- Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
Once there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to play all day. One morning, Mama Squirrel said, “Sammy, stay close to the tree today. The wind is strong, and I need you to listen.” But Sammy thought, “I’m fast! I don’t need to listen.” He ran far away to chase a butterfly. Suddenly, the wind blew hard, and Sammy couldn’t find his way back! He was scared and cold. Then he heard Granny Squirrel calling, “Sammy, come to my voice!” This time, Sammy listened and followed her voice all the way home. Mama and Granny hugged him tight. “When you listen to us, we keep you safe,” Mama said. Sammy nodded and never forgot that lesson
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me Mama and Granny to guide me. Help me listen to them when they tell me what’s right. I want to obey because I know they love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Once there was a little squirrel named Sammy who loved to play all day. One morning, Mama Squirrel said, “Sammy, stay close to the tree today. The wind is strong, and I need you to listen.” But Sammy thought, “I’m fast! I don’t need to listen.” He ran far away to chase a butterfly. Suddenly, the wind blew hard, and Sammy couldn’t find his way back! He was scared and cold. Then he heard Granny Squirrel calling, “Sammy, come to my voice!” This time, Sammy listened and followed her voice all the way home. Mama and Granny hugged him tight. “When you listen to us, we keep you safe,” Mama said. Sammy nodded and never forgot that lesson
Bella the Bunny loved hopping around the garden. One day, Granny Bunny said, “Bella, don’t hop near the fox’s path today. Stay by the flowers.” Bella didn’t want to listen. She thought, “I’m quick! I’ll be fine!” But as she hopped near the fox’s path, she saw big paw prints and got scared. She hopped back to the flowers as fast as she could! Later, she told Granny, “I’m sorry I didn’t obey right away. You were right!” Granny smiled and said, “Listening to me keeps you safe, Bella.” From then on, Bella obeyed Mama and Granny every time.
Dear Jesus, please help me obey my Mama and Granny like Bella learned to do. I know they want what’s best for me. Thank You for their love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Finn the Duckling loved swimming in the pond. One sunny day, Mama Duck said, “Finn, don’t swim to the deep end today. Stay near me.” Finn quacked, “But I’m a good swimmer!” and paddled away. Soon, the water got too deep, and Finn’s little legs got tired. He called, “Mama!” Mama Duck swam over and pulled him back. “You scared me,” she said. “Listen to Mama next time.” Finn nodded and stayed close from then on, happy to be safe.
Dear Jesus, thank You for Mama who keeps me safe. Help me listen to her like Finn should have. I want to obey because I love her. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Timmy Turtle liked to wander off on adventures. One day, Granny Turtle said, “Timmy, don’t go past the big rock today. It’s not safe.” Timmy thought, “I’m slow, but I’m smart!” and crawled past the rock anyway. Suddenly, he saw a big bird circling above! Timmy hid in his shell and waited. When the bird flew away, he crawled back to Granny. “I’m sorry,” Timmy said. Granny hugged him and said, “Obeying keeps you out of trouble.” Timmy smiled and promised to listen.
Dear Jesus, please help me listen to Granny like Timmy learned to do. Thank You for her wise words that protect me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Kitty the Kitten loved chasing leaves in the yard. One afternoon, Mama Cat said, “Kitty, don’t go near the road. Stay by the fence.” Kitty thought, “I’m fast! I’ll just peek!” She ran to the road, but a loud car honked, and Kitty jumped back, scared. She ran to Mama Cat and meowed, “I should’ve listened!” Mama purred, “When you obey me, you’re safe.” Kitty stayed by the fence after that, happy to listen.
Dear Jesus, thank You for giving me Mama to tell me what’s safe. Help me obey her so I don’t get scared or lost. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Fiona the Fox loved chasing her bushy tail in the woods. One crisp day, Grandpa Fox said, “Fiona, head to the den when the wind whistles—it’s a sign of falling leaves.” Fiona nodded but kept spinning in circles, ignoring the wind’s sharp whoosh. Suddenly, a big pile of leaves tumbled down and buried her! She wiggled free, covered in twigs, and scampered to the den. Grandpa brushed her off and said, “Listening keeps you out of messy piles.” Fiona giggled and promised to perk up her ears next time the wind whistled.
Dear God, help me listen well so I don’t get stuck in trouble. Keep my ears open to wise words that guide me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Dipper the Duckling liked splashing near the reeds. One morning, Mama Duck quacked,
“Dipper, swim to me when you hear the frog croak—it means nap time.” Dipper bobbed his head but stayed to chase a water bug. Soon, a loud ribbit echoed, and Dipper didn’t budge. The sun got hot, and he grew so sleepy he nearly sank! Mama paddled over and scooped him up. “Listening keeps you rested,” she said. Dipper yawned and decided frog croaks were his new
favorite sound.
