Dear Church Family,
On May 4th, during our morning services, Pastor Rick announced his plan to retire as Lead Pastor of One Church later this year. As we prepare to honor the legacy of Pastor Rick and welcome the next generation of leadership, this email offers an overview of our transition process and will answer some questions that you may have.
First and foremost, Pastor Rick’s retirement comes after years of fruitful ministry and at a time that he has reached his well-earned retirement age. This transition is a joyful passing of the torch to the next generation. Our board and our denomination have unanimously approved Pastor Brian to be One Church’s next Lead Pastor!
We understand that change can be difficult and transition can be challenging. At the same time, echoing Pastor Rick, we are excited for what’s to come because God has led us to this point. One Church is vibrant, growing, and experiencing spiritual momentum right now, and this transition is an additional sign of growth. The Scriptures remind us in 2 Timothy 2:2 to pass on what we have learned, ensuring that our faith continues to flourish. And in Philippians 1:6, we’re reassured that the good work God started in us will be brought to completion. Our transition is a healthy, God-ordained step forward.
Please continue reading for some practical information regarding the next steps, as well as a message from Pastor Rick and Pastor Brian.

For the past 24 years, God has given me the privilege of leading One Church. I had no idea in 2001 what that would mean for us. I grew as a leader, and we grew as a congregation. So many lives have been influenced to follow Jesus for the first time, and that is not possible unless you all invited them to come and check out worship on Sunday. The number of people serving with kids, teens, greeters, ushers, and small group leaders is staggering. There is more to come!
Last time I checked, heaven’s gates are still open, and more people need to get in before Jesus returns. God bless you as you do your part to help them get there!
Brian shared about the first time we met at Tim Horton’s, and I asked, “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” His response centered around making Akron and One Church their home. I had another question I asked God that day: “Why are Brian and Danielle here?” It wasn’t long after that God answered my question. We were in need of a youth leader, so I asked Brian if he would be interested, and he said, “Yes.” The church board interviewed him, and his staff journey at One Church began. 
Personally, you have become family to me as we worshiped, hung out in the foyer at church, and shared other times in growth groups, memories I will never forget. There is something about our gatherings that new people pick up on right away… that we like each other, have fun being together, and that there is a place for them in our church. Keep being who you are!
Brian has a passion to see those who attend church make a first-time commitment to Jesus and find a place to serve on our Dream Team. As we approach this time of my retirement and transition, our Conference and church board interviewed and agreed that Pastor Brian will be the next Lead Pastor at One Church. Looking forward to seeing what God does as he leads One Church into the next chapter of our story. You are a blessing to me, Brian, and to many others. Thank you!"

When will this take place?

• September 14th will officially be Pastor Rick’s last Sunday, and Pastor Brian will be installed as our new Lead Pastor.

What will the next 3 months look like?

• During Pastor Rick’s remaining tenure, our goal is to continue to grow, make impact in our community and stay on mission to Know God & Make Him Known! Pastor Rick will be preaching and leading during this time as Pastor Brian works alongside him to ensure a smooth transition.

What about the rest of the staff?

• We have been blessed with a diverse, talented staff team. Each staff member will remain in their current roles, continuing to serve the church with the same heart and mission!

I've often heard people refer to the most influential pastor in their life as "their Moses." And Pastor Rick is absolutely that in my life. But he is also so much more. For the last 14 years, he has been my pastor, mentor, leader, spiritual father, and friend. He has stood by my side on my hardest days and celebrated with me during some of life's greatest moments. God used his generosity of the pulpit, leadership, and pouring into me over the years to help shape me into the pastor and man I am today and I will forever be grateful for the investment he made. He is one of the most consistent men I've ever met. He is the same person in the pulpit as he is on the golf course as he is meeting one on one in his office. He lives what he preaches, cares deeply for people, and has a faith I will always admire. His fingerprints will forever be on this church and his legacy and impact will live on for generations. 
I remember my first time getting coffee with Pastor Rick at Tim Hortons all those years ago. We talked about ministry, God's call on my life, this church that I was just getting involved with that is now my home, and at one point he asked me, "where do you see yourself in 10 years?" I responded, "I see myself in Akron long-term." It seemed like a foolish statement coming out of my mouth only after a couple weeks attending the church, yet at the same time, I think I knew from the first time walking into the building and meeting the incredible people, that this was where God was calling Danielle and I to put down roots. 
I didn't know what that would look like or even how that would happen, but here we are. Our family now lives in Akron, raising kids in the community, and more friends than I could imagine in the church and community. This is our home, and I'm so grateful God, by His grace, led us here. I am humbled to have been chosen by our Board of Administration, and affirmed by our denomination’s conference to be your next lead pastor. This is a role I’ve been preparing for, feel called to, and I couldn’t be more excited to be your pastor. I believe God’s timing and His hand is guiding this transition and I’m committed to leading One Church as we continue to Know God and to Make Him Known in Akron, Medina, and beyond.

