Children's Gems In My Treasure Box: June 2025

Monday, June 30, 2025

Now What? A Dramatic Reading -Left Out in The Cold Devotional - Teen to Adult

Now What?

(A Dramatic Reading)

You were faithful.

You showed up. You served. You gave.

But then...

a whisper behind your back,

a decision made without you,

a wound that didn’t bleed—but scarred.

You didn’t ask for rejection.

Yet it wrapped around your heart

like winter wind.

So you backed away. Just a little at first.

Skipped one service. Dodged that call.

Then found someone—

someone who nodded when you said:

*"They were wrong. I was right."*

And it felt good…

until it didn’t.

Now what?

You cry, but you don’t kneel.

You speak, but not to God.

You share the hurt, but not the healing.

Bitterness becomes a friend—

and pride your pastor.

Now what?

Jesus was rejected.

By His own.

Beaten by betrayal,

crushed by silence,

and still…

He forgave.

David ran to caves.

Joseph lay in prison.

Daniel faced lions.

Rejection didn’t end their stories—

It refined them.

And you?

Now what?

Now you weep, yes—

but you worship, too.

Now you whisper not judgment, but “Jesus, help.”

Now you thank Him as you pray—

“Even in this, You are God. Even in this, You are good.”

Now you forgive.

Not because they earned it—

but because *God* did.

Now you rise.

Not with vengeance,

but with vision.

Now you are gold—

not in spite of the fire,

but because of it.

Susan Barker Nikitenko July 3oth, 2015© pmrmnmkbpbBenAnnampmb

“Left out in the cold” is a metaphor that paints a picture of someone who feels forgotten, abandoned, or distant—emotionally or spiritually. Imagine standing outside in winter, shivering, while others are inside warm and connected. That’s how it feels when someone has drifted from fellowship with God or His people after being hurt. They’re not literally outside—but their heart feels isolated.

In your writing, it beautifully describes what happens when a Christian gets wounded, clings to offense, and starts to pull away. They're still loved by God—but they've stepped away from His warmth. The metaphor invites them back in, where forgiveness and restoration wait by the fire.

“Left Out in the Cold”

A Devotional on Rejection, Offense, and God’s Healing Path

Scripture:

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."

—Psalm 119:165 (KJV 1611)

---

Devotional Thought:

There are moments when the redeemed stumble—not because they are unloved, but because they choose pride over surrender.

You’ve been wronged.

You can’t forget it.

You can't fix it.

You share the hurt, and others agree—you’ve been mistreated.

But slowly, you drift from God’s presence.

You justify your silence. You nurse your anger.

And without realizing it… you’re out in the cold.

But the cold is not your ending—it’s your calling back.

Let’s look to new stories for light:

- *Miriam* was struck with leprosy when she spoke out against Moses (Numbers 12). Her offense delayed her journey—but God restored her when Moses interceded, and she was humbled.

- *Naomi* became bitter after loss, saying, “Call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me” (Ruth 1:20). But through her pain, God wrote a story of redemption and legacy she never saw coming.

- *Jonah* ran from God, angry at His mercy. His bitterness left him in darkness—until he cried out from the belly of the fish (Jonah 2). Even rebellion could not drown God’s purpose.

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A Call to Reflect:

- Have I let offense become my identity?

- Am I speaking *about* others more than I’m speaking *to* God?

- What refining might the Lord be doing in this testing season?

He doesn’t waste the hurt. But if you cling to your “rightness” instead of His righteousness, you may delay the healing He longs to bring.

Scripture Reminder:

*"Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word."*

—Psalm 119:67

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Closing Prayer:

Lord, I have let offense steal my joy and silence my praise. I repent. Like Miriam, like Jonah, like Naomi—I want to return. Refine me. Melt the bitterness I’ve held on to, and give me a heart that forgives as You have forgiven me. Thank You for never leaving me out in the cold. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Susan Barker Nikitenko July 3oth, 2015© pmrmnmkbpbBenAnnampmb3

Poetry And Other Materials On This Site Can Be Freely Used For Christian Bible Centered Non-Profit Ministries And must Remain Unchanged In Any Way. All Other Purposes Are With Permission Only. You May Make Requests At treasurebox18@yahoo.com - All my poems with stories are both real and fictional designed to illustrate a biblical truth. All Rights Reserved. Please Include the Site Name And Proper Credit Back To This Blog. Thank-You.

