Snowflake and sunrise path representing your unique God-given vision and next faithful step.
Posted inLegacy and Finishisng Well Missions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work

You Are Special and Unique—But What Is Your Vision?

You know that God created you as someone special and unique. But how do you discover the particular vision He may have for your life—and take the next faithful step? This reflection may help you begin.
Posted inLegacy and Finishisng Well, Missions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & WorkTags: , ,
Unique snowflakes joining a snowy community, with two snowflakes connected by golden light and the words “Unique—but Not Alone.
Posted inMissions & Ministry Stewardship, Legacy & Finishing Well

You Are Unique—but You Were Never Meant to Follow Jesus Alone

God created you as a unique person—but He never intended you to follow Jesus alone. Reflections on James Bryan Smith’s The Good and Beautiful Community explores how Christ forms us through grace, encouragement, forgiveness, and the shared life of His people.
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Stewardship, Legacy & Finishing WellTags: , , , , , ,
Recreated scene of Naomi and Lucille driving their jeeps through the Appalachian hollers near Buckhorn, Kentucky
Posted inMissions & Ministry Naomi Dassow

From Buckhorn to the World

A prayer spoken during a bitter Wisconsin winter led Naomi to the Appalachian hollers of Buckhorn, Kentucky. There, God gave her more than a nursing position—He gave her a calling, a wise mentor, and a spirit of compassionate service that shaped the rest of her life. What place, person, or unexpected circumstance has God used to shape yours?
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Naomi DassowTags: , , ,
Investing for Eternity. Missions
Posted inBooks, Tools & Resources Missions & Ministry

Perspectives: Discovering God’s Purpose for the Nations—and Our Place in It

Perspectives: Discovering God’s Purpose for the Nations—and Our Place in It. Perspectives on the World Christian Movement is a flexible 15-lesson course that helps Christ followers understand God’s global purpose through biblical, historical, cultural and strategic viewpoints. Participants can audit, earn a certificate or pursue academic credit—and may return in later years to revisit selected lessons and hear new instructors.
Posted inBooks, Tools & Resources, Missions & MinistryTags: , , ,
Two young sisters in the Lord, serving in Appalachia visiting families with their compassion. Nursing visits
Posted inMissions & Ministry Naomi Dassow

Naomi and Lucille: A Shared Life in the Providence of God

Naomi Koerwitz, who later became Naomi Dassow, and Lucille LeBeau were brought together for a season in Buckhorn, Kentucky. They were both nurses. They both had a heart for people. They both found themselves serving in a rural Appalachian community where the needs were many and the work was personal. But their story was more than a story about nursing. It was a story about God’s sovereignty and providence. It was a story about God’s sovereignty and providence. I believe God mysteriously brought two different young Christian women together for that season. They came from different Christian backgrounds and different life experiences, but both had their faith in Jesus renewed early in life. They were Christian sisters in the Lord. Long before either one of them was born, God knew their names. He knew their gifts. He knew the people they would serve. He knew the season when their lives would intersect. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” That verse helps me understand Naomi and Lucille’s shared life. God had prepared good works for both of them. For a time, those good works were done together.
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Naomi DassowTags: , , ,
Diverse students walking toward a Christian school in Milwaukee, representing faith, learning, and school choice
Posted inMissions & Ministry Resources

Private Schools, Charter Schools, and Christian Schools:

Parents and grandparents today face more educational choices than many of us grew up with. Years ago, the usual question was simple: “Which public school district do you live in?” Today the conversation often includes public schools, charter schools, private schools, Christian schools, classical schools, online schools, homeschooling, and school choice programs. How to discern God's calling in the process...read on
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Resources
Open Bible, cross, orchestra, and S.H.A.P.E. pieces showing Christian calling and purpose
Posted inMissions & Ministry

