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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

Abigail Adams

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“Unity does not mean sameness. It means oneness in purpose.” Priscilla Shirer .
——————————————————————————————-Our focus this month in the Christ-Centered Connection program is unity. It is a common misconception in marriage that in order to feel unified with your spouse, you have to be the same. You want to share the same opinions, religious beliefs, interests, hobbies, parenting styles, etc. While it might make it easier to be united when you are both agreeable, it is not what unity is about. Unity is about oneness in purpose. Don’t miss Jan (@rootedandrising_) sharing more about this in our stories today. .
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Christ-Centered Connection is available in our shop. It’s not too late to sign up!

“‘If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.’ This prayer in Mark 9:22 doesn’t sound courageous or confident. It was the prayer of a desperate parent with a demon-possessed son in need of a miracle.

Most of our prayer lives could use a tune-up. Some prayer lives lack consistency. Others need sincerity. And some honestly wonder if prayer makes a difference. We are tempted to wait to pray until we know how to pray.

Notice that Jesus responded to the man’s prayer. God is more moved by our hurt than our eloquence. Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” — Max Lucado, He Still Moves Stones

Just thinking of all of you amazing Small Seed women (and men) in this community—and how each of us bear burdens or carry questions that cause us to wait on the Lord. Prayers DO make a difference. The best time to start is NOW, if you haven’t prayed in awhile. He listens and answers you in ways you may not recognize—even when you think the heavens may be silent, He is aware of you and loves you personally. I’ve been so touched lately by a video songwriter Michael McLean shares about his own struggles with trial and prayer and wanted to share the link in our stories tonight. Hope you’ve all had a peaceful Sabbath and know you are loved and known by God 💛 — Brooke Williams @mminimalist

We believe that women in the scriptures can be powerful mentors. We’d love to hear about the traits in these women that have inspired you on your faith journey. Comment below and share using #mysmallseed!

“There is no physical pain, no anguish of soul, no suffering of spirit, no infirmity or weakness that you or I ever experience during our mortal journey that the Savior did not experience first.
You and I in a moment of weakness may cry out, “No one understands. No one knows.” No human being, perhaps, knows. But the Son of God perfectly knows and understands, for He felt and bore our burdens before we ever did. And because He paid the ultimate price and bore that burden, He has perfect empathy and can extend to us His arm of mercy in so many phases of our life.
He can reach out, touch, and succor—literally run to us—and strengthen us to be more than we could ever be and help us to do that which we could never do through relying only upon our own power.” David A. Bednar

In my moments of pain and weakness, I feel comfort in knowing that the Savior has already been where I am and so can help me walk through it better then anyone else I know. He can’t always take away the bitter grief and pain or stinging heartache, but He sits with us and helps us carry our load. He’s always near and willing to help, ready to bless us and strengthen us by His grace, if we can only remember to turn to Him. (From team member @stephanielonasmonroe )

“Our God is abundant in love and steadfast in mercy. He saves us, not because we trust in a symbol, but because we trust in a Savior.” — Max Lucado
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Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. — John 11:25-27

In honor of International Women’s Day, we’d love to hear about some of the women in your life that have strengthened your faith in Christ. Tell her story below and use #mysmallseed to share!

Jesus prayed “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.” John 17:11. .
This month in our Christ-Centered Connection program we are studying Unity. Have you ever marveled at the harmony of the relationship between the Father and the Son? A key element to their harmony is that Christ was never pushed, persuaded, or forced into unity with the father. It was something He chose.
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This choice changed the world. It is what enabled you and I to have the ability to choose. And this month we are diving deeply as to how choosing unity with the Savior and with our spouse can also be earth changing. .
How do you choose unity? What do you do in your relationships to foster a feeling of harmony and oneness? We would love to hear!! Don’t miss @kimberlynstoddard is in our stories sharing more about this topic.

