Weaving Faith and Stewardship into Stella Star’s Chicken Farm 🐔🌿
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
In April of 2021, I watched my niece Stella interact with elderly patrons at her parents’ farm, showing them chickens and spending time with them. That afternoon I made a note in my phone, proposing a new Christian children’s book, Stella Star’s Chicken Farm. I wanted to create a heartwarming story that blends adventure, compassion, and Christian values. As I outlined Stella’s journey, I realized that her mission to serve the elderly on her farm naturally connected with lessons from the Bible about stewardship and caring for others. I hate that it’s been three years, but I am so grateful to be working on the book now.
Here’s a sneak peek into how scripture shapes the story and guides Stella’s reflections on her journey.
Plot Overview ✨:
Stella Star is a young, vibrant farm owner who takes pride in her animals, especially her favorite Wyandotte bantam rooster, Skittles. She dreams of using her farm to bring joy to elderly residents in nursing homes, but her journey is filled with moments of doubt and learning. Through it all, Stella’s faith and growing understanding of stewardship guide her, as she discovers how caring for both animals and people honors God’s call.
How Scripture Guides Stella’s Journey 📖:
1. The Call to Stewardship (Genesis 2:15)
In Sunday School, Stella learns about Genesis 2:15:
“The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.”
As Stella tends to her farm, she reflects on how she, too, has been entrusted with a special role as a caretaker—just like Adam in the Garden of Eden. Her animals, especially Skittles, are her responsibility, and she takes this role seriously.
2. Serving Others with Her Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
When Stella comes up with the idea to invite nursing home residents to her farm, she remembers something her parents taught her:
1 Peter 4:10:
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
Stella’s farm is her gift, and she realizes that God has given her the chance to use it to bring joy to the elderly. Her excitement grows as she prepares for the visits, knowing that she’s fulfilling her calling to serve.
3. Overcoming Doubt (Psalm 24:1)
On the day of the first visit, things don’t go as planned. The chickens are skittish, and the elderly visitors seem unsure of the animals. Stella begins to doubt her mission.
In this moment, she reflects on Psalm 24:1:
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
This verse reminds her that the farm—and all her efforts—belong to God. As a steward of His creation, Stella takes a deep breath and prays for guidance, trusting that she is part of something bigger.
4. The Breakthrough with Skittles (James 1:27)
Just when doubt threatens to take over, Skittles comes to the rescue. He approaches one of the elderly visitors, and their quiet interaction sparks a ripple of joy across the farm. The visitors begin bonding with the animals, and Stella’s heart fills with relief.
She remembers James 1:27:
“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress…”
Stella knows she’s following God’s Word by caring for those in need—especially the elderly—and bringing happiness to them through her farm.
5. Honoring the Elderly (Leviticus 19:32)
As Stella’s visits become a regular event, she thinks back to her Sunday School lesson on Leviticus 19:32:
“Show respect for the elderly and revere your God.”
Stella’s heart swells with gratitude as she sees how much joy the elderly visitors experience at the farm. She knows she’s honoring God’s command to care for and respect the elderly, and she feels blessed to have this opportunity.
Faith and Stewardship in Everyday Life
Through Stella Star’s Chicken Farm, I hope to show that even in the small things—like tending to animals and opening our homes to others—we can live out God’s call for stewardship and service. Stella’s journey is a reflection of how faith guides us through doubt, and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others.
💭 What are some ways you’ve seen stewardship and faith play out in your life or the lives of those around you?
Let’s connect in the comments!
Hashtags:
#ChristianChildrensBooks #Stewardship #CaringForTheElderly #FaithAndFarming #GodsCreation #ChildrenAndFaith #BookInProgress #ScriptureInStories #ChristianValues #YoungReaders
💗💖💗Post Script–I know Stella is a young woman now and enjoying life as a ninth grader, but when I envision her for this book, this is the precious face I see. A wavy haired, red headed girl with all the sweetness and abundance that the Lord has created her to have. Stella, I hope you will oblige Aunt Jenni and let me write about you as a young girl. I love Stella Star almost as much as I love Stella Greene. I may have teared up a lot while writing this post and planning this book. I love you to the moon and back, Stella Bella. 💗💖💗
The Aging English Major 