Blog
"I came to the Mission on my own, and I'm so glad I did…I've been able to get away from the temptations that have really hurt me. I have a better perspective on my life and what God wants for me."
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Faithful
I recently was part of a conversation that revolved around the idea of serving God when we don’t want to or don’t like the task. After we put away our self righteous notions that we always do everything from right motives, we began to discuss serving God in the times it’s uncomfortable or inconvenient. As we reflected on scripture, it became clear that most of the people in the Bible crossed this bridge eventually. We looked over examples of people that did not like the task or situation presented to them but obeyed anyway. We sighted Moses, Jonah, Job, and even Jesus in the garden. God cares about obedience, but there was a layer deeper than that to explore. When … Read More
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The Advantage of Technology
There are many negative things about the Internet, but there are also many wonderful things about it. Want the latest news? Turn to the Internet. What is the forecast for today? I don’t have the directions to a speaking engagement. Agh! I can’t remember if there are two r’s in that word or not. Turn to the Internet. In fact, I did just that several weeks ago when I enrolled in an online course called Social Entrepreneurship. As we continue to help the participants in Harvest Home’s social enterprise programs develop their business skills, I began to notice I was lacking in that area. So I turned to the Internet. Now I am in a class with men and women … Read More
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Worth It
Parenting carries with it tremendous joy and tremendous responsibility. We hold in our hands this precious gift…this little life that has its own will, its own mind and its own personality. God gives us the awesome responsibility to nurture, teach, care for, guide instruct and love this little person, and as parents loving our children is so easy to do. We loved them before they were born, and we have expectations for their lives. However, we soon find out (usually around the age of 12) they have their own plans, which may or may not align with ours. Yet, we love them nonetheless. God too loved His son, Jesus, and had expectations for His life – “For God so loved … Read More
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God’s Perfect Timing
One of our resident men, I will call him Aaron, had recently completed about a year on our Resident Men’s Program. Many of the men on the program have struggled with addictions or other issues. While on the program, they have daily responsibilities, and are also involved in both group and one-on-one counseling sessions. The goal is to get them back on their feet living a godly, productive lifestyle. Most times that involves a spiritual change. Once that change of heart occurs, things change for the better because of the power of the Holy Spirit and His ability to change hearts and lives! One Friday, I was able to speak with Aaron in the hallway on my way back from … Read More
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Trusting God
Working in ministry can be exhausting. The task at hand can be daunting and even more so when we want to see the results of our work. We want lives to be changed and happy endings for all that pass through Haven of Rest’s doors, but God has a way of reminding us that only HE knows the end result. This is very humbling when we once again are reminded that He is at work and we are only called to show up with open hearts, listen to Him, and act accordingly. I came across this passage from a favorite writer of mine, Richard Rohr: “Our ordinary lives are given an extraordinary significance when we accept that our lives are … Read More
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God Our Bodyguard
“I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? 2 My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. 8 The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.” We must and need to rely solely on our Heavenly bodyguard … Read More
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Future Story
This past weekend Future Story (which is part of Harvest Home programming) took part in the Artisan Fair located at the historic Hower House in downtown Akron. This beautiful three-story Victorian home held crafters and artisans from all over. The participants and volunteers of the Future Story job training program prepared a variety of items, such as aprons, necklaces, scarves, and beaded bookmarks. Market Bags and Shop Totes from Lydia’s Purse were also displayed. Many women work hard to pick out the colors and fabrics of recycled material, to create these beautiful totes, each uniquely created. Two tables were set up on the third floor of the house for the Artisan Fair, which took place on Friday and Saturday. It was … Read More
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Motivated by Love
“If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3 What motivates us? Each of us has a motivating factor that runs our life. That motivating factor can be any number of things: money, approval from others, success, fear, etc. The question is, what gets you out of bed in the morning to continue to do what you do? As Christians, our motivating factor is love. As I read the Gospels, I’m always struck by Jesus passing on love to ALL people in all different circumstances! The love Christ shows is unconditional. Even if we have heard the term “unconditional … Read More