"'Abide' means to follow God's instructions, be nice and polite, and don't call anyone names," says Garrett, age 8.

Refraining from name-calling might also mean that your nose will continue to abide in its proper place.

"'Abide' means to rest in his home and to read the Bible. Whenever you abide in Christ, it means you have a bunch of peace," says Taylor, 10.

A bunch of peace is guaranteed for all abiding Christians. This doesn't translate into freedom from trouble. Jesus said his disciples would have tribulation in this world. Anyone can have peace when things are going well. The challenge lies in enjoying God's peace when your world is turned upside down.

"The Lord is always there to help you," says Haley, 10. "You are nothing without him. To abide in Christ means to lie in his hands, or rest in him."

Lying in Jesus' hands evokes a picture of the Good Shepherd carrying frightened sheep to safety in the midst of a storm. Spooked sheep can rest when they hear the shepherd's voice or feel the touch of his staff.

Resting in Christ doesn't mean taking a snooze. Resting is the confidence of a hiker walking across a proven mountain footbridge suspended above a rushing river 1,000 feet below. Jesus is the bridge whom we trust, not only for safe passage to heaven, but also for transport over life's dangerous valleys such as depression, fear and worry.

"Abide means to believe in God and to obey what he thinks is good and right for you," says Dane, 9. "Then, you can do all things. If you don't abide, you can do almost no things. That's why you must abide in God.

"Whatever you do, don't let Satan get hold of you. That road leads to darkness. If your life is nothing but darkness, you'll be living a very sad life.

But if you believe in God, he can help you escape the darkness you're living."

Have you ever been lost because the street name changed? Roads that end in confusion usually start with names that seem innocent and promising.

White Lie Lane can quickly change to Ruined Reputation Road. Shady Accounting Avenue can become Corporate Scandal Street. Hate Way can turn into Suicide Bomber Boulevard.

The dark journey of a suicide bomber starts by abiding in hate. Walking continually down Hate Way will lead to murder.

"To abide in Christ means to live in God," says Alexandra, 10. "When you abide in God, you don't just live in him. You obey him, praise him, love him with all your heart, soul and mind, and spread his word all around."

This sounds like Alexandra's version of the greatest commandment: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:37).

Life is beautiful, and the mind really is a wonderful thing when all mental and spiritual capacities are drawing life from God. When the light of God's love and grace floods your soul, the rays of God's peace transform everything in your life.

Think about this: It's a mistake to go about daily routines and activities as though Jesus lives only in heaven. Every Christian faces the daily challenge to live by a higher life — the life of Christ.

Memorize this truth: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Galatians 2:20a).

Ask this question: Am I allowing Christ to live through me?

Win a dude ranch vacation by entering the Children's International Arts Festival, or download the "Kids Color Me Bible" for free, watch Kid TV Interviews and the "Mission Explorers Video Series," and listen to a talking book at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org. To find out more about Carey Kinsolving and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

COPYRIGHT 2008 CAREY KINSOLVING

DISTRIBUTED BY CREATORS SYNDICATE, INC.