picked back up."Can you hear me now? I think it's working this time," Grandma said. "Yes! I can hear you! Grandma, did you see the video Mom sent you of me dancing?" "Oh yes, you were wonderful, honey! I can't believe how well you can dance!" Grandma and Samara talked for nearly an hour about her recital, and at the end Samara was so happy she could share her experience with her grandmother even though she didn't live nearby.She tangoed into the kitchen and gave Mom her phone back. "I heard you had some trouble hearing Grandma at first. I bet she was frustrated when you couldn't hear her," Mom commented as she worked on her computer."Yeah, it was hard to talk when I couldn't even hear her!" Samara said as she nibbled on a snack."That reminds me of you the other night, when you didn't want to pray because you thought God couldn't hear you. But prayer works a lot better than a video call! God always hears you when you pray." Mom always found a way to make a lesson out of anything.Samara thought about that, then said, "But what about everyone else praying? I bet He gets pretty busy listening to everybody's prayers.""Because He is infinite, God has the ability to hear all their prayers and yours too." Mom clapped her laptop shut. "God is never too busy to listen to your prayers, Samara. He loves you--He sent Jesus to die for your sins so you could be His child forever! He's not far away from you like Grandma is--He's always with you. You can talk to Him anytime." Mom gave Samara a hug. "So, do you think you'll try talking to God again?"Samara nodded. "Yeah, now I know God will always hear me!"  -Dylan KraayenbrinkHow About You?Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers? What if He's too busy doing something else, or what if you're not praying hard enough? God is never too busy for His children--He loves you and is always happy to hear from you. He is with you all the time and will always listen when you pray. You can talk to Him anytime and trust that He will hear you.Today's Key Verse:For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. (NIV) (1 Peter 3:12)Today's Key Thought:God always hears your prayers

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah 29:12-13; 1 Peter 3:12&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Jeremiah 29:12-13; 1 Peter 3:12</a>"Grandma, you're on mute. You have to tap the little microphone icon to turn your sound on," ten-year-old Samara instructed her grandmother over the video call. "I can see your mouth moving but I don't know what you're saying," Samara said in frustration. She was eager to tell her grandmother about her dance recital. "Let me call you back and see if that will turn your microphone on." She ended the call then tapped the video call button again. After a few rings, her grandmother picked back up."Can you hear me now? I think it's working this time," Grandma said. "Yes! I can hear you! Grandma, did you see the video Mom sent you of me dancing?" "Oh yes, you were wonderful, honey! I can't believe how well you can dance!" Grandma and Samara talked for nearly an hour about her recital, and at the end Samara was so happy she could share her experience with her grandmother even though she didn't live nearby.She tangoed into the kitchen and gave Mom her phone back. "I heard you had some trouble hearing Grandma at first. I bet she was frustrated when you couldn't hear her," Mom commented as she worked on her computer."Yeah, it was hard to talk when I couldn't even hear her!" Samara said as she nibbled on a snack."That reminds me of you the other night, when you didn't want to pray because you thought God couldn't hear you. But prayer works a lot better than a video call! God always hears you when you pray." Mom always found a way to make a lesson out of anything.Samara thought about that, then said, "But what about everyone else praying? I bet He gets pretty busy listening to everybody's prayers.""Because He is infinite, God has the ability to hear all their prayers and yours too." Mom clapped her laptop shut. "God is never too busy to listen to your prayers, Samara. He loves you--He sent Jesus to die for your sins so you could be His child forever! He's not far away from you like Grandma is--He's always with you. You can talk to Him anytime." Mom gave Samara a hug. "So, do you think you'll try talking to God again?"Samara nodded. "Yeah, now I know God will always hear me!" -Dylan KraayenbrinkHow About You? Do you ever wonder if God hears your prayers? What if He's too busy doing something else, or what if you're not praying hard enough? God is never too busy for His children--He loves you and is always happy to hear from you. He is with you all the time and will always listen when you pray. You can talk to Him anytime and trust that He will hear you. Today's Key Verse: For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. (NIV) (1 Peter 3:12) Today's Key Thought: God always hears your prayers

