• How Is Your Vision? - 11/04/2013

    "Hey, Dad, I saw the eye doctor today, and he said my vision is 20/20," announced Mason one evening. "That's exactly what it should be!" Dad smiled. "Good. I think . . ." he began, but loud voices, slamming doors, and squealing tires next door interrupted him. "Poor Mrs. Miller," murmured Mom when...

  • Sibling Appreciation - 11/03/2013

    "This is ridiculous!" exclaimed Evan. He tapped his pencil impatiently on the paper in front of him. "Whoever thought up this assignment for Sunday school sure doesn't know you, Janae!" he teased. "I have to write down ten reasons why I like my sister, and I can't even think of one!" "Thanks a lot!"...

  • Like Master, Like Dog - 11/02/2013

    "Fetch, Rocky!" yelled Adam as he threw the ball across the yard. Rocky raced after the ball. He caught it after only one bounce and returned to Adam, dropping the ball at his feet. "Great job, Rocky," said Adam as he knelt down and rubbed the dog's ears. "Ready? Here goes another one!" Adam threw...

  • Count On Me - 11/02/2013

    "It's time to clean up the room," Mr. Trenton told his sixth grade Sunday school class as their pizza party came to a close. "When we planned this party, you all agreed to help with the dishes and with setting the chairs back in order, remember? We need to pick up all the paper and sweep the floor,...

  • Ten Facts about Paul Cézanne - 11/01/2013

    1. His Dad Was Rich Growing up in Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cézanne was born to a wealthy family. His father was a banker, and a very well respected individual in the town, therefore Cézanne never had to worry about funding for his projects or lessons. Cézanne use this opportunity to attend the College...

  • The Droopy Plant - 10/31/2013

    Kim looked at the planter hanging from the porch ceiling. "What's the matter with your plant, Mom?" she asked. "My plant?" Mom turned to look at it. "Wow! It doesn't look very happy!" she exclaimed. "I've been so busy with all the company we've had lately that I forgot to water it! I'll do it right...

  • Over and Over - 10/30/2013

    "Derek!" called Mom. "Come in and do your Sunday school lesson. You've been working with King for almost an hour!" Derek frowned. "If I don't train King every chance I get, he won't be ready for the dog show next week," he told his mother. "Besides, I already looked at my lesson. It's just the story...

  • Two-Member Trio - 10/29/2013

    "Hi, Jill," Carla greeted her friend at the church entrance. "I've been waiting for you and Shannon. Are you nervous?" "Yeah," admitted Jill. "I could hardly sleep last night." The girls were excited because for the first time, they were going to sing as a trio in the morning church service. Just...

  • Criticism Versus Love - 10/28/2013

    The family car swung from the curb after dropping off Mrs. Shrively. As the old lady climbed the porch steps, little Annie waved to her. "Whew!" exclaimed Sarah. "I'm glad Mrs. Shrively's gone. I wish we didn't have to give her a ride to church all the time. She just about drives me crazy." "Yeah,"...

  • Ten Facts about Paul Cezanne - 10/28/2013

    1. His Dad Was Rich Growing up in Aix-en-Provence, Paul Cezanne was born to a wealthy family. His father was a banker, and a very well respected individual in the town, therefore Cezanne never had to worry about funding for his projects or lessons. Cezanne use this opportunity to attend the College...

  • It Takes Faith - 10/27/2013

    Twins Micah and Maggie were enjoying a weekend with their grandparents. "Our teacher is a Christian," said Maggie as they sat before the fire, getting ready to pop corn in an old-fashioned, long-handled basket. Micah nodded. "At school today, Pete said his neighbors believe you need to have faith...

  • Brand Names - 10/26/2013

    Erin and her friend Leslie stopped to look at the window display in a clothing store. Erin turned to her mother, who had come to the mall with them. "Mom, look! Look at that cool outfit! Can I get it for my birthday?" she pleaded. "All the girls wear shirts like that one." "I like those jeans, too,"...

  • Family Reunion - 10/25/2013

    "Oh-h-h," groaned Heather. She sank back in the seat as they drove home from a family reunion. "I think I ate too much of Aunt Margie's apple pie. It was so good!" "And I think I played too much baseball. I'm getting too old to be running around the bases," said Dad, laughing heartily. "I really...

  • Why Can’t I? - 10/24/2013

    "But Dad, why can't I?" asked Francie, frowning when her father insisted she turn off a TV program she wanted to watch. Her brother Cole looked up. "Yeah," he muttered. "I heard that's a good show." "We think it's better for you to watch something else," said Dad. "It's not fair," whined Francie....

  • The Unique Letter - 10/23/2013

    "Oh, no!" Juan exclaimed. "I left my coat at Uncle Don's house. I wore it when he took us fishing on Saturday, but when it got hot, I took my jacket off and put it in Uncle Don's truck." "Well, Juan," said Dad, "I guess I can't scold you. I left something over there myself--some research books I...

  • Dirty Spots - 10/22/2013

    "Nina, I'm going to take this dish to Grandma's," said Mom one Saturday. "We're having company this afternoon, and since mopping the kitchen floor is your job this week, I want you to get it done--or at least started--while I'm gone." "Sure, Mom,"Nina replied. "No problem." After Mom left, Nina...

  • The Fishing Trip - 10/21/2013

    Though the days were getting chilly, Noah sat down on the front steps and began to sing a chorus he had learned years before in Sunday school. "I will make you fishers of men . . . if you follow Me." Just as he finished the song, his mother came outside with a cup of hot chocolate. "Here, Noah,"...

  • Some Ordinary Day - 10/20/2013

    "Mom," said Kyle, "isn't that where we picked blackberries one day last summer?" He pointed out the car window to a field that looked familiar to him. Mom glanced over. "Sure enough," she said. "You know what else?" added Kyle. "Driving home from picking berries that day was the last time I rode...

  • Ten Facts About Eleanor Roosevelt - 10/20/2013

    Eleanor Roosevelt’s influence grew, even after the passing of her husband. She made a name for herself as a champion of the less fortunate and has her place in history as a civil and women’s rights leader. 1. Eleanor Roosevelt was a First Lady who had many firsts. She was the first woman...

  • Feeding the Fire - 10/19/2013

    "That's what Maria said, Staci. She said she thinks you're stupid!" reported Tammi. "But don't let her know I told you, okay? See you tomorrow." As Tammi hung up the phone, Mom frowned. "Honey, why did you tell Staci that Maria said she was stupid?" she asked. "Because that's what Maria said,"...