On September 16th, 2001, Pastor Rick stepped into the role of Lead Pastor. Now, nearly 24 years to the day, he will officially ‘pass the baton.’ Join us in person for this special moment as we celebrate Pastor Rick’s incredible legacy and embrace the future with Pastor Brian stepping into leadership!

21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Why & How
The start of a new year is a sacred opportunity—a moment to pause, reflect, and set the tone for what lies ahead. 21 days of prayer and fasting is about more than just starting the new year well; it’s about intentionally making space for God to work in our lives. This dedicated time of seeking Him is a powerful way to reset our hearts, refocus our priorities, and renew our commitment to His plans and purposes.

Why Are We Doing 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting?
So why devote 21 days to prayer and fasting? This isn’t just about a practice or discipline—it’s a spiritual journey. These 21 days are a time to step back from the noise of life and lean into God’s presence. Prayer connects us to God, while fasting helps us disconnect from worldly distractions.

By choosing to fast, we’re not just giving something up; we’re creating space for something far greater. Whether you’re seeking guidance for the year ahead, praying for a breakthrough, or simply longing to draw closer to God, this is a time to recalibrate. As we intentionally focus on Him, we’re reminded of His promises and faithfulness.

Biblical Foundations for Prayer and Fasting
The Bible offers countless examples of prayer and fasting, highlighting how these practices draw people closer to God and align them with His will:

• Seeking Guidance: "Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." (Jeremiah 33:3) God invites us to seek His wisdom and direction. When we’re unsure of the path ahead, prayer and fasting open our hearts to His leading.
• Cultivating Intimacy: Jesus Himself fasted and prayed, modeling dependence on God. "But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, that your fasting may not be seen by others but by your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:17-18) This reminds us that fasting is not about outward appearances but about a sincere heart seeking intimacy with God.
• Returning to God: "Yet even now," declares the Lord, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning." (Joel 2:12) Fasting is a way to return to God with humility and repentance, aligning our hearts with His.

What Does Prayer and Fasting Look Like?
Prayer and fasting can take many forms. The key is to approach it with intentionality and a heart open to God. Here are a few ways to structure your 21 days:

1. Choose Your Fast: Fasting doesn’t always mean abstaining from food entirely. You might choose a partial fast (like skipping certain meals or foods), a Daniel fast (eating only fruits and vegetables), or a media fast (stepping away from social media, TV, or other distractions). Whatever you choose, let it be something that helps you focus on God.
2. Set Aside Time for Prayer: Whether it’s morning devotions, mid-day reflections, or evening prayer, carve out consistent time to talk to God. Use this time to thank Him, confess, seek guidance, and intercede for others.
3. Meditate on Scripture: Let God’s Word be your guide during this season. Reflect on passages like Isaiah 58:6-12, Matthew 6:16-18, or Psalm 63:1. Journaling your thoughts can deepen your understanding and make your prayers more focused.
4. Engage in Worship: Worship is a vital part of prayer and fasting. Play worship music, sing praises, or simply sit in awe of who God is. Worship aligns our hearts with His and reminds us of His greatness.

Why Is Prayer and Fasting Important?
Fasting, paired with prayer, is a tool for personal transformation and spiritual growth. Here’s why it matters:

• It Realigns Our Priorities: When we fast, we’re reminded that our ultimate satisfaction comes not from what we consume but from God alone. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God." (Matthew 4:4)
• It Builds Our Faith: Fasting strengthens our dependence on God. When we deny ourselves, we make room for Him to move in powerful ways. This act of surrender is a declaration of trust.
• It Positions Us for Breakthrough: Throughout Scripture, fasting is often connected with breakthrough moments—whether it’s deliverance, protection, or healing. When we fast, we’re not twisting God’s arm; we’re aligning ourselves with His will and making space for Him to work.
• It Deepens Our Relationship with God: Prayer and fasting create an environment where we can hear God’s voice more clearly and experience His presence more profoundly.

