Little Sunday Story: With Practice

With Practice

by Ashley Karges

Feb 15, 2026

Matthew 5:17-37                             

Themes:

- The Ten Commandments help us to live like Jesus.

- Ask for God’s guidance to practice them each day.

Malulabelle settled into her desk chair at home. “I have a big spelling test this week, Coconut.”

Coconut, Malulabelle’s fluffy pup, peered from under the desk. “Ruff!” He wiggled and wagged, then nestled at her feet. He was the perfect study partner.

Malulabelle wrote the numbers one through ten, for each spelling word. “Writing 1 to 10 always reminds me of the Ten Commandments, Coconut!” She giggled. “If only I was studying the Ten Commandments. I already know those.”

Malulabelle read through the list of words and breathed a big sigh. This test would be a challenge.

She closed her eyes and shared her heart with Jesus.

“Jesus, I will need you for this test. Can you help me focus?”

Each day that week, Malulabelle used little tricks to help her learn:

She spoke the letters out loud,  

arranged the words into silly sentences,

and wrote with her favorite colorful pencils.

She practiced spelling, then practiced more. Soon, the words were easy to remember. “I’m ready!”

On the morning of the test, Malulabelle studied one last time. Writing the numbers one through ten gave her a new thought.

“Coconut, my spelling words are just like the Ten Commandments!”

Coconut lifted his ears.

"Both seem hard at first, but both become easier – with practice.”

“Ruff!”

“Coconut, let’s pray.”

“Jesus, thank you for putting new thoughts on my heart that point me toward You. Thank you for being with me this week, and for helping me turn to You, always.”

The Ten Commandments are a special gift, aren’t they? They help us to live with a sense of God’s love, freedom, and grace – to live like Jesus! And with God’s guidance, we can practice them each day.