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Chris loves his after-school cartoon, Harvey the Wizard, but Mom is not so sure it is helping him become more like Jesus. When Chris reads his Sabbath School lesson about Satan’s tricks and remembers how Saul was fooled, he starts wondering whether the things he watches really do matter.

At Sabbath School, Mrs. Shue reveals something new for the quarter: Jesus’ Mirror, a special reminder that the Shoebox Kids are growing to be more like Jesus. When Chris shares what happened after he used a cartoon “magic word” on his cousins, the class learns that Satan can try to sneak his ideas into our thoughts in small ways. Chris discovers that choosing what fills his mind is one way Jesus helps him grow.

Talk about it:

• Why was Chris’s mom concerned about the cartoon he was watching?
• What did Chris learn from the story of Saul and the witch?
• What was “Jesus’ Mirror” supposed to help the Shoebox Kids see?
• How can the things we watch, hear, or say affect the way we treat others?
• What is one choice you can make this week to become more like Jesus?

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PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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Samuel has died, and King Saul is frightened. The Philistines are ready for battle, but Saul does not know what to do. He tries to pray, but after years of ignoring God’s voice and disobeying His commands, Saul receives no answer. Desperate and afraid, Saul makes a terrible choice: he disguises himself and visits a witch near Endor, asking her to call up Samuel.

But the voice Saul hears is not really Samuel. It is a deception meant to confuse and frighten him. Saul learns that his kingdom will be given to David and that the battle ahead will end in tragedy. This serious story reminds kids that listening to God matters, obedience matters, and we should never look for answers from Satan’s servants when God has already shown us the right way.

Talk about it:

• Why was Saul afraid after Samuel died?
• What had Saul done that made it harder for him to hear God’s voice?
• Why was it wrong for Saul to visit the witch of Endor?
• How can we listen to God and obey Him before we feel confused or afraid?
• Who can help you make wise choices when you do not know what to do?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

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PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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Christmas feels different for Jenny this year. She loved spending time with her dad, but she misses the big family Christmas gatherings her mom remembers from childhood. When Jenny realizes her mom cannot afford plane tickets to visit Grandma and Grandpa, she even offers to stay with friends so her mom can go alone. But Mom says the best part of Christmas is being with Jenny.

At Sabbath School, the Shoebox Kids learn about David and Jonathan and what true friendship looks like. Jenny notices Maria and DeeDee whispering and giggling without her, and she starts to wonder if she is being left out. But after class, Jenny discovers her friends have been planning something special all along, and she sees a “Jesus footprint” in their gift of friendship and love.

Talk about it:

• Why did Christmas feel both happy and sad for Jenny and her mom?
• What did Jenny learn about true friendship from David and Jonathan?
• Why did Jenny think Maria and DeeDee were leaving her out?
• How did Jenny see Jesus working through her friends?
• What is one way you can show friendship and love this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

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To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

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Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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After David defeats Goliath, the people cheer for him, but King Saul becomes jealous and angry. Even while David plays his harp, Saul tries to hurt him. Thankfully, David has a true friend in Saul’s son, Jonathan. Jonathan helps David learn whether it is safe to return to the palace, but when Saul throws a spear at Jonathan too, they both know David must run.

David hides in caves with his family, friends, and hundreds of men while Saul searches for him. Then one day, Saul walks right into the very cave where David is hiding. David has the perfect chance to hurt Saul, but he chooses mercy instead. This story reminds kids that true friendship is loyal, jealousy is dangerous, and God can help us do what is right even when others treat us unfairly.

Talk about it:

• Why did King Saul become jealous of David?
• How did Jonathan show that he was a true friend?
• Why did David refuse to hurt Saul in the cave?
• What does this story teach us about mercy and loyalty?
• How can you be a faithful friend this week?

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To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

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PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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The Shoebox Kids try to imagine just how tall Goliath really was, and Chris starts wondering what he would ask David if he could talk to him after the battle. Soon, Chris imagines himself sitting in a field with David, asking the big question: “Weren’t you afraid?”

David’s answer helps Chris see the story in a whole new way. David was not brave because he was big, strong, or important. He was brave because he trusted who God is. When everyone else thought Goliath was too powerful, David remembered that God was stronger. Chris learns that God can do great things through anyone who trusts Him.

Talk about it:

• What question did Chris want to ask David?
• Why did David decide to fight Goliath?
• What does it mean that “it doesn’t matter who we are, it only matters who God is”?
• How can trusting God help you be brave this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

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To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

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Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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King Saul is troubled, and David is called to the palace to play his harp and help calm the king. But when the Philistines gather for battle, a giant named Goliath steps into the valley and challenges Israel’s army every morning and evening for forty days. Everyone is afraid, until David arrives with food for his brothers and hears Goliath mocking God’s people.

