Keys for Kids (Children)

Celina shook her head when Heather suggested that they spend time together after school. "Not today," said Celina. "I have other things to do." "Aw, come on," begged Heather. "Whatever it is, I could help you." "Not really," Celina replied. "I have to practice the piano." "I could just come in and listen," persisted Heather. "Look, Heather," said Celina, "we were together last night after school--and Monday night, too. And we spent a lot of time together last weekend. I like doing stuff with...

Jake was very quiet one evening as he sat beside his dad on the couch. "Is something bothering you, Son?" asked Dad. "It wasn't a very good day at school today," replied Jake quietly. "I'm sorry," said Dad. "Want to tell me about it?" "Well, on the way to school, a boy on the bus threw a wad of gum, and it stuck in my hair," said Jake. "Our principle had to use an ice cube to unstick it!" "And I suppose that made you late for class," Dad said. Jake nodded. "Yeah, so before going to lunch, I...

Micah looked at the pile of bricks his father was going to use to make a walkway from the front door to the driveway. "Mom, can I surprise Dad and make the brick walk before he gets home?" Micah asked eagerly. Mom smiled. "You may try putting bricks in place if you want to," she said, "but that's a big job. I'm sure Dad will have to help you with it." Micah hurried out and carefully placed bricks on the ground next to each other. Then he sat in the grass and looked at his work. If people use...

Jeff came home from basketball practice to find Dad in the kitchen making their supper--hot dogs with macaroni and cheese. "All right!" exclaimed Jeff. "That's my favorite meal. But how come Mom's letting you cook tonight?" Dad grinned. "She suddenly remembered that she had to go to a meeting," he said, "so we're on our own." He filled two plates with steaming food. "How was basketball practice?" asked Dad after they thanked God for their blessings. "Great!" exclaimed Jeff. "I always wanted...

Carrie sighed when she heard her English assignment. "You're all going to give a short speech next week," said Miss Hollis. "Pick any topic in which you're interested, and be prepared to talk about it for two minutes." After class Carrie approached her teacher. "Please don't make me give a speech, Miss Hollis," pleaded Carrie in a shaking voice. "I just can't talk in front of people!" Her teacher smiled kindly. "Stage fright is natural," she said, "but I'm sure you'll do fine." Carrie shook...

"See the world! Travel! Learn a special skill and meet people!" urged the TV announcer excitedly. "All you need to do is join the Navy." "Wow!" exclaimed Benjamin, watching a jet take off from an aircraft carrier. "That looks like something I'd like to do someday. No more homework, no bed to make, no reports to do for school, no chores, no piano practice, no . . ." Suddenly he stopped. "Dad, you were in the Navy, weren't you? Was it really as exciting as it sounds on TV?" "Well, I did get to...

"My teacher said that for our homework tonight we should watch the TV special about terrorism," said Hannah. "We're going to discuss it tomorrow." "I'm not sure that's a program I'd choose to watch," Mom replied. "We'll see what Dad says about it." "Well," said Dad when Hannah checked with him, "since it's an assignment, we'll watch it together." Hannah had heard terrorists mentioned on some news broadcasts, but she didn't know much about them. What she saw on the TV special was scary. The...

It was a beautiful Saturday afternoon and Grandma Holmes was hopeful. Maybe someone will come for a visit today, she thought. But then she frowned. Now, Vivian, don't get your hopes up again, she scolded herself. She tried to forget about anyone coming. But because she felt so lonely, she couldn't keep herself from hoping somebody would decide to stop in to see her. It had been a few years now since she had come to the Westview Retirement Center--a home for senior citizens. It had been a...

"I don't feel good," Naomi told her best friend Kayla at recess time. "I'm going to see if I can go to the office and call my mom to come get me." After talking with her teacher, the call was made. "Get better soon, and I'll see you tomorrow," encouraged Kayla when Naomi's mom came for her. But Naomi didn't come to school until the following week, and then she seemed very tired most of the time. She missed school and Sunday school often after that--and one day Kayla learned that Naomi was in...

"I . . . I want Jesus to be my Savior, Pastor Holden," murmured Cameron when he went forward at the close of the children's program at Grace Church. Pastor Holden put an arm around Cameron's shoulder. "I'm glad you want to make sure you know the Lord," began the pastor. He smiled at Cameron. "I remember that you came forward one night about a year ago because you wanted to be saved," Pastor Holden added. "Tell me--did the Lord save you that night?" "I don't know." Cameron sighed. "I thought...

Emily rummaged through her jewelry box. "Chelsea! Did you take my cross necklace?" she asked her sister angrily. "Of course I didn't take it," replied Chelsea. "Why would I?" Emily scowled at her sister. "I left it right here in my jewelry box, and it's gone," she muttered. "I just have to wear it today! I've got an English exam, and it always brings me luck." Turning her head, Emily saw her mother standing in the doorway. "Our Savior's cross was never meant to be a good-luck charm," said...

What will this be? wondered Stacy as she tore away the wrappings from a birthday present her aunt had sent. "Oh, good! A scrapbook!" she exclaimed. "I can put all my favorite drawings and awards and stuff in it. This is so cool!" Soon Stacy was eagerly at work, sorting through old school papers, report cards, and drawings. "These math facts look so easy now," she said, tossing aside an old test. Mom smiled. "They didn't look so easy a year ago, did they? I remember that you studied hard, and...

"Hi, Mom," said Tabitha, walking into the laundry room where her mother was sorting clothes. "I have a question." Tabitha picked up a brown sweater and tossed it onto a pile of dark clothes. "Why won't you let me go to Shayna's house for her sleepover? I really want to go." "I know," said Mom, "but I don't think Shayna is a good influence for you." "But why?" whined Tabitha. "It's going to be a lot of fun." "Maybe, but . . ." Mom picked up a pink shirt and placed it on a pile of light...

"Hi, Mom. What's for supper?" asked Traci as she came into the kitchen. Mom grinned. Traci asked the same question every day when she got home from school. "I'm so-o-o hungry when I get off the bus," added Traci. She went to the stove, lifted a lid off a pan, and peered inside. "Is this what I think it is? Are we having tacos?" At Mom's nod, Traci let out a whoop. "Put your things away, and then you can help me cut up the rest of the veggies," said Mom with a smile. Traci grinned, grabbed...

By the time Heidi was learning the last beatitude at the end of the week, she anticipated what her great-grandfather would say about it. "I know how this verse about persecution fits into your story of Germany, Grandpa," she said. "I hope I never have to face persecution like some Christians have." Heidi shuddered. "I hope not, either," said George. "Could that really happen here, Grandpa?" "We certainly pray it won't," replied Grandpa, "but it's possible. Persecution in this country usually...