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Our Leadership
blog
One of the things that we highly value is listening to one another's stories. In particular, we love to hear about how people are encountering Jesus in their day-to-day lives. This might be in big ways...but it also happens most often in smaller ways (sometimes in ways that are really easy to miss.)
On this page you will find a treasure trove of such stories! May your own walk with Jesus be deeply encouraged and nourished by what you read here.
If you are interested in sharing some of your story here, please email us to let us know!
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Miel Formantes
Jan 19, 20233 min read
El Roi
In times of waiting, it is so easy to think that you or your dreams are forgotten. Sometimes, we take the waiting as God saying no. Other...
380
Courtney Hjelmervik
Jan 12, 20233 min read
Locusts and Humility
I have always had this picture in my head of John the Baptist as a confident zealot. I can picture him pinching a locust right out of the...
530
Jani James
Jan 5, 20233 min read
Love Resolved
My first-grade grandson has a sweet habit of saying, “I’m on Grandma’s team!” whenever we propose a game. Over Christmas, we played...
470
Bob Witty
Dec 26, 20223 min read
The Calling
The year was 1967. I was 17 with no clear direction in my life. I was very active with my religious group at the time so I guess you...
450
Steve Colwell
Dec 22, 20221 min read
Hope is Born
Often I despair of the world we live in Oh! Humans! Sometimes I want to give in When I think of the suffering in Ukraine A war started by...
250
Jani James
Dec 15, 20224 min read
Lord of the Plot Twist
Kent’s family was gathered for happy hour in Walnut Creek, California, at the old family home we affectionately call “3067”. The family...
650
Abigail Welborn
Dec 7, 20222 min read
The People Walking in Darkness
Pentatonix is an a cappella group that rose to fame partly because of their Christmas album. They release a new album of holiday songs...
310
Daniel Starr
Dec 1, 20223 min read
Kusaziva
The late Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi from Zimbabwe is one of my favorite international artists. Tuku was a strong activist and legend among...
320
Steve Colwell
Nov 23, 20224 min read
My Grandfather and the First Thanksgiving
My grandfather, fourteen generations ago, attended what is commonly regarded as the first Thanksgiving in 1621. His name is William...
380
Miel Formantes
Nov 16, 20222 min read
Miracle of the Mundane
Despite the beautiful fall we are having, it feels like the mundane has gotten me into a rut. I do count my blessings: a job I love, a...
320
Bob Witty
Nov 8, 20223 min read
Entertaining Angels
I view myself as a humble, modest person; and I’m proud of it. A couple years ago, we were getting settled into our winter villa in Palm...
390
Courtney Hjelmervik
Nov 3, 20223 min read
Already Home
There are many things children can say that can tear your heart in two, I know this. I have said them, heard my brothers say them, and...
870
Steve Colwell
Oct 26, 20223 min read
A Sign of the Times on Halloween
Two years ago, October 2020, my daughter-in-law and her nine-year-old daughter went trick or treating in their neighborhood. My...
510
Bob Witty
Oct 20, 20223 min read
Empathy Part 2
Previously, I wrote about falling on my back and the resulting shoulder pain. (See Empathy) This was the kind of pain I had never...
370
Jani James
Oct 13, 20223 min read
Loads and Burdens
“Mom!” My daughter was grinning at me, with a raised eyebrow. “Is it gonna be video only for you? No in-person games so you can shout...
270
Abigail Welborn
Oct 6, 20222 min read
God is the Gardener
My friend and former nanny, Susan, is an amazing gardener. While she worked for us, the raised planters in our backyard transformed from...
320
Nicole Starr
Sep 22, 20223 min read
Navigating Changes
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you...
420
Miel Formantes
Sep 14, 20222 min read
The Study Book of Life
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God...
260
Bob Witty
Sep 6, 20223 min read
Unexpected
In 1981, I left the religion of my youth (Jehovah’s Witnesses). My faith was shaken to the core. I didn’t know where to turn. Jesus...
510
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