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.
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.
From Seed to Cedar is a guide for Muslim families by a prominent scholar of Islam. Gülen's approach to education of Muslim kids are grounded on authoritative sources of knowledge in Islam, that is, The Qur'an and the way of Prophet Muhammad, Sunna. He effectively combines these teachings with realities of life in modern times. The result is a comprehensive road map for a Muslim family that is committed and dedicated to the education of their kids in Islam. From character education to teaching basics of Islamic practice, this book covers tasks for parents inside and outside home.
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.
The pursuit of success can drive people to endlessly seek outside acceptance. Raises and praise from employers and social peer groups may be a sign of prosperity and progress but should not be mistaken for genuine achievement. According to Sheryl Towers, the founder of Life Enrichment Skills, only that which contributes to a person's overall happiness and enthusiasm can be considered true success. By using the metaphor of seeds blossoming into life, Towers adds a depth and personalization that transcends the standard step-by-step self-improvement guide. Through seventeen basic principles, or seeds, such as honesty, integrity, and faith, Towers lays the groundwork for a life of fulfillment. Each tenet, when cultivated and practiced, can enhance a person's sense of self and help them prepare a better future. Her view is a combination of realism and optimism. Seeking true success, she admits, can take time, patience, and resolve. As someone who has risen above negative conditioning to live by her own terms, Towers provides firm encouragement to support the reader through their journey. Words of wisdom from respected intellectuals, sports figures, and business executives combine with inspirational stories to guide those who wish to add true value to every aspect of their lives.
A series of insightful and often humorous weekly reflections on raising faithful Catholic families, Homegrown Faith, draws on familiar situations--sibling rivalry, fender-benders, lost shoes before Mass--to reveal unexpected sacramental riches. What you can expect to harvest: Short readings designed to fit into even the most chaotic family schedule Related questions for reflection for application in your own circumstances A guide for using the book for group study
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"
