The Lord has walked with me up to and through this crossroad as I prayed about a change I was thinking may be best. I embraced the thought that if God could do what he did for Cornerstone when he brought us out of our old building to the school and now to our current property, then he would look after me just as well.
Read MoreCOVID and pain, the perfect storm.
For those directly affected by COVID, I don't want to downplay your problems or make light of the virus at all. But it has been a time of great healing and growth for me. All of my Christian life, I've had a conflict with the love and grace of God, being loved by anyone, especially God. I know well enough to know that I don't deserve either. And the thought of God loving someone like me, no way!
Read MoreThe downtown area of Mayfield is completely gone. Blocks and blocks of nothing but rubble. The old brick buildings 4-5 stories high are now flattened. There are no freestanding buildings. This was an old and deeply valued town. A lady who has lived there all her life, her grandfather was a local pastor for 48 years, told John, “As I walk through what is left of my town, it is like a devastating death. This town will never be the same again. It’s like when someone dear to you dies, you just try to get through the next day.” For many people, this is sorrow upon sorrow. One of the residents deeply affected by the tornado’s destruction was already heartbroken. In December of 2020, just one year prior, his mother died of COVID, and his daughter was murdered that same month. The local librarian’s family home was very damaged. The library was still able to open, however, and this lady courageously and unselfishly went every day to keep the library open and read to and talk to children. She considered it “doing what she could.”
Read MoreIf you ask anyone over 50 years old, they will fondly tell you, of their yearly pilgrimage to downtown Akron to see the Nativity set and the Christmas display windows at both O’Neil’s and Polsky’s department stores. Some will remember what seemed like a whole floor of both of these stores being designated as North Pole Akron. The nativity set had its place of prominence displayed on the marquee on the facing of the O’Neil’s store. Driving down S. Main Street it could be seen by everyone. It was a magical time of the year and in Akron’s history.
Read MoreStill just on top of the world after an amazing church weekend! I attend services only online for the time being, but I had the opportunity to attend 2 in-person events this weekend, and my heart is SO full! On Saturday, we had a mental health event geared at bringing hope to those who are hurting this holiday season. It was enlightening and beautiful! Last night was an event called MP Nite, where ministry partners (those giving of their time, talent, and treasure in and for the church) were filled up with gratitude from our pastor, comedy/fun from some of our youngest ministry partners, and unbelievable worship in song! This worship - let me tell you - when you are surrounded by givers, doers, workers, and those who are SO on fire for Christ -- it is just the most powerful, amazing, life moving experience…
Read MoreListen, we (I) am always complaining about things gone wrong, but rarely do we (I) acknowledge when things gone wrong actually go right. I want to throw some positivity out there today. Last week....
Read MoreThe details don't even matter really. But, this morning I woke up to a bit of a crisis. I had no idea what to do or how to make things right or how to afford to even find out. As I spiraled into panic I said, "Wait. We have a church family. Surely there is someone who could help with this kind of thing." So I called my church mama who talked to her hubby who called a friend who had someone to my house later this same day who fixed my crisis. No bill. No shame. No questions. Just help…
Read MoreThis past year, Clara was diagnosed with autism. Then I lost one of my best friends in an awful accident. On top of starting a new job (which I love! But working in HR, in a hospital, in a pandemic- when things are just weird...it is not for the faint of heart! ) and then I was going just a little crazy from being an extrovert who suddenly was home all the time…
Read MoreHeart was thing I was missing, because for most of my life mine was broken. I hated myself, was taught that there was something fundamentally wrong with me, intentionally or not. I struggled with self-loathing and depression for two decades. It wasn’t until we had been going to Cornerstone for a little while, maybe six months, that I began to see real victory on those fronts.
Read MoreWhen I was in elementary school my parents got divorced. It was really hard because I was so young. I didn’t understand what was going on.
After their divorce, I would go to church on Sunday mornings out of obligation, not because I wanted to.
Read MoreAmazing Day!! I was baptized today in front of my Family, my Friend, and my church family. Like I said in my testimony – I'm all in!! I am so thankful that God never gave up on me even when I gave up on him.
Read MoreWhat a beautiful day. I spent the morning with my cornerstone family and Pastor Jacob baptized me. Yet another blessing received through God's gift of salvation. To make this even more special my daughter Stacy and son-in-law Nick were there… adding to my joy. Thank you, Lord.
Read MoreToday I showed the whole world what was already being done in my life and that God is at the center of my life. He is my source nothing else can take his place.
Read MoreEven though these have been some of the hardest times that I have ever been through, I am thankful for them. Without God, my children, and Cornerstone Church I'm not sure I would have made it.
Read MoreServing people in the community in this way has brought me so much joy. It has taught me to be humble and kind despite my own struggles, including my major back surgery and other medical issues I have dealt with throughout the years.
Read MoreDue to these delays, the neurologist was going to tell us she had severe mental retardation and we should pursue finding a residential facility for her at this point. But instead, he gave her the diagnosis of "enigma." What a miracle! She eventually received a diagnosis of..
Read MoreI called myself a Christian for 10 years before I truly knew what it meant to be in a personal relationship with Jesus. I was doing all the things…
Read MoreJesus is my reason for living - He gives me purpose. I am better because of Him. And Cornerstone has truly help make me who I am today. I am so grateful for my Cornerstone Family - God bless you all!
Read MoreAs I look back on the past eight years, God continues to amaze me with his grace and mercy. All glory be to God! I see where God's hand was on me even before I knew Him. In Acts 1, Jesus tells us we will receive the power of the Holy Spirit and witness to the ends of the earth.
Read MoreI have no family relationships in my life and it's tough. But the quality of the relationships I have with my Cornerstone Church is much greater than just that...they are my family.
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