Volunteering: Putting the Pieces in Place

Volunteering is one way we “play our instrument” in the great orchestra of life. It is one way we show up where God has placed us, using our gifts, experiences, relationships, and availability for His purposes. When we serve, we are not just filling a slot on a schedule. We may be stepping into one of the good works God prepared in advance for us to do. Sometimes that good work is visible and public. Sometimes it is quiet and hidden. Sometimes it is a word of encouragement, a visit, a meal, a prayer, a ride, a gift, a phone call, or simply being present. But when we fail to show up, something is missing.
Posted inMissions & Ministry
“Open Bible beside a sunrise path, symbolizing trusting God’s wisdom, timing, and guidance through life.” Prayer and faith
Posted inMissions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work

Trusting God’s Wisdom: A Guiding Light for Life’s Journey

One of the verses that has guided me over these past few years is: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 That verse has become more than just a Bible verse to me. It has become a quiet anchor. A reminder that God is not late. God is not confused. God is not surprised by the turns in our lives. There are seasons when we do not understand what He is doing. There are moments when life changes faster than we expected. Family changes. Health changes. Loved ones move. Grandchildren grow up. Doors close. New doors open. And sometimes we look back and realize that God was arranging things long before we could see it. That is why Proverbs 3:5–6 has meant so much to me:
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & Work
Discover Your Destiny: Finding God’s Purpose for Your Life
Posted inMissions & Ministry

Discover Your Destiny: Finding God’s Purpose for Your Life

What gifts, passions, or experiences has God uniquely given me? Am I pursuing my own agenda or God’s kingdom purposes? What doors might God be opening in this season of life? How might God use my past struggles to help others? What step of faith or obedience is God asking me to take right now? Am I willing to trust God even when I cannot see the full picture?
Posted inMissions & Ministry
Purpose: Embracing Your Unique Design in Life
Posted inLife & Relationships Missions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work

Purpose: Embracing Your Unique Design in Life

Our lives are not random accidents, but part of God’s greater kingdom plan. We are encouraged as believers to stop defining purpose merely through career success, recognition, or achievement and instead discover purpose through relationship with Jesus Christ. One of the strongest themes in the book is that God often uses even painful seasons—grief, disappointment, waiting, hardship, and uncertainty—to shape spiritual maturity and future ministry. Nothing surrendered to God is wasted.
Posted inLife & Relationships, Missions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & WorkTags: , ,
Plastic houses on the farlm
Posted inMissions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work

Dassow’s Lettuce Farm

This article reflects on the author's personal history, family legacy, and faith, highlighting how past experiences and parental influence shaped their life and successful lettuce farming business. It emphasizes gratitude toward God for guidance and blessings, the importance of honoring one's parents, and the desire for future generations to understand and appreciate these values. The author encourages self-reflection, sharing family stories, and documenting the farm's history for grandchildren, while underscoring that achievements are the result of divine grace rather than personal merit.
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & Work
God's Design & Purpose
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth Missions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work

God’s Design for Your Life and Unique Purpose

As Zig Ziglar says  “The trail is long, and we won’t arrive at our destination in this life. Still, we’re on the journey with Jesus for the greatest thrill of our lives. Your uniqueness is a gift, and your experiences, even the imperfect ones, form an important part of the story and journey God is writing for you. Embrace your precious identity, knowing you are empowered to fulfill the purpose He designed for you. Are you ready to embrace the journey God has designed for you?
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth, Missions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & Work
Pansies
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth Missions & Ministry

Are You Blooming Where You Are Planted?

