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Last January was the hardest month of my year. I made one social media post reflecting on what that month held, and I used the word “brutal” to describe how January 2025 went down. For me, that was no exaggeration. It really was.  The new year meant the reminder of grief and experiencing new grief.…

It’s no secret that Christmas, while being full of cheer for some, can exasperate the grief of others. That’s why I love the Christmas carol that sings, “tidings of comfort and joy.” No one is excluded from celebrating Christmas. We can enter this week adding to the joy, or wearily ready for the comfort that…

“Blessed are you!” are the words spoken by Elizabeth found in Luke’s Gospel when she greets her cousin Mary. Out of all of the examples of friendship in the Bible, my very favorite one is this little story, cradled in the grander scheme of the Christmas story.  For the context of this passage below, two…

October 28th – Thanksgiving Day! Click below to download the PDF Devotional Book. Thanksgiving Thoughts by Kelly Freed Arena  Click below for the printable “Your Thanksgiving Thoughts“ (or write in your own journal) to get the most out of the application section for each day. Your Thanksgiving Thoughts Journal Pages

I picked up the phone to hear the voice on the other end say, “I reported you to Pastor Smith.” The words were cold and sharp. My heart pounded and cheeks warmed. With a lump in my throat, I continued the phone conversation as maturely and kindly as possible. As the conversation dragged on, I…

“Addiction is a reality, but I want to counter that today and say that Jesus is a reality too.” The words were hard to utter. I clutched the podium to give me some extra support as I ushered them from my mouth. I love public speaking. Speaking is my favorite thing. But the first eulogy…