Finding wonder. Growing hope. Living with purpose.

Every adventure reminds us that you don't have to travel halfway around the world to find wonder.

This month, Ed and I celebrated our anniversary by exploring some of Ohio's hidden treasures—from the rugged beauty of Hocking Hills to unforgettable encounters at The Wilds, quirky roadside attractions, charming small towns, and places we'd driven past for years without stopping.

For us, these trips aren't just vacations. They're a chance to slow down, reconnect with each other, meet incredible people, and discover the stories that make each place special. Every trail, café, overlook, and hidden gem becomes another reminder that adventure is often waiting much closer to home than we realize.

Come along as we continue our mission to discover the wonders around us—one road trip, one conversation, and one unforgettable memory at a time.

Sometimes the best stories in the garden begin with a mistake.

This season, I accidentally planted a zucchini in one of my raised planters instead of giving it its own space. I quickly realized my "little" mistake when those giant leaves began spilling over the edges, reaching into neighboring plants as if they owned the place!

It made me laugh, but it also became a gentle reminder that God often works through the unexpected. Not everything grows where we planned. Sometimes our carefully organized gardens—and our carefully organized lives—take surprising turns. Yet those surprises often become the most memorable parts of the journey.

The zucchini doesn't know it was planted in the "wrong" spot. It simply keeps doing what it was created to do: grow, bloom, and produce. There's something freeing about that. Imagine if we approached life the same way—trusting God to help us flourish wherever we've been planted, even when life doesn't unfold according to our plans.

My little gardening accident has become one of my favorite conversations with visitors. It's a reminder that perfection isn't the goal. Growth is.

After all, every thriving garden has a few happy accidents—and every life does too.

"Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish." — Psalm 92:13

New Release!

Faith is more than memorizing answers. It’s discovering where you fit inside God’s story.

God’s Story: From Creation to You is an engaging, visual, and interactive confirmation workbook designed especially for middle school and early high school students. Rooted in Lutheran theology and written in a relatable, honest voice, this workbook helps students move beyond “church facts” into a deeper understanding of Scripture, faith, identity, and belonging.

From Creation and the Fall to Jesus, the Sacraments, the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the life of the Church, students are invited to explore the big picture of God’s love through creative activities, reflection questions, real-life connections, and accessible teaching.

Inside you’ll find:

• Interactive lessons covering major biblical stories and themes

• Lutheran teachings explained in ways teens can actually understand

• Reflection questions and journaling prompts

• Visual learning tools, graphics, timelines, and creative activities

• Connections between Scripture and everyday life

• Space for students to wrestle with questions, doubts, and faith growth

• A welcoming approach for different learning styles and attention needs

Perfect for:

• Confirmation programs

• Youth ministry classes

• Church small groups

• Christian schools

• Families exploring faith together

This workbook reminds students that confirmation is not the end of their faith journey—it is an invitation into a lifelong journey with God.

Because the story of faith did not end in the Bible.

It continues in you.

There are moments in ministry that are planned, and there are moments that simply become holy because of the people, the purpose, and God's quiet presence.

Recently, I had the privilege of serving on the Election Committee at the Women of the ELCA National Triennial. At first glance, counting ballots may not seem like sacred work. Yet throughout Scripture, we are reminded that faithfulness is often found in the ordinary. Jesus spoke of being faithful in the little things, knowing that every act of service matters in God's kingdom. Whether preaching a sermon, washing feet, preparing a meal, or counting votes, each task becomes an act of worship when offered to God.

Watching women from across the country gather with different experiences, cultures, gifts, and perspectives was a beautiful reminder of the Body of Christ. We did not all think alike, worship alike, or serve alike, but together we sought the movement of the Holy Spirit. The church is strongest not when everyone is the same, but when every voice is welcomed, and every gift is honored.

One of my greatest takeaways was witnessing leadership born not from ambition but from a willingness to serve. The women who accepted nomination and election did so with humility, courage, and a deep love for Christ and God's people. Leadership in the church has never been about status; it has always been about discipleship.

I also found myself reflecting on how much unseen ministry happens every day. Behind every worship service, mission trip, convention, youth event, and outreach project are faithful people quietly making things work. Most will never stand on a stage or receive public recognition, yet their work allows the ministry of the Church to flourish. The Kingdom of God has always been built by servants.

As I returned home, I carried with me gratitude—for new friendships, meaningful conversations, moments of laughter, and the opportunity to witness the Holy Spirit at work through faithful women from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

Serving on the Election Committee reminded me that every calling matters. Sometimes God calls us to lead. Sometimes God calls us to support those who lead. Sometimes God calls us simply to show up, do the work before us with excellence, and trust that even the smallest acts of faithfulness are woven into God's larger story.

For that opportunity, I am deeply thankful.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." — Colossians 3:23