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“Be still, and know that I am God”: Trusting the Spring Blossoms of Life Will Come

“Be still, and know that I am God”: Trusting the Spring Blossoms of Life Will Come

How Can Lent Reawaken You?

How Can Lent Reawaken You?

How Does Heavenly Father Feel About Me? A Family Lesson for Valentine's Day

How Does Heavenly Father Feel About Me? A Family Lesson for Valentine's Day

Building with God: “Come, Follow Me” for Single Moms

Building with God: “Come, Follow Me” for Single Moms

How to Create an Environment of Gospel Learning in the Home

How to Create an Environment of Gospel Learning in the Home

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Gift from God

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

Simple Gifts

Finding Peace Through Christ in the Holy Land

Finding Peace Through Christ in the Holy Land

2018 *Meaningful* Gift Guide

2018 *Meaningful* Gift Guide

Choosing Hope

3 Creative Ways to Use Our “Names of Christ” Advent

3 Creative Ways to Use Our “Names of Christ” Advent

Hope in Good Things to Come

Hope in Good Things to Come

More Thinking

Trust God

How I Started a Scripture Study Group (Even Though I'm Shy)

How I Started a Scripture Study Group (Even Though I'm Shy)

Deeply Rooted

Carried From the Womb

Carried From the Womb

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

My Soul Magnifies the Lord

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EASTER WEEK | Day 8 — Resurrection⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?” “They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” — John 20:11-18 (KJV)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Painting by J. Kirk Richards

EASTER WEEK | Day 7 — The Spirit World⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: By which also he went and preached unto the spirits in prison. — 1 Peter 3:18-19 (KJV)

EASTER WEEK | Day 6 — Good Friday⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the whole land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Elí, Elí, lemá sabachtháni ? ” that is, “My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?” When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling for Elijah.” Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge, filled it with sour wine, put it on a stick, and offered him a drink. But the rest said, “Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.” But Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and gave up his spirit.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Suddenly, the curtain of the sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom, the earth quaked, and the rocks were split.The tombs were also opened and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised. And they came out of the tombs after his resurrection, entered the holy city, and appeared to many.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When the centurion and those with him, who were keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and the things that had happened, they were terrified and said, “Truly this man was the Son of God! ” Many women who had followed Jesus from Galilee and looked after him were there, watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When it was evening, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph came, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’s body. Then Pilate ordered that it be released. So Joseph took the body, wrapped it in clean, fine linen, and placed it in his new tomb, which he had cut into the rock. He left after rolling a great stone against the entrance of the tomb. Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were seated there, facing the tomb. — Matthew 27:45-61 (CSB)

EASTER WEEK | Day 5 — Last Supper, Atonement + Gethsemane⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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When he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and glorify him at once. Little children, yet a little while I am with you. You will seek me, and just as I said to the Jews, so now I also say to you, ‘Where I am going you cannot come.’ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” — John 13: 31-35 (ESV)

EASTER WEEK | Day 4 — Healings, Miracles + Betrayal*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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On that day, when evening came, He said to them, "Let us go over to the other side." Leaving the crowd, they took Him along with them in the boat, just He was; and other boats were with Him. And there arose a fierce gale of wind, and the waves were breaking over the boat so much that the boat was already filling up. Jesus Himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing?" And He got up and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Hush, be still." And the wind died down and it became perfectly calm. And He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?" They became very much afraid and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" — Mark 4: 35-41 (NASB)

EASTER WEEK | Day 3 — Teachings + Parables⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Sitting across from the temple treasury, he watched how the crowd dropped money into the treasury. Many rich people were putting in large sums. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two tiny coins worth very little. Summoning his disciples, he said to them, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had—all she had to live on." — Mark 12: 41-44 (CSB)

EASTER WEEK | Day 2 — Cleansing The Temple, Healing The Blind + Lame
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And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple; and he healed them. And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children crying in the temple, and saying, Hosanna to the Son of David; they were sore displeased, And said unto him, Hearest thou what these say? And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise? And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany; and he lodged there. — Matthew 21:12-17 (KJV)

EASTER WEEK | Day 1 — Palm Sunday
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Celebrating Holy Week is not an obligation, but it is an opportunity. It is a chance to walk with the church, throughout time and throughout the world, as she walks with her Bridegroom through the most important week in the history of the world. It is a chance to focus our minds on, and seek to intensify our affections for, the most important and timeless of realities.

While not mandating the observance, or even suggesting it, the New Testament does give us indirect reason, if we’re looking for it. The final eight of Matthew’s 28 chapters are given to this one week, along with the last six of Mark’s sixteen and the final six of Luke’s 24.

Most significant, though, is John. Ten of the Gospel’s 21 chapters — essentially half — deal with the final week of our Lord’s life, his betrayal, his trials, his crucifixion, and his triumphant resurrection. Even Acts, which then narrates the life of the early church, returns to the events of Holy Week with frequency (see, for instance, Acts 1:15–19; 2:22–36; 3:11–26; 4:8–12, 24–28, among others). Indeed, it could even be said that all the Old Testament anticipates this week, and the rest of the New Testament reflects it in theology and practical living.