Dear God, teach me to listen so I can rest when I need to. Help me hear the signs You give me to stay strong. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Rusty the Raccoon loved shiny treasures. One evening, Aunt Rina said, “Rusty, come home when the bell chimes—it’s bedtime.” Rusty agreed but spotted a glimmering pebble and ignored the ding-dong from the hill. He wandered too far, and a big owl hooted overhead, scaring him! Rusty raced back, trembling. Aunt Rina hugged him and said, “Listening keeps you safe from spooky shadows.” Rusty tucked his pebble away and vowed to dash at the first chime next time.
Dear God, help me listen to those who keep me safe. Protect me when I’m scared, and guide me home. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Leo the Lion Cub loved pouncing on rocks near the river. One day, Papa Lion growled, “Leo, climb the hill when you hear the water roar—it’s getting wild.” Leo flicked his tail and kept playing, thinking he was too brave to stop. Then the river roared loud, and water splashed over his paws! Leo scrambled up the hill, soggy and surprised. Papa Lion shook his mane and said, “Listening keeps you dry and safe.” Leo nodded, his wet fur dripping, and promised to listen for the river’s roar next time.
Dear God, give me ears to hear warnings so I stay safe and dry. Help me trust the ones who love me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Ella the Elephant liked stomping through the jungle. One afternoon, Grandma Elephant said, “Ella, march home when you hear my trumpet—it’s time to rest.” Ella flapped her ears but stayed to splash in a puddle. Soon, Grandma’s toot-toot rang out, and Ella didn’t move. The sun sank, and she got so tired her trunk drooped! Grandma found her and said, “Listening gets you home for cozy naps.” Ella trudged back, yawning, and decided trumpet calls were her signal to hurry.
Dear God, help me listen so I can find rest and comfort. Lead me home when I’m tired. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Milo the Monkey swung high in the trees, chasing shiny bugs. One evening, Uncle Monkey called, “Milo, slide down when you hear the owl hoot—it’s dinner time.” Milo chattered but kept swinging, ignoring the hoo-hoo in the distance. His tummy rumbled as the sky darkened, and he missed his banana feast! Uncle Monkey climbed up and said, “Listening fills your belly.” Milo hugged a branch and promised to drop down at the next owl hoot.
Dear God, teach me to listen so I don’t miss out on good things. Thank You for filling my life with blessings. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
There was a bouncy bunny named Bella who loved carrots and hopping contests. One sunny day, her friend Ollie the Owl said, “Bella, meet me by the big oak tree at noon for a surprise party! Don’t be late—listen for my hoot!” Bella giggled and hopped off, but she got distracted chasing a shiny beetle. She didn’t listen for Ollie’s hoot. By the time Bella remembered, the sun was low, and she raced to the oak tree. The party was over—balloons drooped, and crumbs were all that was left of the carrot cake. Ollie flew down and said, “I hooted for you, but you didn’t listen!” Bella felt sad but learned that listening helps her share fun with friends. The next
time Ollie hooted, Bella was the first one there!
Dear God, help me listen to my friends so we can share happy times. Keep me close to those I love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Tina the Turtle was slow but curious, always exploring the forest. One afternoon, Papa Turtle said, “Tina, come inside the log when you hear the thunder. It means rain is coming.” Tina nodded but kept poking around the flowers, thinking, “Thunder? I’ll hear it later.” Soon, a loud BOOM rumbled, but Tina ignored it—she wanted to see one more bug. Then rain poured down, soaking her shell! She trudged home, wet and shivering. Papa Turtle wrapped her in a leaf blanket and said, “Listening keeps you dry and cozy.” Tina smiled and promised to listen for thunder next time. And when she did, she stayed snug as a bug in the log!
Dear God, help me listen so I’m ready for what’s coming. Keep me warm and safe in Your care. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Pepper the Puppy loved to dig and chase his tail. One day, his big brother Max said, “Pepper,
when I whistle, come back to me—it’s time for supper!” Pepper barked, “Okay!” and ran off to
sniff a muddy puddle. Max whistled loud and clear, but Pepper thought, “I’ll go after one more splash!” He didn’t listen, and soon it was dark. Pepper’s tummy growled—he’d missed supper! Max found him and said, “Listening means yummy food and warm hugs.” Pepper wagged his tail and learned to race back at the first whistle. From then on, he never missed a meal!
