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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…

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…

Scripture Reading: Psalm 16 Eight years ago, on August 2nd, I received a phone call that changed my perspective and illuminated a deeper understanding and appreciation of Psalm 16. “Your paratrooper is safe,” said the voice on the phone. My husband was safe, which meant others were not.  I have been walking with Jesus since…

How does Memorial Day remind us to abide in Jesus? What comes to mind when you think about Memorial Day? The weekend is often a celebratory time for families enjoying a long weekend, having a cook-out with friends or playing at the beach. In the midst of the delicious food and time of relaxation, maybe,…

Scripture Reading: John 18 & 19  Which Kingdom do we serve? Perhaps it’s an odd question to ask on Good Friday. After all, today is the day we reflect with somber gratitude on the day our Savior bled and died for our sins. As I read the Scripture text of John chapters 18 and 19,…

Wasn’t it hard to not think about love when you were bombarded with red and pink hearts – on anything from M&Ms to balloons? Whether your favorite part of Valentine’s was a romantic dinner or the day-after-chocolate-sales, there is something about last week that caused us to ponder the concept of love. So as we…

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” John 3:16-17 (ESV)   John 3:16 is…

Did you play hide-and-go-seek as a kid? Did you have a daring friend who would only play the game when the lights were turned off? I did. As a child I would muster up my courage to play this game along with my friends. All the while, my heart raced fast as I fumbled around…

What if there was a New Year’s Resolution that would deepen your relationship with Jesus AND enrich your Quiet Time? I am so grateful for the many times over the years that I prioritized Scripture memory, hiding small portions of the Bible in my heart. Memorizing Scripture is a beautiful way to continually grow your…