As we enter these 21 days of prayer and fasting, remember that you’re not walking this journey alone. Together, as a church family, we’re seeking God’s direction and strength. Let’s encourage one another, share our experiences, and celebrate what God is doing in our lives.

Take these 21 days one step at a time. Whatever your experience with fasting is, God honors your heart and your desire to draw near to Him. He sees your sacrifice and your prayers, and He promises to meet you in this sacred space.

Let’s approach this season with expectancy, knowing that the same God who moved mountains in Scripture is still moving today. Together, let’s reset, refocus, and renew—trusting that He has incredible plans for each of us in the days ahead.

Growing up, I was the kid who liked science, not sports. I was the kid who worked my brain, not my body. In my teenage years, I became keenly aware of the circles that I fit in, or rather, didn’t fit in. There’s so much pressure, especially when you’re in middle school and high school, to look like, think like, and talk like a certain “group.” Whether it’s drama and the arts, sports, robotics or any of the other various “cliques,” everyone wants to feel that sense of belonging with a group that is like them. But what if you don’t fit those groups? Where do you go?

For me, youth group was my group. Sure, there were still kids that liked things I didn’t, but every week, we would all come to a place with one mission: to worship and learn about God. Okay, okay, maybe there was another mission of snacks and girls (that is, after all, where my wife and I met). But the overall focus that brought us together was God. Fast forward to my first missions’ trip, and I was in a third world country with people from youth group: sporty kids, drama kids, and tech-y kids all coming together to serve in a country that wasn’t our own, and more than that, to worship with people that we didn’t share a language with.

It was a powerful example to a young me of what God really created the church to look like. A church that is full of different talents, cultures, languages, and people. We didn’t need to all be the same to be effective for His Kingdom—I would argue that it was actually our differences that made us effective. That, and the unity that we had despite our differences.

This experience planted a seed in my heart about what unity truly means. At One Church, unity isn't just a nice concept or a word we throw around. It's a living, breathing mission. We’re not talking about one person standing alone, but about one body—a powerful collective, moving together in love and purpose. It’s not just you or me; it’s us.

Paul puts it beautifully in Ephesians 4:3-6: “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This isn’t just an abstract idea; it’s a blueprint for how we are called to live as a community.

Take a moment to let that sink in. This isn’t just a nice idea; it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder that unity isn’t optional—it’s vital. The power of one body, bound by one hope and rooted in one God, is unstoppable. And here's the best part: unity doesn’t erase our differences; it embraces them and binds them together into something stronger than we could ever be alone.

Thinking back to those youth group days and that first mission trip, we came together—not because we all thought or acted the same way, but because we were focused on the same purpose. That’s unity in action: it’s not about uniformity; it’s about diversity working in harmony. It’s about moving as one body, as Paul describes in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27. Each part matters, whether you’re an eye, a hand, or a foot (and maybe even an appendix). When we bring our different gifts, backgrounds, and stories together, that’s when we become the one God designed us to be.

The early church in Acts 2:42-47 got this right. They met together, shared meals, prayed, and supported each other. They showed up for one another, and that kind of unity—messy, real, and deeply relational—changed everything. It’s a picture of what happens when "the power of one" becomes more than a concept; it becomes our way of life.

So, what does this look like for us? It’s more than just showing up on Sundays. It’s being the body, together. Here’s how we can live out the power of one:

1. Celebrate Differences: Let’s not just tolerate our diversity; let’s embrace it. Your story, your gifts, your quirks—they matter here. They’re part of what makes us us.
2. Pray Together: Have you ever noticed how prayer changes the atmosphere? When we pray as a community, it’s like we’re locking arms with the Spirit. It aligns our hearts with God’s and with each other’s.
3. Serve Side by Side: Find a spot to jump in and serve. Whether it’s helping with children, tech, leading a small group, or simply lending a hand where needed, serving together deepens our connections.
4. Show Up for Each Other: Unity isn’t just about the high points; it’s strengthened in the real, sometimes messy moments of life. Be there to cheer someone on, and be there when life knocks them down.

Unity is more than an idea; it’s who we are. When we come together, embracing our differences and focusing on our shared mission, we are unstoppable. Unity is what turns a room full of unique, diverse people into a community with one heartbeat, one mission: to know God and to make Him known. It's not about being the same—it’s about being together. So, let’s ask ourselves: how can we lean into this calling? How can we contribute to this collective strength?

