The Snowy Walk by Ashley Karges Jan 18, 2026 John 1: 29-34                       Themes: -How do you greet Jesus? -Look for ways God meets you in moments of your day.   Malulabelle and her fluffy pup, Coconut, strolled down the street on a winter walk. Crunch. Crunch. Crunch. They made tracks and paw prints in wavy lines. “Coconut, you blend in with all the white!” Malulabelle giggled. “Ruff!” Coconut wiggled and wagged and tromped through a small drift. An icy wind whirled.

Humble Hearts by Ashley Karges Jan 11, 2026 Matthew 3:3-17                                 Themes: - God works through those who are humble in heart. - When God calls us to lead, he will equip us with what we need in the moment.   Malulabelle gathered in the music room with the children’s choir before church. Today was special, and there was a buzz in the air. Sophie showed off a new necklace. Lauren wore her hair in braids. Jack and Connor had shiny new shoes. For weeks, the

A Glimmering Star by Ashley Karges Jan 4, 2026 Matthew 2:1-12                                 Themes: - When we lead others to Jesus, we are like the bright, guiding star over the manger. - Reflect on your day. Who was your guiding star? Who were you a guiding star to?   Malulabelle snuggled into her comfy bed. She wore her new Christmas pajamas. She reached her arms wide in a big stretch, and settled in. “Hop on up, Coconut.” “Ruff!” Coconut, her fluffy pup, wiggled and wagg

The Sweetness of Peace by Ashley Karges Dec 28, 2025 Matthew 2:13-25, 19-23                                 Themes: - Trust fully in God, even if you feel worried. -Looking for moments of peace in stressful situations can help you feel God’s presence. Malulabelle tied on her roller skates. Today she was skating at the rink with friends for a birthday party. “Let’s go, Malulabelle!” “Here I come! I’m going to try to skate backwards. Want to join me?” “Yeah, let’s do it!” The f

A Gift for Jesus by Ashley Karges Dec 21, 2025 Matthew 1:18-24                                              Themes: - How can we say “yes” like Mary and Joseph? -Jesus is our one true gift.   It was Malulabelle’s favorite time of year – Christmas! She loved everything about this season – frosty windows, cinnamon sticks in her cider, and the way snow under her feet was powdery one day and crunchy the next. And, most of all, she loved picking out the perfect presents for her fa

Positive Friends by Ashley Karges Dec 14, 2025 Matthew 11: 2-11                                              Themes: - The best kinds of friends in our lives are those who lift us up. - Surround yourself with friends who have the peace of Jesus in their heart.   Malulabelle sat at her desk to write her English assignment. Write a paragraph describing a person who is a positive influence in your life. The first person that came to Malulabelle’s mind was her friend, Gracie. “Th

Hearts on Fire for Jesus by Ashley Karges Dec 7, 2025 Matthew 3:1-12   Themes: - Jesus wants our hearts to be on fire for Him. - Learn about Jesus and share what you know with a friend.   Malulabelle reached for the children’s bible from her shelf. “There are some good stories in this book!” Malulabelle and her friend, June, sat on the rug to read.  Colorful pictures brought each bible story to life. They flipped through the pages, stopping at their favorite illustrations. T

Field of Gifts by Ashley Karges November 30, 2025 Matthew 24:37-44 Themes: - Be thankful for the little gifts all around you. - Being thankful keeps us present in the moment, and close to Jesus.   Malulabelle arrived at the soccer field for her big game. Her eyes squinted from the sun, and her cheeks were rosy from the crisp autumn air. It was a perfect day for soccer! Malulabelle found her teammates and started warm-ups. “Did you know the team we play is undefeated?” Marcy a

My Best Friend, Jesus by Ashley Karges November 23, 2025 Luke 23: 35-43 Themes: - A friendship with Jesus brings peace and happiness. - We can pray for others to open their hearts to God’s love and mercy.   Malulabelle snuggled into bed. It was the end of another on-the-go day. She propped up against her pillow and spread out her marshmallow soft comforter. Her fluffy pup, Coconut, nestled in close. “Ruff!” Coconut tickled her with the nudge of his nose. He always knew how to

Malulabelle's Debut by Ashley Karges November 16, 2025 Luke 21: 5-19 Themes: - Unexpected moments happen to all of us. Do not be worried. Jesus will give us what we need in the moment. -Stay focused on the big picture - that Jesus is your friend, and He will never leave you.   Malulabelle could hardly contain her excitement. She felt jitters in her legs and had the giggles! Tonight was opening night of the school play. Even more exciting, she had the opening line! “See you to

