Amelia and the Cosmic Unicorn

Chapter One: Amelia and the Cosmic Unicorn

Amelia Jean Stratton trudged home from school, her backpack dragging her down like a sack of rocks. Second grade had not been kind to her today. She’d forgotten her lunch, tripped over her own shoelaces during PE (twice), and accidentally called her teacher “Mom” in front of the whole class.

“Worst. Day. Ever,” Amelia muttered, kicking a rock into the pond near her house. The rock made a ker-plunk, followed by ripples that spread across the surface. For a moment, Amelia stared at the water, her bad mood swirling with the ripples.

Then the pond erupted in a spray of sparkles.

Amelia jumped back, nearly losing her balance. “What in the—”

Before she could finish, something tall, shimmering, and decidedly not normal stepped out of the water. It was a unicorn—if unicorns were a thing that actually existed.

The creature’s coat was pristine white, her mane flowed like liquid starlight, and her horn sparkled with an ethereal glow. She shook off the water droplets, which turned into glitter and rained down around her.

“You have summoned me!” the unicorn declared in a voice that sounded like a cross between a movie trailer announcer and a karaoke machine that was just a little off-key.

Amelia blinked. “I didn’t summon you. I was complaining about school.”

The unicorn tossed her mane, sending another flurry of glitter into the air. “Semantics! I am Sparkle Nova Stardust, cosmic unicorn extraordinaire. You may call me Spark. And I am here to transform your boring, tragic existence into one of glory, laughter, and possibly snacks.”

Amelia squinted at her. “Why do I feel like I’m dreaming?” She pinched her arm. Hard. “Nope. Still here.”

“Of course, you’re here,” Spark said, as if this explained everything. “Now, mortal child, what shall be your first wish? Riches? Fame? The ability to vanquish your enemies in the arena of dodgeball?”

Amelia frowned. “Why does a unicorn know about dodgeball?”

“I’ve been monitoring your despair for some time,” Spark said dramatically. “It is my duty to intervene before your mortal soul succumbs to the tyranny of mediocrity.”

Amelia crossed her arms. “I don’t even know what that means, but I’m pretty sure you’re making this up.”

Spark gasped, placing a hoof on her chest as if Amelia had insulted her personally. “I would never!”

Amelia sighed. “Look, Spark, I don’t need fame or riches. I just need a break from… everything.”

“Done!” Spark announced, her horn glowing brightly. In an instant, the world around Amelia shimmered and transformed.

Suddenly, Amelia found herself in what appeared to be the middle of a medieval castle. Banquet tables lined the room, piled high with roasted meats, fruit platters, and steaming bread. People in elaborate costumes laughed and ate like they didn’t have math homework waiting for them.

“Whoa,” Amelia breathed, spinning around to take it all in.

“Welcome to the fourteenth century!” Spark said, striding confidently past a juggler who promptly dropped all his clubs in awe. “Or at least, a historically loose interpretation of it. I thought it would make a fine escape for your weary mind.”

Amelia looked down at her clothes. “Am I wearing a… dress? With, like, a bajillion ruffles?”

“Indeed,” Spark said, nodding approvingly. “You look like a princess. All mortals secretly want to be princesses, right?”

“No,” Amelia said flatly, “but thanks for asking.”

Spark shrugged. “Suit yourself. Feel free to explore! Maybe joust a knight or two. It’ll be character-building.”

Amelia wandered through the feast, trying to figure out how a talking unicorn had just derailed her very normal day. She stopped by a table where a knight was balancing a whole turkey leg on his head.

“This is… kinda cool, actually,” she admitted.

“See?” Spark said, popping up next to her. “This is the kind of transformative magic I bring to your dull mortal existence.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow. “It’s not dull. It’s… fine. Mostly.”

“Fine is the enemy of fabulous,” Spark declared, striking a pose that caused a bard nearby to start playing a dramatic lute solo.

Amelia sighed. “Okay, this is better than math homework, but you can’t just keep showing up and doing whatever you want.”