Never Muted

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-6; James 4:7During their vacation by the sea, Lena and her family visited an old lighthouse in the area. "What does a lighthouse do, Daddy?" asked Lena's little sister Arianna."It shines light far and wide, so ships out at sea are guided to a safe place to dock," Dad told her."Yes, but do you know what some people used to do long ago?" Mom pointed out toward the sea. "Can you see those rocks way over there? Well, sometimes men called wreckers would light their lamps and swing them over there near those rocks. The ships' captains would think that was a safe harbor, and then they'd end up on the rocks.""That's horrible!" said Lena. "Why would anyone do that?""Well, after the ship crashed into the rocks, the wreckers would steal the cargo," said Mom. "Ships often carried gold in those days.""I'm glad there are no wreckers now," said Arianna.Lena nodded. She shuddered as she studied the sharp, cruel-looking rocks."Actually, we still need to watch out for wreckers," said Dad. "But I don't mean the ship-wrecking kind. Satan is a wrecker--a master wrecker. He makes evil things look attractive and appealing so we're tempted to go after them.""Like what?" asked Lena."Well, how about greed?" said Dad. "While it's not wrong to be rich--in fact, the Bible says everything we have is a gift from God--Satan wants us to love money more than we love God. He wants us to be willing to do anything to get what we want, even if it means hurting others, so he may try to make having lots of money look really good to us. We need to remember that it's Jesus who satisfies our souls, not anything we own."Mom nodded. "Pride is another thing Satan tries to disguise as good. I used to think it was good for me to try to do everything myself, but Jesus reminded me that He didn't save me from sin so I could do life on my own. I needed to depend on Him for help.""Good example," said Dad. "Ships often got wrecked on those rocks out there, and Satan tries to lead us astray with his false lights. We need to keep our eyes on the one true light--Jesus--and trust Him to lead us to safety."  -Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You?Is Satan trying to make something bad look good to you? Remember that he is a life-wrecker. He wants to lure you away from God's truth and His path for your life. Don't let him fool you. Remember that you belong to Jesus and that He loves you and promises to help you. Let His light guide you, not the false lights of Satan. Today's Key Verse:Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (CSB) (2 Corinthians 11:14)Today's Key Thought:Don't listen to Satan

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis 3:1-6; James 4:7&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Genesis 3:1-6; James 4:7</a>During their vacation by the sea, Lena and her family visited an old lighthouse in the area. "What does a lighthouse do, Daddy?" asked Lena's little sister Arianna."It shines light far and wide, so ships out at sea are guided to a safe place to dock," Dad told her."Yes, but do you know what some people used to do long ago?" Mom pointed out toward the sea. "Can you see those rocks way over there? Well, sometimes men called wreckers would light their lamps and swing them over there near those rocks. The ships' captains would think that was a safe harbor, and then they'd end up on the rocks.""That's horrible!" said Lena. "Why would anyone do that?""Well, after the ship crashed into the rocks, the wreckers would steal the cargo," said Mom. "Ships often carried gold in those days.""I'm glad there are no wreckers now," said Arianna.Lena nodded. She shuddered as she studied the sharp, cruel-looking rocks."Actually, we still need to watch out for wreckers," said Dad. "But I don't mean the ship-wrecking kind. Satan is a wrecker--a master wrecker. He makes evil things look attractive and appealing so we're tempted to go after them.""Like what?" asked Lena."Well, how about greed?" said Dad. "While it's not wrong to be rich--in fact, the Bible says everything we have is a gift from God--Satan wants us to love money more than we love God. He wants us to be willing to do anything to get what we want, even if it means hurting others, so he may try to make having lots of money look really good to us. We need to remember that it's Jesus who satisfies our souls, not anything we own."Mom nodded. "Pride is another thing Satan tries to disguise as good. I used to think it was good for me to try to do everything myself, but Jesus reminded me that He didn't save me from sin so I could do life on my own. I needed to depend on Him for help.""Good example," said Dad. "Ships often got wrecked on those rocks out there, and Satan tries to lead us astray with his false lights. We need to keep our eyes on the one true light--Jesus--and trust Him to lead us to safety." -Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You? Is Satan trying to make something bad look good to you? Remember that he is a life-wrecker. He wants to lure you away from God's truth and His path for your life. Don't let him fool you. Remember that you belong to Jesus and that He loves you and promises to help you. Let His light guide you, not the false lights of Satan. Today's Key Verse: Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. (CSB) (2 Corinthians 11:14) Today's Key Thought: Don't listen to Satan

False Lights

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:15Danar was silent as he rode home from his first pencak silat competition. He had been looking forward to the Indonesian martial arts competition and had even won third place, but now he found it hard to celebrate.His father looked at him. "You've been awfully quiet, Danar," Ayah said. "What's the matter?"Danar sighed, then blurted out, "I gave up my free time and rode my bike really far to go cheer Budi's soccer game last week, and Ucok's mathlete the week before. They both said they were coming today, but they didn't show up. And they didn't explain why either." Danar glanced at his phone, but there were no new messages. "I'm sorry to hear that, Danar. It hurts when people don't show up for you."Danar crossed his arms. "Well, I'm never going to show up for them again!"Ayah frowned. "Danar, have you heard the saying 'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind'?" Danar shook his head. "It means that trying to get back at people for the ways they hurt us doesn't help anyone, because everyone does hurtful things," Ayah said. "We all make mistakes and sin against God and one another. Each one of us would deserve revenge because everyone is guilty." Ayah turned to look at Danar. "If Jesus had followed the practice of an eye for an eye, do you think anyone would be saved?""No," Danar said. "We all deserve to be punished for our sins, but Jesus took the punishment for us. We learned a verse about that at church--'While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'"Ayah nodded. "And He tells us to forgive others when they hurt us." "I know. I just don't understand why my friends didn't even bother to tell me they weren't coming." Danar looked dejected."Why don't you try to talk to them? Maybe something happened," said Ayah."All right." Just then, Danar's phone beeped. "Ayah, Budi just texted me, and Ucok is in the hospital! He got into a bicycle accident on his way home from the park. He was playing soccer with Budi--they must have forgotten about my competition." Danar looked at his father. "Can we go to the hospital now?""Sure thing." Ayah made a turn for the hospital.  -Ruth SetyadiHow About You?Do you sometimes feel that people treat you badly? Do you wish you could get back at them? It may seem like the fair thing to do, but the Bible tells us not to seek revenge. Instead, we need to remember God's love for us and surrender our desire for revenge to Him. We're all guilty of sinning against God, but instead of punishing us for our wrongs, Jesus died for us. Trust Him to help you forgive others when they hurt you.Today's Key Verse:God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV) (Romans 5:8)Today's Key Thought:Don't take revenge