Together, we are One Church! Let's be one from Akron to Medina and everywhere in between to reach the world around us with the love and hope of Jesus Christ!

I don’t think I’m great at praying. That may seem strange to hear from a pastor, but I’m just being honest. It doesn’t come naturally, and it’s something I have to work on daily to get better at. What I find interesting, though, is that I’ve never met anyone who has said, “I am great at praying” when speaking about their own prayer life. And I’ve met people who are serious prayer warriors—people I turn to when I need someone to pray on my behalf. People who dedicate well over an hour a day to seeking God, who even have a dedicated room in their house for prayer. Even those who the rest of us would say have “mastered the art of prayer” tend to think they could do better.

Why is it that the majority of us feel like we aren’t good at praying? That’s a good question, and one that’s a little difficult to answer. I think part of that mindset has to do with our desire to be in God’s presence. No matter how strong or weak our prayer lives may be, they’re still just a taste of what our souls truly desire. So, in one sense, we will always long for more. But I also think another reason is an inaccurate or incomplete view of prayer.

My wife Danielle and I are quickly approaching our 15-year wedding anniversary, and we’ve been together for about 17 years. We obviously talk every single day—multiple times a day—often for over an hour at a time. Let me give you a basic overview of our communication on a regular day.

Most days, she wakes up before 5 a.m. to get to work by 6 a.m., so our first communication is simply, “Good morning, I love you, goodbye.” It’s not much, but it’s enough at that time of day. (Now that I think about it, it might actually be too much at 5 a.m. Danielle, if you’re reading this, please shorten it to just “I love you.” Thanks.) Later in the morning, I’ll text her updates on how our daughters did getting on the bus or at daycare drop-off. We’ll text each other “love you.” We touch base throughout the day via text. Sometimes the texts are about our day, sometimes they’re questions, sometimes we’re venting, and sometimes it’s just a joke or a quick “I miss you.”

After work, we talk on the phone. Sometimes for her entire commute (my commute is 5 seconds, but hers is about 25 minutes), and other times just for a couple of minutes because one of us needs to decompress.

We try to talk at home before and after dinner, but it almost never happens. We have an 18-month-old and a 5-year-old. Our home is complete chaos—the good kind, usually—so it’s survival mode until the kids’ bedtimes.

Once the kids are in bed, we finally get to have real, deep conversations. Sometimes we talk for an hour, sometimes for just 5 minutes. There’s never an agenda or a specific time frame we’re aiming for. It’s natural and free-flowing. Often, we’ll end the day watching something on Netflix, pausing the show several times when something pops into our minds to talk about.

Here’s why I explained our communication in such detail—because none of it is structured. We communicate because we want to and because we love each other deeply. Even when we aren’t saying anything, we’re still enjoying each other’s presence or working as a team. Whether we’re together, apart, or on a mission, we’re constantly checking in throughout the day.

I want to encourage you to treat your prayer life similarly. My morning prayers are simple and short. I spend more intentional time praying at some point during the day, but I’m constantly checking in with God throughout. When I notice something beautiful, my thoughts go to God. When I’m dealing with something difficult, I ask for help. When I experience joy, I give thanks. Whether I’m kneeling at the altar, working, or mowing the lawn, I’m aware of and enjoying God’s presence.

I think this is what Paul was communicating in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 when he said, “Pray continually.” Not necessarily hours of prayer at a time, but a constant awareness of God’s presence and a continual conversation throughout the day. There are times and seasons for extended prayer, just like Danielle and I will have our “date nights,” where we get to talk longer and deeper than on a typical day. But most of the time, our prayers will be short, yet consistent.

So, my challenge to you is to pray continually today. One thing I’ve recommended in the past is to make a note in your phone and send little “text message” prayers to God throughout the day. Little “I love you’s” and “thank you’s.” Ask for help when you need it, strength when you’re weak, courage when you’re afraid, and even vent when you’re frustrated. This will undoubtedly create an awareness of God’s presence in our lives. I believe this is what a strong prayer life looks like and how it can bring us closer to the heart of God.

