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The Shoebox Kids are studying Ruth, but Mrs. Shue has a surprise. They’re putting on a play. Costumes, sandals, and Bible-times names fill the room as Maria becomes Ruth, DeeDee becomes Naomi, and Chris tries to figure out how to play two different characters. After the laughter settles, the class starts talking about something harder: being teased. Chris shares how kids made fun of his real name, Cristóbal, and how he finally shoved one boy after getting pushed too far. The kids compare stories and wonder what Ruth might have done if people called her names.

Mrs. Shue opens the Bible to Jesus’ words in Matthew 5 about loving your enemies and praying for those who hurt you. Chris realizes the “missing piece” was prayer. Jesus was there to help, but he didn’t ask. He calls it “almost a footprint,” and decides that next time, he’ll ask Jesus for strength to be kind, even when someone is cruel.

Talk about it:

• What happened to Chris at recess, and why did he get so angry?
• What does Jesus say we should do when people hurt our feelings?
• What are some kind choices you can make when someone teases you?
• When could you pause and pray before you react this week?

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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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When a famine strikes Israel, Naomi’s family moves from Bethlehem to Moab. Years later, Naomi loses her husband and both sons, and decides to return home. Ruth, Naomi’s Moabite daughter-in-law, refuses to leave her and makes a beautiful promise: “Where you go, I will go… your God will be my God.” Back in Bethlehem, Ruth gathers leftover barley to help them survive and ends up in the field of Boaz, a kind relative who protects and provides for her. In time, Boaz marries Ruth, Naomi’s family is cared for, and Ruth becomes part of a very special family line that leads to King David. A tender story about faithfulness, kindness, and choosing God.

Talk about it:

• Why did Ruth choose to stay with Naomi even when it was hard?
• How did Boaz show kindness to Ruth in the fields?
• What does Ruth’s promise teach us about loyalty and trusting God?
• Who can you show kindness to 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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Willie wants to fit in with the most popular boys at school, but Max and Lucas enjoy teasing others. After they trip up Gary and insult Candy, they plan a cruel “pet day” prank—letting Carmen’s mouse out to be chased by a cat—and pressure Willie to help. Willie prays, thinks about how he’d feel if it were his dog Coco, and quietly says “no,” even though it costs him their friendship. In Sabbath School he adds a “Jesus footprint,” thankful for courage to do what’s right. A real-life story about peer pressure, kindness, and the strength God gives to choose good friends.

Talk about it:

• Why did Willie want to be friends with Max and Lucas, and what did he notice about how they treated others?
• What helped Willie say “no” when he felt pressured?
• How can you tell the difference between a real friend and a hurtful friend?
• What’s one kind choice you can make for someone at school 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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An angel tells Manoah’s wife that her baby, Samson, will be a Nazarite—set apart for God. Samson grows super strong, but his choices are not always wise: he plays with danger, makes enemies, and finally tells Delilah the secret of his strength. Captured and blinded, Samson prays for God’s help one last time. God answers, and Samson pushes down the temple pillars, defeating Israel’s enemies and beginning their freedom. This powerful story shows that our strength comes from God, and that He still hears us when we turn back to Him.

Talk about it:

• What does it mean that Samson was a Nazarite “set apart” for God?
• How did Samson’s choices get him into trouble?
• What changed when Samson prayed at the end of the story?
• What’s one way you can use your strengths to honor God 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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After Sabbath School quiz time, DeeDee gets invited to a fall festival—but it’s the same night her family collects canned food for people in need. Mom and Dad let her choose. DeeDee prays, remembers the lesson about doing what Jesus wants, and decides to serve. House after house, some doors open and some don’t—until a nearly dark home reveals a family with no food at all. DeeDee insists they help, and she and Mom return with groceries. That night she realizes following Jesus to help others was “the most fun ever,” and a clear “Jesus footprint” she can’t wait to share.

Talk about it:

• What hard choice did DeeDee face, and how did she decide?
• Why was knocking on the almost-dark house important?
• When have you sensed a “Jesus footprint” guiding you to help someone?
• What’s one way your family can serve a neighbor 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

Send us a text

When the Midianites gather a massive force, Gideon is nervous—but God patiently strengthens his faith with two fleece signs. Then God does something surprising: He sends home the fearful, then separates the rest at the river until only three hundred remain. After overhearing a Midianite’s dream that foretells their defeat, Gideon leads his tiny team with trumpets, jars, and hidden lamps. At Gideon’s signal, the jars shatter, lights blaze, and trumpets blast—God throws the enemy into confusion, and Israel wins without a sword swing. Kids learn that God gets the glory, uses small numbers in big ways, and helps us be brave when we feel outnumbered.

Talk about it:

• Why did God keep making Gideon’s army smaller?
• What were the two “fleece” signs, and how did they help Gideon trust God?
• How did trumpets, jars, and lamps help win the battle?
• When do you feel outnumbered, and how can you remember that God is with you?

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 can’t wait for the Shoebox Kids skating party—but a squabble with her brother, a mean word on a foggy window, and a lie to avoid blame spoil the fun. Later, a call from Mrs. Shue and a heartfelt talk with Dad help Maria see how even “small” lies break trust. She prays, apologizes to Mom and Chris, and discovers a “Jesus footprint” in her life: the courage to tell the truth. A warm story about honesty, making things right, and noticing how Jesus helps us do the hard but good thing.

Talk about it:

• Why did Maria choose to lie, and how did it affect her family?
• What does Dad mean about trust when someone lies “once in a while”?
• What is a “Jesus footprint,” and where did Maria see one?
• Who do you need to apologize to—or tell the truth to—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

Send us a text

After Joshua dies, Israel forgets God and the Midianites steal their food year after year. When the people finally pray, God answers. He sends a prophet to remind them of His rescue and then calls an unlikely hero named Gideon. While Gideon is secretly threshing wheat, an angel says, “The Lord is with you.” Gideon asks for proof, and God sends fire to burn up his offering. That night, God tells Gideon to tear down his father’s altar to Baal and build one for the Lord. Even though Gideon feels small, God promises, “I will be with you.” Kids learn that God hears prayers, chooses ordinary people, and gives courage to do what is right.

Talk about it:

• Why were the Israelites hiding, and what made life so hard for them?
• How did God show Gideon that He was really speaking to him?
• Why did God ask Gideon to tear down the altar to Baal?
• What is one brave thing you can do this week to follow God?

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