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:15&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:15</a>Danar was silent as he rode home from his first pencak silat competition. He had been looking forward to the Indonesian martial arts competition and had even won third place, but now he found it hard to celebrate.His father looked at him. "You've been awfully quiet, Danar," Ayah said. "What's the matter?"Danar sighed, then blurted out, "I gave up my free time and rode my bike really far to go cheer Budi's soccer game last week, and Ucok's mathlete the week before. They both said they were coming today, but they didn't show up. And they didn't explain why either." Danar glanced at his phone, but there were no new messages. "I'm sorry to hear that, Danar. It hurts when people don't show up for you."Danar crossed his arms. "Well, I'm never going to show up for them again!"Ayah frowned. "Danar, have you heard the saying 'An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind'?" Danar shook his head. "It means that trying to get back at people for the ways they hurt us doesn't help anyone, because everyone does hurtful things," Ayah said. "We all make mistakes and sin against God and one another. Each one of us would deserve revenge because everyone is guilty." Ayah turned to look at Danar. "If Jesus had followed the practice of an eye for an eye, do you think anyone would be saved?""No," Danar said. "We all deserve to be punished for our sins, but Jesus took the punishment for us. We learned a verse about that at church--'While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.'"Ayah nodded. "And He tells us to forgive others when they hurt us." "I know. I just don't understand why my friends didn't even bother to tell me they weren't coming." Danar looked dejected."Why don't you try to talk to them? Maybe something happened," said Ayah."All right." Just then, Danar's phone beeped. "Ayah, Budi just texted me, and Ucok is in the hospital! He got into a bicycle accident on his way home from the park. He was playing soccer with Budi--they must have forgotten about my competition." Danar looked at his father. "Can we go to the hospital now?""Sure thing." Ayah made a turn for the hospital. -Ruth SetyadiHow About You? Do you sometimes feel that people treat you badly? Do you wish you could get back at them? It may seem like the fair thing to do, but the Bible tells us not to seek revenge. Instead, we need to remember God's love for us and surrender our desire for revenge to Him. We're all guilty of sinning against God, but instead of punishing us for our wrongs, Jesus died for us. Trust Him to help you forgive others when they hurt you. Today's Key Verse: God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (NIV) (Romans 5:8) Today's Key Thought: Don't take revenge

An Eye for an Eye

Bible Reading: Isaiah 64:8; 1 Corinthians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:10-11"I don't understand why Miss Wong picked Melanie to sing the solo at church instead of me," said Freya as she flattened a stick of red modeling clay onto the table. "I'm the best singer in the choir, and I have a much better stage presence than Melanie." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Miss Wong says I have a natural talent for music.""And a natural talent for bragging!" muttered Brody. Freya made a face at her brother as she started shaping the clay into a slender vase. "Don't be jealous just because I'm smarter than you." Brody sighed impatiently and left the room. Freya stood back to admire her handiwork. "I wish I could fire this vase in a kiln so it would hold water, but it will look pretty just sitting on a shelf." She smiled at her mom. "Mrs. White says I'm quite the artist."Mom glanced at Freya's work. "Well, that blue bowl you made yesterday looks fantastic! And this red clay vase is turning out so well too. Both of those pottery pieces must be very smart and talented to be so nicely made.""What do you mean?" asked Freya, frowning. "Things aren't smart or talented. I am--I made them. They were just sticks of clay. I'm the one responsible for the way they turned out.""That's true," said Mom. "That's like people, isn't it? For example, you may be smart and artistic and a good singer, but who is responsible for that? Who made you that way?"Freya looked down at the table. "God did," she mumbled at last."So who should receive the credit and praise?" asked Mom."God," Freya admitted.Mom nodded. "God is the one who gave you your talents and abilities--and He gives them to everyone else too. They're not all the same, but they're all equally important, because they're meant to be used to bring glory to Jesus and share His love with others. We can trust Him to help us do that." Mom pointed to Freya's vase. "Just like you're carefully shaping that lump of clay into a beautiful vase, God is shaping us to be more like Jesus. So don't brag about the things you're able to do. Instead, remember they're gifts from Him and use them to serve others."-Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You?Are you talented at certain things? Do you let others know that God is responsible for the things you do well? All your abilities and gifts were given to you by God. He gives everyone different but equally important gifts so we can use them to serve one another in love. So don't brag about the things you can do. Instead, use your gifts to show others how God is shaping you to be more like Jesus.Today's Key Verse:Who do you think you are? Everything you have was given to you…why do you act as if you got it all by your own power? (ERV) (1 Corinthians 4:7)Today's Key Thought:Don't brag

