top of page
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!
Search
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...
Jani James
Jan 5, 20233 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...
Bob Witty
Dec 26, 20223 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...
Steve Colwell
Dec 22, 20221 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...
Jani James
Dec 15, 20224 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...
Abigail Welborn
Dec 7, 20222 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...
Daniel Starr
Dec 1, 20223 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...
Steve Colwell
Nov 23, 20224 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...
Miel Formantes
Nov 16, 20222 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...
Bob Witty
Nov 8, 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...
Courtney Hjelmervik
Nov 3, 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...
Steve Colwell
Oct 26, 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...
Bob Witty
Oct 20, 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...
Jani James
Oct 13, 20223 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...
Abigail Welborn
Oct 6, 20222 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...
Nicole Starr
Sep 22, 20223 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...
Miel Formantes
Sep 14, 20222 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...
Bob Witty
Sep 6, 20223 min read
Tides of Life
He has made everything appropriate in its time. Ecclesiastes 3:11a NASB We stayed for a week on Whidbey Island, beach-combing, building...
Jani James
Sep 1, 20223 min read
Amazing Universe - Accident or Design?
Did you see the photos from the James Webb Space Telescope that was sent into space recently? The Webb is the most powerful telescope...
Steve Colwell
Aug 24, 20223 min read
bottom of page