That first sub-70-degree day brings all the familiar fall feelings—suddenly, you’re craving apple cider, ready for a pumpkin farm visit, and itching to throw on a hoodie. Summer begins to fall to autumn, and for a lot of us, it’s our favorite season. But for the farmer, fall is about so much more than just cozy feelings. Fall is harvest season—the time when all the hard work of spring and summer pays off, and the seeds planted, watered, and tended finally yield their bounty.

I’ve always enjoyed change. I guess it’s part of being a millennial—we’ve had to adapt to things changing faster than we can keep up. But lately, God has been nudging me to slow down, to be present and look for Him in the everyday, in the small moments of life, including this season. And that prompting has caused me to pause and ask what He’s teaching me now, not just look forward to what could be or what I hope is coming.

So I’ve been thinking a lot about harvest—not just the physical one, but the spiritual one. You see, I tend to rush through fall because I’m all about Christmas (the best season, if you ask me). But what if, in my rush to get to the next thing, I miss what God has prepared for me right now? What if there’s something He’s asking me to harvest, something planted in a previous season that’s ready to come to fruition now?

How often do we miss out on what’s ready because we’re too focused on what’s ahead or stuck looking back at what used to be? What if, in all this rushing, we overlook the things God planted for us to reap today?

Now, I’m no farmer. I can barely keep a houseplant alive, let alone a field of crops. But I do know this: we are all called to sow, plant, reap, and harvest. These aren’t just farming principles; they’re spiritual ones, too. And just like a farmer, we need to consider what we’re planting and harvesting.

From the very beginning, God has been the ultimate "farmer". In Genesis, we see Him planting life itself in the Garden of Eden, sowing the seeds of everything we experience today. Every new day, every act of grace, every answered prayer is harvested from what God has been planting since the beginning of creation. And the greatest seed He ever sowed? Jesus—our salvation. Through His life, death, and resurrection, we get to live in the harvest of that ultimate sacrifice.

It’s easy to overlook this daily harvest, to get so used to it that we start taking it for granted. One of my favorite prayers comes from David in Psalm 51: “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.” That’s a prayer I come back to often because it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty in what He’s already done for us.

God continues to sow in our lives today. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). He plants through His Spirit, through Jesus, and through the people He puts in our path.

When I think about the seeds planted in my own life, I immediately think of my grandma. She was the closest thing to a saint I’ve ever known. After losing three of her five children and her husband, she remained full of joy. Her faith never wavered, and she made it her mission to introduce her grandkids to Jesus. At a time when my parents didn’t yet know the Lord, she’d pick me and my siblings up every Sunday for church and even take us to the Wednesday night programs. She was the one who sowed the first seeds of faith in my life, and I’m still reaping the benefits of that today. Knowing Jesus is the greatest harvest, and I owe so much of that to her.

All of us have people who have sown into our faith journeys—parents, grandparents, pastors, friends. They planted seeds that we’re now reaping. But here’s the thing: the harvest isn’t just for us to enjoy. We have a responsibility to sow again.

There’s a Scripture we often hear around this time of year:

“When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.’”  - Matthew 9:36-38

It’s interesting how Jesus views the helpless crowds as a harvest. And the laborers? That’s us. Jesus wasn’t talking about crops or fields; He was talking about people, souls ready for the message of the Gospel. The seeds had been planted, but there weren’t enough people to help bring them to maturity.

Immediately after this statement, Jesus calls the twelve disciples, commissioning them to go out and bring in the harvest. They weren’t harvesting their own crops—they were gathering the fruits of what had been planted generations before.

The same goes for us. We may not have planted the seeds we’re called to harvest. They might have been sown by generations before us, by people we’ve never met. But the harvest is ready, and we are the laborers God is calling to go out into the field.

Today, you might be in a season of planting, or maybe you’re in a season of harvesting—or perhaps a little bit of both. Both are vital. We need to harvest when the crops are ripe, but we also need to keep sowing for the future. The seeds we plant today will grow into what the next generation reaps.

Paul mentions this concept in 1 Corinthians 3:6-9 |  I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. 8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. 9 For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building.

The idea of teamwork is strong here. The idea that we don’t have to be the ones to do EVERYTHING is also a relief. But the reality is we are either planting, watering, or harvesting. And all of it is done with God and for God.

So what are we sowing for the next generation? Are we sowing seeds of unity? Are we sowing seeds of hope? Are we sowing seeds of peace? Or are they the opposite? The seeds we plant now will shape the future of our faith, our church, and the world. We can’t just focus on what we’re harvesting for ourselves; we have to think about what we’re leaving for those who come after us.