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah 64:8; 1 Corinthians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:10-11&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Isaiah 64:8; 1 Corinthians 4:6-7; 1 Peter 4:10-11</a>"I don't understand why Miss Wong picked Melanie to sing the solo at church instead of me," said Freya as she flattened a stick of red modeling clay onto the table. "I'm the best singer in the choir, and I have a much better stage presence than Melanie." She tossed her hair over her shoulder. "Miss Wong says I have a natural talent for music.""And a natural talent for bragging!" muttered Brody. Freya made a face at her brother as she started shaping the clay into a slender vase. "Don't be jealous just because I'm smarter than you." Brody sighed impatiently and left the room. Freya stood back to admire her handiwork. "I wish I could fire this vase in a kiln so it would hold water, but it will look pretty just sitting on a shelf." She smiled at her mom. "Mrs. White says I'm quite the artist."Mom glanced at Freya's work. "Well, that blue bowl you made yesterday looks fantastic! And this red clay vase is turning out so well too. Both of those pottery pieces must be very smart and talented to be so nicely made.""What do you mean?" asked Freya, frowning. "Things aren't smart or talented. I am--I made them. They were just sticks of clay. I'm the one responsible for the way they turned out.""That's true," said Mom. "That's like people, isn't it? For example, you may be smart and artistic and a good singer, but who is responsible for that? Who made you that way?"Freya looked down at the table. "God did," she mumbled at last."So who should receive the credit and praise?" asked Mom."God," Freya admitted.Mom nodded. "God is the one who gave you your talents and abilities--and He gives them to everyone else too. They're not all the same, but they're all equally important, because they're meant to be used to bring glory to Jesus and share His love with others. We can trust Him to help us do that." Mom pointed to Freya's vase. "Just like you're carefully shaping that lump of clay into a beautiful vase, God is shaping us to be more like Jesus. So don't brag about the things you're able to do. Instead, remember they're gifts from Him and use them to serve others."-Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You? Are you talented at certain things? Do you let others know that God is responsible for the things you do well? All your abilities and gifts were given to you by God. He gives everyone different but equally important gifts so we can use them to serve one another in love. So don't brag about the things you can do. Instead, use your gifts to show others how God is shaping you to be more like Jesus. Today's Key Verse: Who do you think you are? Everything you have was given to you…why do you act as if you got it all by your own power? (ERV) (1 Corinthians 4:7) Today's Key Thought: Don't brag

Clay Pots

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10"This camping trip was fun," said Jack as he helped Dad pull out the stakes that held their sturdy tent in place. "But I miss Grandpa. He would have loved this."Dad stretched out an arm and drew Jack close. "I miss him too," Dad said gently. "But he's with Jesus now."Jack nodded. "I know. I just wish he didn't have to die."Dad was silent as they folded up the tent. Jack patted it affectionately. "Jack," said Dad, "I know it's a little sad to be packing up our tent and leaving, but aren't you looking forward to being home again?""Sure," said Jack. "I miss Mom." He grinned impishly. "Believe it or not, I even miss Topher!"Dad laughed. "Yeah, you miss teasing him!" He began rolling up the folded tent. "Jack, this camping trip may help us understand something about dying." Jack raised his eyebrows and waited for Dad to explain. "We had a fun weekend living in a tent and cooking outdoors, didn't we?" asked Dad.Jack nodded. His eyes sparkled as he remembered their campfires and games and visits with the neighboring campers."The tent was a temporary home for us," continued Dad. "But now it's time to pack it up and go back to our real home. I know Mom and Topher are waiting to welcome us." He paused. "In a way, when Grandpa died, he packed up his tent too.""Not that big green tent he always used?" Jack said."No, I mean his body," said Dad. "For seventy-five years, this world was a temporary home for him. But then his body got sick and died, and he went to be with Jesus. The Bible tells us our real home is with Jesus--being with Him is better than being anywhere else! And one day, Jesus will make us a new permanent home on earth, and He'll give Grandpa and every other Christian a body that will never get sick or die. Until then, Grandpa will be with Jesus in heaven."Jack nodded. "I know he's glad to be with Jesus, even though he liked it here too." He smiled at his dad. "Just like we enjoyed camping but are glad to be going home."-Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You?Has someone you love died? Do you ever worry about your own death? Losing our loved ones is sad, but if you trust Jesus as your Savior, you don't need to be afraid of dying. Your body is like a tent, and once it has served its purpose here on earth, it will be packed up and put away. Then you'll go home to be with Jesus, who will one day give you a new, perfect body that will last forever!Today's Key Verse:For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down…we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself. (NLT) (2 Corinthians 5:1)Today's Key Thought:Our permanent home is with Jesus

