Sarah Smith

By Julie Overholt

            Hi ladies,

How blessed we are to be surrounded by so many sisters in Christ at SGC! Please have a seat with something warm to drink, (I even have blankets if you’d like to borrow one), :) and let me introduce you to Sarah Smith…

Sarah and her husband Adam have been attending SGC for about two-and-a-half years. They were looking for a youth group where their oldest daughter Mariah could plug in, and once they stepped foot in the building they immediately felt at home! Everyone was so warm, friendly, and inviting. The Next Steps program helped them to get plugged in and to find a Connect Group. They are now leading their own Connect Group, are part of the team of ushers, and Sarah is co-leading in the WOW Bible Studies.

Sarah was born in, and has spent most of her life in, Elkhart, IN, briefly moving to Illinois/Iowa as a child. She met Adam when they were both eighteen years of age and freshmen at Bethel College. They attended the same Speech class and kept running into each other outside of class. Shortly after they met, they began dating and were married eighteen months later. Ten years married now, they have three wonderful children: Mariah (12), Isabella (8), and their awesome little surprise, Joseph (6).

Adam has influenced Sarah’s life greatly, and she admires him so much! “We met when we were just kids and have truly grown up together. He has taught me how to persevere, trust, and praise God with my whole heart. Not just in the rough and scary times when the future is so unsure and you feel there is nothing to cling to, but to thank, praise, and trust Him in the good times, too. It is so easy to just go to God when the going gets rough, and forget to go to Him when things are going well! Adam models Jesus’ love for the church everyday with his interactions with our children and me. A great sense of humor, lots of laughter, and plenty of date nights keep our marriage going strong. My husband makes me laugh. He is the funniest person I have ever known.”

Sarah is a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. She hasn’t been employed in the working world in ten years and absolutely loves being at home with her kids! “Ever since I was teeny-tiny, I’ve wanted to be a stay-at-home mom. In Kindergarten they had a Career Day where you were to dress up as what you would like to be when you grew up and I dressed up like my mom and carried a baby doll around.” 

It was as a child that Sarah also accepted Jesus to be her Savior. When she was five years old she knelt in her bedroom with her father at her side and they prayed together. She feels blessed to have been brought up in a Christian home and in spite of a few bumps along the way in her spiritual journey, God has been good and His mercies are new every morning! Sarah’s all time favorite verse is Philippians 1:23-24. “I am hard-pressed between the two, for it is my desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better, but to remain in the flesh is necessary on your account."

"This verse reminds me of my son and how much God has used him to teach me and to bring me closer to Him. My little guy used to cry and beg to go to Heaven. He wanted to be with Jesus so bad, and finally my grandma told him he needed to stay here for right now to do God’s work. I found this verse during my Bible reading and it really brought me comfort and keeps me remembering that this earth is not our home and we shouldn’t get too comfortable with it. I desire to be as homesick for Heaven as my little guy is and Paul (the author of this verse) was."

 Romans 15: 5-6 are another set of verse that mean much to Sarah. “I love this verse because it gives me comfort and reminds me of how we need to come together (not quarrel) to honor God with what we say and do, and to praise Him no matter what is going on in our lives.” 

“I also need to add more…it’s impossible to pick just one! Proverbs 3:24.” Her parents posted this verse on her door when she was an infant and prayed it over her often. She now does the same with her own children. “I have such a passion for scripture memorization and teaching my children to hide God’s Word in their hearts. I think it is one of the most important things for a person to do. It brings you closer to knowing God and His heart, and you call upon the scriptures in any circumstances and are reassured we serve a living God who loves us so much.”

When I asked Sarah what her hobbies and passions were she responded, “Oh goodness! I love to craft, craft, craft! I just love to create and make things, especially with my kids!” She is now learning to knit from Maggie, who is an amazing instructor! She also loves to read anything and everything, including reading with her kids. Shopping is also something she loves to do as well as baking in the kitchen with her children. “A good mess in the kitchen means wonderful memories are being made!”  (Something people may not know about Sarah is that she is vegetarian!)

Sarah is happiest in the summer season when she can get a healthy dose of sunshine and vitamin D. The kids being at home with her is an added bonus! But, her favorite holiday is Thanksgiving. All of the tradition that comes along with it, a focus on all of the blessings in our lives, reaching out to others, time with family, and just simply the fact that it is a cozy holiday, make it an extra special time of the year for her.

