"Julie's Story-Glimpses of God in Everyday Life" is a compilation of personal stories from the life of the Barrier family. Each short devotional tells a unique story from Julie's diary and includes a key passage to study and apply to your life.
Passages: Proverbs 18:24; Colossians 4:7-9; 1 John 4:19-21
Cars are companions that accompany us on our life-journey. True friends stand beside us and share our life experiences.
Passages: John 10:1-18; Romans 8:26-39; Hebrews 12:5-17
Every child needs a good care-taker. Every child of God has the assurance of God's care, training and protection.
Passages: Matthew 8:23-27; 14:25-31; James 1
Little girls learn to sink or swim. We must keep our eyes on Jesus to live a life of faith in the face of storms.
Passages: Psalm 91; Daniel 2:20-23; John 4:7-26
We all need a "quiet place" to meet God and re-group from a hectic life.
Passages: James 3:13-18; Matthew 5:9; Galatians 5:16-26
Board games that children play can often bring out the true sinful nature within the heart of a child: selfishness, greed and unforgiveness.
Passages: Genesis 4:1-16; Psalm 133:1-3; Romans 12:8-13
Brothers and sisters often struggle with intimacy and unity. God longs for us to love our near ones unselfishly and humbly.
Passages: Matthew 6:25-34; 7:7-11; 18:12-14
Every little girl needs a father or grandfather in her life who models the intimate, caring, faithful love of God the Father. Grandpa B did just that.
Passages: Colossians 3:12-17; Matthew 18:21-35; Romans 12:10
"Shots" are always painful. We must handle the "shots" we receive in life with grace and forgiveness, and avoid injuring others.
Passages: Colossians 3:12-15; Isaiah 14:12-15; Philippians 2:1-11
We all need a little attention, but Jesus should take center stage of our lives. God calls us to be humble and to joyfully serve Him.
Everyone longs for affection. We should greet each other warmly and make others feel welcomed and valued. However, God desires us to be sexually pure.
Passages: Psalm 68:3-6; Psalm 104:24-35; Philippians 4:4-9
God's great love is demonstrated through the heart of a caring grandparent. God's creatures also reflect His creativity and humor.
Passages: Psalm 34, Philippians 2:1-11; Proverbs 1:1-10
A little chatterbox learns that listening is more important than talking. God created us to love and serve others unselfishly.
Passages: Matthew 3:13-17; Philippians 1:3-6; John 17
A father's heart longs to be with his daughter. When she joins him on a business trip, she feels loved, valued and included.
Passages: 1 Samuel 17; Ephesians 4:31-32; 1 John 4:18
Bullies do not have to dominate our lives. Intimidation, anger, and aggression are defused by a confident self-concept and compassion for our enemies.
Passages: Psalm 122:1; Hebrews 10:22-25; Acts 2:44-47
A little girl learns that summer fun can be more than just a trip to the swimming pool. Vacation Bible School was a life-changing experience-glitter ...
Passages: 1 Samuel 3; 1 Kings 9:9-13; Psalm 46
Little children may not seem to be listening in "big church," but God often uses those moments to speak to them personally and ...
Passages: Psalm 63; 1 Chronicles 18:6-36
Our memories can teach us much about ourselves and our walk with God and others. We can learn spiritual principles by reflecting on our past.
Passages: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; James 2:1-8; Philippians 4:13-19; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
An ailing five-year-old suffers with chronic illness when a group of kind kindergarten students show genuine love and concern. God never forgets us.
Passages: Philippians 2; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
The people we love may have different interests and perspectives than we have. We love them by entering their world, listening and delighting in ...
Passages: Psalm 127, Psalm 133; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Having a new baby in the home can be traumatic. Young siblings are unaware of future joys that will result. Help your child understand how to love ...
Passages: Psalm 91:14-16; Psalm 121
We often live our lives in selfishness and self-reliance. The trials that come to us remind us of how much we need a Savior.