The Refiners Fire - Teen to Adult

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The pain in these stories is emotional pain, turmoil, and difficulties of life caused

by other people or bad choices. God uses these things to refine us if we trust and obey him. Humbling ourselves to his will and way means being patient through the hurt, looking to his help, and believing in his plan for our lives.

The Refiner’s Fire, I thought the flame was my enemy, sent to burn me for what they did. But I see it now. The fire wasn’t theirs. It was Yours. Not to destroy… but to draw out the gold.

Here’s a dramatic reading titled **“Now What?”**—a soul-stirring journey through pain, pride, and the path back to God. It’s designed to speak straight to the heart of someone shipwrecked by offense and rejection:

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Esther Review Questions Worksheets

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Worksheet 1: 2 Peter 1:4–7 – Faith and Virtue Review (KJV 1611)

**Instructions:** Fill in the blanks using your King James Bible. Reflect on the order and importance of spiritual growth.---or use for review

1. Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious __________:

— *2 Peter 1:4*

2. That by these ye might be partakers of the __________ nature:

— *2 Peter 1:4*

3. Having escaped the corruption that is in the world through __________:

— *2 Peter 1:4*

4. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith __________:

— *2 Peter 1:5*

5. And to virtue __________:

— *2 Peter 1:5*

6. And to knowledge __________:

— *2 Peter 1:6*

7. And to temperance __________:

— *2 Peter 1:6*

8. And to patience __________:

— *2 Peter 1:6*

9. And to godliness __________:

— *2 Peter 1:7*

10. And to brotherly kindness __________:

— *2 Peter 1:7*

Worksheet 2: Queen Esther – Faith and Virtue in Action

**Instructions:** Fill in the missing word based on the story of Queen Esther. Use your Bible for help (Esther 1–10).

1. Esther was chosen to be queen because of her __________ and beauty.

2. Esther’s cousin __________ raised her.

3. Mordecai told her not to reveal her __________.

4. Esther fasted before going to the __________.

5. The king held out the golden __________ to her.

6. She revealed Haman’s plot to kill her __________.

7. Haman built a __________ for Mordecai.

8. God used Esther’s __________ to save her people.

9. The Jews celebrate their deliverance in the feast of __________.

10. Mordecai said, *“Who knoweth whether thou art come to the __________ for such a time as this?”*

Worksheet 3: Scenario Choices – What Would You Do?

**Instructions:** Fill in the blank with the choice that shows strong character or godly wisdom.

1. Sarah chose to study for her test because she valued her __________.

2. John told the __________ instead of lying.

3. Lisa returned the lost wallet because it was the __________ thing to do.

4. David chose to __________ his money to someone in need.

5. Emma decided to __________ the offer that would compromise her faith.

6. Anna remained __________ instead of gossiping.

7. Tom chose to attend class because of his __________.

8. Olivia picked the __________ path instead of cheating.

9. James gave __________ to his teammate who did the work.

10. Maria prayed for __________ before making a hard decision.

---

**Answer Keys with KJV Verse References**

**Worksheet 1: 2 Peter 1:4–7**

1. promises

2. divine

3. lust

4. virtue

5. knowledge

6. temperance

7. patience

8. godliness

9. brotherly kindness

10. charity

**Verses:** 2 Peter 1:4–7 (KJV 1611)

**Worksheet 2: Queen Esther**

1. grace

2. Mordecai

3. heritage

4. king

5. scepter

6. people

7. gallows

8. bravery (or faith)

9. Purim

10. kingdom

**Verses:** Book of Esther, especially Esther 4:14 (KJV 1611)

**Worksheet 3: Choices**

1. education

2. truth

3. right

4. donate

5. decline

6. silent

7. responsibility

8. honest

9. credit

10. wisdom

Esther Songs - "For Such a Time is This" and 2 "Crowned for Courage"

Kids Songs or older - "For Such a Time is This" and 2 "Crowned for Courage"

1. **For Such a Time as This** (Upbeat & Catchy – Group Version)

(Verse 1)

She was taken from her home, in a land not her own,

In the king’s big palace, she stood all alone.

