by Don Freeman | Sep 2, 2025 | Devotional
One of many things my mother passed on to me was the love of reading. She could disappear into a book and remain oblivious to her surroundings (i.e. the nagging of my siblings) for what seemed like forever. She would plead with gift-giving family members for books for...
by Don Freeman | Aug 30, 2025 | Devotional
Challenging words from Pete Greig: “Inevitably the media I consume starts to consume me. It realigns my neural pathways, amplifies my prejudices, and embeds unhealthy dependencies. The culture in which I swim inevitably shapes my most fundamental perception of...
by Amelia Avila | Aug 28, 2025 | Devotional
My husband and I are in the process of having various home repairs completed. For me, deciding paint colors is one of the most challenging, psychological exercises. It’s crazy how choosing a simple paint color can be so nerve wracking. What if I choose the wrong...
by Don Freeman | Aug 26, 2025 | Devotional
It’s called déjà vu, a French term meaning ‘already seen.’ The experience usually involves a scenario which feels vaguely familiar, which stirs an emotion, a little pinch of longing. The strange part of it is that it’s impossible that the situation is a repeat. Yet...
by Don Freeman | Aug 23, 2025 | Devotional
In 1967, Louis Armstrong wrote a song, ‘What a Wonderful World.’ It brimmed with a child’s optimism and celebrated simple things. It was sung in iconic Armstrong style. And it’s true. There’s much to love in this world. Everybody has a list of their many loves. My...
by Amelia Avila | Aug 21, 2025 | Devotional
For several years now, it’s been my responsibility to edit and upload the sermons each week to our church website. Over time, the most curious thing is that I have developed the ability to recognize in the raw sound data, without hearing it, when Don is speaking and...
by Don Freeman | Aug 19, 2025 | Devotional
It’s one of those statements that stick, even after all these years: I was 21 and had just taken my driver’s test (it’s a complicated story and I’ve long since forgiven my brothers, may they rest in peace). I pulled back into the parking lot of the testing center, put...
by Don Freeman | Aug 16, 2025 | Devotional
Imagine a 19-year-old, bedridden and in the hospital, desperately in need of a heart transplant. News comes in of a donor heart, a perfect match. After successful surgery and several anxious months, it appears there will be no rejection. Then, months of grueling...
by Amelia Avila | Aug 14, 2025 | Devotional
In my younger days, I had my share of sports injuries, the most severe being destroying my right knee at the age of fifteen. Future gymnastic prospects ended there, as I had ruptured the ACL, MCL, and torn the meniscus. At the time, knee reconstruction was reserved...
by Don Freeman | Aug 12, 2025 | Devotional
If, in terms of succeeding in being disciples of Jesus in the 21st Century, full provision is in place, if there are clear examples for us to follow, if New Testament Scripture is filled with encouragements, if Old Testament prophecies still speak today, if those...