Kathy's Kids Storytime

Send us Fan MailMaria 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.orgWe’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 StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Send us Fan MailIsrael loses a battle against the Philistines, and the leaders make a dangerous mistake. Instead of turning back to God, they treat the Ark of the Covenant like a lucky charm and carry it into war. But God is not impressed—and the Philistines win again, capturing the Ark and bringing it to their temple in Ashdod.Then something shocking happens. The Philistines place the Ark in front of their idol, Dagon… and the next morning, everything is different. As the Ark is moved from city to city, trouble follows—until the Philistine rulers finally decide it has to go back to Israel. This episode reminds kids that God is holy, He is not a good-luck charm, and He always has the power to protect what belongs to Him.Talk about it:Why did Israel bring the Ark into battle, and what was wrong with that choice?What does this story teach us about obeying God instead of relying on “good luck”?What happened to Dagon when the Ark was placed in the Philistine temple?What is one way you can show respect for God thi

Send us Fan MailSammy keeps fixing his bike when a new neighbor boy, A.J., pops up over the fence. A.J. seems lonely, and Sammy soon learns why. A.J. has been in trouble for stealing, and his dad says he’ll always be a troublemaker. During Sabbath School, the Shoebox Kids learn how God called Samuel to deliver a message, and Mrs. Shue challenges them to “deliver God’s mail” this week.When A.J. comes over again, Sammy prays for the right words and tells him the most important message of all: Jesus loves him and can change his heart. Just as A.J. starts to hope, something happens that might keep Sammy from ever seeing him again.Talk about it:Why did A.J. think he could never change?What message did Sammy “deliver” to A.J.?How did prayer help Sammy know what to say?Who might need to hear “Jesus loves you” from you this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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

Send us Fan MailSamuel is growing up in the tabernacle, helping Eli the priest. But Eli’s sons are doing wrong things, and it’s hurting God’s house and God’s people. One night, while Samuel is in bed, he hears a voice call his name. He runs to Eli—three times—thinking Eli is calling. Finally, Eli understands: it’s God. He tells Samuel exactly what to say if he hears the voice again.When God calls once more, Samuel answers, “Speak, Lord, I want to serve You. I’m listening.” God gives Samuel a hard message about what will happen to Eli’s family because of his sons’ sins. The next morning, Samuel is afraid to share it—but Eli insists, and Samuel tells the truth. Even though Samuel is still young, God has found a messenger who will listen and speak His words.Talk about it:Why did Samuel think Eli was calling him at first?What did Eli tell Samuel to say when God spoke again?Why was God’s message hard for Samuel to share?How can you make time to listen to God this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’d

Send a textJenny can’t sleep. With her parents divorced, worries keep piling up—about arguments, school, moving, and even Butterscotch slipping out into the night. In Sabbath School, the Shoebox Kids talk about Hannah’s prayer and make a list of worries they can hand to Jesus. Jenny finally shares what’s been weighing on her heart, and Mrs. Shue gives her a simple challenge for bedtime.That night, in the almost-dark, Jenny hears a scratch at the door… and she has to decide what to do next.Talk about it:What worries were keeping Jenny awake?What does it mean to hand a worry to Jesus?What could Jenny do instead of lying there afraid?What is one worry you can pray about tonight?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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 StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Send a textIn this episode, we meet Hannah, a woman who feels very sad because she cannot have a child. During a trip to God’s house, Hannah pours out her heart in a quiet, honest prayer and promises that if God gives her a son, she will dedicate him to the Lord. Eli the priest sees her praying and encourages her, and Hannah chooses to trust God’s care. God answers Hannah’s prayer, and she names her baby Samuel, remembering that he was a gift from the Lord. True to her promise, Hannah later brings Samuel back to serve God, showing what faith, gratitude, and keeping your word look like. A beautiful story that reminds kids God hears prayers, even the whispered ones.Talk about it:What did Hannah do when she felt sad and discouraged?Why do you think Hannah’s quiet prayer was so special?How did Hannah show trust in God after she prayed?What is something you can pray about this week and trust God with?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’d love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text

Send a textThe 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

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

Send us a textWillie 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.orgWe’d love to hear from you!To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” lin

Send us a textAn 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.orgWe’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 StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, N

Send us a textAfter 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.orgWe’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:Ka

Send us a textWhen 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.orgWe’d love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, cli

Send us a textMaria 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.orgWe’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 StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Send us a textAfter 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.orgWe’d love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text”