In regards to being a woman, and relating to other women, Sarah said it well: “The best thing about being a woman is the makeup and the variety of clothes we get to wear! Guys just have a very limited selection. Seriously though, we have such an awesome responsibility to nurture and care for the people in our lives. God created us as relational beings and it’s very important for us to connect and reach out to others. Time goes so fast – too fast – and as a young mom it’s easy to get overwhelmed, over-commited, and soon you feel you can’t keep up. A good mentor and friend of mine told me when I first became a mom, 'There will never be a shortage of good things to volunteer for or get involved with, but you only have a short time with your children.'  I try to remember that, and when I get overwhelmed, I take a step back and see if I’m over-committed to things outside of my family. If I am, I cut out some of the extras, because I want to make the most of the limited time I have with my children before they spread their wings and go off on their own.” Well said!

Thank you for sharing a part of your life and heart with us, Sarah!

Three words that describe you: Shy, empathetic, and happy.

Outgoing or introverted? Introverted

Tomboy or princess? Princess…definitely!

Mountainside or Oceanside? Oceanside… (Let me put my toes in the sand and feel the warmth of the sun on my face, and I am one happy girl!)

The perfect meal: Kiran’s in Houston, TX – they have the best Indian food.

Worst food ever: Oysters. (Need I say more) J

Morning person or night owl? Night owl. (Do not wake me up! It’s not pretty!) J

I’d love to travel to: Ireland. I love the accents, the green, the castles…what’s not to love?

Listen, read, or watch to learn? Listening to a speaker or reading silently.

Favorite Bible character? David is my favorite. He was so human, with flaws and all, yet was a man after God’s own heart. That gives me hope! He went through it all, the good, bad, highs, and lows, and making poor choices by letting his flesh get the better of him. He was king but also had to hide in caves because others wanted him dead. His friendship with Jonathon was out of the world and I pray we can all experience a friendship like that. I could go on and on, but I guess to sum it up: he was a a real human, and weak human, and God still used him for His glory.

3 Things that help you to relax and/or bring peace to your life: Reading my Bible and poring through the scriptures bring peace. Crafting relaxes me. And, going on walks with my family is a perfect way to end my day.

May you all truly receive His rich gifts during this holiday season: peace that passes understanding, His amazing love felt deep within your hearts, and much joy in your life from the unending hope that He has brought to us!

Amber Wheeler

 By Julie Overholt

Hi ladies! There’s a chill in the air again, which means it’s time for a hot drink, a warm pair of socks, a blanket, and a comfortable place to sit while we get to know another Sugar Grove woman of worth. Yes, it is time for another season of blog interviews. I hope you enjoy getting to know Amber Wheeler, the wife of our pastor of children’s ministries!

Matt and Amber moved their family to Goshen almost six months ago when they answered God’s calling to come and serve at SGC. Amber currently teaches and assists in the children’s ministry department at church. She is a full-time stay-at-home mom to Joseph (3) and James (1) and loves it!

Amber originally grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio, living in the same house up until she left for college! In September of 2004, she was student teaching in Matt’s hometown and lived at a Bed & Breakfast for the ten weeks that she was working at the school. While in town, Amber went to church with the owners of the B & B. Matt was the children’s pastor at their church, but was also teaching an adult small group. Amber was placed into his small group on her first Sunday and thought it was a God-match from the first time she laid eyes on him! :) 

They were married in June of 2007 and she loves married life. “What keeps the fire going in the Wheeler house is, of course, our same interests and passions. Since one of those is Christ, our personal relationship with Him is the main thing that draws us together as one. I would say staying in tune with each other is the other sticky ingredient! Consistently asking each other the tough questions and being there to listen with compassion. Also, finding time to be a couple rather than strictly parents is also big! All of this is easier said than done, and if and when it is, along with Christ’s love within each of us (because of staying connected to the Vine) the home is then able to be a haven away from all the other messes of life!”