This is both a challenge and an encouragement. Maybe you’ve been planting seeds in someone’s life and haven’t seen any signs of growth yet. Remember, our job may be to plant or to harvest, but not always both. Sometimes, we plant the seeds, and it’s someone else’s job to bring in the harvest.

So, let’s slow down and take the time to keep planting, keep sowing, and trust God with the growth. And when the harvest comes, let’s be ready to do the work, not just for ourselves, but for all the ones to come after us.

Two weeks ago, I walked my five-year-old to the end of the driveway, where we stood hand in hand, waiting for her bus for the first time. As the bus approached the house, I could see her excitement building. And as we walked up to the bus and the doors opened, she slowed down and said, "Daddy, I’m scared."

I like to think I’m pretty good with words, but in moments like those, I almost never know what to say. Trying to manage my own emotions while instilling as much confidence as possible in my daughter is no easy task. I don’t remember my exact response, but it was something along the lines of, “You got this, I’m proud of you, you have so much courage.” And before I knew it, she was running up the stairs of the bus and waving to me through the window as my emotions began to get the best of me. I don’t cry often, but I did that morning.

And so begins a new season. The bus-riding season. The kindergarten season. A season of change.

We’re two weeks in now, and getting on the bus has quickly turned into a routine. The nerves are mostly gone. The tears have stopped. What so recently seemed so new, scary, and unpredictable has turned normal.

Seasons are a beautiful part of life. As someone who genuinely likes change, I love turning the page of life. I love the part of the country I live in with four beautiful seasons. I enjoy the hope that spring brings after a long winter, the fun and activities that summer has in store, and fall is probably my favorite season, though often the shortest. And though winter can be difficult, I love the first snowfall, Christmas, and the way that life slows down a little.

God intentionally created not just the seasons of the year, but the seasons of life as well. It reminds me of the poetic passage that King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, which says:
"There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace."

This passage reminds me of God’s timing, sovereignty, and the balance in life He created. And although so much of life can be difficult—especially surrounding change and new seasons—there is so much beauty to be found in it when we trust God.

My daughter getting on the bus was new, scary, and difficult. But through it, she found a new courage and strength. And I found a deeper level of trust in God.

All of my growth as a Christian, husband, father, and person has come through walking into or through a new and often difficult season. We don’t often grow in comfort. If anything, if we’re comfortable for too long, it can easily become an idol and undermine our growth.

Most of us are creatures of habit. We prefer the status quo. We want ease, comfort, and blessings. But what if your biggest blessing was in the next season and required stepping outside of your comfort zone?

So my question for you is, what season could God be calling you into? Is it a season of growth? A season of sacrifice? A season of trust? A season of boldness? A season of spiritual depth? Whatever it is for you, let me encourage you to take that step today. Let's stop making an idol of comfort and take a step of faith.

And remember, just like my daughter approached the bus with her hand in mine and felt secure enough to tell me she was scared, we get to do the same thing with our heavenly Father. Through even the hardest of seasons, He is there with us.

If you have ever met with Pastor Rick, you know he loves his charts and diagrams. No matter what the issue is, he goes to his binder and somehow manages to pull out a paper that addresses exactly what you’re talking about. One of these days, I am determined to heist that notebook and share in his infinite wisdom—but that’s for another day. Anyway, I digress.

In one of my first meetings with Pastor Rick, he pulled out a chart that showed a box with four squares representing different personality styles. There was a square for the “right” way vs. the “easy” way, and the “fun” way vs. “my” way. He asked me to identify which two described me. Immediately, I pointed to the “easy” way and the “fun” way (ironically, I am married to someone who would immediately point to “my” way and the “right” way... God is funny). I am someone who cares much less about the details and more about the experience. If everything doesn’t go right, but people have a good time, then to me, it’s a success! I also just want things to be easy and simple. And to some extent, don’t we all?

I want to be in shape without working out. I want to be thin without eating well. I want to be financially secure without budgeting. And I want things to be clean without actually cleaning. I don’t feel like this is too much to ask! However, as much as we know that none of these things actually happen this way, it’s easy to have this same type of “easy” mentality when it comes to our faith. We want the answers without the lessons, and we want the mountains without the valleys. But the Bible tells a different story.

