Small Seed

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Podcast Launch Giveaway: Get the Scoop + Enter!

Podcast Launch Giveaway: Get the Scoop + Enter!

Small Seed Radio Podcast—It’s Launch Day!

Small Seed Radio Podcast—It’s Launch Day!

“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

Home

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

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Before I got married, I was surprised at how often I heard some form of the sentiment, "Get ready, because marriage is HARD!" It seemed that everyone was eager to prepare me for the mountains ahead and ensure that I wasn't entering in naively.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The truth is... life is hard. Marriage is what you make it. If you can find a teammate who wants to succeed and you're both willing to work for it, nothing can stop you. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Consider these wise words from Elder L. Whitney Clayton, "Faith is the foundation of every virtue that strengthens marriage. Strengthening faith strengthens marriage. Faith grows as we keep the commandments, and so do the harmony and joy in marriage. Thus, keeping the commandments is fundamental to establishing strong eternal marriages. Watch and learn: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of happy eternal marriages."⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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If you find yourself wanting to strengthen your marriage, strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ.

The time to listen is when someone needs to be heard.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
—Marvin J. Ashton⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We'd love to hear how listening has strengthened your relationships. Tell your story below!

Somehow, as the days multiply and the color of romantic love changes, there are some who slowly stop thinking of each other’s happiness and start noticing the little faults.
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No matter how flat your relationship may be at the present, if you keep adding pebbles of kindness, compassion, listening, sacrifice, understanding, and selflessness, eventually a mighty pyramid will begin to grow.
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If it appears to take forever, remember: happy marriages are meant to last forever! So “be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great [marriage]. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.” —- Dieter F. Uchtdorf

I turned to Pat and said something like this: “Honey, should we give up? I can get a good job and carve out a good living for us. I can do some things. I’ll be okay without a degree. Should we stop trying to tackle what right now seems so difficult to face?” . . .
Then my beloved little bride did what she has done for 45 years since then. She grabbed me by the lapels and said, “We are not going back. We are not going home. The future holds everything for us.” —Jeffrey R. Holland

During a difficult time for their little family, Patricia Holland understood the power of staying focused, committed, and leaving behind the past for the hope of something greater. She had faith!

As we focus this week on strengthening our relationship with our spouse, let us have hope for the future. Is there something we can leave behind or let go of to move forward toward our ultimate goal as couples and families? Maybe we need to forgive, maybe we need to forget. Maybe we need to set a goal, or work on overcoming fear.
Elder Holland reminds, “Faith is for the future, Faith builds on the past but never stays there. Faith trusts that God has great things in store for each of us . . .” How has looking toward the future strengthened your relationship with your spouse? Is there something you and your spouse are looking forward to in the future? We’d love to hear!

"How blessed we are if we recognize God’s handiwork in the marvelous tapestry of life. Gratitude to our Father in Heaven broadens our perception and clears our vision. It inspires humility and fosters empathy toward our fellowmen and all of God’s creation. Gratitude is a catalyst to all Christlike attributes!"
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
This Memorial Day weekend we are filled with gratitude for the men and women who have come before us. The word “history” actually comes from the Greek word “to know”, and there is so much we know—and can know!— through the women and men who came before us.
In their history we can learn so much—what a life of bravery, of sacrifice, of charity and diligence and kindness look like. We can recognize how good God is for the miracles interwoven in these stories, and because of them, the miracles in our lives too. We encourage you to share, tell, remember and record those stories this weekend. As we remember those that came before us in gratitude, we will find greater joy, and clarity and vision for our lives too.
Who are you remembering this weekend, and what does their legacy mean to you?

"Yes, President, I will accept the calling." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"Yes, sister, I will pick up your kids this week." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"Yes, dear, I understand you have to work nights and weekends again." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
"Yes, sweetheart, together we will figure out how to get your hours in." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Any of these circumstances sound familiar? Perhaps all? 🙋 Well, the chaos of life happens to all of us. Overwhelming burdens and stress at times threaten to take over. Even when we practice self care and are thoughtful about what extra responsibilities we will take on, sometimes the tasks pile up before we know it. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Elder Maury W. Schoof described a time in his life when he found himself asked to accept a calling to serve in a bishopric just as he was beginning a new military career with an intense graduate program and had many obligations to his young family. He took great comfort from the story of Alma and his people in Mosiah 23 and 24. After great hardship and ultimate deliverance, these faithful people learned 1) the Lord tests the faith and patience of His people; 2) we need to trust the Lord; 3) we should not murmur; and 4) we can look to our leaders for comfort and encouragement.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"As you face challenges such as a daunting calling, too much to do, family problems, the loss of a loved one, a career reversal, or uncertainty, remember that the Lord will sustain you. Recognize that these experiences can polish you as you place your faith and trust in the Lord, actively practice patience, and listen to the counsel of Church leaders. The Lord has said, 'Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God' (D&C 101:16)."

