Clubhouse Magazine sample issue

®
MAY2020
$3.99
05
7 00001 93213 2
www.clubhousemagazine.com
Winging It
Mother's Day
on
P.14

®
20 12 11
What’s in the Club?
15
24
8
Editor: Jesse Florea
Senior Associate Editor: STEPHEN O’REAR
Assistant Editor: Rachel Pfeiffer
Copy Chief: SCOTT DENICOLA
Art Director: Jenny Dillon
Designer: Kenneth Crane
Imaging Specialist: Jim Cail
Contract Coordinator: Laura Williams
Circulation: Sandy Grivy & Kay Leavy
Print Production: GAIL WISE
VP Parenting & Youth: Danny Huerta
Cover Illustration: David Harrington
Grow Your Faith
5 Lighthouse
6 Unexpected Visit
12 The Prayer Path
Things to Do
15 Mothers of Biblical Proportion
22 Thinking of Mom
32 Pen Pal Sign-Up
Adventures in Odyssey
8 Jones & Parker Mystery
28 Wooton’s Random Ramblings
30 Sleuth Family Robinson
Seek and Find
Search this issue for a shuttle, a praying
mantis, a monocle, crushed soda cans and
the words, “This story melted my heart.”
President: JIM DALY
Chief Operating Officer: Ken Windebank
Focus on the Family Clubhouse magazine, MAY
2020, Vol. 34, No 5. Published monthly by
Focus on the Family. Copyright ©2020, Focus
on the Family. All rights reserved. International
copyright secured. ISSN 0895-1136. Focus on
the Family Clubhouse is a federally registered
trademark of Focus on the Family, 8605
Explorer Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80920-
1051, a nonprofit organization recognized for
tax-deductible giving by the federal
government. Annual U.S. subscription (12
issues): $23.99; Canadian: $29.99. For questions
about magazine delivery, please call us at
800-232-6459. Unless otherwise noted, all
Scripture quotations are taken from the
Holman Christian Standard Bible, Copyright
©1999, 2000, 2002, 2003 by Holman Bible
Publishers. Used by permission.
Top Stories
10 The Buddy Bench
20 Mother of the Nile
24 Trouble on Hubble
THINK ABOUT IT:
Do you take extra
steps to be nice?
Laugh It Up
11 Reader Jokes
14 Average Boy
ClubhouseMagazine.com
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2

Pocket, podium, poinsettia, polar bear, policeman, pompom, poncho, pond, pony, poodle, pool, popcorn, porch, porcupine, possum, post, poster, pot, pottery, potter’s wheel and potato.
Pots and Paints
Find 12 things at this pottery studio that start with the letters PO. Then find four plates
with single letters on them and unscramble the secret word.
Hidden Letters: — — — —
Unscrambled Word: — — — —
© TERRY SIRRELL
Answers (hold up to a mirror):
3

n
ox
Mothers
A mother is there for you,
To care for you
And share with you.
So be grateful for
The mother you have.
Vania M., 13, Appleton, Wisconsin
Mariah E., 9, Fort Worth, Texas
Dear Clubhouse,
Kate F., 13, Grangeville, Idaho
You Can!
You can choose to be thankful,
You can choose to be happy,
You can choose to love.
You can.
Kimberly H., 12, Pisgah, Iowa
My 6-month-old golden retriever puppy likes to
fetch stuff. He went to my room and chewed up
the February issue. And I really liked it. Would
you mind sending me another copy?
Ava A., Montgomery, Texas
P.S. I give your magazines five stars. They are totally
awesome!
No problem, Ava. It just goes to show that our fans can’t
keep their mouths—er, hands—off of Clubhouse
ALL IMAGES © GETTY IMAGES
Black Bean Hummus
Gather
• 1 can black beans
• ¼ cup diced yellow bell pepper
• ⅓ cup diced cucumber
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• fresh cilantro
4
Go
1. In a bowl, mash black beans with a fork.
2. Stir in pepper, cucumber and sour cream.
3. Top with chopped cilantro.
4. Say grace. Enjoy with chips or pita bread!
Claudia L., 9, Roswell, Georgia
Make this snack to celebrate
Mother’s Day.

Light
fatherless.” —Psalm 82:3
for the justice needy
“Provide
and
HOUSE the
Feel Better Bags
My mom volunteers at
Ronald McDonald House,
a home for families with
kids in the hospital. She
met a 10-year-old girl who
was bald because she had
cancer. When my mom
asked the girl what she
wanted for her birthday,
she excitedly said her
present was a new
chemotherapy treatment.
This story melted my
heart. I decided to make
30 goodie bags filled
with treats for kids at the hospital.
I wrote letters to big companies (including Clubhouse).
I was excited when I received a big box full of
Clubhouse hats, journals and magazines. No donations
came from other companies, but that didn’t stop me.
My mom and I went shopping until we’d filled 15 girl
bags and 15 boy bags. The bags included crafts, journals,
markers, pens, candy, juice boxes, water bottles and hats.
I dropped off the goodie bags at the Ronald
McDonald House last September. The staff was so
thankful for my donation. I’m very glad that I could bless
others, and I hope that it brightened their day.
Aubrey made goodie bags for kids at the
Ronald McDonald House.
Aubrey R., 11, Fort Worth, Texas
Siblings Reunited
I don’t remember much about my
early childhood. I had one brother
and two stepsisters. My mom died
when I was little, and my dad left us.
I lived with Aunt Diana until my grandmother’s
health was not very good. That’s when I was put
in foster care.
I felt lonely, like it was
my fault and God’s fault
too. I missed my siblings.
Around my eighth
birthday, I went to stay at
a new home for a week.
I got to meet my adoptive
parents. When I had to go
back to foster care, I was
soooo sad!
After a little bit, I
moved into my adoptive
house to stay forever.
Even though I wasn’t a
Christian yet, I prayed
with my mom, hoping my brother could join us. He did!
On February 3, 2017, my brother and I were adopted.
I am so glad God brought us together! Though I feel sad
thinking about my stepsisters, I hope to see them soon and
I know God will protect them.
Hannah A., 12, Temecula, California
May is
National
Foster Care
Month
God brought Hannah and her brother together
in a forever home.
Bring It. Share It. Live It.
Focus on the Family challenges students to live out their faith. In
October, we sponsor Bring Your Bible to School Day. But you can
take a bold stance for God this month with the Live It challenge.
© GETTY IMAGES
May: Start a journal—not for yourself, but for
each person in your family. Keep the journals
in a common area. Then write short messages
to encourage each other: a Bible verse,
a compliment, a thank-you note or a
favorite joke!
Check out more challenges at BringYourBible.org /LiveIt.