Amber grew up in a Christian home, for which she is very thankful. At age eight she was saved at a church camp. “I felt God speaking to my heart then that He wanted me to be involved in ministry of some kind. I remember praying to Him that I wanted to go where He wanted me to go, as well as be and do what He wanted me to. I was so excited to see what was ahead!” Her dad has always influenced her life greatly in displaying to her by example to show love to others no matter what. “He always tries to make people feel comfortable and accepted around him. I want to do the same so that it may cause a chain reaction in my boys. So many go around bitter and blind to those who simply need a smile as they pass.” There are so many verses that give Amber strength, but one in particular is found in Isaiah 55:9: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” She says she is reminded to continually place everything in His hands when she remembers that his ways are higher than ours. 

The best thing about being a woman for Amber is being a help mate and mother. “I consistently have to work on both, but I love being a woman! The advice I would have for young women or mothers would be in a phrase I  just recently learned: Stay in your own lane and go with God gas – it’s the only way to ride! Keep your eyes on God. Ask Him to make you the mate, mother, etc. that He wants you to be. We can’t do it on our own – we expect our husbands to fix us and we can’t be the girl next door!”

Amber’s favorite holiday is coming right up! She enjoys celebrating Christmas for the Reason as well as the gathering that it brings about. Something you may not know about her is that in her spare time, she would love to be a professional organizer. (I’m first in line to hire her services!)  :)

Enjoy these last quick questions as we wrap things up:

What makes you laugh? People being silly and having fun! (especially my boys)

3 Words to describe yourself? Detail-oriented, relational, passionate

Shy or outgoing? Outgoing

Tomboy or princess? Neither

Coffee or tea? Hot water

Oceanside or mountainside? 50/50

The perfect meal? I enjoy most anything!

Worst food ever? Something with strong horseradish

Morning person or night owl? Both – but that is hard!

I’d love to travel to: The Holy Cities

Listen, read, or watch to learn? I like learning from somebody. I do like to learn from a book, but it usually takes longer.

Favorite Bible character? I can’t really pinpoint on favorite character – I would have to say Jesus! We definitely learn from our mistakes and the mistakes of others, but I find it helpful to have an example of how it’s done right!

3 Things that bring peace to your life and/or help you relax? Organization. People who try to make you feel comfortable in their presence. When I’m allowing God to be in the driver’s seat.

Thank you Amber, for sharing part of your life with us as well as your heart and hands in service to our children. We look forward to continuing  to get to know you better!

Julie Lewan and Marilyn Johnson

By Julie Overholt

Julie and Marilyn

I have a treat for you. Not one, but two ladies to introduce to you! A two-for-one special, if you will.  A mother-daughter duo that has graciously allowed me to ask some questions so that we might all listen in and get to know them a little better. 

Marilyn Johnson and Julie Lewan have both been attending Sugar Grove since 1983 when they began coming to church as a family, which included one brother (Eric - who died in a car accident three and a half years ago. Our deep sympathies for your loss) and one sister (Jennifer – who currently lives in California) in addition to Julie. 

Marilyn and Julie are both actively involved in various ministries at the church. Marilyn is part of the Maranatha Ladies Bible Study that meets on Friday mornings, a Life Group, Foodies Fellowship, and the newly-formed Divorce-Care Group that meets on Sunday mornings. Marilyn is currently single and her family has increased to include six grandchildren – one grandson (18) and five granddaughters (8, 9, 9, 11, 11). Julie is currently involved with AWANA children’s ministry, the nursery, and she does the bookkeeping for SGC. She also attends the Women’s Precept Bible Study on Wednesday mornings.  Julie and her husband Steve have been married for 13 years and have two daughters – Alyssa (9) and Abigail (8).

Marilyn is originally from Southfield, MI (near Detroit) and was raised in a very ethnic Finnish family (something you may not know about her!) Her parents spoke fluent Finnish. Marilyn was nine years old when her older sister, Nancy – who was thirteen at the time – led her to the Lord. She considers Nancy one of the greatest influences in her life in addition to her youth pastor, who encouraged Marilyn to attend Moody Bible Institute. Later, Marilyn and her husband spent twenty years in the ministry before she became employed with C&B Optical for another twenty years, retiring in 2009.

Verses especially meaningful to Marilyn are found in Isaiah 40:30-31. “Even the youth shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” NKJV

In her free time, Marilyn likes to spend time reading, knitting, drawing, and playing the piano. She loves the Christmas season – even with all of the hustle and bustle!

