Article by Mary Bea Sullivan

“Do you still enjoy what you’re doing?” I asked Theresa as she changed out camera lenses.

“Funny you should ask.  I have been re-thinking some things,” she replied.

“Really?  How long have you been a photographer?”

“Well, I started when I was 17 and I’m 52. What’s the math on that?”  I was intrigued.  Theresa seemed so established in her work, why would she be “rethinking some things?”

While Theresa moved adeptly about her photography studio, checking lighting, adjusting backgrounds, she told her story. “This economy, it’s been hard on everybody.  I just never thought I would have to worry about my livelihood.  But when folks don’t know how they’re going to pay the rent or buy food, they sure aren’t gonna be paying for pictures.  It’s been tough.”  I shared some of my own experiences with professional challenges and we exchanged that look of mutual misery.

“I told Daddy just the other day, ‘I realize these last few years I’ve been grieving.‘ Mary, it just isn’t like me to be depressed.  But I think between the digital age and the economy, this has all hit me real hard.”

We stood silently shaking our heads in agreement. “But you know what, I’m getting ready for a career change.”

My head popped up, “You are? What kind of career change?”

“Well, I’ve decided if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.  I’m taking classes on how to design websites.  I LOVE it! I LOVE working with the computer!  Imagine how great it would be to have someone who could design your website and take professional pictures to put on that site!  Also, I’m teaching classes for folks who want to learn how to use their digital cameras better.  Some for beginners, some for advanced.  I have more energy than I’ve had in years.”

Astounded, I stood watching Theresa, inspired by her ability to listen deeply to what life was offering her.  How often do we feel a sense of sadness over things changing, a desire to hold on to “what has been,” and struggle to find a way forward? Read More »

Article by Malcolm Marler

Do you ever envy other people’s talents?

Dr. Michael Saag is a friend and a world-class HIV researcher and physician.  But it’s his ability to quote entire dialogues from movies he has seen that makes me laugh hysterically.  Especially comedies…

He can have an entire room rolling on the floor by quoting a scene word for word.  I just shake my head in disbelief at his photographic memory.  Sometimes, I can’t even remember a movie’s title I watched last night!  Woe is me.

What talents do you envy in others?  Maybe it is someone who can sing, or play an instrument, or some other gift you wish you had?

The more we envy the talents of others, the more likely we will miss and devalue our own.  Envy is a marvelous distraction from self-discovery.

I Corinthians 12: 12-26 says that … all persons who claim to be a child of God are all connected to one another like the human body, and all parts of the body are equally important.  The hand doesn’t say to the foot we don’t need you, or the ears have no right to envy what the eyes can do … And so it is with our talents and gifts.

So how do I know what my gifts are?  How do I identify my gifts so that I can use them to further the work of the Creator?

For me, a starting place in discovering my own gifts is the answer to this question:  “What do I love to do in helping others?” 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 Dr. Les Hollon, Pastor, Trinity Baptist Church

A long journey requires courage. And so it was for the magi.

These people of a priestly class from the Eastern culture required courage to follow a star in the sky and travel west to see what the star meant for them.

God has a star for you to follow.  Do you see it?  Are you following His lead for your life? 

Overcoming Fear to Follow Your Star

Living requires courage.  Courage for you to enter 2010 and be the person whom God is creating you to be and to doing God is calling you to do.

Along the way of courage, fear always shows up.  God speaks directly to our fears.  Isaiah said of God, “Fear not, for I am with thee.  Be not dismayed for I am your God.  I will help you.  I will strengthen you.  I will uphold you in the right hand of my righteousness.”  The prophet spoke to people caught in exile not far from where the wise men would come from centuries later. Read More »

“Faithful:  Adhering firmly and devotedly, as to a person, cause, or idea … steadfast in affection or allegiance.”

Article by Malcolm Marler

I have learned the most about what faithfulness means from people I’ve known.

My father showed up at hundreds of athletic events I played in from the time I was in the first grade through college graduation.  And more importantly he showed up as a father, mentor, and friend during dark times in my life as well.  The bottom line is … he was there when I needed him.

Others who have been on the sidelines of my life have also taught me about faithfulness without knowing it.  Like Girdie and Mr. Pepper.

Girdie was an African American waitress at a BBQ restaurant in Birmingham, AL for over 25 years called “Ollie’s Barbeque.”  I went there as a boy with my Dad, and then in high school when I could drive myself.  I always sat at Girdie’s counter. Read More »