Happiness comes and goes. Painting has taught me that joy is something deeper—and Jesus gave us a beautifully simple path to finding it: love God and love your neighbor.

By choosing BigStuf, Estheimer chose worship, mentoring, friendship and faith for Switzerland County students. This Sunday’s Painting with Purpose auction will help turn that choice into opportunity.

Sometimes the things God asks us to lay down aren’t bad things. They’re good things that have simply taken up space He wants us to use differently. Maybe growth doesn’t always mean doing more. Maybe it looks like doing fewer things—and tending what remains with more intention. Fewer branches. Better fruit.

For nearly three decades, Switzerland County kids have been boarding buses for BigStuf. What happens when they come home may be the bigger story.

What started as a week at camp became something much bigger as local students grew in faith, friendship and their relationship with Jesus.

God didn’t create us to blend in. A colorful giraffe reminded me that our gifts, personalities and quirks have a purpose—and they’re meant to glorify Him.