Nourishing Seeds of Faith is an interdenominational collection of mini-sermons that teach four- to eight-year-olds in worship services about God and how God wants them to live. Fun activities and simple language that children understand show pastors, laity, and home-schoolers ways to attract children and hold their attention. Beginning with Advent, the messages follow the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Interspersed throughout the book are topics appropriate for seasonal and secular holidays as well. Each five- to ten-minute sermon includes its theme, Scripture reference, preparation tips, and a prayer. "Stretching Further" presents ideas for extending the teaching and involvement of the listeners.
Learning to Love what Father Loves Other seeds fell on good soil, and yielded grain—some a hundred times as much as was sown, some sixty times as much, and some thirty (Matthew 13:8 AMP). Nourishing the Seed is the result of well-known Bible teacher and author Bob Mumford’s spiritual walk with the Lord. You will come alongside his unfolding journey over the past 55 years of learning to love what God loves. Like his book Mysterious Seed—Maturing in Father’s Love, he passes along to you the bag of seed that the Father gave him. The DNA of the acorn enables it to become all that God the Father intended: a huge, symmetrical, and fully formed oak tree. Father’s Seed in you comes to maturity in the same way. Nourishing the Seed helps you: Understand Agape love as the mysterious Kingdom Seed that must be cultivated and nourished to grow and produce fruit in your life. Address the issues that keep that nourishment from happening. Thoughts and Questions at the end of each chapter provoke deep and inspiring introspection to form a more meaningful relationship with God the Father. Helpful diagrams and charts throughout also add depth of understanding. Nourishing the Seed is a compilation of powerful, daily, devotional-size teachings designed to move you spiritually forward. Rather than vague concepts and principles, these teachings will nourish the Seed that is growing within you—the serious believer—so that you can be unshakable and learn to love what Father loves.
It is important that we introduce our children to Jesus, and that we, as adults, also approach him with childlike faith, acceptance, and trust. --Virginia H. Loewen An encore presentation of the immensely popular 1978 book, The Brown Bag, Planting Seeds of Faith provides entertaining, 10-minute lessons fur use in worship services with four to eight year-olds. Each sermon message focuses on a particular Scripture passage and includes a take away--an object or suggestion of a way to apply and share one's faith away from church--learning by doing. Stretching Further, an optional feature, can he used to foster additional discussion on abstract concepts. Some of the 26 sermon topics include: Did Jesus Have a Christmas Tree! (Hosea 14:8) ¥ We can count on God to be our friend and helper through all seasons of the year. A Valentine from God (Psalm 103:11-12) ¥ The Bible is a love letter from God to us. Pretzels and Prayers (Jeremiah 29:12) ¥ God always hears us--whenever, wherever, and however we pray. Jesus Uses Signs (John 2:11) ¥ Jesus' miracles were signs that he is the Son of God Going Fishing (Matthew 4: 19; Mark 1: 17) ¥ When we follow Jesus, we can attract others to him, too. Planting Seeds of Faith is an essential nondenominational resource that will assist pastors and laity with the important ministry of preaching to children. Virginia H. Loewen has spent 25 years as an elementary teacher and reading specialist. She has served as a Sunday school and Bible school teacher, and as a lay leader for St. John's United Methodist Church in State College, Pennsylvania. Loewen is the author of The Best Book for Terry Lee and Special Things.