‘Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid’ (John 14:27). ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I submit to you that may be one of the Savior’s commandments that is...almost universally disobeyed; and yet I wonder whether our resistance to this invitation could be any more grievous to the Lord’s merciful heart…I am convinced that none of us can appreciate how deeply it wounds the loving heart of the Savior of the world when he finds that his people do not feel confident in his care or secure in his hands or trust in his commandments.” ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Just because God is God, just because Christ is Christ, they cannot do other than care for us and bless us and help us if we will but come unto them, approaching their throne of grace in meekness and lowliness of heart. They can’t help but bless us. They have to. It is their nature.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
--Jeffrey R. Holland⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We’d love to hear how you include the Savior in dealing with stress and overwhelm. Tell us below! 👇🏻

When expectations overwhelm us, we can step back and ask Heavenly Father what to let go of. Part of our life experience is learning what not to do. But even so, sometimes life can be exhausting. Jesus assures us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Christ is willing to join with us in the yoke and pull in order to lighten our burdens. Christ is rest.

Sharon Eubank from her talk “Christ: The Light That Shines in Darkness”

“May God give you a sense of what He is up to in your life. May you see glimpses of the breakthrough that is just up ahead. May you, with all your heart, believe that trusting Him over what your eyes see, is totally and completely worth it. May you shift your weight off of your logical reasonings and onto the weightiness of His powerful promises to you. You have got help and resources that go far beyond anything you could ever need. Smile with joy and walk by faith today. He has got you.” — Susie Larson

We hope as you’ve pondered “purpose” this week with us that you remember one thing. That no matter what he’s calling you to right now, with His help you can do it. Trust in Him. Rely on Him. Then do your best in whatever He’s asked, and let Him do the rest. If He’s called you to it, He’s in it with you.

As you ponder your personal purpose this weekend, we invite you to consider these thoughts shared by Ana De Agostini: ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"To qualify for and help others attain the blessings of eternal life is our purpose... Can we think of a purpose that is more ambitious, more glorious than that?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"Charity is when we're doing everything we can to help ourselves and others obtain eternal life. To reach our full potential and purpose in this life, we must know God and Jesus Christ, and we must be more like Jesus Christ.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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"When we humbly ask for Heavenly Father to help us know what to do for one person at one time and then [act] on it, we are becoming more like Him. We are then developing our true identity." ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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How has service illuminated your personal purpose? Who is God leading you to serve today?

Why are you here on earth at this particular time? For example, have you been asked to shepherd strong-willed spirits and build them into talented, faithful men and women? Have you been asked to learn to distinguish good from evil and to bravely speak up against practices which support the adversary’s agenda? Or have you been asked to sacrifice in a particular way for the mission of another? Or have you been sent to live in a troubled family situation in order to increase the purity in that lineage by putting a stop, once and for all, to various impurities? Or have you been sent to teach with clarity and charity eternal truths which will help the women of the world and their families? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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What is your part in helping the Savior with His mission, which is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
-- Wendy Watson Nelson

We all want to feel like we matter and have a purpose in building God’s kingdom. Sometimes, though, confusion and self-doubt can waltz in and take a seat. Am I really needed? we wonder. Can I really do this?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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We know what confusion, overwhelm, and plain self-doubt feels like, friends. Last year we created a guide to help us understand Christ's personal mission in order to understand our own personal missions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Use this FREE four-week study guide to help you find clarity and confidence as you understand how your purpose can be an extension of Christ's purpose.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Click the link in our bio to download for FREE!___⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
We love you and we are cheering you on!