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians 5:1-10&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2 Corinthians 5:1-10</a>"This camping trip was fun," said Jack as he helped Dad pull out the stakes that held their sturdy tent in place. "But I miss Grandpa. He would have loved this."Dad stretched out an arm and drew Jack close. "I miss him too," Dad said gently. "But he's with Jesus now."Jack nodded. "I know. I just wish he didn't have to die."Dad was silent as they folded up the tent. Jack patted it affectionately. "Jack," said Dad, "I know it's a little sad to be packing up our tent and leaving, but aren't you looking forward to being home again?""Sure," said Jack. "I miss Mom." He grinned impishly. "Believe it or not, I even miss Topher!"Dad laughed. "Yeah, you miss teasing him!" He began rolling up the folded tent. "Jack, this camping trip may help us understand something about dying." Jack raised his eyebrows and waited for Dad to explain. "We had a fun weekend living in a tent and cooking outdoors, didn't we?" asked Dad.Jack nodded. His eyes sparkled as he remembered their campfires and games and visits with the neighboring campers."The tent was a temporary home for us," continued Dad. "But now it's time to pack it up and go back to our real home. I know Mom and Topher are waiting to welcome us." He paused. "In a way, when Grandpa died, he packed up his tent too.""Not that big green tent he always used?" Jack said."No, I mean his body," said Dad. "For seventy-five years, this world was a temporary home for him. But then his body got sick and died, and he went to be with Jesus. The Bible tells us our real home is with Jesus--being with Him is better than being anywhere else! And one day, Jesus will make us a new permanent home on earth, and He'll give Grandpa and every other Christian a body that will never get sick or die. Until then, Grandpa will be with Jesus in heaven."Jack nodded. "I know he's glad to be with Jesus, even though he liked it here too." He smiled at his dad. "Just like we enjoyed camping but are glad to be going home."-Tanya FerdinanduszHow About You? Has someone you love died? Do you ever worry about your own death? Losing our loved ones is sad, but if you trust Jesus as your Savior, you don't need to be afraid of dying. Your body is like a tent, and once it has served its purpose here on earth, it will be packed up and put away. Then you'll go home to be with Jesus, who will one day give you a new, perfect body that will last forever! Today's Key Verse: For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down…we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself. (NLT) (2 Corinthians 5:1) Today's Key Thought: Our permanent home is with Jesus

Folding Up the Tent

Bible Reading: Revelation 22:12-17"Let's see who can find the brightest star," Garrett said to his sister one hot summer evening as they looked up at the starry sky. "The loser has to buy ice cream tomorrow.""I don't think you can prove which one is the brightest," said Eden. But she suddenly pointed to the north. "That one's mine! That bright one up there."Garrett squinted. "I think I see the one you mean, but I see a brighter one." He pointed in another direction. "See--right in the middle of that cluster of stars. That one's brighter than the one you found.""How do you know that?" asked Eden. They continued searching the heavens as they argued about which star was brighter.When Dad came out to tell them it was bedtime, Garrett and Eden told him about their competition and asked him to judge which star was brightest of all. "Okay, I'll do my best,"  Dad said, and they pointed out the stars they had chosen. "As judge," said Dad, "I declare that neither of those is the brightest star of all. In fact, I think the two of you should buy me ice cream because I know the brightest star personally.""What do you mean, you know a star?" asked Eden. "We're not talking about football or movie stars, you know."Dad laughed. "Neither am I. And I'm not talking about a star in the sky either. I'm talking about Jesus. In the last chapter of the Bible, which talks about the day He will return to earth as King, He's called the bright Morning Star. On that day, He will put an end to the darkness of sin and evil forever and fill the heavens and earth with His light, and everyone who knows Him as their Savior will reign with Him for all eternity. I'd say that's the brightest star of all, wouldn't you?""Okay, Dad." Garrett grinned at his father as he got up to go inside. "But no treat. You weren't in on the deal.""And you're not the only one who knows the brightest star personally," added Eden. "We know Jesus too!""Well then," said Dad, "since you've both found the brightest star, how about I buy all of us ice cream tomorrow?" -Hazel W. MarettHow About You?Do you know Jesus--the bright Morning Star? When He returns to earth again as King, it will be the morning of a bright, new day--a glorious day that will never end! But He wants you to know Him as your Savior and King now. He invites you to come to Him. Trust in Him today so you can look forward to a bright future with Him that will last forever. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.)Today's Key Verse:I am Jesus…I am the bright Morning Star. (NLV) (Revelation 22:16)Today's Key Thought:Know Jesus as your Savior

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation 22:12-17&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Revelation 22:12-17</a>"Let's see who can find the brightest star," Garrett said to his sister one hot summer evening as they looked up at the starry sky. "The loser has to buy ice cream tomorrow.""I don't think you can prove which one is the brightest," said Eden. But she suddenly pointed to the north. "That one's mine! That bright one up there."Garrett squinted. "I think I see the one you mean, but I see a brighter one." He pointed in another direction. "See--right in the middle of that cluster of stars. That one's brighter than the one you found.""How do you know that?" asked Eden. They continued searching the heavens as they argued about which star was brighter.When Dad came out to tell them it was bedtime, Garrett and Eden told him about their competition and asked him to judge which star was brightest of all. "Okay, I'll do my best," Dad said, and they pointed out the stars they had chosen. "As judge," said Dad, "I declare that neither of those is the brightest star of all. In fact, I think the two of you should buy me ice cream because I know the brightest star personally.""What do you mean, you know a star?" asked Eden. "We're not talking about football or movie stars, you know."Dad laughed. "Neither am I. And I'm not talking about a star in the sky either. I'm talking about Jesus. In the last chapter of the Bible, which talks about the day He will return to earth as King, He's called the bright Morning Star. On that day, He will put an end to the darkness of sin and evil forever and fill the heavens and earth with His light, and everyone who knows Him as their Savior will reign with Him for all eternity. I'd say that's the brightest star of all, wouldn't you?""Okay, Dad." Garrett grinned at his father as he got up to go inside. "But no treat. You weren't in on the deal.""And you're not the only one who knows the brightest star personally," added Eden. "We know Jesus too!""Well then," said Dad, "since you've both found the brightest star, how about I buy all of us ice cream tomorrow?" -Hazel W. MarettHow About You? Do you know Jesus--the bright Morning Star? When He returns to earth again as King, it will be the morning of a bright, new day--a glorious day that will never end! But He wants you to know Him as your Savior and King now. He invites you to come to Him. Trust in Him today so you can look forward to a bright future with Him that will last forever. (To learn more, click the "Good News!" button in the right column of this page.) Today's Key Verse: I am Jesus…I am the bright Morning Star. (NLV) (Revelation 22:16) Today's Key Thought: Know Jesus as your Savior

