Scripture: Matthew 13:23 NIV “But the seed falling on good soil refers to someone who hears the word and understands it. This is the one who produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.” As spring arrives, we begin preparing our gardens. Whether we buy or build raised beds, add compost, or bring in planting soil, the work always begins with preparing the ground. When it’s time to plant, we loosen the soil or dig a small hole, place the seed, cover it, water it, and keep the soil moist as we wait and watch it grow. If we skipped the preparation and simply tossed seed onto the ground hoping for the best, maybe one or two seeds might take root—but they likely wouldn’t grow as we hoped. Birds would eat them, wind would scatter them, and the sun would dry them out. In the same way, as Christians reaching others, we don’t scatter the Gospel like wild seed. We build relationships and cultivate good soil. We form friendships, have meaningful conversations, share our lives and testimonies, and invite others into community and church. When the seed is planted in good soil, it has the space and care it needs to grow. Garden Focus: Tilling and planting Devotional Thought: Good soil produces good fruit. God prepares our hearts to receive His Word. Discussion Questions: 1. What can we do to prepare our hearts for God’s teaching? 2. How can we help each other grow spiritually? Kid-Friendly Prompt: Dig a small garden patch or a pot and plant seeds together.

Scripture: Proverbs 4:23 NIVd “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” “Gate! Get the gate!” you shout, watching your animals run for it like they’re about to escape Alcatraz. They don’t realize the gate isn’t keeping them trapped—it’s keeping them safe from traffic on the road or the dogs in the neighboring pasture. Anyone who’s owned animals understands the importance of gates, especially when separating animals, keeping them from running loose, or—just as importantly—keeping danger out. Gates aren’t about restriction; they’re about protection. In the same way, we are the gatekeepers of our own hearts. We choose what we allow in and what we allow out. Do we let the wolf enter to devour our souls, or allow anger and bitterness to escape and wound others? Do we let goodness and love enter and love others? Guard the gate. Farm Focus: Gates and fences Devotional Thought: Boundaries protect what matters most. Discussion Questions: 1. What is something in your life that needs protection? 2. How do rules help us stay safe? Kid-Friendly Prompt: Pretend to close gates for animals to keep them safe.

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” With spring comes the birthing season on the farm. Chicks hatch, and baby goats, sheep, horses, and calves are born. I have served as a midwife to many of God’s creatures—staying up late on baby watch, assisting with difficult births, and performing neonatal checks to enfgsure each newborn is healthy and strong. With every birth comes that precious cuteness overload and the joy of watching little ones learn how to navigate the world around them. In much the same way, new Christians are given new life. The old is washed away, sins are forgiven, and a new life in Christ begins—one that must learn how to walk, grow, and live for Him. The moment of birth is exciting: new life! And new life in Christ is the greatest choice we can make. Congratulations to those who have chosen this life—life with Christ. Animal Focus: Birth season Devotional Thought: God brings new beginnings and hope. Discussion Questions: 1. How has God given you a new start before? 2. How can we help others experience new life in Christ? Kid-Friendly Prompt: Draw a baby animal or new plant to celebrate life.