James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” The Bible actually says that trials of many kinds are necessary for us to mature in Christ. Although that verse probably doesn’t leave us feeling warm and fuzzy, I know it to be true. All of my greatest seasons of growth with the Lord have also been some of the most difficult to walk through. Let me give you an example.

As many of you know, my husband Wes and I were missionaries in Tanzania. God had put missions on our hearts for a long time, and we knew that’s what He was calling us to. We were meant to be missionaries! We sold almost everything we had, bought a one-way ticket for us and our two boys, and off we went! We thought we were going to live in Africa for the rest of our lives and were excited to be walking out our calling and purpose. Well, for the sake of time, fast forward a lot of time and a lot of stories, and we were headed back to the States. We knew the time had come for us to return, so we packed up what few belongings we had, got on a plane, and ended up in New York—a place I hadn’t lived in almost 20 years.

Our time in Tanzania had been hard, but somehow, the time afterward seemed even harder. When we arrived, we felt defeated and completely confused about what God wanted us to do here. Not only that, but I also remember feeling like I was having an identity crisis with the Lord. You see, I had always been the girl who was going to go to Africa for Him. I was a missionary! ...until I wasn’t. And I felt like this new version of me was disappointing to God. The season felt hard, and I felt lost and broken.

I remember during this time sitting in my car, and a song called “Good and Loved” by Travis Greene came on (if you haven’t heard it, go listen to it). The song is sung from God’s perspective, and the chorus says over and over, “I am good and you are loved.” As the song played, the presence of God filled my car, and the words of the song became the words that God began speaking to my heart. The words were so simple, and yet accepting them as truth began to bring so much healing to my heart: “I am good and you are loved.” God continued to speak to my heart, revealing that His affection for me had never been about me being a missionary, but about me being His daughter. This means that His goodness toward me and His love for me were just as strong sitting in a van in New York as they were when I was sitting in the dirt in Africa.

Maybe those truths aren’t groundbreaking for you, but I had no idea how much I needed to hear them until tears were streaming down my face, and I was going back and forth between laughing and crying. That moment with the Lord was a sweet one, and it led to a time of letting Him reteach me not only about my identity but also about His love and goodness. But when I look back on that season, I’m going to be honest—I would never want to repeat it. It was NOT what I desired, which was ease. But having said that, I also would never want to have missed the truth that came from it. It’s a truth that, unbeknownst to me at the time, would be so necessary as my husband and I eventually stepped into positions as pastors at One Church. To know that the titles of “pastors” matter so little to God in comparison to our titles of “son and daughter” is something I hope never to lose sight of.

I share all of this to say that growing in Christ isn’t always easy. Transformation can be painful, and maturity often comes on the other side of trials. But just like Pastor Rick said this past Sunday, “God never wastes a hurt.” (Full Sermon is Below) Not only does God work through tough circumstances and hard seasons for our good and benefit, but He also uses those times to grow us and mature us. He uses them to reveal truths to our hearts that heal and bring us closer to Him, and He uses them to grow and complete our faith.

So whatever you’re going through right now, I hope you know you aren’t alone. We are all learning, we are all growing, and we are all probably walking through something that we wish was a little easier. But there’s a verse similar to the one in James I mentioned earlier that I want to end with, found in Romans 5:3-4: “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Notice, it starts with tribulations, but it ends with hope!

So although a part of me will always desire “easy,” and I will continue to hold out for a self-cleaning house or for someone to figure out how to turn an eaten cookie into an eaten salad in my stomach, I am continuing to learn to rejoice in the hard times, knowing that God can turn tribulations into hope. It doesn’t make the hard easy, but it allows for the good and the beauty that only God can bring to be brought out of it. My prayer for you today is that God gives you the eyes to see Him working in whatever you’re facing, knowing that whatever you’re in the middle of right now, no matter how hard, it ends in hope.

There are two types of people in this world: those who pack suitcases like an organized game of Tetris, and those who pack their suitcases like a gorilla. And they usually marry each other! I am definitely the former in my suitcase packing endeavors. Most of that is driven by my personality. For example, if it’s a shared space, clutter doesn’t bother me too much, but if it’s “my space,” I want everything organized and neat. My car tends to be spotless most of the time, my sock drawer is organized, my phone’s apps are in categorized folders that are arranged alphabetically, and yes, I do believe there is a correct way to load the dishwasher. So packing a suitcase is like an organized game of Tetris to me.