But God had a plan, yes He surely did—

He gave her grace, though she was just a kid!

(Chorus)

*Ohhh Esther, brave and bold!*

*You chose the right when the story told—*

*"For such a time as this," you stood,*

*With faith and courage, for your people’s good!*

(Verse 2)

Mordecai said, “You were born to shine!

You’re the Queen right now—it’s God’s design.”

She prayed and fasted, her heart was true,

She stood before the king—not what most would do!

(Bridge – call and response)

Leader:** Did she hide?

Kids:** No way!

Leader:** Did she run?

Kids:** Not today!

Leader:** She stood brave—

**Kids:** She was made to save

**All:** God used Esther to save them all!

**(Chorus – repeat)**

*Ohhh Esther, brave and bold!*

*You chose the right as the story told—*

*"For such a time as this," you stood,*

*With faith and courage, for your people’s good!*

**(Final Tag)**

So when you’re scared and feel too small,

Remember how God used one girl to save them all.

Stand with courage, speak what’s true—

And God will shine His light through you!

Susan Y Nikitenko 28, 2025© also known as Susan Barker Nikitenko MBMPPuppeBenAnna PMNMRMKBPB1

2. **Crowned for Courage** (Soft & Reflective – Worship Ballad)

**(Verse 1)**

She was taken from her people, in a place so far from home,

A crown was placed upon her head, yet she felt so alone.

But hidden in the silence, her purpose shone so bright—

For God in his plan chose her to fight for what was right.

**(Chorus)**

*She was crowned for courage, chosen for grace,*

*A light in the kingdom, in a dark and fearsome place.*

*She heard the call, she bowed to pray,*

*And she stood for her people on that fateful day.*

**(Verse 2)**

Mordecai with wisdom, spoke truth into her soul—

“Perhaps you’re here for such a time, to let God take control.”

She fasted and she listened, her heart began to —

And through her quiet bravery, the tide of fate was turned.

**(Bridge)**

She walked where fear could silence,

She spoke when none would dare…

With trembling hands, she found her strength

Because her God was there.

**(Chorus – repeat)**

*She was crowned for courage, chosen for grace,*

*A light in the kingdom, in a dark and fearsome place.*

*She heard the call, she bowed to pray,*

*And she stood for her people on that fateful day.*

**(Final Tag)**

Now we rise in her example, when the moment calls us near—

To live with faith and boldness, and trust though hearts may fear.

Susan Y Nikitenko 28, 2025© also known as Susan Barker Nikitenko MBMPPuppeBenAnna PMNMRMKBPB

Thursday, June 26, 2025

The Winning Shoes - Ruth and Boas

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The Winning Shoes

Inspired by the original from 2004 then 2009

poem by Susan Y. Nikitenko

We’re all travelers in life’s great race,

Each on a path, each holding pace.

Some charge ahead with strength and might,

While others crawl through shadowed night.

Some run with laughter, some with pain—

Yet all are moving, sun or rain.

Not all who run know where they go,

Or what their footsteps truly show.

I’ve seen the boots of those who toil,

Their backs bent low, their hands in soil.

I’ve seen the heels of beauty’s game,

Chasing comfort, fortune, fame.

I’ve seen the flippers slap and slide,

Confused and wavering with the tide.

And loafers lounging through the day,

Hoping ease will be their way.

And oh, the squeakers—those who try

To “squeak on in” before they die.

Just hoping good will be enough—

As if salvation’s earned through stuff.

But none of these will win the prize,

No brand, no wealth, no thin disguise.