Some quick popcorn trivia for you now Marilyn: 

3 Words to describe myself: Quiet (except when I’m with friends or sisters), compassionate, and understanding.

What makes you laugh? I laugh at my own jokes even if no one else gets them! (Am I the only one smiling at this??)

Shy or outgoing? Outgoing.  I used to be quite shy, but not anymore.

Princess or tomboy? Princess

Coffee or tea? Both

Oceanside or mountainside? I love wading in the ocean, but I also love the mountains.

The perfect meal? Bonefish Grille or Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. (but I really like almost ALL restaurants)

Worst food ever? Fresh oysters…had a bad experience.

Morning person or night owl? Now that I am retired I definitely am not a morning person as far as getting up & out the door early.

I’d love to travel to: I would definitely like to go to England or Austria again. (with my daughters)

Favorite Bible character? King David

Three activities that bring peace to your life and help you to relax? Devotional time each day helps to keep me focused. Reading, watching movies, and eating out are relaxing for me.

A quote you remember your mom saying? “Many hands make light work.”

In her relationship with Julie, Marilyn has come to appreciate the large capacity Julie has to enjoy the good times that come her way. “I love to spend time with Julie and the girls. We catch all the moments we can! I love to have tea parties with my granddaughters. Julie has always been a special jewel and companion in my life.”

When I asked Marilyn for some advice that she could give to young mothers and those in the middle of motherhood, she wanted to remind mothers to spend quality time with their children and to truly enjoy them. “All too soon they will be gone and you cannot recapture those precious young years. Capture the moments when they share their hearts. And, try not to always be rushed.”

Marilyn’s influence continues to be big in Julie’s life as it was since she was a little girl. “I asked Jesus to be my Savior when I was five years old," Julie recalls. "I knew I was a sinner, that Jesus had died for my sins, and that He was the only way to be forgiven. My mom prayed with me at that time. She has always believed in me, encouraged me, and admonishes me when I need it.” 

Julie was born in Chicago, IL and grew up in Elkhart, IN. She and her husband Steve met while they were both a part of the Lighthouse Singles group at the Wheaton Evangelical Free Church in Wheaton, IL. Julie was working at the TEAM international headquarters in Wheaton at the time. “Steve is my best friend. We have been married for 13 years and continue to keep love alive by making time for our marriage. I highly recommend the Dynamic Marriage class offered at SGC. It’s for all marriages – great, just okay, and marriages in trouble.” Julie currently works part-time (a little more during tax season) for David L. Culp, CPA, PC in Goshen, in addition to doing the bookkeeping at SGC and another local church.

Verses close to Julie’s heart are found in Jeremiah 29:11-13. “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Julie says, “In all the times when life was unsure, I have gone back to this scripture and have found comfort knowing that God knows the plans He has for my life, being reminded that I need to seek Him with all my heart and that in doing so I will find Him and His will for me.” Something that people may not know about Julie is that she was adopted by her mom and dad at six weeks of age. “One of the ‘plans’ God had for my life!”

Julie loves to travel and spend time with her family. When I asked Julie what makes her laugh she said her husband and kids do with their funny antics and great sense of humor! A bonus I’m sure, to spending time together.  A recent and favorite memory of time she spent with Marilyn was a trip that she and her sister took their mother on for her 70^th birthday. “She [Marilyn] had never been to Williamsburg and Washington DC and had always wanted to go, so my sister and I decided to take her. It was hopefully the first of many more trips we can take together in the future.”

More about Julie:

Favorite season/holiday? Fall – I love the cooler temperatures and the beauty of nature as the leaves turn to the brilliant colors of orange, red, and gold.

Three words to describe myself? Honest, caring, adventuresome.

Shy or outgoing? Shy (much more so when I was younger)

Princess or Tomboy? Princess

Coffee or tea? Tea

Oceanside or mountainside? Mountainside

The perfect meal? Any restaurant or my mom’s homemade meatloaf. “Yum, yum!”

Worst food? Liver and onions.

Morning person or night owl? Night owl

I’d love to travel to: Alaska and Hawaii

Three things that bring peace and relaxation to my life? Spending time with my family, a good book, and spending time with other believers.

What do you love most about your mom? Her honesty, her endurance through the trials of life, and her love for her family. I hope I can love my girls and sacrifice for my family like she sacrificed for ours!