"Blooming where you are planted" means being a light to others, faithfully serving Christ, and making a difference wherever you are., Each person is uniquely equipped with Gifts, Abilities,,Relationships, Passion and Experiences that no one else has. When we show up and contribute, we help create a fuller, more beautiful picture in our families, churches, and communities. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created for good works that He prepared for us to do.
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth, Missions & Ministry
Retirement: Books with resources of prayer, forgiveness and wisdom for living a life for Christ
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth Missions & Ministry

Your Focus in 2026

As we center our lives on Jesus and the eternal truths He brings, our perspective shifts from the fleeting problems of this world to the lasting hope found in Him. This focus empowers us to live with joy and resilience, even amid trials, because we trust in God’s promises and the never-ending love that flows from Christ.
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth, Missions & Ministry
Randy Alcorn on Heaven & Erwin W Lutzer on One Minute After You Die
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth Grief & Healing Missions & Ministry

One Minute After You Die

Questions about what happens after death have intrigued and comforted Christians for centuries. For many, the hope of an afterlife shapes how they live and grieve. In recent years, Erwin Lutzer’s One Minute After You Die and Randy Alcorn’s Heaven have provided accessible, biblically grounded perspectives on these profound mysteries. This article explores key questions about the immediate events following death, drawing on their insights and biblical references, while aiming for a tone that is reassuring, respectful, and contemplative.
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth, Grief & Healing, Missions & Ministry
Naomi Koerwtiz Dassow making home visit in Buckhorn, Kentucky. Verna Farber 1976
Posted inMissions & Ministry Naomi Dassow

A Journey to Buckhorn. God’s Call for Naomi

Just found a few pages of some of Naomi's writings back 50 years ago. "Please let this be my last winter in all this cold and snow", Ann (Naomi used ANN" in her writings) half prayed half sighed as she pulled up her hood and shoved on high boots and pushed open the door to check on the amount of digging needed to get her car cleared off after last nights fresh snowfall of 8 more inches. She took in short gasspy breathes of crisp, bitterly cold air and gazed up at a brilliantly blue sky. How lovely to see all the snow clinging to the trees and the shimmering clean covering on the ground. But is was cold, another -12 day the weather man said." Click to see what Naomi was dreaming about!
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Naomi DassowTags: , ,
Christianity and Heaven: Edwin W. Lutzer and Randy Alcorn.
Posted inLife & Relationships Missions & Ministry

Christianity and Heaven: Edwin W. Lutzer and Randy Alcorn.

The picture here and at end of post. sums up Naomi's life and what believers can expect. Both Edwin W. Lutzer and Randy Alcorn offer hopeful and comforting visions of the afterlife for believers. Their teachings affirm that death is not the end, but a transition into a conscious, joyful existence with Christ. While some mysteries remain, their perspectives encourage faith in God's promises and the assurance that loved ones like Naomi are at peace, fully alive in the presence of the Lord. For those who grieve, these beliefs offer hope, comfort, and a renewed anticipation of reunion in God's eternal kingdom. I can only imagine! Can you?
Posted inLife & Relationships, Missions & Ministry
Special young ladies from the Baja. Foundation For His Ministry
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth Missions & Ministry

What’s Happening South of the Border.

What started out over 60 years ago when Charla Pereau received a letter saying, “Would you consider adopting a yet-to-be-born Zapotec Indian baby from Oaxaca, Mexico and Chuck and Charla’s trip down the Baja Peninsula, and receiving a vision from the Lord which led to acquiring a run down deserted brothel which led to the…
Posted inFaith & Spiritual Growth, Missions & Ministry
Our Worship Through Giving
Posted inMissions & Ministry Purpose, Calling & Work Resources

Financial Stewardship in Light of Matthew 25:14-30

The parable of the talents invites us into a deeper understanding of what it means to hear the words *“Well done, good and faithful servant.”* It challenges us to approach financial stewardship with intentionality, prayer, and wisdom, recognizing that our resources are tools for advancing God’s kingdom. As you navigate this journey, may you find joy in giving, confidence in wise investments, and peace in knowing that your faithfulness reflects the heart of the Master who entrusted you with much. As we continue on our journey and reach life's end, let us live so we can hear those cherished words one day: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” What better commendation could we hope for than knowing that our resources were used to glorify God and expand His eternal kingdom?
Posted inMissions & Ministry, Purpose, Calling & Work, Resources