Christmas Will Come To You
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION Thirteen-year-old Anza and her father, Lee, first came to our shelter in August of last year. They had been living in their car for more than two years. They used public...
View ArticleFriends, Faith and Family
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION Just like a scene from Steel Magnolias, I walked into the beauty shop in downtown Earl one recent Friday afternoon. The avocado-themed floor, walls and other décor appeared...
View ArticleLeave the Garbage Behind
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION I have moved three times in as many years. Furniture (large and small), appliances, toys, lawnmowers, books, books and more books have filled my homes. Each time I have...
View ArticleA Storm’s Blowing In
WORDS/ REV CRYSTAL CHAMPION Outside my office window are two mighty oak trees that are well over 100 years old. Our large campus is filled with stately trees planted back in 1892 when construction on...
View ArticleThe Soul at the Door
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION That Christmas Eve was very cold and the skies threatened snow near our Foothills home. Jeffrey and I were delivering Ebbie’s home-baked goodies to friends and family, all...
View Article“A Gentler Nation…”
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION Former President George H. W. Bush encouraged us some years ago to experience a “kinder, gentler nation…” I reflected upon this thought while writing this column. I have...
View ArticleThe Spirituality of a Puppy
WORDS/ REV. CRYSTAL CHAMPION Readers of this column may remember my journey of 17 years with my dog Whitefoot. He died three years ago. Pet owners and lovers will understand my tremendous grief after...
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