Finding our Rhythm in the True Vine

There is something so beautiful about fall! The colors, the crisp air, and the changing seasons remind me to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy the rhythm of life. Sometimes life moves so quickly that we forget to pause and take in the beauty around us.

Recently, we enjoyed celebrating family birthdays from the last four months and an intense season of football with two of our grandsons, Isaiah and Jude! Love our family!

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the rhythms and seasons of life…how important it is to find moments of stillness in the middle of our busy days.

One of my favorite places to do that is in our hot tub. 😊 It’s a place where I can quiet my mind, reflect, pray, and simply enjoy being still for a few moments. Recently, as I looked up at our house, I noticed a vine climbing up the side. Dave had cut it back, and the vine was dead. Its roots were cut off and it was a picture I couldn’t shake.

A vine can only flourish when it is connected to its source of life. And so can we!

Jesus tells us in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

And then verse 7 adds this beautiful promise:

“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.”  THAT’S SIMPLY AMAZING!

I’ve been meditating on the word “abide”. It means more than simply believing in Jesus or turning to Him when we need something. It means remaining in Him, staying connected to Him, making our home in His presence, and allowing His Word to shape our hearts and our lives!

How easy it is to get caught up in the demands of life, even when we are doing good things! We can fill our calendars, pour ourselves into our work, care for our families, and serve others until we have very little left. But Jesus reminds us that our fruitfulness doesn’t come from striving harder; it comes from staying connected to Him.

As I look around at everything happening at Cavod, I am reminded of this truth again and again. We have settled into a wonderful rhythm this fall, even with so much happening all around us. There are classes filling our studios, teachers investing in students, productions coming to life, and countless people working behind the scenes! And through it all, I want us to remember where the fruit really comes from. It comes from abiding in the True Vine!

Seizing the Day

It has been so fun to experience Newsies this past weekend! We had sold-out crowds throughout the run and the energy, talent, and heart the cast brought to the stage was incredible! The past two weekends of shows have been such a blessing!

And my youngest grandson came all dressed for the occasion! He loved the show! LOL

One of the songs from Newsies is “Seize the Day.” It’s a powerful reminder not to let life pass us by, but to step forward with courage and make the most of the opportunities before us.

Newsies photos: @itsthebartletts

As I thought about that song, I was reminded that there is a balance between seizing the day and abiding in the Vine.

We are called to live boldly, use our gifts, take risks, and step into what God has placed before us. But we don’t have to do it in our own strength. In fact, we weren’t meant to!

When we stay connected to Jesus, He gives us the wisdom, strength, and direction to make the most of each day. We can work diligently without striving in our own strength. We can embrace a full season without losing our peace. And we can bear fruit that lasts because our lives are rooted in Him.

That is the rhythm I want to keep learning: ABIDE in Him, RECEIVE from Him, and then GIVE my all to make an impact in what He has called me to do!

A Day of ThanksGIVING

Speaking of seizing the day, Friday, November 6th is our annual Day of ThanksGIVING at Cavod! This is one of our biggest fundraising days of the year, and we are excited to come together as a community to invest in the lives of our students and the future of Cavod.

We are setting aside one special day to give, celebrate, and remember all that God has done! You’ll be able to give online throughout the day and that evening we’ll gather for a celebration in our beautiful new black box theatre in Manheim! EVERY DONATION COUNTS! Please prayerfully consider making a contribution on November 6th! MARK YOUR CALENDARS! EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Click here for more information!

As I reflect on this season, I am so grateful for the many people who have helped Cavod grow and flourish. Every student who discovers confidence, every teacher who speaks life into a child, teenager, and an adult too… and every family who finds community here is part of the fruit we get to celebrate! THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF OUR MISSION!

If Cavod has touched your life or the life of someone you love, I hope you’ll join us on November 6th. Your generosity helps us continue creating opportunities for students to grow in their gifts, discover who God created them to be, and experience the transforming power of the arts!

The Nutcracker

We are working hard behind the scenes on our upcoming Christmas production, The Nutcracker: The One True King.

This is a special twist on a beloved classic, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Mark your calendars for December 18-19. It will be a beautiful way to celebrate the Christmas season and remember the One who is truly worthy of all our worship. It will be at Lancaster Mennonite Fine Arts Center. Click here for more information!

As we move through this full and exciting season, my prayer is that we don’t get so caught up in all the doing that we forget the Source of our life, strength, and purpose.

The fall leaves will change. Seasons will come and go. Our calendars will fill and empty again. But Jesus remains the True Vine, faithfully inviting us to stay close to Him.

So, my encouragement to you this month is simple: find a moment to pause. Take a walk and enjoy the fall colors. Sit quietly with your coffee. Spend time in God’s Word. Let your heart settle in His presence.

And remember, you don’t have to produce fruit by striving in your own strength. Stay connected to the Vine and let Him do the work in and through you.

With a heart full of gratitude, I am praying that we will each find our rhythm in Him.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

“Lord Jesus, thank You for being our True Vine and the source of all life. In the busyness of our days and the changing seasons of our lives, help us to slow down and abide in You. Teach us to listen for Your voice, remain rooted in Your Word, and trust You with the fruit that comes from our lives. Thank You for all You are doing at Cavod, for our students and families, for our generous supporters, and for the opportunities You continue to place before us. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, keep our hearts close to You. May everything we do bring glory to Your Name. Amen.”

Until next time, grab a cup of coffee, enjoy the beauty of this season, and remember to stay connected to the Vine!

Love,

Connie Dienner

Founder/Executive Director