y Jeris Hamm
as a friend ever surprised you at the perfect time?
Maybe you were exhausted after studying for a
test and a friend showed up with a candy bar. Or
you felt all alone and someone smiled at you at the park.
It’s odd: In a world that’s more and more connected
through technology, more and more kids feel
disconnected and lonely. God doesn’t want that. He
created us to connect with and encourage each other.
Unexpected visits brighten our day and change our
attitude. Instead of feeling exhausted, we’re exhilarated.
Instead of irritated, we feel invigorated. Instead of
defeated, we become determined.
Lean on Others
God often sends friends to help us. They might
cheer us up or give us a shoulder to cry
on. A friend who randomly calls when
you’re feeling lonely could’ve been
prompted by God to rescue you from
a tough spot.
True friends also challenge us when
they see we’re making bad decisions. It’s not
easy to hear that we’re messing up. We expect our
friends to love and support us. But Proverbs 27:6
reminds us that “wounds of a friend are trustworthy.”
God knows you experience the most joy by staying
close to Him. He can speak through your friends, a
pastor or your parents to help you recognize when you
are following a bad path.
Make a Difference
Just as God uses friends to comfort or challenge you,
He’ll also use you to help your friends. You can be that
unexpected visitor!
6 CLUBHOUSE

“ENCOURAGE those who have lost hope.
Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:14, NIrV
Look for someone in your life who’s in trouble. Maybe
you know a girl who’s always sad or a boy who wears the
same clothes every day.
When you notice others and reach out in kindness, it’s
like giving water to a thirsty plant. You don’t have to feed
5,000 people with your lunch like the boy in the Bible
did with Jesus’ help. Just serve cheerfully. You can:
• give a cherished toy to a local ministry that helps
the less fortunate
• help a neighbor with yardwork
• smile at someone who’s sad
• say hello to visitors at church
• deliver food from a food bank to people in need
with your family.
By showing God’s love, you’re actually working for
God. Jesus said, “My Father is still working, and I am
working also” (John 5:17).
Look Closer
God can also be that unexpected visitor. He brings us
joy in many ways. The Bible tells us that He walks with
us and is always around, but we sometimes miss Him if
we’re not looking.
Have you ever gone outside on a clear night with a
million stars sparkling overhead? It’s breathtaking. And
God created every one.
Stars look small because they are so far away. They’re
actually about the size of our sun (or even larger),
thousands of times bigger than Earth. We live in an
enormous universe, made by an awesome Creator.
God left little mysteries all over creation. Go for
a walk through the woods or do a science experiment.
When you explore God’s world and look for His
handiwork, you learn about Him and see His love and
care for you.
Keep Reading
Has a friend ever passed you a note? You open it quickly,
excited to read the words. It could be a joke, or a
compliment or maybe your friend just needs to talk.
The Bible is a special note from God. Every word tells
the story of His incredible love for you. While some
parts may seem boring, if you keep reading, verses will
jump off the page at you. Sometimes it’ll feel like God
hid a secret message in the middle of this giant book . . .
just for you!
A word from the Bible can give you direction,
encouragement or even challenge you.
And when God visits you through His Word, don’t
be afraid to write back. Keep a journal or pray your
thoughts aloud. God wants to know what’s in your
heart—whether it’s joy, frustration, confusion or
excitement. He’s a friend who never leaves you or
disappoints. Like Jesus said, “I have called you friends”
(John 15:15).
Life isn’t always easy. You might feel lost,
frustrated, discouraged or uncertain. That’s why
God put us in a family . . . actually two families—an
earthly one and a heavenly one.
Look for ways to be there for each other. And look for
God to visit you too!
ALL IMAGES © GETTY IMAGES
How can you
encourage others?
• Write a friendly note
• Give a hug
• Pay a compliment
• Laugh at their jokes
• Sit next to them
• Ask questions about
their favorite things
• Pray for them
• Give a high-five
• Call them to talk
2020MAY 7

Case File #2012-05
Parker
&
Jones DetectiveAgency
Jo
J
on
e
& Pa
Pa
P
v
A
ive
gen
ge
cy
Ag
Soda
POP Quiz
An Emily Jones Solve-It-Yourself Mystery
by
Christopher
P.N. Maselli
When Camilla’s cola goes missing, can
Emily solve a classic case of who-drunk-it?
A good detective trusts her friends. I’ve gotten to
know my sidekick, Matthew Parker, pretty well. So when
I saw him walking away from his little sister’s soccer
game, I knew something was wrong.
“You can’t leave,” I said. “Camilla’s on the field.”
“I know,” he replied. “The moment she stops playing,
we’re in trouble.”
“Why do you say that?” I asked.
“Can’t you feel how hot it is?” he said, not really
answering my question.
I followed Matthew as he wove through rows of lawn
chairs. It seemed like half of Odyssey had shown up to
watch their kids play soccer.
Suddenly, we were face to face with Matthew’s big
sister, Olivia.
“Did you find them?” she asked.
© GARY LOCKE
“Not yet,” Matthew said.
“Who are you looking for?” I asked.
“Not who—what,” Olivia said. “I brought 12 cans of
Camilla’s favorite soda, Crazy Cherry Mega Cola. I put
them in the ice bucket to chill. But I just looked, and
they’re gone!”
“Kids shouldn’t drink soda,” a parent grumbled
from her lawn chair. “Especially while they’re playing
sports.”
“It’s an after-game treat, Mrs. Koenig,” Olivia said.
“I wanted to do something nice for my sister. But
somebody ruined my surprise.”
I walked over to the deep tub of sodas and
surveyed the inventory. Several rows of cans floated
on top of the icy water.
I grabbed the only two choices: diet cola and a can
of carbonated water. “Can’t Camilla drink one of
these?” I asked.
Matthew’s face scrunched up. “Have you tasted
those?”
“If you want a treat, you can give Camilla some of
my orange slices,” Mrs. Koenig offered. “They’re almost
as sweet.”
Before Olivia could answer, we heard a burp.
I spotted my brother, Barrett, lounging in the grass
with a game system beeping in his hands. A can of
Crazy Cherry Mega Cola sat by his side.
Matthew and I marched toward Barrett.
“Hey, brother,” I said. “Are you enjoying the game?”
“Totally!” Barrett replied, without looking up.
“Where did you get that soda?” Matthew asked.
“The tub.”
“How many did you drink?” I pressed him.
8 CLUBHOUSE