Spark grinned. “Amelia Jean, I assure you, my only goal is to make your life magnificent. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.”

By the time Spark whisked her back to the real world, Amelia was no longer sure if her life was getting better or weirder. Probably both. She trudged up the driveway and into the house, her thoughts swirling with questions.

“Amelia,” Mom called from the kitchen, “how was your day?”

Amelia froze, trying to think of a normal answer. “Uh… it was fine. Nothing weird.”

Elias poked his head out of the living room, holding a video game controller. “Did you finally trip over your own shoelaces again?”

“No,” Amelia snapped. “And stop calling me Short Stack.”

“Make me,” Elias shot back, sticking out his tongue.

Amelia smirked. “I don’t have to. I’m taller than you now, remember?”

Elias scowled. “For now.”

As she headed to her room, Amelia couldn’t help but glance out the window. There, in the backyard, Spark was casually lounging in the garden, munching on a carrot she’d swiped from the vegetable patch.

“What did I just get myself into?” Amelia whispered.

From the backyard, Spark’s voice rang out cheerfully. “Adventure, Amelia Jean. That’s what.”

The End… for now.

Disclosure: These prose were written with the assistance of OpenAI’s ChatGPT 4o.

Every Good and Perfect Gift is From Above

Friday, November 29th: James 1:16-18

Bible Verse:

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

— James 1:17 (EHV)

Devotion:

James reminds us that everything good in our lives comes from God. He is the one who gives us every good and perfect gift. Sometimes we forget that the things we have—our family, our friends, our food, and our homes—are all gifts from God. But this verse helps us remember that we should always thank God for His blessings.

God never changes, and His love for us never changes either. Just like the sun shines down on us, God’s love is always shining in our lives. When we remember that every good thing comes from Him, it helps us be thankful and to praise Him for all He has done.

Questions to think about:

1. What are some of the “good and perfect” gifts God has given you?

2. How can you remember to thank God for His blessings every day?

3. Why is it important to remember that God never changes?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for every good and perfect gift You give me. Help me to always remember Your love and to be thankful for everything You provide. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of some of the good gifts God has given you, like family, friends, and food.

Full Bible Reference:

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

— James 1:16-18 (EHV)

God’s Promise: Seedtime and Harvest Forever

Thursday, November 28th (Thanksgiving): Genesis 8:18-22

Bible Verse:

“As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.”

— Genesis 8:22 (EHV)

Devotion:

After the flood, Noah and his family left the ark, and God made a promise. He said that as long as the earth remains, the seasons will continue—seedtime and harvest, summer and winter. This was God’s way of saying that He would always take care of the world and provide for us. We can trust God’s promise that He will never leave us and will always provide for our needs.

On Thanksgiving, we remember all the ways God takes care of us. He gives us food, family, friends, and so much more. Just like He promised Noah, God promises to keep providing for us every day. We can be thankful for all the blessings He gives us, and we can trust Him to keep His promises.

Questions to think about:

1. What are some things you are thankful for today?

2. How does it feel to know that God promises to take care of you?

3. What can you do to show your thankfulness to God for all He provides?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for taking care of me and giving me so many blessings. Help me to always remember Your promise and to be thankful every day. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of something you are thankful for, like family, friends, or food.

Full Bible Reference:

“So Noah came out, together with his sons and his wife and his sons’ wives. All the animals and all the creatures that move along the ground and all the birds—everything that moves on land—came out of the ark, one kind after another. Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: ‘Never again will I curse the ground because of humans, even though every inclination of the human heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done. As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease.’”

— Genesis 8:18-22 (EHV)

Trust in the Lord: His Return is Near

Wednesday, November 27th: Revelation 22:6-13

Bible Verse:

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.”

— Revelation 22:12 (EHV)

Devotion:

Jesus promises that He is coming soon, and when He comes, He will bring rewards for those who have trusted in Him. This verse reminds us that we need to be ready for Jesus’ return. We don’t know exactly when He will come back, but we can live each day following His ways and trusting His promises.

