by Don Freeman | Aug 22, 2023 | Devotional
The Ironman Triathlon: a timed, 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride, 26.22-mile marathon, done in that order. Who would ever voluntarily sign on for such a physically exhausting race? To be clear – not I! But there are hundreds and hundreds of brave (crazy?) people...
by Don Freeman | Aug 19, 2023 | Devotional
Parenting is a quiet, unassuming word – at first glance! It is, more accurately, an umbrella term for way-more-than-a full-time job. It includes, but is not limited to, loving, feeding, bathing, holding, rocking (essential), nursing when children are sick...
by Don Freeman | Aug 17, 2023 | Devotional
Here’s a reminder of this magnificent passage from Paul’s letter to the church at Rome. The more I read it, the more I see of the brilliant, exuberant joy of God’s plan – all for us. Reading these verses all but silences all ‘woe is me!’ funks. What’s...
by Don Freeman | Aug 15, 2023 | Devotional
As it turns out, our shaming experiences and the ensuing load of debilitating shame we carry is not something we are destined to schlep around with us for the rest of our days. Au contraire! Even in our most painful failures and humiliations God works ‘all’ things for...
by Don Freeman | Aug 12, 2023 | Devotional
I love art in all its forms! I love looking at it, listening to it, reading it, smelling it, tasting it – especially tasting it! Those who create beauty are heroes. They add so much richness to our lives. We search for words and ways to express our gratitude for what...
by Don Freeman | Aug 10, 2023 | Devotional
Addition. It’s the simplest math possible: 1 Cheerio + 1 Cheerio = 2 Cheerios. See? Easy peasy. Better yet, trade up to brightly colored, mega sugary, Froot Loops (those beautiful little sugar-encrusted wheels – beautiful yes, but math-precarious, too, as the addends...
by Don Freeman | Aug 8, 2023 | Devotional
It was exciting! I’d been accepted in a Master’s Program of Counseling, something I’d long dreamt of doing. So, after graduating with my Bachelor’s Degree, and visiting with friends along the way, I was only slightly jarred by the experience at the border crossing...
by Don Freeman | Aug 5, 2023 | Devotional
If ever our souls were fully awakened to the vastness of our Jesus inheritance, they would most certainly beg for a respite, a halt to the sheer volume of pure excellence streaming in, washing over them. Like a child at his birthday party, in the excitement of the...
by Don Freeman | Aug 3, 2023 | Devotional
What would you be expecting from a conference whose theme is: Making All Things New? Well, if you’re anything like me, you would have grossly underestimated what had been prepared for the attendees. Sure, the worship times are blow-the-roof-off fantastic. Sure, the...
by Don Freeman | Aug 1, 2023 | Devotional
This week is National Vineyard Conference week, this year in the beautiful mountains near Asheville, North Carolina. Black Mountain, to be specific. At Ridgecrest Conference Center to be even more specific. Sunday evening began for pastors with an evening...