As Catholic parents, we have one fundamental mission: to raise children who know and love God, and who are so in love with Christ that they can't help but share his message. We are called not only to be disciples ourselves, but to be discipleship parents, evangelizing our children so they become disciples, too. That sounds great, but we know this is not always easy. The culture often stands in the way of our raising whole and holy children. Sometimes our own failures, wounds, and weaknesses make it difficult to pour ourselves fully into the mission. Even if we are working to plant the seeds of faith, how can we ensure that the soil is cultivated so the seeds can grow and flourish? In Discipleship Parenting, Kim Cameron-Smith provides tools and insights to help parents foster seven ideal growing conditions in the home: Love Balance Play Merciful Discipline Empathy Radiant Faith A Strong Marriage Raising children to know and love Christ, and to share that love with others, is the most important work we will ever do. Let's join together in Discipleship Parenting and respond to God's call and mission for all our families. Click here to register for the related webcast ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kim Cameron-Smith is the founder of the Intentional Catholic Parenting online ministry and the host of the Gentle Catholic Parenting Podcast, where she explores the intersection between Catholicism and the science of parenting. She is a licensed attorney and a member of the California state bar. She holds a B.A. from Wellesley College, an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Master of Theological Studies from Harvard University, and a J.D. from U.C. Berkeley. Kim lives in Northern California with her husband and four children.
In every moment and event in our lives, God plants seeds which we may or may not notice in our paths. Our challenge is to prepare the soil of our lives to receive and nurture these seeds so that they may take root and help us grow closer to God. By tapping into the spiritual practices revealed in scripture and throughout Christian tradition, we come to embrace what God the Gardener is doing in our lives and, in turn, to share God's grace with the world. The healthier our spiritual lives, the more abundant will be the fruits of our love, hope, joy, and kindness. This book is for seekers of all ages and walks of life – college students, parents, professionals, the lapsed and the weary, as well as seasoned saints who wish to deepen their faith in small but meaningful ways, and it covers topics such as: Why Believe? The Practice of Doubt Awareness: The Practice of Seeking Loneliness vs. Being Alone: The Practice of Solitude Spiritual Exercise: The Practice of Practice Touchstones of the Sacred: The Practice of Living Sacramentally How, Then, Shall I Live? The Practice of Vocation Happy Are They: The Practice of Celebration When Did We See You Hungry? The Practice of Mercy Following Christ: The Practice of Discipleship
Norman Vincent Peale's words of faith have inspired millions of readers and listeners over the many years of his ministry. Here, in gift book format, are excerpts from Dr Peale's sermons and writings on the topic of the power of faith in our lives. His message will reinforce and uplift the faith of readers and the format is ideal for gift giving.
Rachel Turner offers simple, everyday approaches for parents to help their babies and toddlers connect with the God who knows them, sowing seeds of faith for the future.
God Begins Every Miracle In Your Life With A Seed-Picture-The Invisible Idea That Gives Birth To A Visible Blessing. In this teaching, you will discover how to concentrate on watering and nurturing the growth of your Dream Seeds until you attain your God-given goals / How To Release The Powerful Forces That Guarantee Blessing / 3 Steps To Increasing Your Faith. Wake up the greatness within you! Also Available In Spanish SB-11 Semillas de Suenos
A flourishing, fulfilling life is possible—no perfection required! Too many of us think we have to have it all together in order to live a meaningful life. Instead of feeling put together, we end up feeling inadequate, overwhelmed, and exhausted as we try to figure out how to do it all. Author, business owner, and mom to three Lara Casey has been there, too. In Cultivate, she offers this grace-filled advice: we can't do it all and do it well, but we can choose to cultivate what matters Written as part encouragement anthem and part practical guide, Cultivate offers wisdom from God's Word alongside lessons Lara has learned in her own life--and in her garden--giving you the tools you need to: Discern what matters most to you Embrace the season of life that you're in Find the joy and freedom that comes with cultivating what matters Let Lara be your guide as you learn to cultivate what matters, little by little, with the help of God's transforming grace. Praise for Cultivate: "Cultivate is rich soil for the soul! Whether you are a new sprout, just beginning to brave life in the light; a tender shoot fighting for space among rocks and weeds; or a mature plant in need of nurture and pruning, this book will help you thrive. With her characteristic honesty, humility, and patience, Lara Casey uses her spiritual 'green thumb' to gently nudge us toward an intentional life of godliness and growth. If you are ready for a new season of spiritual growth, dig into Cultivate and get ready to bloom!" --Elizabeth Laing Thompson, author of When God Says "Wait"
