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Rev. April H. Cranford
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Sep 74 min read
Ups and Downs of Life with the Movie Up
The animation creators of Disney's Pixar 2009 movie Up keep our eyes on the sky for most of the film with airships, balloons, and...
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Aug 227 min read
7 helpful tips in planning your first or next sabbatical
Over the past 16 years of ordained ministry, I have served two different churches as an Associate Pastor and Solo Pastor. At each church,...
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Dec 18, 20234 min read
Stubborn Hope at Christmas
During the holidays, we will experience moments of mixed joy and loss. While holding celebrations and challenges together, I have come to...
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Nov 22, 20235 min read
Interview Clothes for Christmas
Every November, I remember the year my husband and I chose to meet a need in our community for Christmas rather than buy gifts for each...
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Oct 28, 20232 min read
A Community Chest
Remember playing the game Monopoly? The game board lays nicely on a kitchen table or a living room floor for hours of entertainment. I...
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Sep 9, 20234 min read
Choose Daily to Bring Joy
Earlier this summer, I served with a mission team in Vincent Guerrero, Baja California, Mexico. In one week, we built two homes for two...
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Aug 17, 20237 min read
Remembering the Rev. Dr. John R. Goodman
Remembrances shared on August 16, 2023 I am honored to stand here before Tee and family, along with cherished friends, and faithful...
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Jun 26, 20234 min read
What might a contentment list look like?
I remember a wooden list holder mounted on a wall near the kitchen of my childhood home. Pop, my step-grandfather, made many wooden...
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May 26, 20233 min read
Summer Selah
Words fill our days, from conversations in the neighborhood to discussions around the dinner table. The average person speaks seven...
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Apr 28, 20233 min read
Everyone Has Value
Whenever I read the parable of the lost coin, I think back to my teenage years. Like most youths, my sister and I lost our toys, keys,...
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Mar 15, 20232 min read
Serve as a Volunteer
A Penny for Your Thoughts One night, I volunteered at a vocational and rehabilitation center for people with disabilities. A center where...
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Mar 6, 20232 min read
Serve at Work
“Do you have a cigarette?” A man asked as I was heading into the library. I told him I didn't smoke, but I thought it would be a hard...
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Mar 1, 20232 min read
Define Misson
The prophet Micah helps us define mission in this way; to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Micah 6:8)...
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Feb 20, 20231 min read
Be Different
Years ago, I served with a team of volunteers at a ninety-day rehabilitation center for drug and alcohol addiction. After cooking and...
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Jan 27, 20233 min read
Growing in faith alongside "Peanuts"
Since 1950, the “Peanuts” comic strip by Charles M. Schulz (1922-2000) has graced newspapers worldwide with humor, wit, and a bit of...
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Dec 26, 20222 min read
A Christmas Song Prayer
Be near us Lord Jesus, as we shout our hallelujahs and offer our praise in Christmas glorias. Stay close to us, as our voices rejoice...
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Dec 1, 20224 min read
Humble Beginnings
During the Advent and Christmas seasons, I remember traveling to the holy lands, walking down the streets of Bethlehem, and climbing over...
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Nov 23, 20223 min read
Live & Serve from the Heart
A woman named Ann had a friend encourage her to memorize Bible verses, one verse beginning with each letter of the alphabet. She took up...
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Oct 21, 20223 min read
God Promises to Walk with Us
For centuries, the Isle of Iona has drawn travelers to its stone structures, green meadows, and rocky hills in search of the sacred. In...
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Sep 18, 20225 min read
Sabbatical Psalm & Reflections
Bless the Lord, O my soul (Beginning the Sabbatical Journey) who abides in every season and through every transition, who restores...
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