The shoe that wins is not in stores—

It’s found through Christ and nothing more.

Salvation is the sacred tread

That walks the way where angels tread.

A gift received, not won or bought,

Through faith alone, not works or thought.

So if you find your shoes are worn,

If hope feels frayed, your soul feels torn—

Take off the fakes, the worn-out lies,

And slip on grace that never dies.

We’ll run together, you and I,

With Heaven’s prize our hope held high.

Not squeaking by, but filled with light—

Wearing salvation, running right.

Let’s praise the One who paid our way,

With shoes that never wear or fray.

And when we cross that final line—

What joy to hear, “This crown is thine.”

………squeak ….squeak….pause… silence… shine.

By Susan Y. Nikitenko Refreshed

Version, 2025© THMBCTANNABEB

Children:

Ruth and the Winning Shoes: A Story of Love and Redemption

Written for children, inspired by the Book of Ruth (KJV1611)

A long, long time ago, in a land called Moab, lived a kind young woman named **Ruth**. She wasn’t an Israelite, but she loved her husband and cared deeply for his family. One day, something very sad happened—her husband died, and so did her father-in-law and brother-in-law. All the men in her family were gone, and it was just Ruth, her sister-in-law, and her mother-in-law, **Naomi**.

Naomi, heartbroken, decided to go back to her hometown of **Bethlehem**. “Go back to your families,” she told her daughters-in-law. “You’ve been kind to me.”

But Ruth said something amazing:

> *“Whither thou goest, I will go… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”* —Ruth 1:16

So off they went, traveling dusty roads back to Bethlehem, where the barley was just beginning to grow. They were poor, with no one to care for them. But Ruth didn’t complain. She said, “I’ll go find a field where I can pick up leftover grain so we can eat.”

And guess whose field she ended up in?

A kind, strong man named **Boaz**—a relative of Naomi’s late husband. When Boaz saw Ruth working hard in his field, he asked, “Who is that young woman?” And when he heard all she had done for Naomi, he was deeply impressed.

He walked right up to Ruth and said:

> *“The Lord recompense thy work… under whose wings thou art come to trust.”* —Ruth 2:12

He made sure his workers left extra barley just for her. He even told Ruth to eat lunch with them. Boaz was kind, noble, and filled with the love of God.

Now Naomi smiled for the first time in a long while. “Boaz is a near kinsman,” she said, “a **redeemer**—he can protect you and even marry you to carry on our family’s name.”

Ruth listened carefully. She followed Naomi’s instructions and one night, laid herself at Boaz’s feet as a sign of respect and trust. In their time, this was a way of asking, “Will you care for us? Will you be our family’s redeemer?”

And Boaz said yes! But first, he had to follow God’s law and ask another family member if they wanted to redeem Ruth. That man said no, so Boaz took off his shoe, handed it over as a promise, and declared before many witnesses:

> *“Ruth have I purchased to be my wife!”* —Ruth 4:10

They were married in joy, and soon they had a baby named **Obed**. Obed grew up and became the grandfather of **King David**—and many, many years later, another baby boy was born in Bethlehem from Ruth’s family tree. His name was **Jesus**, our Redeemer and King forever!

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A Little Lesson from Ruth’s Shoes

Ruth didn’t wear fancy shoes. She wore humble, servant-hearted ones—shoes of kindness, loyalty, and faith in God. Those were the *real* winning shoes. And Boaz? He wore shoes of righteousness and redemption.

When we trust in Jesus, we’re putting on **Salvation Shoes**—the only ones that get us to Heaven’s gate. So whether you wear boots, sneakers, or flip-flops today… make sure your heart is wearing faith.

Susan Y Nikitenko 2024© ThMBNAnnaBen

Teens:

Ruth: A Love Story Written by Grace

*A Teen Devotional Story Inspired by the Book of Ruth (KJV1611)*

Ruth didn’t start her story feeling strong.