Barrett’s stomach rumbled. “None of your business,”
he said.
Ugh. Mystery solved.
“That was really selfish of you, Barrett,” I said. “You’re
supposed to think of others. Olivia brought this soda
especially for Camilla, and you drank all 12 of them?!”
Barrett paused his game. “Whoa! You think I drank
a dozen Crazy Cherry Mega Colas in one hour? Get
serious, Emily. My hands would be so shaky from the
sugar rush I couldn’t play video games.”
I pulled Matthew aside. “Is that true?” I asked.
Matthew shrugged. “I’m not sure. I’m more of
a lemonade guy.”
Barrett unpaused his game. “I only drank one soda.
I’ve been too busy to grab a second can.”
OK, mystery not solved.
“When did you take a soda?” Matthew asked.
“As soon as I arrived,” Barrett said. “It’s hot today!”
“Did you see any other cans of Crazy Cherry?”
I asked.
“No,” Barrett said. “I was only looking for one.”
Barrett may be a lazy, burping mess sometimes, but
he’s not a liar. If he said he only drank one soda, then
I was going to believe him.
Barrett crushed the can under his foot and tossed
it toward the only trash bin near the soccer field. He
missed . . . badly.
“We’ll get it!” I offered. It gave us an excuse to
investigate.
Our eyes surveyed the garbage. Food wrappers,
newspapers, plastic water bottles . . . but no soda cans,
except Barrett’s.
Matthew grimaced. “Are we really gonna dig through
the trash?”
“Do you love your sister or not?” I replied.
Matthew sighed and rolled up his sleeves. Thankfully,
Camilla interrupted us.
“Didyousee? Didyousee?” she asked, talking about
100 miles a minute. “I scored a goal!”
“Way to go, Camilla!” Matthew cheered. They highfived.
Camilla wiped sweat from her brow. “Phew, I’m
thirsty. Can I get a soda?”
“Umm . . . no. The game is still going,” Matthew said.
“Grab some water and a few orange slices from Mrs.
Koenig, then sit with your teammates.”
“Right. Bye, Matthew! Bye, Emily!” Camilla dashed
back to the sideline.
Matthew sighed. “I don’t think we’re going to solve
this mystery before the game ends. There are too many
suspects. Just look at all these people!”
“We don’t need to interview anyone else,” I said. “Just
look at the evidence. We already know what happened
to the soda.”
Do you know where
Camilla’s soda went?
From a suspicious circus to
a stolen piñata, you can hear
12 exciting episodes starring
the
Jones & Parker Detective
Agency. Purchase this
special album today at
store.focusonthefamily.com.
What were the
clues?
Turn to page 19 to
read the solution!
2020MAY 9

Find out how a girl in Bulgaria created
a great place to make new friends.
a true story by Eowyn S.
How can a bench help a place that’s halfway around
the world feel more like home?
Well, when my family moved to Sofia, Bulgaria, I was
excited yet nervous about the new adventure. New
school. New country. New language. New culture.
I tend to be pretty friendly, so I thought it’d be easy
to make friends at the international school I attended.
But things were so different that I had a hard time
finding my place among the other fourth-graders. It was
the first time in my life I had trouble making friends.
Imagine this. When I brought cupcakes on my
birthday, about two-thirds of the kids didn’t finish theirs
because they thought they were too sweet! (Wait! I just
used math!!!)
What was kind of sweet were the things that made
me feel more at home, like my parents or listening to
Adventures in Odyssey when I got home from school
or on weekends.
Eowyn and her family enjoy exploring Europe—
like this trip to a castle in Slovakia.
During my fifth-grade year, I watched an Odyssey video
that made me think about how I only had a few true
friends. I thought others might feel the same way.
I met with Ms. Lindsay, a counselor at school, and
told her my idea to create a place where students could
sit and maybe make new friends. If someone felt lonely,
he or she could sit on the “Buddy Bench.” If someone
wanted to make a new friend, he could sit on the
“Buddy Bench.”
At first I was scared to share my idea, but my heavenly
Father gave me the courage and bravery to do it. He
does that a lot.
Ms. Lindsay approved the idea. I chose some fellow
student ambassadors to help me with the project. Then
our art teacher gave us expensive paint that wouldn’t
wash away. My new friends and I had a lot of fun
decorating a bench that sat outside of our school. (We
also put our names on it.)
Then we all made a video to explain the purpose of
the bench that was played during a school assembly.
Everyone seemed to love it.
Pretty soon I saw a lot of kids sitting on the bench to
make friends. My sister used the bench, and I’m sure my
brother will use it too. My school even started to feel like
a friendlier place. Sadly, before I left to middle school,
less people seemed to be using it. But with God’s help,
I’m sure it will serve its purpose again!
I hope the bench helps students find a place to fit in.
And I hope it’s a reminder to be brave when God gives
you an idea to share. Before I leave you, think about
adding one to your school (if you have a bench, of
course!). It might help you too!
PHOTOS COURTESY EOWYN’S FAMILY
10 CLUBHOUSE

Leaf Us Laughing
Send your best fall jokes to:
“Laughing Matters,” Clubhouse magazine
8605 Explorer Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
In Canada, write to:
Focus on the Family
19946 80A Ave., Langley, BC V2Y 0J8
Be sure to include your name,
birth date and full address.
What do you call a girl
who loves books?
Page Turner.
Molly G., 10, Morrisonville, New York
What’s a cat’s favorite
pizza topping?
Mouserooms.
Noah H., 9, Tucson, Arizona
Why did the sock go to church?
Because it was holy.
Reghan M., 12, Martin, Ohio
What instrument can you eat?
A Taco Bell!
Rhys S., 11, Charlotte, North Carolina
What can you hold
but never touch?
A conversation.
Sabrina S., 10
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
One.
One, who?
No, it’s one, two!
Amaris S., 9, Hanover Park, Illinois
Which bird likes
knock-knock jokes the most?
A woodpecker.
Why is it hard to
understand electricity?
Because it’s con-fuse-ing.
Atticus W., 10, Hermantown, Minnesota
Chloe M., 12, Dallas, Texas
What animal is
never without
luggage?
An elephant
always has a trunk.
Maddison P., 10
Maineville, Ohio
What is a frog’s
favorite flower?
A croak-cus!
Fleura A., 11, Blairstown, New Jersey
What is a chef’s
favorite dance?
Salsa!
Eli T., 11, Bend, Oregon
matters
What vehicle do shapes
take to school?
A rhom-bus!
Gunner A., 11, Moorpark, California
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
Interrupting cow.
Interrupting—
Moo!
Renee C., Napanee, Ontario
Who is a chicken’s
favorite composer?
Johann Sebastian Bawk!
Hayden W., 11, Sanford, North Carolina
What mountain range
has the most fruit?
The Apple-achian.
Rebecca D., 9
Colorado Springs, Colorado
© GARY LOCKE
11

