A Beautiful Background
Courtney, a resident of Elmont, North Dakota, beautifully depicts her childhood filled with faith, growing up in a Lutheran church where attending services and Sunday school was part of her weekly routine. Despite this foundation, she describes her relationship with Jesus evolving over the years. “I always had faith,” she shared, “but I didn’t truly understand what it meant to have a genuine relationship with Jesus.” Reflecting on her early years, she fondly recalls moments spent riding her horse, where she would talk to the unseen but present force she believed was listening. Looking back, she recognizes those conversations as a form of prayer, planting seeds for her future relationship with God.
The Shift Toward Faith
Courtney’s life took a significant turn when she started working for an equine veterinarian in North Dakota. This experience was pivotal, revealing to her the power of prayer and the authenticity of faith as demonstrated by her colleagues. Their joyful, peaceful spirit sparked a desire within her for a deeper relationship with God. That desire translated into action when, alongside her husband Ben, they sought a church community that resonated with their growing journey. Their collective decision to get baptized marked a new chapter in their lives, exemplifying how they committed to nurturing their faith side by side.
The Impact of Community
The church they attend in Bismarck is more than just a building; it’s a source of spiritual nourishment, healing, and support. Courtney spoke passionately about the power of prayer during services. She noted how the tangible presence of the Holy Spirit transforms not just the atmosphere but the very hearts of those who gather. “Sometimes, I just cry,” she admitted, describing the overwhelming feeling of comfort and safety that envelops her during worship. Being part of such an environment reminds us how essential it is to connect with others who share our faith, fostering growth and encouraging us in our spiritual journeys.
Parenting in Faith
As a mother of two young boys, including her lively three-year-old Denim, Courtney is committed to instilling the values of faith and prayer in her children. She embodies the idea that faith is not just something spoken about but practiced daily. Denim’s innocent prayers, often for his toys and family, reflect a pure understanding of prayer that reminds us of the beauty in childlike faith. For Courtney, the relationship she fosters with her children is not only about teaching them prayers but showing them the love of Christ through their everyday actions as a family.
Revive Equine: A God-Centered Business
The conversation took an exciting turn as Courtney introduced us to her venture, Revive Equine. This barn is not merely a business; it’s a manifestation of her faith in action. With a heartwarming story behind it, Revive Equine provides rehabilitation and conditioning for horses while extending the mission of offering spiritual support to the horse owners as well. Courtney infused her barn with scripture and Christian music, creating a peaceful environment where animals and their owners can experience God’s presence. Each stall is adorned with Bible verses, emphasizing her commitment to integrating faith into every aspect of her work. “Every day, I tell God to guide me in my work. He shows up, and we just try to be the hands and feet of God,” Courtney expressed. This dedication not only aligns with her personal faith but also serves as a beacon of light for others in the community.
Concluding
Thoughts Courtney’s inspiring testimony resonates with anyone seeking reassurance in their faith journeys. Her openness to faith, prayer, and community suggests that by simply being present and available to others, we can plant seeds of love and hope in our world. If you’re looking for a beautiful example of faith in action, let Courtney’s story encourage you to embrace vulnerability in your walks with God. As we wrapped up the conversation, Courtney led us in a heartfelt prayer, asking for God’s blessings on the listeners, affirming the importance of connections through faith. It was a beautiful reminder that our conversations about faith can touch lives, spread love, and ultimately inspire growth.
Thank you, Courtney, for sharing your journey with us, and thank you to our listeners for joining in this beautiful conversation! If you'd like to learn more about Courtney's work or need inspiration for your own faith journey, check out her business, Revive Equine. Until next time, stay blessed and continue seeking the presence of God in every moment.