The Brightest Star

Bible Reading: 1 Peter 2:19-25Before eating her lunch, Aranya bowed her head and closed her eyes to pray. When she opened her eyes, her lunch bag had disappeared. A few kids watched her and snickered. Aranya sighed. "Who has my lunch?" Several kids burst into laughter."Ask God where your lunch is, Miss Christian," said Rob. "You always talk to Him, don't you?"Mrs. Yates, their teacher, walked over. "The person who has Aranya's lunch will hand it over right now," she said sternly. She paused. "I said now," she repeated. Rob hesitated, then pulled Aranya's lunch bag from his backpack and handed it to her. She quietly took it.When Aranya arrived home, she told her mother what had happened. "I was so embarrassed, Mom. Not all the kids in my class make fun of me, but some of them call me Miss Christian all the time. I just don't know how to act when they're mean to me. I really felt like throwing something at Rob today--and some of the other kids too--but I didn't.""I'm sorry, Aranya." Mom gave her a hug. "Your teacher emailed me about what happened, and she's talking to some of the other parents." Mom sighed. "The Bible tells us we'll be mocked and persecuted at times for following Jesus, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier, does it?" Aranya shook her head. "I keep thinking about how when Jesus was persecuted, He didn't fight or talk back."Mom nodded. "Follow His example." She paused, then asked, "Do you remember the book you used when you were learning to write? There were letters and words printed on the top line of each page. You copied them the best you could.""And Jesus is my example for how to act when kids tease me, right?" asked Aranya thoughtfully. "I should copy Him." She sighed. "But I'm not perfect like He is.""No, but since you trust in Him, you have the Holy Spirit, who is helping you become more like Him," Mom said. "Think about how your letters looked when you first started copying them. Your writing looks a lot more like the letters at the top of the page now than it did when you started. And as you follow Jesus's example, trust Him to let others see more and more of His love in you."  -Mary Rose PearsonHow About You?Has anyone made fun of you for being a Christian? How did you react? The next time someone teases you because of your faith, ask yourself how Jesus would act if He were in your place. Then trust Him to help you respond to those making fun of you in a loving way instead of trying to hurt them back. When you copy Jesus, you let others see His love in you.Today's Key Verse:God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example. (NLT) (1 Peter 2:21)Today's Key Thought:Copy Jesus

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1 Peter 2:19-25&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">1 Peter 2:19-25</a>Before eating her lunch, Aranya bowed her head and closed her eyes to pray. When she opened her eyes, her lunch bag had disappeared. A few kids watched her and snickered. Aranya sighed. "Who has my lunch?" Several kids burst into laughter."Ask God where your lunch is, Miss Christian," said Rob. "You always talk to Him, don't you?"Mrs. Yates, their teacher, walked over. "The person who has Aranya's lunch will hand it over right now," she said sternly. She paused. "I said now," she repeated. Rob hesitated, then pulled Aranya's lunch bag from his backpack and handed it to her. She quietly took it.When Aranya arrived home, she told her mother what had happened. "I was so embarrassed, Mom. Not all the kids in my class make fun of me, but some of them call me Miss Christian all the time. I just don't know how to act when they're mean to me. I really felt like throwing something at Rob today--and some of the other kids too--but I didn't.""I'm sorry, Aranya." Mom gave her a hug. "Your teacher emailed me about what happened, and she's talking to some of the other parents." Mom sighed. "The Bible tells us we'll be mocked and persecuted at times for following Jesus, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier, does it?" Aranya shook her head. "I keep thinking about how when Jesus was persecuted, He didn't fight or talk back."Mom nodded. "Follow His example." She paused, then asked, "Do you remember the book you used when you were learning to write? There were letters and words printed on the top line of each page. You copied them the best you could.""And Jesus is my example for how to act when kids tease me, right?" asked Aranya thoughtfully. "I should copy Him." She sighed. "But I'm not perfect like He is.""No, but since you trust in Him, you have the Holy Spirit, who is helping you become more like Him," Mom said. "Think about how your letters looked when you first started copying them. Your writing looks a lot more like the letters at the top of the page now than it did when you started. And as you follow Jesus's example, trust Him to let others see more and more of His love in you." -Mary Rose PearsonHow About You? Has anyone made fun of you for being a Christian? How did you react? The next time someone teases you because of your faith, ask yourself how Jesus would act if He were in your place. Then trust Him to help you respond to those making fun of you in a loving way instead of trying to hurt them back. When you copy Jesus, you let others see His love in you. Today's Key Verse: God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example. (NLT) (1 Peter 2:21) Today's Key Thought: Copy Jesus