Send us a textSammy loves Sabbath—except for those tight shoes…and Pete, the class pest. After a Sabbath School lesson about loving enemies (Matthew 5:39, 44), Sammy heads to school determined to do right. When Pete flicks his ear and later tries to copy during a surprise math test, Sammy wants to tell on him. A quick prayer changes his plan: maybe Pete isn’t mean—maybe he’s confused and afraid to ask for help. Instead of getting even, Sammy asks the teacher if he can tutor Pete, and he spots a “Jesus footprint” in his own heart—God giving power to do the hard thing. A real-life story about kindness, courage, and choosing what Jesus would do.Talk about it:What does Jesus ask us to do when people are unkind?How did prayer help Sammy make a better choice?When is it hard for you to be kind, and what could you do instead?Who might need your help at school this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’d love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode de

Send us a textFive kings join forces to attack Gibeon, and Joshua rushes to help after praying for God’s guidance. God promises to be with Israel. Joshua leads a nighttime march for a surprise attack, and God sends a storm with giant hailstones that scatter the enemy. When Joshua sees the battle will last past sunset, he prays a bold prayer. God makes the sun stand still over Gibeon and the moon pause so Israel can finish the fight. It becomes a day unlike any other because God listened to a leader who trusted Him. Kids will learn to pray first, act with courage, and remember that God keeps His promises.Talk about it:Why did the five kings attack Gibeon, and how did Joshua respond?What did God do to help Israel during the battle?Why did Joshua ask God to make the sun stand still?What is one brave prayer you can pray when you need God’s help?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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

Send us a textThe Shoebox Kids head out for a short Sabbath School hike and learn a big lesson about faith. Even though they cannot see any animals, Sammy spots tracks in the mud. They cannot see the wind, but they feel it and watch it move the trees. Back in class, Mrs. Shue reads Hebrews 11:1 and invites everyone to watch for “Jesus’ footprints” this quarter. The kids will look for small clues that Jesus is with them, like answers to prayer, kinder choices, or help with everyday decisions. Faith grows when we notice the evidence that Jesus is real and working in our lives. Talk about it:What clues helped the class know animals and wind were real even when they could not see them?What does Hebrews 11:1 say about faith?Where did you notice “Jesus’ footprints” this week?What decision can you pray about and watch how Jesus helps?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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:Ka

Send us a textNews of Israel’s victories spreads, and the people of Gibeon hatch a sneaky plan: they dress in worn-out clothes, carry crumbly bread, and pretend to be from far away so Joshua will make peace with them. The leaders look at the evidence, taste the bread—and forget to pray. Three days later, they discover the truth. Because they had promised safety, Israel keeps its word, and the Gibeonites become woodcutters and water carriers for God’s house. This story teaches discernment, the importance of asking God for guidance, and why keeping our promises matters. Talk about it:Why did the Gibeonites pretend to be from a faraway country?What important step did Joshua and the leaders forget?Why did Israel keep its promise even after learning the truth?What jobs did the Gibeonites do afterward, and what can we learn from that?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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:K

Send us a textMaria thinks copying answers from her teacher’s book is “no big deal”—until a cookie caper with her little sister, Yo-Yo, makes the truth impossible to hide. Later in Sabbath School, the Shoebox Kids study Achan’s story and learn that God sees everything and wants honest hearts. Maria realizes she needs to tell the truth, too. A relatable story about temptation, telling the truth, and how God helps us choose integrity even when no one is watching. Talk about it:Why did Maria think copying the answers didn’t matter at first?How did Yo-Yo’s “chocolate on her face” help Maria see her own mistake?What does Achan’s story teach us about hidden choices?What is one honest choice you can make this week?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’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 StorytimePO Box 44270Charlotte, NC 28215-0043

Send us a textAfter the victory at Jericho, Israel expects an easy win at Ai—but the soldiers run away and Joshua falls before God, devastated. God reveals the reason: someone has disobeyed by taking things from Jericho that were meant to be destroyed. By God’s choice, the tribes and families come forward until Achan is named. He confesses that he hid silver, gold, and clothes under his tent. Israel removes the sin from the camp, and then—following God’s new plan—they return to Ai and win. This sobering story shows that hidden choices can hurt many people, and that God calls His people to honest hearts and obedient lives. Talk about it:Why did Israel lose the first battle at Ai?What did Achan take, and why was hiding it such a big problem?How did God help Joshua after the people obeyed?What is one honest choice you can make this week, even if it’s hard?Visit our website: kathyskidsstorytime.orgWe’d love to hear from you.To reach us quickly, click the “Send us a text” link at the top of the episode description