“Our Heavenly Father is intimately involved in the doors that open for us and in the circumstances that lead us to the places we should be—the places where we are equipped, with power, to serve. Have faith that your unseen Navigator will lead you gradually to your life’s calling. ...When it comes to asking what our calling in life is, Jesus Christ is in the answer. The grace of Christ, that same power that helps us do things we otherwise couldn’t, is what will guide us to our callings and enable us to excel in them. You can call upon the grace of Christ to help you... In fact, He pleads with us to do so.” Jeffrey A. Thompson

Are you, like me, wondering what is your purpose in life? Your calling, your “WHY”, your unique mission? I’ve been thinking about how each of us have our own distinct gifts and talents and yet sometimes it can feel overwhelming to figure out the “right” thing we are supposed to do with them in life. Maybe the answer is thinking less about ourselves and more about others. What if our purpose was to help God with his purposes? I know that if we can turn our will over to Him, He can bring us to higher and more meaningful places then we ever could travel alone. I feel anchored in the knowledge that my ultimate purpose can be to help with God’s work, helping His sons and daughters, and that with Christ I don’t have to do so alone. (From team member @stephanielonasmonroe )

“You are doing God’s work. You are doing it wonderfully well. He is blessing you and He will bless you, even—no, especially—when your days and your nights may be the most challenging. Like the woman who anonymously, meekly, perhaps even with hesitation and some embarrassment, fought her way through the crowd just to touch the hem of the Master’s garment, so Christ will say to the women who worry and wonder and sometimes weep over their responsibility as mothers, ‘Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole.’ And it will make your children whole as well.” -Jeffrey R. Holland
Oh you good Mothers. We’re praying today that you feel, that you know, that the sacrifices you make in faith are enough! We’re praying that you feel how good you are. How loved you are. That the world, and your children’s worlds, wouldn’t be the same—wouldn’t BE!—without YOU.
Watching you all mother and teach faith day after day inspires us again and again. Happy Mother’s Day, from all of us to you 💛
Tag someone who has inspired, mothered, or been there for you!

While we tend to equate motherhood solely with maternity, in the Lord’s language, the word mother has layers of meaning...Motherhood is more than bearing children, though it is certainly that. It is the essence of who we are as women. It defines our very identity, our divine stature and nature, and the unique traits our Father gave us.
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Every one of us can mother someone—beginning, of course, with the children in our own families but extending far beyond. Every one of us can show by word and by deed that the work of women in the Lord’s kingdom is magnificent and holy. I repeat: We are all mothers.
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Few of us will reach our potential without the nurturing of both the mother who bore us and the mothers who bear with us...Look around. Who needs you and your influence? If we really want to make a difference, it will happen as we mother those we have borne and those we are willing to bear with. Sheri Dew
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We’d love to hear your experiences below of when you have felt the power of mothers and motherhood! 💜

What is a mother heart and how is one acquired? We learn about some of those qualities in the scriptures. To paraphrase Proverbs: “Who can find a … woman [with a mother heart]? for her price is far above rubies. … She … worketh willingly with her hands. … With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. … She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. … Strength and honour are her clothing. … She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness”...
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There is no limit to what a woman with a mother heart can accomplish. Righteous women have changed the course of history and will continue to do so, and their influence will spread and grow exponentially throughout the eternities. — Julie B. Beck

We all make mistakes in our mothering. But through repentance and the atonement of Jesus Christ, and by continually communicating his love, miracles can happen, wrongs can be righted. Never give up. Never let your arms hang down.

To mothers raising children alone, remember that you and the Lord constitute a majority. As your arms encircle your little ones, his arms are there, too. Feel secure, for his arms are lengthened out toward us all the day long.
Mary F. Foulger

My heart has felt extra tender this week reflecting on motherhood. How wonderful to know there isn’t one right way to be a mother and what a relief it is to know we don’t have to be perfect. Even this week I’ve experienced the high of praying over a child and receiving divine guidance meant just for them and the low of feeling like I’ve made one mistake too many and perhaps my offerings and sacrifices are too small... the truth is motherhood is both of these and also in between! I’m sharing below in the comments and more in our stories about what helps me the most when I feel overwhelmed and incapable of this great work of motherhood and caring for His children. I’d love to hear from you below as well —
What helps you to feel strength and power from God when mothering His children? — 💛 from team member Stephanie @stephanielonasmonroe