David is only a shepherd boy, but he remembers how God helped him protect his sheep from a lion and a bear. Refusing Saul’s heavy armor, David walks toward Goliath with his sling, his staff, and five smooth stones. Goliath comes with a sword and spear, but David comes in the name of the God of Israel. This exciting story reminds kids that the battle belongs to God, and when He is with us, we can be brave.

Talk about it:

• Why were Saul and the Israelite soldiers afraid of Goliath?
• What helped David believe God would be with him in the battle?
• Why did David choose not to wear Saul’s armor?
• What does it mean that “the battle belongs to God”?
• What is one scary or hard thing you can trust God with this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

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PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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The Shoebox Kids are laughing as Willie’s dog, Coco, shows off a few silly tricks. But the real lesson begins when Mrs. Shue talks about King Saul and what happens when we only obey God halfway. Willie understands that lesson better than anyone because of something that happened on his English test.

He thought the directions were easy. He circled the subjects, underlined the verbs, and finished fast. But when Mrs. Thurber handed it back, Willie saw red marks everywhere and a big fat zero at the top. What did he miss? A simple part of the instructions that changed everything.

Talk about it:

• Why is halfway obedience still disobedience?
• What did Willie forget to do on his English test?
• How did Willie’s mistake help him understand King Saul’s story?
• Why does God give us rules and plans to follow?
• What is one way you can obey God completely this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

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Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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Saul was brave and led Israel into battle, but he struggled to obey God completely. First, he offered a sacrifice that only the priest was supposed to offer. Later, when God gave him another chance to obey, Saul only followed part of God’s command and tried to make excuses. Samuel reminded him that obeying God is better than offering sacrifices.

Because Saul would not fully obey, God sent Samuel to Bethlehem to find a new king among Jesse’s sons. Samuel thought the tallest, strongest son looked like a king, but God said He looks at the heart. Finally, young David was called in from watching the sheep. God chose him, and Samuel anointed David with oil. David returned to the fields, waiting for God’s timing to become king.

Talk about it:

• Why was Saul’s “halfway obedience” a problem?
• What did Samuel mean when he said obeying God is better than sacrifice?
• Why didn’t God choose Jesse’s oldest son?
• What does it mean that God looks at the heart?
• How can you obey God completely this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

Or write to us by mail:
Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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DeeDee is tired of practicing piano and wants to quit before her recital. Her father reminds her that she promised to take lessons for a full year, even when practice feels hard. In Sabbath School, Mrs. Shue teaches the Shoebox Kids that God’s plans can be trusted, even when we don’t understand them.

When recital night arrives, DeeDee suddenly feels nervous. What if she makes a mistake? What if everyone laughs? She whispers a prayer, sits at the piano, and begins to play. By the end of the night, DeeDee discovers that practice, trust, and following a good plan can lead to joy—and maybe even a “Jesus footprint” on the piano bench.

Talk about it:

• Why did DeeDee want to quit piano lessons?
• How did DeeDee’s father help her keep her promise?
• What did Sabbath School teach DeeDee about trusting God’s plan?
• When have you had to keep going even when something felt hard?
• What is one way you can trust God’s plan this week?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

Or write to us by mail:
Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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Israel has never had a king like the other nations because God has always been their King. But when Samuel grows old and his sons become unfair judges, the people demand a king to lead them and fight their battles. Samuel feels hurt, but God explains that the people are really rejecting Him. Even after Samuel warns them that a king will take their sons, daughters, land, animals, and food, the people still insist.

Meanwhile, Saul is searching for lost donkeys when God leads him straight to Samuel. Samuel anoints Saul with oil, showing that God has chosen him to become Israel’s first king. Later, when all Israel gathers to meet their new ruler, Saul is nowhere to be found—until God reveals he is hiding among the baggage.

Talk about it:

• Why did Israel want a king like the other nations?
• What warning did Samuel give the people about having a king?
• How did God lead Saul to Samuel?
• Why do you think Saul hid when it was time to be introduced as king?
• How can we choose God’s plan instead of just trying to be like everyone else?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

Or write to us by mail:
Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

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Maria starts Sabbath morning frustrated when little Yo-Yo “decorates” her dresser the hard way. At church, Mrs. Shue teaches the Shoebox Kids a powerful object lesson by turning the classroom into a principal’s office—showing what respect looks like (and what it doesn’t). Then Maria hears a new way to think about church: it’s God’s office, a place to be reverent because Jesus promised to be with His people when they gather. During the sermon, Maria chooses worship over notes, helps Yo-Yo sit still, and keeps her eyes open for Jesus’ footprints.

Talk about it:

• What does respect look like at home and at church?
• Why did Mrs. Shue call church “God’s office”?
• What helps you pay attention during worship?
• How can you help a younger child learn reverence?

Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.org

We’d love to hear from you.
To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description.

Or write to us by mail:
Kathy’s Kids Storytime
PO Box 44270
Charlotte, NC 28215-0043