A Perfect Example

Bible Reading: Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11; Isaiah 41:10As Parker boarded the airplane with his grandmother, he had a lump in his throat. His parents were getting a divorce, and he was going to stay with his grandparents for a while. He felt as dark and gloomy as the day around him--not at all excited about flying on a plane for the first time in his life.Grandma gave him a reassuring smile. "Scared?" she asked.Parker shook his head--but inside he screamed, Yes, I'm scared! I'm scared of everything. But he didn't say anything. As the plane sped down the runway, huge drops of rain splattered on the small windows. Just like tears, Parker thought. But he didn't cry.When the plane lifted from the earth, Parker felt like his heart jumped into his throat. He took a deep breath. All around, dark clouds tumbled, and Parker's stomach felt uneasy. Grandma reached for his hand. "Don't be afraid," she said softly. "We'll get through this."Parker knew his grandmother was talking about more than the plane ride. He knew she was also referring to the dark, stormy clouds in his life. He wanted to believe her, but there was so much fear in his heart."We're going to go right into some of those dark clouds, Parker," said Grandma. "For a few minutes, we'll be in a thick fog, because that's what clouds are--fog. But just wait until we get above the clouds. You'll see."As Grandma spoke, dark clouds closed in all around them. The interior of the plane dimmed. Then suddenly, a brilliant light came streaming through the windows. Parker squinted as he pressed his nose to the window pane. "Wow!"Grandma looked over Parker's shoulder at the bright blue sky outside the window. "Even when we can't see it, the sun is always shining. It still shines above the clouds." She smiled and gently patted Parker's hand. "Our family is going through a dark cloud right now, Parker. Things look pretty bad to us, but remember that Jesus is still with us. Even in the darkness, the light of His love never stops shining. He will help us get through this dark time, and one day He will make everything in our broken world right again. Someday we'll break through the clouds."  -Barbara J. WestbergHow About You?Are you going through a storm in your life? Are you afraid of the future? Whatever storm you're going through, remember that the sun is shining even when you can't see it. And God is near even when it doesn't feel like it. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He promises never to leave you. He will be with you and help you through life's storms and one day lift you above the clouds.Today's Key Verse: God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. (NKJV)  (Isaiah 12:2)Today's Key Thought:Trust Jesus in hard times

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11; Isaiah 41:10&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Psalm 46:1-3, 10-11; Isaiah 41:10</a>As Parker boarded the airplane with his grandmother, he had a lump in his throat. His parents were getting a divorce, and he was going to stay with his grandparents for a while. He felt as dark and gloomy as the day around him--not at all excited about flying on a plane for the first time in his life.Grandma gave him a reassuring smile. "Scared?" she asked.Parker shook his head--but inside he screamed, Yes, I'm scared! I'm scared of everything. But he didn't say anything. As the plane sped down the runway, huge drops of rain splattered on the small windows. Just like tears, Parker thought. But he didn't cry.When the plane lifted from the earth, Parker felt like his heart jumped into his throat. He took a deep breath. All around, dark clouds tumbled, and Parker's stomach felt uneasy. Grandma reached for his hand. "Don't be afraid," she said softly. "We'll get through this."Parker knew his grandmother was talking about more than the plane ride. He knew she was also referring to the dark, stormy clouds in his life. He wanted to believe her, but there was so much fear in his heart."We're going to go right into some of those dark clouds, Parker," said Grandma. "For a few minutes, we'll be in a thick fog, because that's what clouds are--fog. But just wait until we get above the clouds. You'll see."As Grandma spoke, dark clouds closed in all around them. The interior of the plane dimmed. Then suddenly, a brilliant light came streaming through the windows. Parker squinted as he pressed his nose to the window pane. "Wow!"Grandma looked over Parker's shoulder at the bright blue sky outside the window. "Even when we can't see it, the sun is always shining. It still shines above the clouds." She smiled and gently patted Parker's hand. "Our family is going through a dark cloud right now, Parker. Things look pretty bad to us, but remember that Jesus is still with us. Even in the darkness, the light of His love never stops shining. He will help us get through this dark time, and one day He will make everything in our broken world right again. Someday we'll break through the clouds." -Barbara J. WestbergHow About You? Are you going through a storm in your life? Are you afraid of the future? Whatever storm you're going through, remember that the sun is shining even when you can't see it. And God is near even when it doesn't feel like it. If you know Jesus as your Savior, He promises never to leave you. He will be with you and help you through life's storms and one day lift you above the clouds. Today's Key Verse: God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid. (NKJV) (Isaiah 12:2) Today's Key Thought: Trust Jesus in hard times

