The Turtle, God, and Me

Sometimes, the deepest lessons of faith don't come from a grand sermon or a theological debate—but from the tear-filled eyes of a little child and the desperate hope tied to something as small as a missing toy. The Lost Turtle: A Story of Prayer and God's Faithfulness is a beautifully written and tender-hearted children's book that tells the true story of my precious granddaughter and her beloved toy turtle. One sunny afternoon, that turtle disappeared without a trace. As anyone with small children knows, a missing comfort item can feel like the end of the world. For us, it was heartbreaking. For her, it was everything. But this isn't just a story about a toy. It's a story about the power of prayer, the love of a family, and a God who cares deeply—even about turtles. With childlike faith and a heart full of hope, my granddaughter began to pray. Not a big, polished, fancy prayer. Just a simple request from a small soul to a big God: "Please bring my turtle back." What followed was more than we could have imagined. Days passed, and while we tried to stay optimistic, even we grown-ups began to doubt. But God had something better planned—a surprise that would bring tears, laughter, and a whole lot of praise. This story will remind readers of all ages that: No prayer is too small for God to hear. God delights in the details of our lives. Sometimes, miracles show up in the most unexpected ways. Faith isn't about perfection—it's about trust. Teaching children to pray about their worries helps shape a life of dependence on God's goodness. The Lost Turtle invites you and your family into our living room, into our prayers, and into the joy of seeing God answer in a way that still gives us chills. It's a story of hope rekindled, of tears wiped away, and of how God turns even the smallest heartaches into declarations of His love. Whether you're reading it aloud at bedtime, sharing it in Sunday school, or using it to encourage a little one through their own hard moment, this book will become a treasured reminder of God's attentiveness and care. It's also a wonderful resource to begin meaningful conversations with children about prayer, trust, and how God works in our lives. So gather your little ones. Snuggle in close. And read aloud the story of one girl's prayer, one turtle's return, and one great big God who never stops showing us just how much He loves us. Because sometimes… He answers in the most beautiful ways.