I asked Julie to recall a saying or truth that she remembers Marilyn using as she was growing up, as well as something practical she taught her. “When I was growing up I remember my mom telling me that comparing myself to others will never do me any good. There will always be some that seem to have it better than me and some that have it worse. She also taught me to start small when tackling a large task. For instance, when de-cluttering a room, start with a closet or a drawer. Do a little at a time.” Wise words for all of us.

Well ladies, last week while in Goshen I saw six robins when I was ordering at Starbucks. Six!! It warmed my heart to see the hope of spring just around the corner. I do believe there is a light at the end of this winter tunnel! :) I pray you enjoy to the fullest the new life that will soon be blooming all around us and that your heart rejoices greatly in the celebrations of our resurrected, risen Savior who came so that we might live abundantly in EVERY season.

Thank you Marilyn and Julie for your time and energy to share a part of you with us!

Kay Bjurstrom

By Julie Overholt

Kay is lady #3 in the front row. :)

It seems love is in the air a little thicker these days, and I have someone I would *love* for you to meet! You may want to grab some chocolate to go with your coffee or tea while you enjoy reading our interview this month. I’m seeing an abundance of it in the stores right now along with all of those love notes and cards, and one piece (or two) can make a moment sweeter. :)

Once upon a time, (a month that focuses on love deserves a fairytale beginning don’t you think?) there was a gentleman named Clayton Bjurstrom and a lady named Kay…

Clayton and Kay met while they were both attending Grace College. They were in the same choir class together. At the end of a spring break choir tour during their freshman year Clayton first asked Kay to go out with him. They talked the whole way home and have been together ever since! They have celebrated 36 years of marriage together. Their three children are now grown and their family has extended to three more children, and three grandchildren.  Their oldest child is Kent. He is married to Stephanie, and they have three boys: Trey, Colby, and Cayden. Kent is the youth pastor here at SGC. Cassie Jarrard is Clayton's and Kay's middle child. She is married to Josh and is employed with Sail-Rite in the marketing department. They live in Columbia City, IN. The youngest child of Clayton and Kay is Keith. He is married to Casey and they live in Noblesville, IN where Keith is a recruiter for the Petro-chemical industry. 

Kay says that she and Clayton enjoy doing many things together, but something that has kept them particularly close has been working in ministry together. It has given them common ground rather than each of them moving in a different direction. They are able to talk together about the ministry as well as having the same people in common that they come in contact with as they minister. 

Kay has been at Sugar Grove all of her life and as a result has been involved in a variety of ministries. Over the years these have included: being a choir member, pianist, co-leader of Kids in Christian Singing (a children’s choir), Sunday school teacher, nursery worker, VBS worker, and Bible study leader. Her greatest passion in ministry has been working with the youth of SGC. Clayton and Kay have been involved in the youth ministry for roughly 34 years. “It is fun, challenging, and very worthwhile!!” (My own daughter has benefited from Kay’s youth ministry, and has been blessed by her warmth and caring heart. Thank you Kay!)

Kay was born and raised in Goshen. She graduated from Concord High School and later, Grace College. Her major was Biology and after graduation she worked as a bacteriologist at Plumrose in Elkhart. She was employed until she had her first child, after which she stayed at home to raise her family. It was at that time that she decided to try teaching piano lessons to make a little spending money. She has now been teaching piano for 32 years! She also accompanied the choirs at Northridge High School for 10 years.

Kay has known Jesus all of her life. She was blessed to be raised in a Christian home. They began every morning with family devotions and it was during one of these precious family times at the age of 3 ½ that she accepted Christ as her personal Savior. Her parents were very involved in the church and so she was there a lot. As a result she became active in the children’s and youth activities. The summer before going into Jr. High she was baptized and it was at this time that she also rededicated her life to Christ. “As with anyone, the Christian life is a process and it was the same for me. I didn’t always say and do the right things, and I have a few regrets, but I am very thankful that God is patient and didn’t give up on me.”   

Kay has been involved in the Precept bible studies since they began at Sugar Grove close to 20 years ago. “I don’t remember exactly when they started, but I love digging into God’s Word and seeing what He wants me to know. I just wish I could remember everything I have learned. This has probably been the best thing I have done to deepen my relationship with God, and to grow in my Christian walk.” Among many verses from God’s Word that are special to Kay, several from Colossians 3 have always been a favorite: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” Colossians 3:1-3

Kay’s life has been influenced greatly by her mother. “She has set a great example of being a servant and a prayer warrior. She has taught me much in regards to leading a child to Christ, which in turn gave me confidence to talk to adults and teens. I know that our family has also benefited greatly from the prayers of my parents. I will not fully know the effects of their prayers until I get to heaven, but I can see their results even now.”

