When a large crowd from several towns had gathered around Jesus, he told them this story: A farmer went out to scatter seed in a field. While the farmer was doing it, some of the seeds fell along the road and were stepped on or eaten by birds. Other seeds fell on rocky ground and started growing. But the plants did not have enough water and soon dried up. Some other seeds fell where thornbushes grew up and choked the plants. The rest of the seeds fell on good ground where they grew and produced a hundred times as many seeds. When Jesus had finished speaking, he said, "If you have ears, pay attention!" Jesus' disciples asked him what the story meant. So he answered: I have explained the secrets about God's kingdom to you, but for others I can only use stories. These people look, but they don't see, and they hear, but they don't understand. This is what the story means: The seed is God's message, and the seeds that fell along the road are the people who hear the message. But the devil comes and snatches the message out of their hearts, so that they will not believe and be saved. The seeds that fell on rocky ground are the people who gladly hear the message and accept it. But they don't have deep roots, and they believe only for a little while. As soon as life gets hard, they give up. The seeds that fell among the thornbushes are also people who hear the message. But they are so eager for riches and pleasures that they never produce anything. Those seeds that fell on good ground are the people who listen to the message and keep it in good and honest hearts. They last and produce a harvest.

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Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and Peace be with you Christ's Soldier!

Today's Bible parable that Jesus taught is a favorite of mine. You see, I am reminded of a time when your mother was a little girl just about your age. She asked me one day why I did not go to Church with her. She was being an Evangelist. She challenged me. Well the next morning I did go to this Church with her. I was very proud of her. She was in a Church procession, like a parade, and carried the Cross or a candle. Your uncle was also there in those days. He sang in the Kid's Choir.

That was the first day that I saw the window of St. Cornelius. His picture was right over the Holy Table in the middle of the Church. I listened to the Bible stories, and I heard the Creed. On that day I believe God planted a seed in Granddaddy's heart that has been growing ever since, and I pray that God on the last day finds that I have been fruitful with his gift of love.

God's word goes out to many people around the world. But some do not receive it in "Good Ground". Then it gets strangled out by the problems of the day. Or it has no water to nourish it. It is just like if you planted a garden. You must till the ground. You must fertilize it with good things. You must water it. If you neglect it you will likely get weeds and thorns and a dead plant rather than something good.

The most important thing is this. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and that he will save you and raise you up to heaven on the last day.. if you have that belief, if you hold on to it all your life... you will be the good ground that Jesus speaks of, and will be fruitful.

So long and remember to keep the ground of your heart ready to hear and grow God's word, and he will surely bless you and those who are with you.

/s/ Granddaddy

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LESSON EXERCISES

* Can you name the people in this story, and tell about them?

* In you own words, what do you think this story is about?

* Draw a picture that tells the Gospel story. (You may copy or trace the one on the lesson if you wish.)

* Make up a story (parable) or share a true story that is like our lesson today.

* Sing a song about today's story In the Child Garden

Songs for Children

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Notice: This is an open letter to my Grandson Nathan. It is under copyright protection: The Rev. Mark Carroll, MMVI

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