It’s exciting to think about Jesus returning! While we wait, we can live in a way that pleases Him by loving others, helping those in need, and telling people about Jesus. When He comes back, we will be with Him forever in heaven, and He will give us the greatest reward—eternal life with Him.

Questions to think about:

1. How can you live in a way that shows you are ready for Jesus to come back?

2. What are some ways you can help others while you wait for Jesus’ return?

3. Why is it important to remember that Jesus will come back one day?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for the promise that You will come back soon. Help me to live in a way that pleases You while I wait for Your return. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus coming back, bringing rewards for those who believe in Him.

Full Bible Reference:

“The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’ ‘Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’ Then he told me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.’ ‘Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.’”

— Revelation 22:6-13 (EHV)

The Thief on the Cross: A Promise of Paradise

Tuesday, November 26th: Luke 23:35-43

Bible Verse:

“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

— Luke 23:43 (EHV)

Devotion:

As Jesus was on the cross, He showed love and forgiveness to a man who had done many wrong things. This man believed in Jesus and asked Him to remember him. Jesus promised the man that he would be with Him in paradise. Even though this man had made mistakes, Jesus forgave him because of his faith.

This story reminds us that no matter what we’ve done, Jesus will always forgive us if we come to Him and ask for forgiveness. He loves us and wants to be with us forever. When we believe in Jesus, He promises that we will be with Him in heaven, just like the man on the cross. What an amazing promise!

Questions to think about:

1. How does it feel to know that Jesus forgives you, no matter what?

2. What can you do to show that you believe in Jesus and trust in His forgiveness?

3. Why is it important to ask Jesus for forgiveness when we make mistakes?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving me and loving me, no matter what I’ve done. Help me to always trust in You and believe Your promise of heaven. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus on the cross, showing His love and forgiveness to the man who believed in Him.

Full Bible Reference:

“The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

— Luke 23:35-43 (EHV)

Jesus: The Image of the Invisible God

Monday, November 25th: Colossians 1:13-20

Bible Verse:

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.”

— Colossians 1:16 (EHV)

Devotion:

Paul reminds us that Jesus created everything—everything we can see and everything we can’t see! That means that the trees, the sky, and even the air we breathe were all made by Jesus. Everything in heaven and on earth was created by Him and for Him. He is the ruler of all creation, and we belong to Him.

It’s amazing to think that the same Jesus who made the stars and the mountains also loves us personally. He knows each one of us by name, and He cares about everything we go through. Because Jesus made everything, we can trust that He is in control, and we can praise Him for His power and love.

Questions to think about:

1. What are some things in creation that remind you of God’s power?

2. How does it feel to know that Jesus created you and loves you?

3. What can you do to show your love and praise for Jesus?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for creating everything, including me. Help me to remember that You are in control and to trust You with my life. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of the things Jesus created, like trees, animals, and people.

Full Bible Reference:

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

— Colossians 1:13-20 (EHV)

The Lord Our Righteous Savior: God’s Faithful Shepherd

Sunday, November 24th: Jeremiah 23:1-6

Bible Verse:

“The Lord is our righteousness.”

— Jeremiah 23:6b (EHV)

Devotion:

Jeremiah tells us about a day when God will raise up a good King, someone from David’s family who will rule with wisdom and justice. This King is Jesus! He is our righteousness, which means that through Him, we are made right with God. Jesus is our Savior and our King, and He came to rescue us from sin and death.

Sometimes we think that we need to be perfect to be loved by God, but Jesus reminds us that He already did everything for us. When we trust in Him, we are made right with God. Jesus leads us in the right way, and we can follow Him with confidence, knowing that He is our perfect King.

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean that Jesus is our righteousness?

2. How can we trust Jesus to lead us in the right way?

3. What can you do to follow Jesus as your King?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for being my King and for making me right with God. Help me to follow You every day. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus wearing a crown as your King, leading you in the right way.