The
Prayer Path
BY MARY A. HAKE
Do you know what the Bible says
about prayer? Take this quiz to find out.
Start with 1, then follow the numbers until you
reach the end. The correct answers will lead you
on the quickest route.
Who was the first
person in the Bible to
pray for someone else?
If it’s Adam, go to 4.
If it’s Abraham, go to 13.
“If you remain in Me . . . ask
whatever you want and it will be
done for you” (John 15:7).
Go to 6.
God’s people had to be
punished, but Jeremiah
still prayed for them to repent and
learn. Who asked God to stop a fire?
If it’s Elijah, go to 8.
If it’s Moses, go to 16.
God answered Abraham’s prayer
for healing. What did Jesus say
we should pray about?
If only for important things,
go to 2.
If we can ask God for anything,
go to 6.
God knows what we need before
we even ask. We can talk to Him
like we talk to a good friend!
Go to 20.
“Bless those who curse
you, pray for those who
mistreat you” (Luke 6:28). Go to 7.
“Go into your private room, shut
your door, and pray” (Matthew 6:6).
Go to 9.
“Pray constantly”
(1 Thessalonians 5:17),
without waiting.
Go to 2.
What did Jesus teach
His disciples to pray for
each day?
If it’s wisdom, go to 19.
If it’s food,
go to 12.
Daniel prayed faithfully each day.
Jesus said, “Pray for those who
_____________ you.”
If it’s those who help you, go to 11.
If it’s those who mistreat you,
go to 7.
12 CLUBHOUSE

© LUKE FLOWERS
“Then Abraham prayed to God,
and God healed Abimelech”
(Genesis 20:17). Go to 13.
“Daniel . . . has ignored
you, the king, and the
edict you signed, for he prays three
times a day” (Daniel 6:13).
Go to 17.
God wants to hear everything!
When should we pray?
If we can pray anytime,
go to 10.
If only at special times,
go to 15.
Even if people hurt us, we should
bless them. Did God ever tell
someone not to pray for others?
If yes, go to 3.
If no, go to 18.
We can always talk to God. Where
did Jesus urge people to pray?
If it’s in a crowded place, go to 14.
If it’s by yourself, go to 9.
It’s good to pray in a
quiet place. Who broke
the law by praying?
If it’s Daniel, go to 17.
If it’s Peter, go to 5.
Oops, Elijah asked God to send fire.
“Moses . . . prayed to the LORD, and
the fire died down” (Numbers 11:2).
Go to 16.
“Then the LORD said to
me, ‘Do not pray for the
well-being of these people’”
(Jeremiah 14:11).
Go to 3.
“Give us today our daily bread”
(Matthew 6:11). God provides for our
needs, including food.
Go to 12.
Congratulations!
Remember that “the prayer of
a righteous person has great power”
(James 5:16, ESV). On May 7, join
millions of Christians for the National
Day of Prayer. You can pray for your
country, its leaders, the church and
your school. God can’t wait to talk
with you!

adventures of
AVERAGE BOY
by Bob Smiley as told to Bob Smiley
Winging It on Mother's Day
Want more Average Boy
adventures? Buy
Devotions for
Super Average
Kids: Book 1.
Find out more at AverageBoy.org.
My Mother’s Day gift idea was
epic! Unfortunately, an epic idea
doesn’t always turn into an epic
product. Ask the makers of the
Snuggie. Everybody knows it’s just
a backward blanket.
My epic idea was to make a clay
statue of our family. The school’s art
teacher was totally on board.
“I, er, guess you can try that,” she
said.
When I finished molding my clay
masterpiece, my friend Billy looked
over and said: “Cool! How’d you get
the idea of having four sad snowmen
standing in a lava pit?”
I carefully examined my creation.
My brother was missing an arm, I had
extra-big teeth and Dad’s belly had
fallen off.
This would be a better gift for my
dad, I thought.
I’ve heard people say, “It’s the
thought that counts.” But Mom likes
more than thoughts. A few years ago
I wrapped a “loving thought” for my
mom in a homemade “Think Box.”
She opened it and said, “Think
again.”
The biggest problem with buying
gifts is most stores want money for
the items they sell. I did convince
one store to let me mop, sweep and
clean in exchange for a picture
frame. (OK, I accidentally broke the
frame, so they asked me to clean to
pay for it.)
I was running out of ideas . . . and
time. Mother’s Day was the next
day. And the worst part was my
brother had his gift all ready. He
made a special plate for her in art
class. I had to admit it was great.
I asked if we could put both our
names on it.
He just quoted my mom, “Think
again.”
I tried. Nothing came to mind,
except that I was supposed to mow
Mr. Polvado’s lawn. Maybe the fresh
air will spawn some creativity,
I thought.
An hour later I was sitting on
Mr. P’s porch wondering if a bag of
grass clippings would be a good gift.
That’s when I noticed all the
birdhouses. Mr. Polvado either
loved woodworking or fat birds.
I asked if he would help me make
a birdhouse for my mom. He jumped
at the idea! Well, he’s about 108
years old, so he doesn’t jump for
anything.
N ext morning, Dad made
breakfast as my brother and
I brought our gifts to the kitchen.
Halfway down the hallway, my
brother tripped and fell. Mom’s plate
shattered . . . as did my brother’s
spirits.
This was my moment! I ran to my
room and returned with a marker.
Quickly, the birdhouse had my
brother’s name on it, next to mine.
I don’t know who smiled the
most that morning—my mom or my
brother. However, I know neither of
them smiled as big as I did. God is
right. Helping others feels great!
© DAVID HARRINGTON
14 CLUBHOUSE

1. Sarah; 2. Ruth; 3. Rachel; 4. Hannah; 5. Mary; 6. Hagar; 7. Leah.
Mothers
of Biblical Proportion
Look carefully at the doodles below.
The name of a marvelous mother
from the Bible is hidden in each one.
Can you unscramble the letters to
figure out each wonderful woman?
© ED KOEHLER
1. ___________________________________________________
2. ________________________________________________
4. _________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________ 6. ________________________________________________ 7. ________________________________________________
Answers (hold up to a mirror):
2020MAY 15

EVERYTHING “ For was cre
in
theVISIBLE and
the
. . . and
BY H
Image of this distant spiral galaxy taken by the
Hubble Space Telescope.

ated by Him,
© ESA/HUBBLE & NASA
and
on
EARTH,
IM all things hold together.”
—Colossians 1:16-17
®

Free Pass
Odyssey Insider
News Club Members Can Use
May 2020
VERSE OF THE MONTH
“Just as you want others
to do for you, do the same
for them.”
—Luke 6:31
© GARY LOCKE
Bridget Perkins insults Burger World customers without anyone stopping her.
© DENNIS EDWARDS / FOTF
Having a dad in the military hasn’t been easy for the Perkins kids.
That’s why folks around Odyssey are being extra gracious toward
them—maybe too gracious. What happens when Wyatt’s teenage
sister, Bridget, gets sick of the special treatment? And who will get
caught in the crossfire? Find out May 1 in the brand-new episode,
“Bridget, Redefined,” exclusively at aioclub.org . . . where the Great
Adventure Awaits TM !
Cosmic Comic
A boy, a girl and a futuristic
missionary mission. That space-age
combination made Degrees of Kelvin
a favorite comic among Clubhouse
magazine readers. Now the entire
saga is available as a graphic
novel—along with tips for sharing
the gospel in your galaxy. On May
26, get an early look at Degrees of
Kelvin: Good News for the Galaxy . . .
and Beyond!
Sometimes knowing how to treat
others is as easy as asking yourself,
“How would I want to be treated in
this situation?” But what if a friend
is sick, sad or hurting in a way that’s
hard to relate to? When a friend
faces a crisis that you’ve never
experienced, you might
not know what to
say or do. That’s
OK. Listen. Pray.
Hugs are great!
Your friends don’t
need you to solve their
problems. They just
need to know they’re
not alone.
Jones & Parker
Collection
Are you game for a
mystery? How about
a dozen classic cases
featuring Odyssey’s
daring young
detectives, Emily
Jones and Matthew Parker?
Unravel a string of robberies.
Long-lost riddles. Sabotage at
the circus. A spooky voice. Hear
these—and more—in the new
album Jones & Parker Detective
Agency, debuting in the Club
May 14.
HOLLY F., 10, LOGAN LAKE, BRITISH COLUMBIA
18 CLUBHOUSE