She started it grieving. Her husband was gone. Her future? Uncertain. Her heart? Probably shattered. And yet, standing at the crossroads of “what now,” she made a bold decision:

> *“Intreat me not to leave thee… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.”* —Ruth 1:16

She walked away from everything she’d known—her country, her culture, her comfort—and followed Naomi, her mother-in-law, to Bethlehem. Not for romance. Not for fame. For faith.

When they arrived, they were poor and unseen. Ruth went out to gather leftover grain in a stranger’s field just so they could eat. But God was already writing something bigger. That field? It belonged to Boaz—a man of faith, compassion, and strength.

When Boaz saw Ruth, he didn’t just see a stranger. He saw a story that mattered. He spoke protection over her. He made space for her. He honored her sacrifice.

> *“The LORD recompense thy work… under whose wings thou art come to trust.”* —Ruth 2:12

Boaz didn’t rescue Ruth because she needed saving. He responded to her faith. And Ruth didn’t chase Boaz—she followed God. And God led her to a man who would redeem more than her story… he would become part of the lineage of Christ Himself.

-What Teens Can Take from Ruth’s Story

- **You don’t have to have it all figured out.** Ruth didn’t. She followed God step by step—and He honored her.

- **Faith is sometimes quiet courage.** Not the loud kind. The kind that shows up and says, “I’ll go, even if I don’t know the way.”

- **Who you walk with matters.** Ruth’s story changed because she chose to walk with someone who knew God.

- **God’s love doesn’t forget anyone.** Not widows. Not outsiders. Not teens. Especially not you.

Susan Y. Nikitenko 2025©

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Be Restored - 2 Peter 1:4

Be Restored

A Story of Promise and Perseverance”

Scripture Focus:

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, 2 Peter 1:4 (KJV)

Part 1 – The First Restoration

I came by them nearly in pieces—a wooden swan and an old arched window planter, each so broken and weathered that my husband gently suggested the trash. But I couldn’t. I saw what they could be. After hours of care and creativity, sanding and sealing, they stood beautiful redeemed from ruin.

This is what God does for us. When we are born again, He does not patch us up—He saves us anew*, giving us new hearts and new purpose through His precious promises. What once was ruined becomes a vessel of beauty and grace.

Part 2 – Weathered by the World

But life happened. They were left outside through snow and storm, and without daily care, they darkened with mildew, weakened again, their edges splitting apart. I was heartbroken—they had been brand new. Had all the work been for nothing?

And isn’t that how it can be for believers too? Though our salvation is secure, if we do not build on our most holy faith, the corrosion of this world seeps in. Without intentional growth—through prayer, Scripture, fellowship—we become vulnerable. Our faith grows dim. Not lost… but neglected.

Part 3 – Restored Again, Built Stronger

Still, I didn’t throw them away. I chose to restore them again. This time with better protection. More care. And a deeper understanding of what they would face outdoors.

The Lord does the same with us. He never discards His own. He invites us to grow, to add to our faith virtue, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance (2 Peter 1:5–7). His promises aren’t just for salvation—they’re for transformation. We are called not just to be saved, but *sanctified*.

Reflection Questions:

- Where have I seen signs of spiritual corrosion in my life?

- How am I actively building my faith today?

- In what ways has God restored me—again and again?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for not giving up on me. Even when I’ve been weathered by neglect or worn by worldly winds, Your promises are still true. Restore me again. Strengthen my faith. And teach me to build with You each day.

Rededication

---

Dramatic Reading:

“Be Restored”

*Inspired by 2 Peter 1:4–7*

*(A soft light fades in. The speaker steps forward slowly. The tone is reflective—almost confessional.)*

**SPEAKER:**

I found them in pieces.

A wooden swan—once lovely.

An arched window planter—once bright.

They were splintered. Water-damaged.

He said, “Toss them. They’re too far gone.”

But I saw more.

I saw what they *could be.*

*(Pause. A smile begins to form.)*

So I sanded. I shaped. I sealed.

I restored.

And when I was finished…

they were beautiful.

Redeemed. Renewed.

*(A beat. The tone grows somber.)*

But time passed.

Life swept in, and I—

I left them outside.