Without any arm-twisting or conscience-pressing, I would encourage you to consider how you might make the most of this week. These are some of the darkest and brightest days in the history of the world, and they are rich with soul-sustaining food and life-clarifying vision.

In the chaos of our increasingly fast-paced and hectic society, Holy Week is a reminder to pause and ponder, to carefully mark each day and not let this greatest of all weeks fly by us like every other. — David Mathis @desiringgod
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Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. — Zechariah 9:9 (NIV)

“One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so. His solitary journey brought great company for our little version of that path—the merciful care of our Father in Heaven, the unfailing companionship of this Beloved Son, the consummate gift of the Holy Ghost, angels in heaven, family members on both sides of the veil, prophets and apostles, teachers, leaders, friends...trumpeted from the summit of Calvary is the truth that we will never be left alone nor unaided, even if sometimes we may feel that we are. Truly the Redeemer of us all said: “I will not leave you comfortless: [My Father and] I will come to you [and abide with you].” -Jeffrey R. Holland
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Tell us about when you have felt comforted in your own journey below! ❤️👇🏻

Happy Monday! So many of you have told us you wished Small Seed had an event or a conference of some sort and we are here to say that ✨ THIS. IS. IT. ✨ We are SO EXCITED to announce that we are a part the @multiplygoodness Jubilee—a one-of-a-kind event you DON’T WANT TO MISS on Saturday, August 17! Tickets are on sale now and we want to share a few more details here…

When Multiply Goodness approached us about linking arms with them to host WORKSHOPS at Jubilee, we were thrilled! These workshops will be under white tents with our Small Seed team, as well as the amazing women of @multiplygoodness and @thefaithcollective. 🖤 We’ll all have DINNER together, great conversation, and enjoy MUSIC from a worship band. We’ll also hear from SPEAKERS that will teach us and inspire us to love outside the lines.⁣ We’re passionate about gathering together, being inspired be one another, and learning more about loving each other well—no matter what your faith—and this event is going to hit every mark.

And it won’t be the same without YOU. ⁣Please, come and join us! We would so love to meet as many members of this amazing community as can come. 💕

Ticket sales launched this morning with an Easter special that will only be available until April 22, so don’t wait. Tag friends or family you want to come with to share the big news—we can’t wait to see you on August 17th!

Click the link in our bio to access the ticketing site and the Jubilee site with all the details 🤗

“God cares about you. He will listen, and He will answer your personal questions. The answers to your prayers will come in His own way and in His own time, and therefore, you need to learn to listen to His voice. God wants you to find your way back to Him, and the Savior is the way. God wants you to learn of His Son, Jesus Christ, and experience the profound peace and joy that come from following the path of divine discipleship.” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Sometimes it is so hard waiting for answers to our prayers. I believe He is always listening with love and yet it can still be a challenge to try and understand and wait! In our times of waiting, perhaps we can find some peace knowing He does have a plan for us and He knows both our strengths and weaknesses. He will answer in His time and in His way, but also in a way that will speak to us individually. •
How have you learned to listen for His voice in your life? How does God answer your prayers or speak to you personally?
I’ll share below and would love to hear from you as well! (From @stephanielonasmonroe )

“Every attempt to reflect upon the Atonement, to study it, to embrace it, to express appreciation for it, however small or feeble it may be, will kindle the fire of faith and work its miracles towards a more Christlike life. It is in the inescapable consequence of so doing. We become like those things we habitually love and admire. And thus, as we study Christ’s life and live His teachings, we become like Him.” (Tad R. Callister)
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Today I cut some palm fronds from my yard and put them in a vase in my living room. It’s one of the first things I do to get ready for Easter. As I anticipate Palm Sunday, I find myself thinking of the last month of the Savior’s life. What must it have felt like- ministering to all those around Him as He grew closer and closer to His most important mission on earth? What messages did He teach His disciples? What healings and blessings did he leave on all of those following Him? As I’ve been studying those final chapters before the Holy Week, I find my heart feeling so tender.
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I find that those palms in my home keep my mind focused on the Savior. It reminds me to return, over and over again to His teachings and His life. As I anticipate this beautiful time of year-Easter week-I find myself silently offering prayers of gratitude as I pass by those palms every day: “Hosanna! Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord!” .
Today in our stories we are looking at one of our favorite traditions of faith- our Easter Packer download. We hope you will download this free packet (with a poster and picture and activities to do with your family) and join with us in remembering and honoring Christ this Easter season! .
(And if you have any questions about it, leave them below so we can answer them!) @melanieburk

“Constantly pray, pray, pray, pray for whatever you need. That is how you make your days an act of worship. And then there may not be in your mind such a huge gulf between tending to your child and tending to your soul.” — John Piper
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“A Little Prayer” painting by @caitlin_connolly_

“I don't have to rely on my own capacity for love to be loving. I can rely on the Savior's love to fill my heart so completely that it will brim over and spill irresistibly into love for the people around me. I don't have to rely on my own patience, my own generosity, my own forgiveness, or my own steadfastness to be patient, generous, forgiving, or steadfast in righteousness. If I am willing to make room in my heart for the Savior, if I invite him into my life, and if I fix my thoughts and desires and hopes on him, then in some miraculous way, I can think the thoughts of Jesus, I can feel the feelings of Jesus, and I can do the works of Jesus.” -Chieko Okazaki