. . . continued from page 9
SOLUTION TO
© GARY LOCKE
Fill in the grid so each row and column includes every number from
1 to 4. (That means no repeats, either horizontally or vertically.) The
number pairs in the shaded rectangles form simple equations. For
example, the clue 3- could point to 4 and 1 or 1 and 4, since 4 - 1 = 3.
Try to solve the harder puzzle using numbers 1 to 6.
1-
Eugene’s Mystery Math Squares
5+ 2-
4 3/
3+ 2/
6x
4
4- 12x
2
3 1-
3/ 6+ 2/
11+ 2- 3x
7+ 5/ 2/
4 6x 9+ 6
5- 10x
Soda
Pop Quiz
Matthew narrowed his eyes. “Do you think
Mrs. Koenig stole them? She hates sugary
drinks.”
“That would be difficult,” I argued. “If
Barrett drank one soda, that leaves 11 ice-cold
cans—too many to hold at once. How would
she hide those drinks?”
Matthew rubbed his chin. “Maybe we
should check the trash again.”
“Nope,” I replied. “Turns out, the sodas
stayed right where they belong.”
I marched over to the tub. Plunging my
Biblical evidence:
“Food gained by cheating
tastes sweet. But you will end
up with a mouth full of gravel.”
—Proverbs 20:17, NIrV
© GETTY IMAGES
For the solutions, check out ClubhouseMagazine.com.
Soda Smash
Try to crush all 15 cans. Start with a blue one. Then crush two
matching cans that are next to each other. Add one each
round, until you crush five at once. Crushed cans “disappear”
so cans connect across the empty spaces. Matching cans
must be connected horizontally, vertically or diagonally.
hand past the upper layer of floating
drinks, I pulled a can of Crazy Cherry Mega
Cola from the icy water.
“How did you know there was one left?!”
Matthew exclaimed.
“Because there are 10 more still in the
tub,” I said. I pushed aside the top cans to
reveal Camilla’s favorite soda. “Barrett
mentioned that this drink could give him a
sugar rush. Diet soda and carbonated water
are sugar-free, so they . . .”
“Float!” Matthew realized. “Meanwhile,
sugar is denser than water, so the cola cans
sank once the ice melted.”
I handed a can to Matthew. “Quick, take
this to Olivia so she can surprise Camilla.”
Matthew nodded. “Thanks, partner.
Together, we can solve anything!”
—Christopher P.N. Maselli
To learn more about Adventures in
Odyssey, go to WhitsEnd.org.
2020MAY 19

Mother
of the
Nile
LILLIAN TRASHER
risked her life to save
children in danger.
by Shirley Shibley
The small, dark-haired woman held out her child.
“Please take my baby,” she pleaded. “I have no
food, and the baby will die soon.”
The mother’s eyes were sad. Two other children clung
to her ragged robe.
Lillian’s heart sank. She already was caring for a
houseful of little ones. But ever since she came to Egypt
and started an orphanage in 1910, she had never turned
away a child.
“Of course I will care for your baby,” Lillian said as she
opened her arms. “God be with you.”
She watched the mother and her two children
walk away. Lillian held the sickly baby, not knowing
how she’d feed it. The orphanage had no food or
money left.
Lillian squared her shoulders and marched up to one
of her helpers.
“Here is another baby. Please wash her and wrap her
in clean clothes. I’m going to look for food.”
Lillian stepped outside, climbed onto her donkey’s
back and arranged her skirts. “Come, Ahab,” she told the
donkey. “We go seeking again.”
20 CLUBHOUSE

NIGHT IN JAIL
Whenever Lillian passed someone on the dusty road,
she asked for help. Here and there, people gave a few
pennies. Lillian used the money to purchase bread and
canned milk. Then she hurried back to the orphanage.
“This will be enough for tonight,” Lillian told a helper.
“I must go farther to get money for tomorrow.”
The next day Lillian rode Ahab to a faraway town
and collected money. By the time she had enough, it
was nearly dark. Lillian rode to a police station and
dismounted.
“Wait here, Ahab,” Lillian said. She went inside and
found an officer.
“May my friend and I sleep in a jail cell tonight?” she
asked. “It is too far for me to return home in the dark.”
The policeman agreed, and Lillian brought her donkey
inside to share her cell.
DAY OF DANGER
During the night, shouting and gunfire woke Lillian. The
policeman came to her cell.
“You must leave,” he said. “The people of Egypt have
risen against the British, and it is dangerous for a white
woman to be here.”
Lillian rose quickly. “Thank you, and may God protect
your family.”
The officer bowed his head and rushed away. Lillian
hurried Ahab outside and gasped. The sky had an
ominous glow. Is the orphanage burning? she thought. She
struggled through crowds of frightened people. Twice she
dismounted and led Ahab into groves of date palms while
angry men rushed past wielding rifles and torches.
Finally, she rode into the orphanage courtyard. Smoke
filled the air. Gunfire and shouting surrounded her. But,
so far, the orphanage stood unharmed.
“Praise God,” she murmured, hurrying inside.
Children ran to her side and clung to her skirts.
“Mama Lillian, we are afraid!” they cried. Lillian’s helpers
stood around the room, dazed and shaking.
“Hush, hush. God will protect us,” Lillian told the little
ones as she patted each head. Then she turned to her
helpers. “Quickly, let’s round up the children and take
them to the kiln. We will be safe there.”
The kiln, where the orphanage made its bricks, had a
metal door that locked. The adults gathered the children
and led them into the building.
“You must be very good and not cry or make noise,”
Lillian told them. Then she counted heads. “Two children
are missing! I’ll go look for them.”
Lillian’s helpers began to cry.
“Stop that noise and be calm for the children,” Lillian
said. “God will lead me to the missing ones and bring us
back safely. Now bolt the door when I leave, and do not
open it for anyone but me.”
HOUR OF DELIVERANCE
Lillian ran back to the orphanage and dashed through
each room. At last she found the missing toddlers
huddled behind a bed. With one child in each arm, she
darted back toward the kiln.
Suddenly, Lillian heard men yell. She dove into a ditch
and covered the little ones with her body. As she prayed
fervently, the men tromped past her.
When the voices faded, Lillian cautiously lifted her
head and looked around. She gathered the children and,
crouching as low as she could, ran to the kiln. She
pounded on the door.
“I found them!” she called. “All the children are safe.
Our God has kept us from harm!”
MOTHER
OF THOUSANDS
Lillian Trasher dedicated her life to the
Lord when she was a young girl. In 1910,
she felt called to missions and sailed to
Egypt to join other missionaries. When
asked by a dying mother to take a
newborn baby, Lillian began the first
orphanage in Egypt. It quickly filled. The
orphanage survived three wars and a
deadly sickness epidemic. Lillian cared
for thousands of children, earning the
name “Mother of the Nile.”
© WIKIPEDIA
BACKGROUND © GETTY IMAGES | ILLUSTRATION © BILL FARNSWORTH
2020MAY 21