Passages: Proverbs 17:24; 15:20; 4:1-6
All of us have a little waywardness in our nature. The key is to recognize that we are sinful and need a Savior. When we submit our lives to Him, we ...
Passages: Matthew 11:28-30; 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16; Luke 18:16-17; John 15:9. Revelation 3:19-20
Fairy tales spark our imaginations. Storytellers captivate their listeners. But when God speaks to our hearts, our lives are forever changed.
Passages: Psalm 8; Psalm 104:24
Zoo Day is a simple tale about a caring second-grade teacher who opened the eyes of her students to the wonders of God's creation.
Passages: Colossians 3:12; Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 4:31-32
We often ignore the needs of others because we are preoccupied with our own pursuits. Those we love express anger toward us because of unmet needs. ...
Passages: Romans 12:17-19; Luke 6:31; Philippians 2:3-4
Those who oppose us often have experienced our rejection and insensitivity. When we humbly look at ourselves, we can learn to extend grace and ...
Passages: Galatians 5:22-6:1; Colossians 3:12-14; 2 Peter 1:5-7
Moms know the hearts of their children and have a special way of meeting their needs. Acts of kindness are cherished by those who receive them.
Passages: Psalm 127, Psalm 133, Ephesians 4:29-32
Family get-togethers can be wonderful or horrible. We can learn to enhance our family relationships by gracious speech and genuine appreciation. Make ...
Passages: Luke 2:1-17; Matthew 2:1-11; John 1:1-8
Children's Christmas programs remind us of the innocence of pure worship. The beauty and glory of the Christ-child is reflected in the faces of God's ...
Passages: 1 Thessalonians 2: 19-31; Hebrews 13:5; 1 Timothy 6:6-12; Philippians 3:7-11
Our love relationship with Jesus and with others far surpasses the fleeting pleasures of worldly treasures. We must be passionate about eternal ...
Passages: Psalm 51; Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9-10; Revelation 1:12-18
"Snow Days" remind us of God's amazing love in cleansing us from sin. We should slow down and relish the wonder of God's creation and love.
Passages: Psalm 100; 2 Corinthians 4:13-15; Ephesians 1:15-23
Thanksgiving is a time to remember God's blessings. We can see His love in those closest to us-our cherished family and friends.
Passages: Romans 5:21; 7:24-25; 8:13
Chocolate is delightful, tempting and fattening. Sin may be fun and tasty at first, but eventually leads to spiritual death.
Passages: Leviticus 19:18; Ephesians 4:2-4; Romans 12:9-13
We often hurt those we love the most. Our expressions of love must be genuine, and we must be patient with those who have difficulty expressing their ...
Passages: Psalm 32:11; Matthew 22:37-38; Psalm 27:4
Loving God whole-heartedly is a little like puppy love. We must love God sincerely, honestly and without reservation. God rejoices over His ...
Passages: Psalm 67:1-2; Psalm 34:1-3
Happy memories remind us of God's goodness and care, and sustain us through the painful times of life.
Passages: Matthew 27:55; Matthew 5:3-6; Ephesians 4:29
Diaper rash is painful for any baby. However, babies are quick to let parents know what they need. Adults are not so forthcoming about their needs, ...
Passages: 1 Timothy 2:9-10; Proverbs 31:30-31; Luke 1:46-51
We must focus on the inner beauty God has given us and not our outward physical appearance.
Passages: Psalm 32; Ephesians 2:8-9
You can be sure your sin will find you out-whether it be a tiny transgression or a full-fledged, pre-meditated rebellious act. Julie learned how to ...
Passages: Proverbs 18:24-19:1; Proverbs 17:17
Faithful friends are hard to find. We often model critical behavior and conditional love. True intimacy includes acceptance, respect and comfort.
Passages: Proverbs 1:8-10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalm 1
The friends we choose can deeply influence our lives. Bad company ruins good morals.
Passages: Romans 8:26-39
"Jessie's Story" is the account of those grief-filled moments when Roger realizes he will have a daughter who will never grow up. These are ...