Some of you can relate. Some of you want to stop reading. But I’m going somewhere, so stick with me! You see, how we pack our suitcases or keep our cars or load the dishwasher makes almost no difference. If it’s not causing you stress, keep doing it the way you’re doing it. And while it’s fine for suitcases to be jam-packed with bunched-up clothes on the brink of busting a zipper, I think we can all agree that our lives should not feel like that.
When I say our lives should not feel that way, I’m specifically referring to our calendars. Our days, our weeks, our years. I think we can all agree that living a life without any margin causes unnecessary stress, which affects our peace, our relationships, our happiness, and our walk with God.

I remember when COVID first started, and so many parts of the world shut down for a time. There was obviously so much bad that came from that, but I remember thinking that one of the positives that happened was it slowed a lot of people down a bit. Calendars were cleared. Activities canceled. And it left me wondering, will this “slowing down” last?
It may have lasted for a season, but it seems like the average family is now busier than ever. And busy is not necessarily a bad thing. Different seasons of life come with different responsibilities and levels of busyness. But let’s be honest… a life with no breathing room is not sustainable and will eventually hurt us in some way.

So what is the solution? I’m glad you asked. I believe the solution is to recognize, observe, and celebrate the Sabbath.

Jesus said in Mark 2:27, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Jesus said this because most of the Jews and religious leaders had a wrong idea of the Sabbath. They viewed the Sabbath as a rule and a burden. But that was never the intention. The purpose of the Sabbath was always meant to be a gift and a blessing.

Relevant Magazine once published an article about the Sabbath which said this:
"For those of us who believe in the Creator, the Ten Commandments are gifts from the very hand of God. The first three commandments are about our relationship with the Lord. The fourth commandment is a bridge: it connects heaven and earth, God and people. The last six are about our relationship with humanity.

Once a week, God walks out on the Sabbath bridge to meet us. But most of us are no-shows; we unapologetically stand up the Creator of the universe, week after week."

This has always stuck with me. My wife and I have not always been perfect at this. And having young kids definitely complicates “resting.” But we’ve been working hard to be intentional about practicing the Sabbath on a weekly basis. Here are a few things we’ve found helpful:

1. Celebrate it
We begin our Sabbath the night before. That’s the night of the week we choose the “easy” dinner option with little cleanup. We pull out the paper plates. Our meal and drink choices are things we love. In some ways, we treat it like many families treat a holiday (minus the chaos and drunk uncle). We look forward to and celebrate it. We do our best to fill our day with life-giving and joy-filled activities. Sometimes that means heading to the zoo with the kids. Other days, it’s hanging out in the backyard. We often see family on our Sabbath. Though there are Sabbath days we lounge in the house, letting the kids stay in their pajamas most of the day. Regardless of the agenda, we try to stick with things that bring us joy.

2. Give yourself permission to procrastinate
Procrastination is not something you’ll typically hear me recommend (though I’m pretty good at it), however, it can really help you on your Sabbath. Most of the time, if Danielle or I walk through our kitchen and it’s a mess, it can feel overwhelming and there is an urge to address it in the moment. But cleaning the kitchen is one of the things we’ve given ourselves permission to procrastinate on. As all adults know, a clean kitchen only lasts until the next meal anyway, so why not wait until the next day? Unless cleaning is a hobby of yours, try giving yourself permission to not do certain things on your Sabbath. This doesn’t mean avoiding all laborious activities. For example, I LOVE mowing the lawn. Mowing the lawn is peaceful for me. I love throwing my headphones on and listening to an audiobook while making perfectly straight lines in my grass. So procrastinate the burdens and pursue the fun.

3. Spend time with your creator
The late Eugene Peterson famously had two rules for his Sabbath days: Play and Pray. For me, I love making that extra cup of coffee and spending a little extended time in Scripture or prayer that morning, meeting God in the margin of my week. Some of my best “quiet times” with God have taken place on my Sabbath days. And I don’t think that’s a coincidence. Again, if the Sabbath is like a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth, I think it makes sense that we go deeper with God when obeying this command. Similar to how conversations with our spouse can go deeper on a date night than they do while grocery shopping.

When I’m counseling someone who is feeling overwhelmed or stressed in life, one of the first questions I ask is if they practice the Sabbath or not. And if not, it’s almost always my first and only recommendation. We were not designed to go 24/7/365. We were designed to live with margin. To live with breathing room. And I believe the best way to find that is to receive the gift of the Sabbath.