THINKING OF MOM
Create a fun puzzle game for
Mom and a brain-building
snack to eat while you play.
NUTTY GOOD DATE BARS
Gather
• 1 ½ cups raw pecans or
walnuts
• 1 cup pitted medjool dates
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon ground flax
mixed with 3 tablespoons
water
• 1 teaspoon apple cider
vinegar
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
Decorate bars with nuts dipped
in chocolate or dates cut into hearts
and rolled in powdered sugar.
Go
1. Preheat oven to 350° F.
2. Pour pecans and dates into
food processor. Pulse until
crumbly and combined.
3. Add salt, baking soda, vanilla,
flax mixture and vinegar. Pulse
until smooth.
4. Pour in chocolate chips. Pulse
a couple of times to combine.
5. Evenly spread batter onto
cookie sheet lined with
parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12 minutes or until
edges are golden.
7. Let cool. Cut into bars and
enjoy while your family works
on the puzzle.
22 CLUBHOUSE

LOVE MOM TO PIECES
Gather
• scissors
• foam core
• utility knife
• glue
Go
1. Cut around puzzle edge. (If you don’t want to cut
your magazine, you can make a color copy or print
one from clubhousemagazine.com.)
2. Glue puzzle to foam core that’s the same size. Let dry.
3. Cut out individual puzzle pieces and hide them
around the room.
#
4. Invite your mom in and ask her to hunt for the puzzle
pieces. Tell her if she’s hot or cold until she finds
every piece.
5. Gather your family together and have them do what
each puzzle piece says.
6. Fit all the puzzle pieces together.
PHOTO © FOTF / JENNY DILLON | ILLUSTRATIONS © GETTY IMAGES
23

y Rick Barry | art by David Miles

ayla peered down the corridor
of the Hubble Space Station.
Good, she thought. Nobody in
sight. I wouldn’t want to get caught.
She pulled the envelope from her
backpack. Using simple block letters,
she had written “Commander
Carlson” neatly on the front. Layla
slipped the letter under his door.
As she hurried away, she couldn’t
help grinning. Another encouraging
note from the Secret Do-Gooder.
Only one month on the station, but
I think I’m making a difference.
She headed toward the education
wing. Abruptly, a door swished open.
Out jumped a creature dressed like
a human, but with a wrinkly green
head topped with two antennae.
“Rarrrrr!”
Layla shrieked. Stumbling
backward, she tumbled to the floor.
The creature doubled over in
laughter. When it pulled off its rubber
mask, the sneering face beneath was
no alien. It was Flash.
“Ha!” he laughed. “You looked so
scared.”
From the open doorway stepped
two other boys, Flash’s constant tagalongs.
“Yeah,” said one. “You sure fell for
that prank.”
Flash put on the mask. “Come on,
guys. Let’s see who else we can scare
before school.”
How can anybody be so mean?
Layla thought as she stood up.
She had nearly reached her
classroom when Dirk fell in step
beside her.
“Hi, Layla. Want to see
something?”
“Sure.”
Dirk stopped. Then he reached
into his pocket and pulled out
a familiar-looking envelope. “I got this
note from the Secret Do-Gooder.”
Layla faked an expression of
surprise. “Cool. Maybe I’ll get one
someday.”
Dirk grinned. “I doubt it.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because you’re the Secret
Do-Gooder!” he said too loudly.
Layla’s heart skipped a beat. She
grabbed Dirk’s elbow and tugged him
away from the classroom. “How on
Hub did you know?”
“I sit beside you. I noticed you
write the letter ‘J’ in a fancy way.
When I spotted that special ‘J’ in my
note, I knew you wrote it.”
Her stomach tightened. “Please
don’t tell anybody.”
He laughed. “Your secret is safe.
Come on, time for school.”
The Hub Club
After school, Layla caught up to Dirk.
“I have an idea,” she said. “Is it OK
if we drop by the botanical garden?”
He shrugged. “I guess.”
The two had nearly reached the
entrance to Hub’s botanical garden
when a voice rang out. “Look at that!
Dirk is friends with a scaredy-cat.”
Flash and his two buddies strutted
toward them.
Dirk stepped toward the door of
the botanical garden, causing it to
swish open.
“Ignore them,” he muttered.
Layla sighed and followed Dirk
inside. Before the door slid shut, she
heard Flash’s humph, but the older
boy didn’t follow.
Inside the garden deck, bright
flowers, shrubs, palm trees and even
cactuses grew in enormous planters.
“Over here.” Layla pointed to
a deserted bench.
Dirk plopped down. “What’s up?”
“Do you want to be my partner?”
“Partner? In science?”
“A partner in secret good deeds.”
Dirk leaned back. “My handwriting
is too sloppy.”
“There are other ways to bless
people. You could fix tablets, comm
links—all kinds of stuff!”
“I don’t know.”
Layla looked him straight in the
eyes. “Ephesians 2:10 says, ‘For we
are His creation, created in Christ
Jesus for good works.’ God wants
us doing kind things. Doing them
anonymously makes it more fun.”
“OK, then let’s come up with
a name for ourselves,” he said.
Layla thought for a second. “How
about the Hub Club?”
Dirk shook her hand. “Sound great.
What will the Hub Club do first?”
Misdirection
Strolling through the family section
of Hub, the partners noticed
a mechanical Chihuahua outside the
Eversons’ quarters. One of its metal
legs hung limp. Dirk squatted to
examine it.
“It’s broken,” he said. “They
probably plan to dump this guy in
the trash compactor.”
“Their kids will be heartbroken,”
Layla said. “Can you repair it?”
“I can try.” He stuffed the
mechanical mutt into his backpack.
The next day, the young Everson
boys kept telling everyone an
“invisible person” fixed their dog.
Layla gave Dirk a long distance fist
bump from across the room.
With 3,000 residents aboard
Hub, Layla and Dirk didn’t know
everybody. But when the partners
spotted a chance to bless someone,
they did. Between her anonymous
notes and Dirk’s knack for fixing
things, people began to smile more.
With three exceptions—Flash and
his minions.
“I don’t know who that do-gooder
is,” Flash declared in the lunchroom,
“but if I find out, I’ll blab to make
them stop.”
Layla stopped chewing. If Flash
suspects me, he’ll spoil everything.
After lunch, an envelope waited
on Layla’s desk.
“You got a card from the Secret
Do-Gooder!” the other kids
exclaimed. “Read it.”
Mystified, Layla opened the
printed card:
2020MAY 25

