2023 Growth Journal

Journaling has always been a practice that is near and dear to my heart. One of the things I’ve personally… Read more 2023 Growth Journal

Tethered // Doodle Devos

Last week, I got my dog a new leash. . .

Seger Bonifant // The Community Spotlight

Fifth-grade Seger Bonifant stood by his father as the two watched the 3-on-3 tournament at Strasburg’s annual Corn Festival. He followed the ball between passes as the players sped up and down the court. His gaze fell on the 6’10” center who dominated the floor with his towering presence. His father nodded toward the game. “That’s Jason Andreas—he plays pro ball overseas.” Seger looked up at his dad and then back toward the man on the court. And in that moment, he knew.

Megan Weaver // The Community Spotlight

After having to stop for a herd of cows to cross the road in true Amish Country fashion, Jon put the pedal to the floor and they made it to Wooster Hospital in record time. She explained to the staff that she’s 29 weeks pregnant, her contractions are every two minutes, she’s in a lot of pain, and she is going to have this baby. They took her back right away, and asked a variety of questions. “Have you ever had a labor lasting less than forty minutes?” Surely not, rang the tone of the nurse’s voice.

With Open Hands

If I’ve learned anything in recent weeks, it’s this: Joy is too high a price to pay for control. We are in no place to receive what God is preparing us for if we’re standing stagnant with tightly clenched fists.

Thoughts from the ‘Lost and Found’ box

As a kid, perusing the lost and found box was always an exciting adventure. What will I see in the box today? Fast forward twenty years, and I no longer scrounge around the lost and found box after church, hoping to spot little treasures. However, in the ebb and flow of life, I sometimes find myself feeling a little like a lost toy, myself.

From beneath the blindfold: managing conflict, emotions, and the messy stuff of life.

It wasn’t so much an issue with my eyesight, but rather my eye-control. You see, the spunky little towhead that was me also had an attitude problem. Really, I was a sweet kid. Some may say an angel child (haha). But when things didn’t go my way, I could let you know. If I disapproved, I’d show my disgust with an eye-roll.

Missy Herrera // The Community Spotlight

As she sat there, Missy couldn’t help but notice: There are fewer walls between us than we think. We make them up in our mind according to language, according to how someone looks, according to whatever it is you want to say.

Chosen // Doodle Devos

My fiancé pulled off a huge surprise and there we were, proud owners of a sweet, timid golden doodle. We cuddled her, bathed her, cuddled her some more, and dubbed her Nala. The poor thing looked weary, scared, and exhausted. As we reveled in our first night as puppy parents, Noah told me the story.

We all want a king.

“And they said, ‘No! But there shall be a king over us, that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” [8:19-20]