“Remember the loaves and the fishes? Each of the Gospel writers tells how Jesus miraculously fed the thousands who followed Him. But the story begins with the disciples’ recognition of their lack; they realized they had only ‘five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?’ The disciples were right: they didn’t have enough food, but they gave what they had to Jesus, and then He provided the miracle. Have you ever felt your talents and gifts were too small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give what we have to Christ, and He will multiply our efforts. What you have to offer is more than enough—even with your human frailties and weaknesses—if you rely on the grace of God.” -Michelle Craig
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When I remember Christ as I realize my own limitations, I feel hope instead of shame and disappointment. I am realizing that my lack is not a reflection of my worth but a reflection of my own personal power in this mortal state, and I’m ok with that! I lack power so that I turn to Christ and ask for His power and grace. And I have found that His grace is always sufficient. 💜 (from team member @heidi.kreis)
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When have you relied on divine help to do what you couldn’t do yourself?

“He is saying to us, “Trust me, learn of me, do what I do. Then, when you walk where I am going,” He says, “we can talk about where you are going, and the problems you face and the troubles you have. If you will follow me, I will lead you out of darkness,” He promises. “I will give you answers to your prayers. I will give you rest to your souls.

When He says to the poor in spirit, “Come unto me,” He means He knows the way out and He knows the way up. He knows it because He has walked it. He knows the way because He is the way.” Jeffrey R. Holland

Jesus invited His followers and disciples over and over again to come to Him, follow Him, and learn of Him. He loves us and is calling us to come to Him as well. In our stories today I’m sharing three ways we can listen to His call and come unto Him and also share a link to this beautiful talk by Jeffrey R. Holland. I love how he shares that step one is a desire to believe— a willingness to begin nurturing that little seed of faith. There have been times in my life when I have felt crippled with grief and pain and truly all I had was that tiniest little particle of faith, just a desire to believe that God loved me and was aware of me and my pain. Sometimes starting small and working up to more obedience and change is how we begin to grow our faith. I know all the little steps we take to come to Christ matter and He is aware of every single one. He loves us where we are and will help us. How are you trying to come closer to Christ this week? I will share some of mine in the comments below and would love to hear from you as well 💛 @stephanielonasmonroe

GIVEAWAY! General Conference (a large bi-annual meeting of the @churchofjesuschrist) is less than two weeks away and we’ve rounded up some beautiful small shop products that are new to us to give to one lucky winner! To help you make your home a place of refuge during #generalconference and after, the winner will receive:
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▪️A 12-month Christ-Centered Connection e-course to help you and your spouse connect & a Day By Day Spiritual Guidebook from us here at @thesmallseed▪️A study journal for General Conference from @ldsholidayco▪️A $50 shop credit from @ellienewellart, maker of watercolor temple prints▪️An 18x24” print of your choice from @slimhousestudio▪️Two 12” magnetic rails from @mydaughterflorence_ to hang your new prints
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You know the drill! To enter:

1. Make sure you’re following
@thesmallseed
@ldsholidayco
@ellienewellart
@slimhousestudio
@mydaughterflorence_

2. Like this post

3. Tag as many friends as you want below in separate comments. One friend/comment = one entry.
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Enter as many times as you like through Saturday at 5:00pm MST and we’ll announce a winner here on this post on Saturday evening, so we can get your goods to you before the big weekend! 💛

“There are miracles of faith, and we should have faith in the miraculous. . . When Jesus called Peter to come to Him across the water, Peter, for one brief, glorious moment, forgot he did not know how and strode with ease across the sea. This is how we are meant to be.” (Patricia Holland, faith and hope: walking on the water)
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Lately as I’ve been studying about the miracles Jesus Christ performed, Ive been asking myself if I have enough faith like Peter, to leap from that boat and walk on the water. When I am specifically needing a miracle in my life, do I even leave the boat before the fear hits me? .
One of the things I love so much about this story- is that Peter did leap from the boat! He really did walk on water! And though he did sink as he began to doubt and worry- It teaches me a few powerful lessons. First, as we act in faith without doubt, we can work miracles. Peter acted immediately and was able to see that miracle of walking closer to the Savior. Second, even if we fail in our efforts, every step in faith is an effort that draws us closer to the Savior. I can’t imagine a more powerful moment than when Jesus Christ pulled peter up as the fear overtook him and he began to sink. But I also love that Peter, because of his steps of faith, was in a position for the Savior to physically minister to Him immediately. .
I believe that each and every step We take in faith- even when we struggle- as we certainly will because we are human-will enable us to be closer to our Savior. He can pull us out of any situation, any doubt and hardship that begins to sink us, and work miracles in our life-but we must continue to walk towards him in faith and hope. Those small steps of faith are everything as we look for miracles of faith in our own lives. @melanieburk (and more thoughts along this in our stories 💛)