Above the Clouds

Bible Reading: Philippians 4:6-9"Mom!" Eloise shouted from the darkness of her bedroom. Mom ran upstairs to find Eloise hiding under her covers, shaking. "Eloise, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Mom asked anxiously."No, I'm not sick. I'm, um, scared," mumbled Eloise."What has you so scared, sweetie?" asked Mom."I don't want to tell you." Eloise peeked out at her mom. "You'll get mad at me.""I promise I won't get mad," Mom assured her. "You can tell me anything.""Well, when I was at Madeline's today, we watched a movie. It was all about people getting chased and hurt. Now I can't get those thoughts out of my head!" Mom was quiet as she smoothed the blankets on Eloise's bed. "Do you remember last weekend when your softball team was in the playoffs?" asked Mom. "Yeah," replied Eloise. "We were so nervous--our opponents were undefeated!""And do you remember what your coach told you before the game?"Eloise nodded, remembering her coach's words. "He said, 'Don't think about all the games they've won or the home runs they've hit. Instead, think about how well you guys play as a team. Remember what you've practiced and focus on getting the bat to make contact with the ball and your glove grabbing the ball out of the air. Think positive!'" Eloise smiled. "I think it worked, because we won!" "You sure did," said Mom. "The Bible tells us to do the same thing." "It does?" asked Eloise with a puzzled look. "Yup," said Mom. "A verse in Philippians tells us not to worry about anything, but instead to replace those worried thoughts with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. You traded in your worried thoughts about the game for the truth of how well you're able to play as a team, and you can do the same thing with the thoughts you're having about the movie.""I can?" Eloise sat up. "How?" "Whenever we have scary or bad thoughts, we can focus on good things instead--like the truth that Jesus is always with us and wants us to give our fears to Him so we can feel His peace."Eloise brightened and settled back into bed. "Thanks, Mom. I'm going to lie here and think about good things!"  -Laura KuehnHow About You?Have you ever seen or heard something that gave you bad thoughts? Do you sometimes struggle to get scary or worried thoughts out of your head? Don't let them take over. Tell Jesus about the thoughts you're having, and ask Him to help you trade them in for good thoughts. Replace them with the truth that Jesus loves you and promises to take care of you so you can feel His peace.Today's Key Verse:Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. (NLT) (Philippians 4:8 )Today's Key Thought:Think good thoughts

Bible Reading: <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians 4:6-9&amp;version=NIV" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Philippians 4:6-9</a>"Mom!" Eloise shouted from the darkness of her bedroom. Mom ran upstairs to find Eloise hiding under her covers, shaking. "Eloise, what's wrong? Are you sick?" Mom asked anxiously."No, I'm not sick. I'm, um, scared," mumbled Eloise."What has you so scared, sweetie?" asked Mom."I don't want to tell you." Eloise peeked out at her mom. "You'll get mad at me.""I promise I won't get mad," Mom assured her. "You can tell me anything.""Well, when I was at Madeline's today, we watched a movie. It was all about people getting chased and hurt. Now I can't get those thoughts out of my head!" Mom was quiet as she smoothed the blankets on Eloise's bed. "Do you remember last weekend when your softball team was in the playoffs?" asked Mom. "Yeah," replied Eloise. "We were so nervous--our opponents were undefeated!""And do you remember what your coach told you before the game?"Eloise nodded, remembering her coach's words. "He said, 'Don't think about all the games they've won or the home runs they've hit. Instead, think about how well you guys play as a team. Remember what you've practiced and focus on getting the bat to make contact with the ball and your glove grabbing the ball out of the air. Think positive!'" Eloise smiled. "I think it worked, because we won!" "You sure did," said Mom. "The Bible tells us to do the same thing." "It does?" asked Eloise with a puzzled look. "Yup," said Mom. "A verse in Philippians tells us not to worry about anything, but instead to replace those worried thoughts with things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. You traded in your worried thoughts about the game for the truth of how well you're able to play as a team, and you can do the same thing with the thoughts you're having about the movie.""I can?" Eloise sat up. "How?" "Whenever we have scary or bad thoughts, we can focus on good things instead--like the truth that Jesus is always with us and wants us to give our fears to Him so we can feel His peace."Eloise brightened and settled back into bed. "Thanks, Mom. I'm going to lie here and think about good things!" -Laura KuehnHow About You? Have you ever seen or heard something that gave you bad thoughts? Do you sometimes struggle to get scary or worried thoughts out of your head? Don't let them take over. Tell Jesus about the thoughts you're having, and ask Him to help you trade them in for good thoughts. Replace them with the truth that Jesus loves you and promises to take care of you so you can feel His peace. Today's Key Verse: Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. (NLT) (Philippians 4:8 ) Today's Key Thought: Think good thoughts

Think Positive 

This is a great podcast. It is so understanding for kids.

This is great

I’m sad that uncle Charlie died but besides that it’s a great podcast

I’m sad

Keys For Kids Ministries Podcast

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

OwlTail

Best Parenting Podcasts

The best podcast episodes of the most interesting stories and things. From skyping someone while they're in space, to tracking down and meeting a telephone scammer in person, to the story of a Galapagos. These episodes will keep you and all your friends entertained and captivated for hours. Learn something new in every episode! Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!