Layla ran to Flash. The gravitational
energy field was pulling him in.
Dear Layla,
I’m glad your parents brought you
to live in Hub. Study hard, stay
sweet and you will go far! J
—Anonymous
Layla didn’t look at Dirk right away.
When she did, he grinned.
Clever, she thought. Since I
received a note, nobody in Hub
School will suspect me.
Into the Fire
On Saturday afternoon, Layla headed
to the quarters occupied by Dirk’s
family.
“Want to hang out in the docking
bay? They’re expecting a new supply
ship, and we can watch.”
Dirk set aside his GamePad. “OK.”
When the door to the turbo-lift
closed, Layla said, “Something’s
26 CLUBHOUSE
bothering me—it’s Flash.”
“Flash is pestering you again?”
She shook her head. “Not exactly.
Here we are, doing nice things for
people. But wouldn’t God want us to
be kind even to the mean kids?”
Dirk’s eyes widened. “You’re going
to write Flash a note?”
She sighed. “Already tried. I
couldn’t think of anything nice to say.”
Dirk snickered. “That would be a
challenge.”
“But who knows, maybe
encouragement would help Flash to
stop acting so mean.”
The instant the doors of the turbolift
parted, an alarm blared. An
electronic voice boomed: “Warning.
Fire on all decks. Personnel, report to
stations!”
Men and women wearing blue
uniforms ran by.
Dirk grabbed Layla’s hand. “The
escape pods. We’d better get to one,
just in case!”
The two raced up one corridor and
down another, dodging crewmen as
they ran.
“We can short-cut through the
docking bay,” Layla shouted.
Halfway to the escape pods, Dirk
screeched to a halt. “Hey, wait.
Supposedly there’s fire on all decks.
We haven’t seen one sign of fire. Not
even a whiff of smoke.”
A door on the far side of the
docking bay hissed open. Flash and
his buddies cackled with laughter.
Dirk and Layla ducked behind
some crates.
Flash caught his breath. “Can you
believe everybody fell for my fake
alarm?”
“Hilarious,” one of his friends
agreed. “Maybe you should
deactivate it now.”
“Not yet. You guys are about to
see my best prank of all time.”
The three cut across the docking
bay.

1. Elephant; 2. start; 3. vows; 4. pool; 5. stole; 6. desk; 7. sour; 8. dog; 9. move; 10. mole; 11. tee.
“People must also learn to devote themselves to good works.”
Dirk’s eyes smoldered. “That kid.
He created total chaos just for a joke.
And now he’s planning another crazy
stunt!”
Layla’s mind raced. “Go find
somebody from security. I’ll trail Flash
and see what he does.”
Dirk hesitated. “Be careful. No
telling what those guys might do.”
As Dirk sprinted away, Layla
walked just fast enough to keep the
older boys in sight.
Still giggling, Flash led his followers
into the deserted engineering wing.
Oh no, she thought. What now?
When she dared to sneak into
engineering, Flash and his followers
were nowhere in sight. Quiet as a
moonbeam, she crept deeper into
the maze of machinery. At last, Flash’s
giggle floated from an open doorway.
The sign read, “Danger. Artificial
Gravity Inducers. Authorized
Personnel Only.”
Layla’s hands started to
tremble. Come on, Dirk. Show up
with reinforcements.
Ahead, a voice said, “You sure,
Flash? Deactivating gravity for
the whole Hub?”
“People will talk about this
prank for years,” Flash said. “If I
can just squeeze between these—”
A scream echoed through the
chamber. “Help! I’m being pulled
in.”
Instead of helping, Flash’s
buddies turned and fled.
“Heeeelp!” Flash screamed.
Layla hurried toward him. What
she saw froze her blood. Despite
signs reading “Danger,” Flash had
stepped over the railing to the
gigantic gravity generator. Now the
gravitational energy field was
pulling him in.
Layla glanced around. Isn’t there
an emergency stop?
Flash spotted her and began
sobbing. “Layla, save me!”
Desperate, she grabbed a metal
bar propped against the wall.
Running to Flash, she rammed the
bar into the mechanism.
“It’s not working!” he cried.
Layla leaned on the lever with all
her weight. Suddenly, Flash pulled
free. Yet, in the same instant, the bar
jerked, propelling Layla toward the
gravity generator.
“No!” Layla yelped.
Now the same gravitational field
that had been dragging Flash gripped
her.
“I’m out of here,” Flash said.
Terror-stricken, Layla shouted,
“Flash, I need you!”
The boy swiveled. Running back,
he grabbed Layla and pulled her
loose.
Wobbly from fear, Layla threw her
arms around him. “You saved my life.”
Hesitantly, Flash hugged back.
“You saved me first.”
Suddenly, Hub Security
Chief Hardy and a dozen
Blessing
1. Large, gray animal:
———————— .
30 5 36 1 29 11 19 38
2. Not finish, but ————— .
9 20 17 18 10
3. At a wedding, the bride and groom
exchange ———— .
35 14 44 32
4. Olympians swim in a ———— .
4 25 39 15
5. The thief —————
37 26 21 34 6
jewelry.
6. In class, you sit at a ———— .
22 2 48 47
men rushed into the chamber.
“What’s going on here?” he said.
Dirk stood in the background,
along with two security officers who
had detained Flash’s buddies.
Flash hung his head. “It’s my fault.
I wanted to do a big practical joke.
Things got out of control. Layla
rescued me.”
“Let’s hear the whole story in my
office.” Chief Hardy motioned the
kids to the exit.
Flash wiped away his tears.
“Before we go, I want to say thank
you, Layla. First, for saving me when I
didn’t deserve it. Second, for telling
me you needed me. That was the first
time anybody ever said that. You
make me want to be a new person.”
Dirk shot Layla a wink. “In that
case, Flash, once you face your
punishment, we know of a certain
club you might like to join.”
Bullies
Layla showed kindness, even to kids who were mean to
her. Solve these clues and write the letters in the spaces
below to complete the verse.
7. Not sweet but ———— .
13 45 8 46
8. You walk your ——— .
43 41 40
9. When your mom gets a new
job, you might ————
31 42 24 33
to a new house.
10. A small, blind animal that digs
tunnels in the ground:
———— .
7 3 12 23
11. You hit a golf ball off a
——— .
28 16 27
“ —————— ———— ———— —————
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19
—— —————— ——————————
20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37
—— ———— ————— .” –Titus 3:14
38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48
Answers (hold up to mirror):
27

