Love Grows Love Animal Assisted Learning

01/08/2026

All Veterans, active military and First Responders!
We hope to see you next Friday January 16 - John and Iris are cooking up something good! 🙌🏾 - we’ll eat at 6:15. (If you want more horse time come at 5:30.) please RSVP

01/05/2026

Known by Name

Recently, we had the opportunity to welcome a local equine veterinarian to the farm to learn about our programs and meet our herd. This young woman grew up in the area but was unfamiliar with the work being done at Love Grows Love.

As she walked around the pastures and the barn meeting the horses, one name immediately caught her attention. When we said, "Her name is Bentley," she stopped, turned toward the stall, and became visibly excited. She shared that she had known Bentley from years before Bentley ever came to Love Grows Love.

As she talked, she described her time working with Bentley - training sessions, interactions, and moments from Bentley's earlier life. With each story she shared, pieces of Bentley's history that had long been missing were gently filled in. Every horse at Love Grows Love has a story, but Bentley's had the most unanswered questions. That day, her story became fuller, richer, and ready to be shared more completely.

What stood out to me most was something we've occasionally questioned here on the farm. Many horses who come to Love Grows Love receive new names, marking a new chapter in their lives. Bentley's name, however, was never changed - despite volunteers and staff wondering at times if it should have been.

On this day, it was clear why her name mattered. Had Bentley's name been changed, she would not have been recognized by someone who had once loved her so dearly. Her name became the bridge that reunited her past with her present.

The Bible refers to God by many names - each one revealing something about His character, His power, and His relationship with us. Yet no matter which name we call upon, He is the same loving, faithful God.

Some of the names Scripture gives us include:
- YHWH/Yahweh/Jehovah
- Elohim
- Adonai
- El Shaddai
- El Elyon
- Son of God
- Lord
- Jesus Christ
- Lamb of God
- Messiah
- Savior
- Wonderful Counselor
- Abba Father
- King of Kings
- Prince of Peace
- Alpha and Omega

Just as Bentley was recognized because her name remained the same, may we always recognize our God - no matter the name by which He reveals Himself to us.

Reflection Question:
In Matthew 16:15, Jesus asks, "But, what about you? Who do you say I am?" As you reflect on the many names of God, which name speaks most deeply to your heart today?

12/30/2025

Tuesdays nights, Love Grows Love is the place to be for your children! Starting next week send them our way after school for a snack and hands on horse experiential learning and personal growth on the farm!

Middle school 330pm-530pm
High school 630pm- 830pm

Scholarships are available! 🫶🏼🐴

12/30/2025

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. — Galatians 5:13

12/29/2025

🍽️ Stable Connections Meal Train 🍽️

Family dinner is a meaningful part of our Stable Connections program. To keep this program affordable, we’re inviting support through our Meal Train. Meals are needed Wednesdays by 5:30 PM, feed about 20 people, and may be homemade or purchased. We know this is a big ask—feel free to partner with a friend.

Sign up here: 👉 https://mealtrain.com/gz1m7e

Thank you for helping create space for families to slow down, pray together, and grow stronger—around the table and beyond. 💚

During our Stable Connections program here at Love Grows Love, we believe there is something powerful that happens when families gather around the table. Sharing a meal, offering prayer, and engaging in meaningful table talk creates space for connection, reflection, and growth—something many famil...

12/29/2025

12/29/2025

As you welcome the new year, consider gifting your family the experience of weekly intentional time together, exploring new ways to communicate, share responsibilities, and cultivate empathy. The horses offer a unique opportunity to plant seeds for a lifetime of growth. Invest in your family's well-being by participating in our weekly farm gatherings, featuring meals, table talk, and engaging horse activities in our indoor arena!

Scholarships are currently available! 🐴🫶🏼❤️

12/28/2025

Walking in Step

At the farm, one of the most amazing things to witness is a join-up. This happens when a horse is at liberty and chooses connection—moving in stride with a person rather than being led or forced.

Our volunteer, Carol, has built such a strong, trusting relationship with Kiara that join-ups come naturally. As they partner together, Kiara walks with a confident stride, her ear always tuned toward Carol, attentive and responsive. It’s a beautiful picture of connection, trust, and willingness.

Watching them reminds me of how we are called to respond to the Holy Spirit. He is present. He is near. He is always inviting us into relationship. But the question becomes—do we allow our hearts, souls, and minds to truly connect with Him? Are we walking in step with Him, tuning our ears to hear His voice through His Word, and following the path laid out by our Master?

As we approach a new year, may we remember that the greatest way to reach our goals and live the life we are called to live is not through striving alone, but through surrender and alignment.

Scripture reminds us in Galatians 5:25:
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

May we choose daily to join up with Him—walking closely, listening attentively, and trusting His lead.

Blessings,
Melissa

12/22/2025

The Meek Still Teach

When I started at Love Grows Love, I offered to include my rabbits as teachers in our programming. Because the farm had been rooted primarily in equine-assisted learning from the beginning, it was fair to wonder—how could a rabbit be a teacher?

Horses are big and strong. They communicate boldly with whinnies and nickers. Rabbits, on the other hand, are meek and mild. They move quietly. They teach without sound.

Many years ago, our Savior, Jesus Christ, came to us in much the same way—not as a conquering king clothed in gold and crowned with power, but as a meek and humble infant. Many were searching for a king and surely believed that someone so small could not possibly lead a nation or change the world.

Yet Scripture tells us otherwise:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulders. And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

Just as the rabbits teach through stillness and silence, Jesus taught through humility, presence, and love. Without force or spectacle, He transformed hearts, ruled nations, and forever changed the world.

May we remember that great lessons often come quietly. And may we echo the words of the beloved hymn Angels from the Realms of Glory:
“Come and worship, Come and worship,
Worship Christ, the newborn King.”

Blessings,
Melissa

12/19/2025

🎄 Not sure what to get that special lady in your life this Christmas?
Give her an experience she won’t forget.

✨ Gift her a day to slow down, reflect, and reconnect at HERd to Heart on Saturday, January 10. This full-day experience of self-discovery, partnering with horses, and meaningful fellowship with other women is one that lingers long after the day ends.

💝 And ladies… if you’re looking for a reason to treat yourself, consider this your invitation. Step away from the noise, spend time with the herd, and invest in you.

📍 Love Grows Love Animal Assisted Learning Farm, 4418 Medusa Rd, Norwalk, OH 44857
🕘 9Am - 3PM | Space is limited

Because sometimes the best gift isn’t something you unwrap — it’s something you experience. 🐴💖

12/18/2025

A heartfelt thank you to CROGHAN COLONIAL BANK for their incredible surprise this morning! Each year they choose a nonprofit to bless with their generosity, and this year they have empowered Love Grows Love with a visit to our vibrant farm and a generous donation that will propel our mission forward. Donors like these are the catalysts that enable us to make our life-changing sessions accessible to the families in our community. We are forever grateful!

12/17/2025

Last night our Stable Connections families experienced responsibility and family rules in a hands-on way during “Chores with a Twist.” 🐴🐰

Each group had a right brain, left brain, right hand, and left hand.
The brains could only give directions.
The hands could only act on what they were told.
Everyone took turns in each role—and let’s just say there was laughter, challenge, and plenty of learning along the way.

By the end, one thing became very clear: for this to work, some important things had to be in place.

💭 So now we’re curious…
What do you think it takes for an activity like this—and a family—to be successful?
Please comment below!