🌿 “Lent comes providentially to reawaken us, to shake us from our lethargy.” — Pope Francis 🌿
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Today is Ash ‪Wednesday, the first day‬ of the Lenten season of fasting and prayer. Many Christians practice Lent for 40 days, using the time to recommit and reconnect with the Lord and prepare themselves for Easter. Up on the blog our Faith Perspectives Editor, Jackie Shafer @jackiedshafer, interviews her dear friend, Mimie Abdulai, about what Lent means to her and how it how it strengthens her faith in Jesus Christ. Click the link in our bio to read!
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Have you ever participated in Lent before? What do you do to prepare yourself spiritually for the Easter holiday? We’d love to know! 💛

"It isn’t what we do; it is the heart with which we do it." --Elaine L. Jack

I have been guilty for doing the right things for the wrong reasons. My heart wasn't where it should have been. I am trying to be more conscious of my attitude, my intentions, my heart. Am I begrudgingly folding laundry or preparing dinner for my family, tired of doing the same thing day in and day out? Or am I looking at it as an opportunity to serve those I love most? Am I praying and reading my scriptures simply because it's the next thing on my checklist? Or am I coming to the Lord with an open heart expecting to be spiritually fed? I've come to believe it's a daily must-do, to give myself a heart check. "For where your treasure is there will your heart be also." Matthew 6:21 (From team member @laurmadsen )

“In friendship...we think we have chosen our peers. In reality, a few years' difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another...any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking, no chances. A secret Master of the Ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you,” can truly say to every group of Christian friends "You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.” The friendship is not a reward for our discrimination and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each the beauties of all the others.” -CS Lewis
Thanks to everyone who shared yesterday about the power of friendship and sisterhood in your life! We are with CS Lewis in the belief that our friendships aren’t accidental, but by divine design. (And how grateful we are for that!)

We are so grateful for you, Small Seed community! We believe strongly that “faith cometh by hearing” (Romans 10:17) and in that light, we are starting a new Friday series that we hope will increase our faith. Each Friday, we will post a question and we’d love for you to share your thoughts and tell your stories in the comments.
Today, we’d like to talk about sisterhood. Let us know in the comments below about when you’ve seen God’s love through a friend. Tag someone who could use a story to uplift and strengthen their faith today!
#mysmallseed

God calls to you.
God knows your every thought, your sorrows, and your greatest hopes. God knows the many times you have sought Him. The many times you have felt limitless joy. The many times you have wept in loneliness. The many times you have felt helpless, confused, or angry.
Yet, no matter your history--if you have faltered, failed, feel broken, bitter, betrayed, or beaten--know that you are not alone. God still calls to you.

The Savior extends His hand to you. And, as He did to those fishermen who stood long ago on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, with infinite love He speaks to you: “Come, follow me.” If you will hear Him, He will speak to you this very day. (Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

Sometimes life can feel so loud, so rushed, so busy, it is hard to hear God calling to us! There are days my morning prayers feel rushed as the demands of the day (and my children) are banging about the house. On days like that, I carry that prayer in my heart, listening, asking and waiting, and continuing to make space for answers and nudges I know come only from Him. He is calling to us, in whatever condition we find ourselves in, and wanting to guide us with love. (From team member @stephanielonasmonroe )

Have you heard a gentle whisper in your heart or felt God speaking to you in some way today?

Too many of us are struggling and suffering, too many are running faster than they have strength, expecting too much of themselves. We must have the courage to be imperfect while striving for perfection.

I believe we can find our steady footing and stilling of the soul by turning away from physical preoccupations, superwoman accomplishments, and endless popularity contests, and returning instead to the wholeness of our soul, that unity in our very being that balances the demanding and inevitable diversity of life. (Patricia Holland)

I’ve been thinking a lot about that line lately- “the wholeness of our soul” and asking myself what that looks like. Every woman I know has a lot going on-Whether it’s a packed schedule of work, education, children, cooking, volunteering, cleaning, carpooling, teaching, ministering and with some trials/anxieties over illness, finances, or big life choices sprinkled in there for good measure. The weight we are sometimes and often called upon to carry can feel enormous. SO with all this pressure, how do we find time to create “wholeness of our soul” ?

For me it’s two fold. First off, it’s more time with Him who makes me whole: my Maker. I find this by diving into His words, pondering in prayer and making time to listen to Him. Some days it means I have to say no to other things to make space and time. Some days it means getting up earlier, some days it means staying up late. But it means learning to say yes to that priority, and no to others.
Secondly, I’ve recently been reminded the “wholeness of the soul” also refers to how I balance my other duties and priorities. Even if I spend all my time serving, running, doing all of the things and caught in the crunch to be superhuman- then I will not be able to be whole. It leaves little to no room for me to be still, and for me to let God do HIS part. I am learning the need of taking care of myself in a balanced way, pacing myself, and doing all things in order, with small and simple steps.

