Article by Malcolm Marler
I park about 6 to 7 blocks from my work each day so that I get a little extra exercise.
Yesterday I was walking from my office to the car and I came upon a young woman in her 20’s who was singing at the top of her lungs. It was a happy song she sang with her head tilted back not caring who could hear her.
It was a gift she was freely sharing. I admired her confidence as she sang acapella. I could hear her a half block away and I watched her free spirited body language as she walked with bold, long purposeful strides.
When she saw me about 10 feet from her, she did not skip a beat in her song. I smiled and interrupted her and said, “Whatever you do in your life, don’t stop singing. Thank you for sharing your song with the world.”
She smiled and stopped for a moment. “I’m singing about California, I love California. Have you ever been?” she asked. “Well, yes, I have,” I responded. “What part?” she said quickly as she cocked her head to one side. “San Francisco,” I added. “That’s where I am from,” as she walked away starting her song once again for the world to hear. Read More »
Article by Kevin L. DeWitt
In our world today, we’re on the move all the time … one activity after another, always one more appointment to get to, one more errand to complete … and when we stop we’re exhausted mentally and physically.
Constant activity and movement are our default modes, if not with our bodies then at least with our minds, with our attention. Even when we are sitting still, most of us we have the television on, or we’re on the computer checking email and Facebook, or we’re texting friends on our cell phones. We are always on, always connected, always thinking, always talking.
There’s no time for stillness.
Even when we’re in line for something, or waiting at a dental appointment, or on a plane - we often get antsy, and search for something to do. Some of us will have our mobile devices, others will have a notebook or folder with things to do or read … and still others will fidget.
Being still isn’t something we’re used to. And it comes at a cost: we lose time for contemplation, for observing and listening … and seeing God in the world around us. We lose peace. Read More »
Article by Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church
Family. When you hear the word “family,” what do you think and feel?
I’m convinced that family strengths can continue to strengthen us throughout our lives. What enables the family positive to remain positive in our lives? The key is to accept “the blessing” and live “the blessing” …
I’m also convinced that “unfinished family issues” will play themselves out until we deal with them. How? The key is intentionally to live beyond “the family shadow” …
When I am working with engaged couples, in premarital counseling, we talk through the foundational issues that can form a lifelong covenant for a successful marriage. Among the five practical issues is our family of origin:
•”What are qualities from your first family you want to build into your married family”?
• “What are the family traits that you want to shed”?
• “How do you answer these questions about your fiancé’s family”? Read More »
Article by Kevin L. DeWitt
Most likely, everyone knows how destructive viruses can be to our computer. Virus protection is important to keep our computer healthy and working as intended.
Yet many times, we’re not so careful when it comes to protecting our own ourselves … our own minds. Destructive, negative thinking can have effects that are every bit as devastating as a virus is to a computer.
The more serious of these thoughts can lead to mental health problems such as loss of confidence, mild or moderate depression, self esteem issues, and a distorted perception of ourselves. Science has shown that there is a link between physical and mental well being and positive attitudes in life. When we are happy and content with life and our thought processes are working correctly our brain releases endorphins, which is our brains’ way of dealing with pain and making us feel happier. Our brain also releases Gamma Globulin to strengthen our immune system and another chemical called Interferon which combats viruses, infections and even cancer.
So how then do we fight destructive thoughts and protect ourselves in order to stay mentally and physically healthy?
One answer is to simply make ourselves aware of our own thoughts, and recognize when action is needed so that our own destructive thoughts won’t lead to a downward spiral of negative emotion resulting in mental and physical problems. Here are four ways to control the viruses in our mind: Read More »
Article by Kevin L. DeWitt
Psychologists, scientists and philosophers agree: strong social ties are a key to happiness. We need close, long-term relationships; we need to be able to confide in others; we need to belong; we need to get and give support.
Studies show that if you have five or more friends with whom to discuss an important matter you’re far more likely to describe yourself as “very happy.” Not only does having strong relationships make it far more likely that we take joy in life, but studies show that it also lengthens life, boosts immunity, and cuts the risk of depression.
Many people don’t make new friends easily. They feel intimidated, feel it’s too difficult. So here are some strategies to try: Read More »