In the midst of a busy schedule Kay enjoys the following in her free time: “I love to read, play the piano, work outside, sew, travel, work out, and play with my grandkids!!” Her favorite holiday is Christmas, but she really does enjoy every holiday and their respective seasons. “About the time I get tired of one season, the next one comes along. I love the changes that each season brings and the special times associated with each of them.”

And now, some quickie questions:

What brings laughter into your life? Friends, funny people, my grandkids, funny movies, and “I Love Lucy.”

Something people may not know about me? I have a great fear of birds. I like to watch them from a distance, but if they are close enough to swoop on me, peck me, or flap their wings in my face, I freak out! I have embarrassed many of my friends by screaming loudly, digging my fingernails in them, and hiding under chairs at the beach to get away from them! (Am I the only one chuckling at this mental picture?) :)

Three words to describe myself: outgoing, caring, fun-loving

Tomboy or princess? Tomboy, but I do have princess moments.

Coffee or tea? Coffee

Oceanside or mountainside? Oceanside

The perfect meal? Any that I don’t have to cook or pay for!

Worst food ever? Cooked dandelion greens

I’d love to travel to: Israel

A favorite Bible character? Esther. She was beautiful, courageous, and didn’t back down from doing what God asked of her.

Three activities/things that bring peace to your life and help you to relax? Quiet times alone with God. As I focus my thoughts on His Word it brings perspective and peace. Working out/exercise. And, vacations.

I personally want to thank you, on behalf of all the women of worth at SGC, for sharing part of you with us, Kay! And, this month as we focus on love it is my prayer and desire for all of us to remember the One who loved us FIRST and loves us the most. No matter your circumstances, whether good or difficult, painful or joyful, may you come to know and understand in brand new ways the great love the Father has lavished upon YOU.

Heather Gingerich

By Julie Overholt

Hi ladies! I trust you’ve had some time to rest and recuperate from any busyness over the holidays? While you’re resting, grab something hot to drink and listen in as I interview another woman of worth at SGC. Hopefully you’ll get to know her enough that you’ll feel comfortable saying “Hi” next time you see her…

Heather Gingerich, her husband Donovan, and their four children have been at Sugar Grove for about a year and a half. At the time they found SGC, they were searching for a church that had both an established youth group where their oldest daughter Isabella would feel comfortable plugging in, as well as a pastor who spoke truth and wasn’t afraid to step on toes. Sugar Grove was the answer for them, and they’ve found several ways to become plugged in and put the jersey on. Donovan is a Crossfire Chaos small group leader and Heather will soon start helping in the café downstairs. Their family is also co-leading a Life Group that will be starting this week.

Donovan and Heather just celebrated fifteen years of marriage this past week (Congratulations!) and are blessed with two boys and two girls: Isabella (12), Jack (10), William (8), and Suzy (6).  After attending Hesston College with Donovan, a cousin of Heather was sure that Heather HAD to meet his friend, “Donny G.” Heather says her first response was, “That sounds like a name from someone who used to sing for New Kids On The Block…what is he, like 12? No thanks…” But, Donovan and Heather ended up meeting by chance at a later time by being at the same place at the same time. Heather (in her words) did a “wooooo-aaaahhh," and decided maybe her cousin was right about this guy. And, the rest is history! Donovan and Heather work hard to make time on a regular basis for just the two of them to talk without allowing any interruptions from the children. It has been one method for keeping love alive for them, and Heather says, “If we get too busy and don’t connect verbally, I get grouchy.” :)

Heather is currently working at IU Health Goshen Hospital as a USNA. The "US" stands for “Unit Secretary” and involves checking in labor patients, taking their insurance information, hooking them up to the baby monitors, answering the phone, taking doctors' orders, etc. The "NA" stands for “Nursing Assistant”, which is taking care of the newborn after birth: baby’s bath, hospital bands, weighing the baby, administering hearing screens, and snuggling and holding (her absolute favorite part of the job!.