Dear God, help me hear the call to come to You. Thank You for feeding me and holding me close. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Sammy the Squirrel had grown a bit since his windy adventure, and now he loved gathering nuts for winter. One frosty morning, Mama Squirrel chattered, “Sammy, don’t wander past the pine trees today. The frost made the paths slippery, and I need you to listen.” Sammy flicked his bushy tail, remembering how Granny’s voice once saved him. “I’m bigger now,” he thought, “and those chestnuts near the stream look so tasty!” He scampered off, ignoring the icy patches, dreaming of a nut feast. But as he reached the stream, his paws slid on a frozen leaf, and he tumbled into a shallow ditch! Nuts scattered everywhere, and Sammy shivered, stuck in the cold mud. “Oh no,” he squeaked, “I didn’t listen again!” Then he heard Granny Squirrel’s call, “Sammy, follow my voice—step carefully!” Sammy perked up, climbed out slowly, and trailed her voice back to the pine trees. Mama and Granny waited with warm hugs and a dry nest. “Listening keeps you out of chilly trouble,” Mama said. Sammy nodded, muddy but grateful, and stuck to the safe paths after that.
Dear God, help me listen to my family like Sammy did, so I don’t slip into trouble. Thank You for guiding me back when I wander. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Bella the Bunny was now the fastest hopper in the meadow, famous for her quick feet. One
sunny afternoon, her friend Ollie the Owl perched on a stump and hooted, “Bella, meet me at
the carrot patch tonight for a moonlit picnic, but don’t hop near the thistle patch—it’s too sharp today. Listen for my call!” Bella twitched her ears, excited for carrots, but as she bounced around all day, she forgot Ollie’s words. “I’ll just peek at the thistles,” she thought, “I’m too
speedy to get hurt!” She hopped closer, and ouch—a spiky thistle snagged her fluffy paw! Bella
tugged, but it stung, and she couldn’t hop free. “Why didn’t I listen?” she whimpered. The moon rose, and Ollie’s hoo-hoo echoed from the carrot patch. “Bella, where are you?” he called. Bella yanked her paw loose, limping a little, and reached Ollie just in time for the picnic. The carrots were sweet, but Bella sighed, “I missed some fun stuck in thorns.” Ollie smiled, “Listening keeps you hopping happy.” Bella agreed and vowed to follow his hoots next time.
Dear God, help me listen to my friends like Bella learned to, so I can enjoy the good times You give. Keep me safe from sharp mistakes. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Finn the Duckling had grown stronger since his nap-time scare, and he loved paddling around the pond. One breezy day, Mama Duck quacked, “Finn, don’t swim out to the lily pads today. The wind’s pushing them together, and I need you to listen.” Finn flapped his feathers, proud of his swimming skills. “I’m not so little anymore,” he thought, “and those lily pads look like a fun playground!” He paddled out, dodging waves, feeling like a big duck. But the wind blew harder, and the lily pads clumped tight around him. Finn’s feet tangled in the stems, and he splashed, stuck and scared. “Mama!” he quacked loudly. Mama Duck glided over, nudging the pads apart with her beak, and pulled him free. “Oh, Finn,” she said, “listening keeps you safe, no matter how big you get.” They swam back to the shore, and Finn snuggled close, watching the lily pads sway. “I’ll stay near you next time,” he promised, glad to be untangled.
Dear God, teach me to listen like Finn, so I don’t get caught in trouble. Thank You for rescuing me when I forget. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Timmy Turtle, still slow and curious, loved finding warm spots to rest. One bright noon, Granny Turtle said, “Timmy, don’t climb the sunny slope today. The heat’s loosened the stones, and I need you to listen.” Timmy blinked, recalling his rainy day with the big bird. “I’m tougher now,” he thought, “and that slope looks perfect for a sunbath!” He crawled up, step by step, imagining a cozy nap. But as he neared the top, a rock shifted under him, then another, and a shower of pebbles rolled down! Timmy tucked into his shell, bouncing a little as they tumbled past. When the dust settled, he peeked out and saw Granny below. “Timmy, come down slow!” she called. He inched back, trembling but safe, and Granny met him with a leafy pat. “Listening keeps you steady,” she said. Timmy smiled, deciding the flat stones by the stream were sunny enough from
now on.
Dear God, help me listen like Timmy, so I stay on safe ground. Thank You for keeping me steady when I slip. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Kitty the Kitten had grown into a playful pouncer, always chasing shadows in the yard. One cool evening, Mama Cat meowed, “Kitty, don’t push the gate tonight. It’s wobbly from the wind, and I need you to listen.” Kitty twitched her whiskers, thinking of her road scare with the car horn. “I’m sneakier now,” she purred, “and I’ll just sniff the gate!” She padded over and pawed it lightly, but creak—it swung wide open! Kitty darted out, chasing a leaf, until she reached the dark alley beyond. Strange rustles made her fur puff up, and she mewed, “Oh no, I didn’t listen!” Then Mama Cat’s sharp meow rang out, “Kitty, come back!” Kitty raced to the sound, slipping through just as Mama nudged the gate shut. “Listening keeps you close,” Mama purred, nuzzling her. Kitty curled up by the fence, purring softly, and promised to stay put next time.
Dear God, help me listen like Kitty, so I stay where I’m safe. Thank You for calling me back to Your love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