Full Bible Reference:

“‘Woe to the shepherds who are destroying and scattering the sheep of my pasture!’ declares the Lord. Therefore this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to the shepherds who tend my people: ‘Because you have scattered my flock and driven them away and have not bestowed care on them, I will bestow punishment on you for the evil you have done,’ declares the Lord. ‘I myself will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them and will bring them back to their pasture, where they will be fruitful and increase in number. I will place shepherds over them who will tend them, and they will no longer be afraid or terrified, nor will any be missing,’ declares the Lord. ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.’”

— Jeremiah 23:1-6 (EHV)

Look, I Am Coming Soon!

Saturday, November 23rd: Revelation 22:6-13

Bible Verse:

“Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

— Revelation 22:7 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this passage, Jesus promises that He is coming soon. He reminds us that we should keep His words and trust in His promises. Even though we don’t know exactly when Jesus will return, we know that He is coming back, and we can look forward to that day with hope and excitement!

While we wait for Jesus to return, we can live in a way that honors Him. We can love others, share His message, and follow His commands. When Jesus comes back, it will be a day of joy and celebration for everyone who believes in Him. Let’s be ready and keep His words in our hearts!

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean to keep Jesus’ words and follow His commands?

2. How can we live in a way that shows we are ready for Jesus to return?

3. Why is it important to remember that Jesus is coming back?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for Your promise that You will come back soon. Help me to keep Your words and live in a way that honors You. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus returning to earth, bringing joy and celebration.

Full Bible Reference:

“The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.’ ‘Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.’ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!’ Then he told me, ‘Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.’ ‘Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.’”

— Revelation 22:6-13 (EHV)

Jesus on the Cross: The Head of All Creation

Friday, November 22nd: Luke 23:35-43

Bible Verse:

“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

— Luke 23:42 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this story, Jesus is on the cross, and next to Him are two criminals. One of them makes fun of Jesus, but the other one believes in Him. This man says, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Even though this man had done wrong things, he knew that Jesus was the Savior. And Jesus told him, “Today, you will be with me in paradise.”

This is an amazing story of forgiveness and hope. No matter what we’ve done, if we trust in Jesus, He promises that we will be with Him forever. Jesus loves us and forgives us, just like He forgave the man on the cross. When we believe in Jesus, we know that we will be with Him in heaven one day.

Questions to think about:

1. Why did the man on the cross ask Jesus to remember him?

2. How does it make you feel to know that Jesus forgives you, no matter what you’ve done?

3. What can you do to show that you believe in Jesus?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving me and loving me, no matter what I’ve done. Help me to always trust in You and to remember that I will be with You in heaven. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus on the cross, forgiving the man who believed in Him.

Full Bible Reference:

“The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, ‘He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.’ The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, ‘If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.’ There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the Jews. One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: ‘Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!’ But the other criminal rebuked him. ‘Don’t you fear God,’ he said, ‘since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.’ Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’”

— Luke 23:35-43 (EHV)

Rescued by Jesus: The Head of All Creation

Thursday, November 21st: Colossians 1:13-20

Bible Verse:

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

— Colossians 1:13-14 (EHV)

Devotion:

In this passage, Paul talks about how Jesus has saved us. He says that Jesus rescued us from darkness and brought us into His kingdom. That means that because of Jesus, we are no longer stuck in sin and sadness. Jesus forgives us and gives us new life. He is the ruler of everything, and He loves us so much that He died to save us.

It’s important to remember that Jesus has already done everything we need to be saved. We don’t have to worry or be afraid, because Jesus has rescued us. Now we can live in His kingdom and know that we are forgiven and loved forever!

Questions to think about:

1. What does it mean that Jesus rescued us from darkness?

2. How can we live as people who belong to Jesus’ kingdom?

3. Why is it important to remember that Jesus has forgiven us?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for rescuing me and forgiving my sins. Help me to live as someone who belongs to Your kingdom. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw a picture of Jesus rescuing you from the darkness and bringing you into His kingdom.

Full Bible Reference:

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.”

— Colossians 1:13-20 (EHV)