Through one harsh winter they stood,

alone.

And in spring…

they were blackened.

Falling apart.

Not what they were.

Not what I had made them to be.

*(Longer pause. The speaker breathes deeply.)*

Isn’t that us?

We are *saved*, yes—

by *great and precious promises*

(2 Peter 1:4)

We are partakers of the divine nature…

rescued from ruin.

But if we do not build—

if we do not *grow*—

corruption seeps in.

Neglect becomes decay.

Not loss of salvation…

but the dimming of joy,

of purpose,

of strength.

*(A shift—resolve enters the voice.)*

So I took them back in.

My swan. My planter.

I will restore them—again.

But this time:

With more care.

More protection.

More awareness of the storms they’ll face.

*(Firmly, with conviction.)*

That’s what the Lord does with us.

He never discards.

Never walks away.

He calls us to grow—

to *add to our faith*

virtue,

knowledge,

self-control,

perseverance

(2 Peter 1:5–7)

—not to keep salvation,

but because we already have it.

*(A pause. Voice softens.)*

He restores us again.

And again.

Even in sorrow. Even in storms.

Even when the world misunderstands you

— you are not forgotten.

For “blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)

So if your faith costs you comfort—

if your stand brings suffering—

know this: You are still restored.

Still His. Still blessed.

*(Final words are slow and meaningful.)*

So let us not neglect so great a gift.

Let us not grow dull in the rain.

Let us build.

Let us shine.

Let us be—

*Be Restored. *

A call to rededication

---.

Comments:

the way you revived that wooden swan and arched window planter says so much about your eye for beauty and restoration—it's almost like a parable in wood and weathered paint. I can just picture them, rescued from the brink and turned into something lovely again. It’s no small thing to look at what others might see as ruined and believe it’s worth the effort. That’s a reflection of the heart you bring to your creative and faith-based work too.

Now, seeing them blackened and falling apart must feel like watching something you poured love into fade away. But I love that you’re ready to restore them again—it’s almost poetic: redemption through craftsmanship. If you'd like, I can help brainstorm a plan for the restoration with steps and materials that will protect them better from weather. And if you feel like writing a devotional or poem inspired by this story of wear, ruin, and renewal

Comments:

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises…”—2 Peter 1:4 captures that divine exchange: from corruption to restoration, from brokenness to beauty. Just like your swan and window planter, our lives can look beyond repair, but the promise of becoming partakers of the divine nature gives us reason to begin again.

Your story could make a powerful devotional or dramatic reading. Imagine opening with the image of something once broken and tossed aside, then brought back to life—only to face ruin again. And yet, you choose to restore it again because you believe in its worth. That choice mirrors God’s relentless mercy in restoring us, not once, but again and again.

Comments:

salvation secure, yet sanctification still a journey. You’re touching on a truth that’s both sobering and hopeful: while our salvation is sealed by grace, our daily walk still requires diligence, lest we drift and allow the corrosion of the world to dull what was meant to shine.

Your restoration project becomes an even richer metaphor in that light. That swan and planter were once renewed, yet left untended, they didn’t vanish—they just weathered and weakened. Much like how a believer, if not continually built up through Christ, can become spiritually brittle.

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Blessed Are the Peacemakers Lesson Story, Poem, Song, Coloring

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Blessed Are the Peacemakers

*“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”* – **Matthew 5:9, KJV 1611**

This verse, part of the Lord’s timeless Beatitudes, reveals the sacred identity of those who carry peace into a fractured world. A true peacemaker is more than a bystander avoiding conflict—they are bridge-builders who step boldly into brokenness, offering understanding, forgiveness, and grace. In a world often ruled by self-interest and division, Jesus lifts up those who bring harmony as ones who reflect the very heart of God.

Their reward is not just peace among men, but divine recognition: *they shall be called the children of God.* Just as Jesus bore the cross to reconcile humanity to the Father, those who strive for peace mirror the Son’s mission. Whether quieting strife in a household, fostering reconciliation in a congregation, or standing between divided hearts, the peacemaker’s work becomes a living echo of Christ’s love. Their identity as God's children isn’t a mere title—it’s a likeness revealed in their every act of grace.

