by Don Freeman | Feb 10, 2022 | Devotional
Still lingering in my mind’s eye are the dozen or more wildly exotic cactus varieties that I wandered among on the campus of the retreat center last week while in Arizona. Coming from the wet and humid East Coast, these plants populating the sandy earth looked to me...
by Don Freeman | Feb 8, 2022 | Devotional
“I’d look on the bright side … if I could find it.” Eeyore, in Winnie the Pooh, by A.A. Milne Bad news. No news. Cold, blustery, rainy, dreary days. Headaches. Toothaches. Back aches. Old age. Cold coffee. Stale toast. Spam emails. Hangnails. What gets you down? What...
by Don Freeman | Feb 5, 2022 | Devotional
Let the overflow of your grace-giftings splatter onto those nearest your hearts, those on the fringes of your hearts, as well as on those currently not at all on your hearts. Be liberal in sharing this new thing your lives have become, are becoming. Openly express...
by Chris Mabey | Feb 3, 2022 | Devotional
As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!’ ‘Do you see these great buildings’, replied Jesus, ‘Not one stone here we be left on another, everyone will be thrown down.’ (Mark...
by Amelia Avila | Feb 1, 2022 | Devotional
These words from 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV) have been front and center for our family during this year of experiencing so much loss. 2021 began with the loss of my mother, on February 11th, then ended with the passing of my mother-in-law, December 23rd. 2022 has begun...
by Don Freeman | Jan 29, 2022 | Devotional
NB: This note is kind of like someone saying, ‘I’ve got good news and I’ve got bad news. Which do you want to hear first?’ I’m starting with the bad news, so please keep reading, OK? I promise it’ll be good. I’ve got it! I see our problem more clearly now, and it’s...
by Don Freeman | Jan 27, 2022 | Devotional
What is the common activity among these people: surgeons, firefighters, astronauts, military personnel, deep sea divers, mountain climbers, children playing in the snow? They suit up in specialized gear in preparation for what’s ahead of them. The last example is the...
by Don Freeman | Jan 25, 2022 | Devotional
I remember being grabbed, picked up, flipped over multiple times and ejected up from the depths in a saltwater-spitting, kneecap-rending, contorted discombobulation. The rogue wave responsible for my ego-bruising arrival onto the beach, obviously pleased to be rid of...
by Don Freeman | Jan 22, 2022 | Devotional
“The glory of God gives life: those who see God receive life. For this reason God, who cannot be grasped, comprehended or seen, allows himself to be seen, comprehended and grasped by men that he may give life to those who receive him. The glory of God is...
by Don Freeman | Jan 20, 2022 | Devotional
I’ve just been reading about Scandinavian winters (brr!) and the investment these northern clime neighbors make in the coziest of surroundings, the warmest of woolen throws piled into big woven baskets by the enormous open fireplace (ablaze, of course!), thick socks,...