|
by Torry Martin
© GARY LOCKE
whimpered and splayed its legs spread-eagle,
trying not to get wet.
“C’mon, Braveheart,” Mr. McCready grumbled.
“Don’t be a chicken.”
I thought Braveheart seemed like a pretty big
name for a pretty small dog. But Sam liked him
right away. He happily sniffed at Braveheart. He
even dropped his ball at Mr. McCready’s feet,
inviting the terrier to play.
“Eww, that’s disgusting,” Mr. McCready said.
He kicked the tennis ball into the lake.
Sam chased after the ball . . . and so did
Braveheart. The little dog leapt out of the
buddy Sam likes to swim at Trickle Lake banker’s arms and landed with a splash! Mr.
. . . preferably with a tennis ball in his McCready watched in amazement as Braveheart
mouth. Did I mention that Sam’s a dog? We often paddled behind Sam, yipping the whole time.
play fetch by the lake. I throw a ball way out into Suddenly a jet skier sped toward us, kicking
the water, and Sam chases after it!
up huge waves. Sam swam confidently, but tiny
We were having fun when my banker, Mr. Braveheart disappeared under the water.
McCready, walked by in a fancy suit. He held a “We’ve gotta help them!” I shouted.
Scottish terrier in his arms.
I raced into the lake, shoes and all, to rescue
“How did you train your dog to swim like that?” Braveheart. Holding the little dog safely above
he asked.
the water with one hand, I swam to shore. Then
“Sam’s part retriever,” I explained. “But he I handed Mr. McCready his dripping dog.
loves the water so much, he may also be part “Good boy!” I said, petting Braveheart behind
boat.”
the ears. “You were very brave out there.”
Mr. McCready grumbled. “I can barely make The banker glared at me. “You ruined my suit!
my new dog get his feet wet. Watch this.”
Now I’m going to smell like wet dog all day.”
He held the dog over the water. The pup Whoa! I thought.
I saved your pet, and you’re
mad at me?
I considered walking away. Then I
remembered how Jesus says to pray for people
who treat you badly. Anyone can be nice to nice
people. But only a Christian goes the extra mile
for someone who is unkind.
I swallowed my words (along with a bit of lake
water) and petted Braveheart’s wet, little head
again.
“Happy to help, Mr. McCready,” I said. “By the
way, if you put your clothes in the freezer, it might
remove the pet odor.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Does that work?”
“Definitely!” I nodded. “And instead of a nice
suit, you’ll have an ice suit.”
M
y
Braveheart
the Coward
28 CLUBHOUSE

I always expect to get
a reward when I do
something nice, even
though I know it’s wrong. Help!
What’s My Motivation?, 11, Fowler, California
Jesus knew we can easily focus on the things
in this world instead of on what truly matters
(Matthew 19:16-22). That’s why giving and
sharing with others with the right attitude is so
important. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, it says, “Each
person should do as he has decided in his
heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for
God loves a cheerful giver.”
Each day, practice gratitude. Write down
one thing you’re thankful for and talk to God
about it. Regularly give your time, money or
gifts to your church or those in need. Then pray
for God to help you have a cheerful heart
instead of a greedy one. Kindness does have its
rewards, but you’ll see them more in heaven
than on earth.
I have been working
hard on school. But I
realized I need to spend
more time praying and in the
Scriptures. I want to work
hard for my goals, but I don’t
want to have my thoughts
always on them.
Schooled, 12, Linden, California
God wants you to give your best, so making
goals and working hard at school is awesome.
But you’re right to recognize the need to spend
time with Him too. Ephesians 5:15-16 reminds us
to “pay careful attention, then, to how you
walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making
the most of the time.”
Time moves by quickly, so we often get
caught up in goals, sport or hobbies. Find ways
to manage your time. Make a list of what you
need to accomplish, including time reading the
Bible and praying. If you do schoolwork at
night, maybe you can wake up a little early to
begin each morning by reading the Bible and
praying. And don’t forget that you can always
pray to God . . . even in the middle of studying
for a big test.
I want some one-on-one time with
my mom, but my dad and younger
brother are always with us. Help!
Girls Only, 10, Bardstown, Kentucky
Clubhouse readers had great advice for this question from
the September magazine:
My mom and I wash dishes
together. It’s when we have
the best conversations.
Adelaide W., 11, Osler, Saskatchewan
My mom and I write to each
other in a journal. It’s really fun!
Addilyn B., 11, Topeka, Kansas
Take advantage of car rides!
Go with her on errands. Your
mom loves you and wants to
spend time with you.
Megan L., 13, Poughkeepsie, New York
Get out of the house to do
something fun: hiking, going
to the zoo or eating at a
restaurant.
Melody M., 11, Fort Wayne, Indiana
Send your dad and brother
on a daddy-son adventure.
Then get your nails done
with your mom.
Callie H., 12, Castle Rock, Colorado
I spend time with my mom
before I go to bed, just five or
10 minutes together is great!
Eden H., 10, Washburn, Wisconsin
When I was 8, my mom put
together Girls Saturday. Every
Saturday, we go to breakfast,
pray and do fun things.
Charlotte S., 10, Porterville, California
Offer to help her cook a meal.
Or you could go on a walk.
Bree C., 10, Aurora, Illinois
© BRAD WALKER
2020MAY 29

30

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Write-O, good chap! Sign up today for a Clubhouse pen pal.
Just follow these instructions:
1. Cut out this form. Yes, it MUST be this form. (If you don’t want to cut your
magazine, make a photocopy.)
2. Have a parent sign here. Yes, you HAVE to. It’s the law.
________________________________________________
(I give permission for my child to participate in the pen-pal program.)
3. Write down your information: (circle:) Boy or Girl
Name:_____________________________________________
Address:_____________________________________________
City:_________________________________________________
State:______________________ Zip Code:_________________
Birth Date: Month ______ / Day ______ / Year ___________
4. Get two blank envelopes. Put stamps on both of them.
Address one to yourself, leave it unsealed, and put it—along
with the completed form—in the other envelope addressed to:
CLUBHOUSE PEN PALS
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Colorado Springs, CO 80920
In a few months, you’ll receive the name and address of a
Clubhouse pen pal. When you get your pen pal, make sure to write
soon so you can start your new friendship right away. Boys get boy
pen pals. Girls get girl pen pals. Sorry, we can’t meet specific requests—
like a pen pal who lives in England or has a fancy accent. But we’ll do our
best to match you with a fun Club member who loves Jesus!
Remember: If you leave any part of the form blank or forget to
include a self-addressed envelope, your request could be delayed
or denied.
© CHAD FRYE