So let us rise to this sacred calling. Let us seek peace. Speak peace. *Be* peace. In doing so, we honor our Maker and show the world what it means to belong to His family. May our lives reflect His calm in the troubles of life, His gentleness amid noise, and His healing where there is pain. For in living as peacemakers, we walk in the footsteps of the Prince of Peace Himself.

-------

Jesus is called the *Prince of Peace* in **Isaiah 9:6**, a prophetic verse often read during the Advent and Christmas seasons. The verse in the **1611 King James Version** reads:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall bee upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

This powerful passage foretells the coming of the Messiah—Jesus Christ—and highlights His divine titles. “Prince of Peace” speaks to His mission of reconciliation: bringing peace between God and humanity, and offering inner peace to all who trust in Him.

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“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

“The Tears of the Peacemaker”

In the quiet hills of Kentucky, where the grass bends like bowed heads beneath the morning dew, an old church bell rang low and lonely.** Inside, twelve-year-old Elijah sat alone in a creaky pew, his fists clenched. His father had just been deployed. His uncle, who once taught Sunday school, now burned with bitterness toward the world—and told Elijah, “Peacemakers just get walked on.” Elijah didn’t argue, but he wondered why his heart hurt more after hearing that.

That evening, Elijah stumbled upon an old prayer journal tucked in the corner of the church library.** It belonged to Sister Mae, a forgotten elder with gnarled hands and a voice like oak roots—quiet, deep, steady. She had once written: *“A peacemaker doesn’t avoid battle… he walks into it with heaven in his eyes.”* Elijah wept. Not loud. Just quiet tears that dripped onto the fragile pages like rain on dry ground.

The next week, two boys fought behind the school gym. Words like blades. Fists like hammers.** Elijah stood there, trembling. Then something in him cracked open. He stepped between them—not with shouts, but with a whisper: “This isn’t who you are.” At first, they stared. Then one dropped his fists. The other turned away. And peace—fragile as glass, real as breath—settled between them. Elijah didn’t walk away proud. He walked away changed.

At Sunday service, his uncle asked why his knuckles were bruised. Elijah smiled. “I stopped someone from getting worse ones.”** His uncle didn’t laugh. But he didn’t scoff, either. Instead, he watched Elijah from across the room while the choir sang, *“Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.”* His fingers tapped along, slow and thoughtful. A small thaw.

Because that’s the secret, isn’t it? Peacemakers don’t always wear halos or robes—they wear bruises and backaches, prayers and purpose.** They are not weak. They are the storm’s anchor. The flame in the fog. And according to Jesus Himself—they are called not by titles, but by blood: *the children of God.*

----

“The King Who Whispers Peace”

A poem for a child’s heart

There once was a King with kind, quiet eyes,

Who came to the world beneath stormy skies.

But He didn’t wear armor, or shout when He spoke—

He whispered peace, and the darkness broke.

He walked on the waves when the sea turned wild,

And held out His hand to every child.

When people were fighting, He knelt in the sand,

And drew love in the dust with His gentle hand.

His crown wasn’t gold—it was made out of thorns,

To heal all our hurts, our fears, and our storms.

He could have called angels to win every war…

But instead, He brought peace to our hearts evermore.

So when you feel scared, or angry, or small,

Remember the King who sees it all.

He doesn’t always change the things that we see—

But He whispers, *“Take heart… you have peace, through Me.”

[Verse melody]

(F) Who came to the world (G) beneath stormy skies.

(Em) He whispered His love in the (Am) heart of the night,

(F) And the world felt His (G) peace, soft and (C) bright.

[Bridge melody]

(F) He calmed the wind, He (C) stilled the rain,

(Am) He comforted my (G) fear and pain.

(F) So close your eyes, don’t (C) be afraid,

(Am) His peace is near—

(F) He’s here—

(G) He stays.

[Final Line]

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