I am a huge work in progress, but never have I been more grateful for a Savior who always bring wholeness to my soul, even as I learn little by little. 💛 (by team member @melanieburk)

"My dear sisters, you have special spiritual gifts and propensities. I urge you, with all the hope of my heart, to pray to understand your spiritual gifts—to cultivate, use, and expand them, even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do so." President Russell M. Nelson

I hope you feel this 👆 know this 🙏 and believe this 💛✨ Because it's true! Women of faith are needed in God's work today and YOU are a part of that.

“You are a child of God. He is the father of your spirit. Spiritually you are of noble birth, the offspring of the King of Heaven. Fix that truth in your mind and hold to it. However many generations in your mortal ancestry, no matter what race or people you represent, the pedigree of your spirit can be written on a single line. You are a child of God!” -Boyd K. Packer .
We all need this reminder sometimes! What helps you remember that you are a child of God?

“We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us.” Howard W. Hunter
Sometimes, for whatever reason, it can be difficult to love those around us. And, unfortunately, sometimes the ones who can be the very hardest to forgive are found in our own family. We tend to hold those closest to an even higher standard, thinking maybe they should know us better or love us more.

What helps you to forgive and show compassion and kindness even when it’s a challenge? I’ll share mine in the comments and would love to learn and hear from you as well!

🌟 GIVEAWAY CLOSED! 🌟
Friends! We have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love for our new Christ-Centered Connection program. We feel your excitement, and we would LOVE to giveaway 3 Christ-Centered Connection programs to YOU!
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Incase you missed the introduction, Christ-Centered Connection a 12 month program catered to strengthening marriage through studying and applying the principles Jesus Christ taught and lived. Each month will be centered around a theme from the Savior’s teachings. Each month you will receive:
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An insightful study guide highlighting stories from Christ’s ministry and teaching. Each guide is prayerfully designed to lead you through evaluating and strengthening your personal relationships with Jesus Christ, your spouse, and yourself. (Can be studied individually or as companionship.)
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A beautiful, custom print that coincides with the theme of the month.
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Practical ideas and challenges to help you incorporate the principle into your relationship and develop a more Christ-centered marriage.
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A scripture memorization card
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Date-night recommendation
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Reflective questions to evaluate what you experienced that month
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Inspiring and intentional design, spaces for you to write, and so much more!
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So tag your spouse, your friends, your mom 🤣 tag as many people as you want in separate comments. Just make sure you follow @thesmallseed💛 #nobrainer. Best of luck! The giveaway ends Thursday, February 21st at Midnight (MST).
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💫 CONGRATULATIONS 💫 to the winners of our Giveaway! The winners are: @jariskay 🙌🏻 @thefarmtomlinson 💗 @dnhanson5. We will DM you a code for your free course.

"That is the supreme work to which we need to address ourselves in this world, to learn Love. Is life not full of opportunities for learning Love? Every man and woman everyday has a thousand of them. The world is not a playground; it is a schoolroom. Life is not a holiday, but an education. And THE ONE ETERNAL LESSON for us all is how better we can love." Henry Drummond ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you haven’t heard about our new love project launching Tuesday, you’re going to, well, love it ☺️ Watch our stories for more details!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Who or what in your life is teaching you how to better love right now? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Marriage can be a tricky subject! It seems like everywhere you turn there are ideas, theories, principles, practices, and professionals with differing opinions of what makes a marriage work. It can seem overwhelming at times, right?! In a sea of opinions and theories, where can you go for clarity and peace?

As we have worked on our ‘Christ Centered Connection’ subscription, we have sought and found answers in the words of Jesus: "Let your heart not be troubled... I am the way, the truth, and the light." (John 14) “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” (John 15)

Christ is truly in and through all things, and is the source of pure joy—a perfect model and example of attributes we can echo in our most important relationships. ❤️ Check out our stories to find @kimberlynstoddard sharing more on how our subscription works!

We hope each of you had a wonderful Valentine’s Day, surrounded by love in some way! As our thoughts have turned to the power of love this month, we are excited to launch our new project: Christ-Centered Connection. ❤️ We have been working SO hard on creating a tool to invite the powerful principles Christ taught and lived into YOUR marriage.
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Do you feel like your marriage needs a jumpstart or refocus? Some new tools to facilitate unity and peace? Or maybe just a deeper connection beyond just knowing what love language you and your spouse are? We’ll be sharing more details over the next couple days about our new monthly subscription and you’ll find the Christ-Centered Connection available in our Small Seed shop on Tuesday, Feb 19th!!
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We’d love to know...what are some things you do to strengthen your marriage?!