Heather was born and raised in Sturgis, Michigan and has been following Jesus since a young age of around five years old. She says her journey took the long way around for a few years in her late teens and early twenties. She had come to the place where she lived one kind of life on Sundays and during the week lived life according to her own way. 

A defining moment in her spiritual walk was when she turned twenty-one.  With her roommate and friend, Bobbie, she headed to Wisconsin for a little weekend trip to see Bobbie's friend, Jael, whom Heather had never met. “During the course of the weekend Jael called us both out on the way that we were living, our relationship with God (the lack there-of), as well as some things she saw in our dating lives. Jael also called Bobbie after we were home from the trip and told her that if she didn’t make some changes they wouldn’t be able to be friends anymore. My first response was to wonder how anyone could talk to a friend like that! But then, I was in awe that Bobbie had someone in her life that loved her enough to tell her the truth even when she didn’t want to hear it. Bobbie and I both decided that we did need to change some things and were challenged to live consistently, not just on Sundays when church friends were watching us.”   

Heather recommitted her life to Christ and found a Jesus that walked her through some pretty lonely times. She had a new relationship with Someone that guided her into better decisions and choices rather than a Jesus that she submitted a wish list to every night with a prayer.

Jael later sent them a letter with guidelines for dating. Heather’s friend Bobbie dared her to follow them and bet that she couldn’t, which pushed Heather to take on the challenge! Soon after is when she met Donovan. “It still cracks me up that he was so impressed that I wouldn’t kiss on the first date. One of the rules was no kissing until the fourth date. He leaned in to give me a little peck on the cheek after our third date and I told him, 'No, I don’t kiss until after the fourth date!' I wish I had followed better standards in all of my other relationships and dating, but thankfully Jesus got a hold of my heart before I made some pretty big decisions on marriage and finding a life partner! I’m also thankful for the influence of Jael and Bobbie in my life at that time. Bobbie still calls me out on things when she needs to…some seventeen years later”  :)

Heather’s family has now become a big part of her life and the best part of being a woman for her is being a mama! “I love getting to nurture these little people that I had the privilege of carrying for nine months! I love them and am so glad I get to teach my girls how to bake, paint their nails, shop, and be a lady and am blessed that I can teach my boys how to love & be kind. (At least I hope I’m doing that…) It was a privilege to carry them for nine months  - even if pregnancy wasn’t everything I thought it would be – and a blessing to see them grow.” Her children are a part of what makes Heather laugh with their sense of humor, and her husband keeps her laughing with his goofy ways. What else makes her laugh out loud on a regular basis? The television show, Duck Dynasty!!

In her free time she enjoys shopping, baking, being with her family, date nights, going to the movies, and going to the beach whenever possible. Summer is her favorite season when she can be at the beach often, hang laundry on the line, lie in the sun, water flowers in pots sitting around the house, roast marshmallows around a campfire, and sip lemonade on the porch swing with her lovies!

Our time is almost up, so I’m going to make the most of it with some quick popcorn trivia

Something people may not know about you? My mom died of cancer when I was 13. My dad got remarried one year later and had a child with my stepmom. I have an older sister, Melissa (8 years older) a younger sister, Holly (13 months younger) and, a ½ sister, Michele. (15 years younger)

Three words to describe yourself? Spontaneous and fun loving.

Shy or outgoing? Outgoing

Tomboy or princess? Princess, definitely! Where is my crown???

Coffee or tea? Coffee with lots of creamer.

Oceanside or mountainside? Oceanside for sure!

The perfect meal? Carrabba’s! Bread and dipping spices, Sicilian Chicken Soup, Mezzaluna Carrabba, (with NO mushrooms)and ending with Canoli.

Worst food ever? Broccoli.

Morning person or night owl? Night owl!

I’d love to travel to: Italy and California.

Read, watch, or listen to learn? Watch and do.

Favorite Bible character? Esther

Three activities that bring peace to your life? Reading the Bible. Chatting with a friend (hopefully over coffee!). And, sleep.

Thank you Heather, for sharing with us and for allowing us to get to know you a little better. We will join you in beginning to dream of warm sunny days and beach sand to come as we spend more time indoors this month watching white snow fall to the ground. (smile)

Blessings to you all as we go forward in a brand new year. May it be filled with His goodness and grace in every way!

Julie