Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

Sin expands one’s appetite for more sin. David’s sinful trail began by coveting his neighbor’s wife and was followed by adultery, lying, and murder. David’s unraveling did not stop until the prophet Nathan confronted and convinced him of his sins.

Repentance is the sinner’s only hope to be released from sin’s deadly cycle. Repentance begins with soulful remorse and ends with soul-filled renewal.

David’s attempt to insulate himself from guilt’s stinging indictment meant his sinful actions did not stop with sexually manipulating Bathsheba. He had to do something about Uriah, her husband.  Sin does not stop on its own power. Only God’s power is strong enough to stop sin’s destructive force. Repentance opens us to change when we personally yield our will to God’s will so our desires can be reshaped (Psalm 37:4).

David was said to be a “man after [God's] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14). On examining David’s heart, God anointed David to be king (1 Sam. 16:7).  David’s heart of faithfulness was his lead strength. At all costs the shepherd-king needed to treasure what was important to God so his heart would be focused on living and leading in God’s way.

Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

My wife, Mary, has a blog that recently reminded me of the importance of centering myself, being still, and getting back in touch with my spirit and that which is greater than me.

And so this morning before I dive in to work, I want to be quiet and reflective.  Writing helps me to remember.

I breathe deeply from my diaphragm through my nose.  Over and over again.  And I remember.

I remember last night being clear and without humidity, and the millions of stars popping out of the sky as we sat on the deck.  And the night sounds of country living at the lake that include cicadas and tree frogs.

I remember close friends who spent time with us over the weekend.  Time for long conversations and the sharing of dreams. Why don’t I do this more often?  This is part of what gives life meaning. Read More »

Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

“What happened to you?” My friend Marjorie asked.  “Last time I saw you, you were so clear.  Today, you are all over the place.”

Marjorie was right, my energy was scattered and my focus blurry.  After a week filled with too much work, too many evenings out, and not enough silence, I was reverting to old, unhealthy ways of thinking.

“It is like the real you has vacated the premises and your inner critic is holed up in your head indulging herself like a drunken rock star.”  Marjorie added.

I cackled loudly at her analogy–a well-needed release from the swamp of negativity that I had been slogging through. Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

Sometimes days go by, maybe weeks or months, where there is routine and predictability in life.  There is a rhythm that feels natural and right.  We even fool ourselves into thinking we are in control of our own destiny.

And then something shifts, and we wake up and realize that our life has changed.  Sometimes it is temporary, sometimes it is for the rest of our life.

Someone we care about is sick and it means adding a daily or weekly responsibility to our routine.  We lose sleep and we try harder.  But we get more exhausted.  Additional things happen to people we care about and we do what we can to support them, but we realize we cannot do it all. Read More »

Article by Mary Sullivan

When I was involved with Project Compassion, an end-of-life care nonprofit, I learned the healing power of sharing our stories.

Early in its inception, Project Compassion sponsored a “Talking Circle,” structured after the Native American tradition.  A small group met once a week focusing on our personal experiences with serious illness, death, and grief.

Many of the participants had never met before. Bound by our common vulnerability, sacred trust soon developed.  Listening to the stories of others, I was able to move beyond my private pain, and my heart broke open to “the pain” present in all of our lives.

Watching others bravely face their sadness, I was encouraged to deal with my own grief over the death of my dear friend, Rhonda.  When one woman explained how losing her husband had reminded her of the preciousness of her own life, I was inspired to begin to “live again.” Read More »