Excited for Jesus by Ashley Karges November 9, 2025 John 2: 13-22 Themes: - God calls us to be zealous in our faith – to be excited to share Him with others! -You can show excitement for the Lord in your own way, by using the talents God gave you.   “Let’s use our best singing voices to praise the Lord, today!” Miss Mum encouraged the children’s choir at the start of practice. “Now, listen to my voice as I sing the first verse.” “I love to sing,” whispered Malulabelle to her

Little Worries by Ashley Karges Nov 2, 2025 John 6: 37-40 Themes: - God longs for us. He waits patiently for us to come to Him. - God holds all our worries, big and little, in his heart. He transforms them into something beautiful.   Friday had finally arrived, and the school dismissal bell was about to ring. Malulabelle felt all her energy bubble up inside. She shimmied in her seat. This weekend Malulabelle had big plans. It was her fluffy pup Coconut’s birthday! Coconut lov

The Art Contest Prize by Ashley Karges Oct 26, 2025 Luke 18: 9-14 Themes: -Seek God with a humble heart -Pridefulness closes our eyes to how God works in our lives   Malulabelle entered the art gallery, her chest puffed out with confidence. Today, the results of the painting contest would be announced. The first-place winner would receive a free day at Art Camp! “Are you nervous, Malulabelle?” Oliver had entered the contest too. “No, I worked hard on my painting. I have a rea

Science Walk Treasures by Ashley Karges Oct 18, 2025 Luke 18: 1-8 Themes: - Be persistent in prayer. - God answers prayers in His time, not ours. Malulabelle saw a flash of lightning outside her classroom window. Thunderclaps followed. BOOM! CRAAACK! “Oh, not today!” Malulabelle whispered to Simon, her table partner. “If it rains, we can’t have our class Science Walk this afternoon.” “Maybe it will stop,” encouraged Simon. But during math, it rained. At music lessons, it rain

A Trail of Thank Yous by Ashley Karges Oct 12, 2025 Luke 17: 11-19   Themes: - Seeing God in all situations - Complete your prayer with a thank you!   Malulabelle and Ruby skipped along the treelined trail. Their little furry buddies, Coconut and Lucky trotted along. SNAP!  A breaking twig in the brush caught the puppies’ attention. The twitching tail of a squirrel scampered into view, then disappeared. “Ruff! Ruff!” “Arrrfff!” Coconut and Lucky darted into the brush and were

Growing at Camp by Ashley Karges Oct 5, 2025 Luke 17: 5-10   Themes: -Water the faith you have been given, and it will explode in growth like a mustard seed. -Grow in faith by doing what God asks of you. He provides all that you need at the time. -Be faithful for the glory of God, not for our own good.   “See you next week, Coconut! I’ll be away at camp for a few days.” Malulabelle hugged her fluffy pup, Coconut. “Ruff! Ruff!” Coconut sent her off with a juicy I-love-you-lick

Light at the Museum by Ashley Karges Sep 28, 2025 Luke 16: 19-31 Theme: -Live your life for Jesus, so that others may come to know Him through you.   Malulabelle skipped off the bus. It was Field Trip Day! “Thank you for driving us to the museum today, Mr. Thompson!” The bus driver was often overlooked by students, but Malulabelle’s kindness made his eyes crinkle as he waved goodbye. “Have a wonderful afternoon!” Malulabelle’s museum buddy, Sophie, folded her arms and shivere

The Best Day Ever and Jesus by Ashley Karges Sep 21, 2025  Luke 16: 1-13 Themes: -Be a child of the Light. -Make time for Jesus so that your spiritual self can grow toward Him.     Malulabelle sprung out of bed, ready for a packed day. “Good morning, Coconut!” Malulabelle stretched into her slippers and loved on her fluffly pup, Coconut. “Ruff!” Coconut wiggled & wagged and gave Malulabelle a good-morning-lick on the cheek. He always knew how to make her giggle. “I’m off to s

Sliding with Joy by Ashley Karges Sep 14, 2025 John 3: 13-17 Themes: -All About Me/ All About Him -Receiving God's love can transform you. -Fill up with God’s LOVE, overflow with his JOY, so that through you, others will encounter Him.     It was Malulabelle’s favorite time of the school day – recess! Her glittery tutu billowed as she darted to the playground. Today she was first on the slide. “ Weee! ” Friends clapped and cheered as she whizzed down. When Malulabelle circled

Keeps and Giveaways by Ashley Karges Sunday Gospel Sep 7, 2025 Luke 14: 25-33 Themes: -Detachment and Sharing -The decision to follow Jesus is personal.   Malulabelle opened her toy bin. She wanted to donate to a family in need from church. Her fluffy pup, Coconut, plopped on the rug to help.   “Look, Coconut. I'll make one pile for Keeps, and one pile for Giveaways!”   “Ruff!”   Malulabelle beamed and picked up the first toy. It was her favorite stuffy, a purple crocodile fr