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Foundation for Living

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Birmingham Times
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Rev. Reid
Rev. Reid
Rev. Reid

Harvesting an Invisible Crop
Rev. Reid

A church had a man in the choir who couldn’t sing. Several people hinted to him that he could serve in other places, but he continued to come to the choir. The choir director became desperate and went to the pastor. ”You’ve got to get that man out of the choir,” he said. “If you don’t, I’m going to resign. The choir members are going to quit too. Please do something.” So the pastor went to the man and suggested, “Perhaps you should leave the choir.” ”Why should I get out of the choir?” he asked. ”Well, five or six people have told me you can’t sing.” That’s nothing,” the man snorted. “Fifty people have told me that you can’t preach!”
That seems funny but many of us don’t do much in our church, home or in the community to move forward the mission of Christ. It is a crop waiting to be harvested. We harvest this invisible crop by seeing God in all things and responding to His call. But there is a problem. Many of us fail to harvest the bounty of God’s love because we are too invested in what we are doing and not what God calls us to do. Let me share two ways of finding the hidden crop that God is: First, by seeing God in everything.  Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful.”  What is He talking about? Jesus speaks the language of the farmers, fishers, and laborers. The harvest is truly great, but there are not enough laborers. The treasure is vast, but there are not enough sharers. A tremendous energy is released, but nobody is open to receive it. The flower has opened but nobody passes by to be filled by its scent. The fragrance is wasted. It could have been used and people would have attained to their highest peak. But the fragrance goes on spreading into the emptiness of the sky. It spreads to everything.
God is found in all of creation, especially nature. God is found in the flowers. Not that He is invisible – He is visible, but visible as flowers, trees, leaves, and grass, the blue or cloudy sky.  Naturally God can be found in us when we seek Him with all our hearts. If you have an idea of God, you will never find Him. The very idea will become the barrier. It is only those who have no idea of God that come upon Him, or allow God to come upon them. If you have a certain idea, the very idea is going to be the wall, the brick wall, between you and the truth. God is the invisible crop that is available for gathering anytime of the year. God is here – now. All you see is God. God can be found beyond and within. God is intrinsic; God is the innermost core of our existence.
Second, we can harvest the invisible crop that the Lord is by responding to His call. God calls us not just to join a church but to affirm our faith. He calls us to make a commitment to Him daily. Jesus says, “But the Laborers are few.” Who are the laborers? We are the laborers. If we don’t respond to God’s call who will? The crop is ready to be cut, and if it is not cut in time it will be wasted. There is a time to sow and there is a time to reap. Jesus is ready, the crop is ready – there is nobody to share it. We do everything at the top of our list but the Lord’s work! Why does this happen?  Why do we want to remain unhappy when the door is open to be happy, but we don’t look? We seem to have investments in unhappiness. Harvesting God’s invisible crop relieves all pain, suffering and despair and brings joy, peace and everlasting contentment. We can become willing laborers if we are ready to harvest the crop that is the Lord. When we do, we are ready to go into the fields of life and reap from the work done by God through His Son Jesus. We know our work is needed and valuable! All around us we see God. He calls us! Let’s respond to his call and share His message with everyone we meet. This is the harvest! This is our blessing to have and to share.

Keep Trying, Reaching

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Birmingham Times
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Keep Trying, ReachingThen the Lord met Balaam, and put a word in his mouth, and said, “Go back to Balak, and thus you shall speak.”  Numbers 23:16

I’m sure you have heard “if at first you don’t succeed, try and try again” or even “nothing beats a failure but a try” yet when something doesn’t go as you would have hoped it would, you feel the desire to quit. If you have tried something more than once you aren’t usually inclined to attempt it again. Why? Because the feeling of failure isn’t a good one. No one wants to endure the embarrassment of failing and everyone wants to remind you of the last time you tried and failed. God knew that we would feel like we feel about trying over and over again so He strategically placed people and situations throughout the Bible that tried and failed but eventually succeeded. He did not do it by accident, He wanted us to know success is possible, no matter how many times you have failed.

Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing.” Acts 15:36  What is it that you have tried and failed at but you just can’t seem to stop thinking about? Who have you contacted for help before but still need now? Where have you been and didn’t seem to belong but still long to be? It’s time for you to try one more time. Call that person, go to that place and do what you have been dreaming of. When you tried before, you may not have been ready but now God has provided you with what you need to succeed. He didn’t want you to fail so He delayed your opportunity until you were ready. NOW IS THE TIME for you to accomplish that goal, write that book, start that business, get that job or become a wife/husband.  It’s time for you to take another chance and TRY ONE MORE TIME!

You’re ready now,
Minister Deidra Brown

Stillman College Trustee Donates $10,000 to Athletic Program

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Birmingham Times
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Dennis Driver Dennis O. Driver, I, a member of the Stillman College Board of Trustees, recently presented Paul Bryant, Director of Athletics, with a check for $10,000 to enhance the College’s fitness program. Driver, who serves as Vice President of Human Resources for Theravance, a biopharmaceutical company based in San Francisco, California, graduated summa cum laude from Stillman with a B.A. in Business Administration in 1975.
Stillman College is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) and a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) on the Division II level. With nearly 200 student-athletes participating in 12 intercollegiate athletic programs, the Stillman athletic department seeks to enhance the total educational experience of the students, advance the reputation of Stillman and cultivate loyalty and support of students, alumni and the community at large through the core values of ethics, teamwork and a commitment to excellence.

Berry Named to Jerry Rice Award Watch List

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Birmingham Times
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BerryMONTGOMERY, Ala. — Alabama State University linebacker Kourtney Berry has been named to the initial watch list for the Jerry Rice Award.
In its third season, the Jerry Rice Award is given to the top first-year player in the Football Championship Series (FCS), whether a true freshman or redshirt freshman.
The Sports Network announced its initial 20-player watch list for the 2013 award which is named for the legendary wide receiver, who played in the FCS, formally Division I-AA, at Mississippi Valley State. The award is voted on by a national poll of sports information and media relations directors, broadcasters, writers and other dignitaries following the regular season.
Through ASU’s first six games of the season Berry leads the Hornets in tackles with 53 total hits (28 solo).  He leads the team and the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in sacks with 4.5 (-46 yards) and also has 8.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage (-59 yards).
Berry also has an interception which he returned for 18 yards, a pass broken up and recovered a fumble that he returned 30 yards.
The winner will be announced at The Sports Network FCS Awards Presentation Dec. 16 in Philadelphia, Pa.

Quest to know the Lord

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Birmingham Times
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Ms. Henrietta Tripp
Ms. Henrietta Tripp
Ms. Henrietta Tripp

OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD
There seems to be a consensus that the Almighty God is at a certain location and He does not know what is going on over here, wherever over here is.  The reason for the puzzling statement is because  many church service settings seem to be completely out of touch with the Author of the church, and His order of rendering service to Him of which He ordained. He –Jesus – is whom church is all about, and that is why everyone comes together to enjoy the presence of the Lord with one another, fellowshipping in love. If you never feel a touch from the Lord, why do you pretend to be going to church to worship the Lord  – among a people whose hearts should be set for worshipping Him, and He alone. Jesus said He is not coming back for bricks and mortar, but a holy people without blemish  – a set aside people – with prepared hearts to meet the Lord. [Ephesians 5:27]
God is everywhere simultaneously, and He said, “He neither slumbers – slumber means He never gets weary nor sleepy or tired [Psalm 121:4].” This tells me that the Lord is fully aware at all times, and He knows all about your thoughts and activities night and day. What a big God we all have access to. If you are His, meaning – have accepted His Son Jesus into your heart, you have personal access to Him, because He lives in your heart, and if you have not accepted Jesus, and want Him to come and live in your heart too – just ask Him in, and tell Him you are sorry for all your sins. You see, He already knows all about you, and He is waiting at your heart’s door to be asked in.You see – He is quite a gentleman – You must ask Him into your heart. He is waiting for you, ASK HIM IN.  Hallelujah!  I LOVE HIM WITH ALL MY HEART.  I try to please Jesus in all I do.  Do You Do That, Too? Good.
www.thealmightyeyes.com

Fans Rule in 2014

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Birmingham Times
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harlemglobetrottersPHOENIX – The world famous Harlem Globetrotters will take fan interaction to a new level when the 2014 “Fans Rule” World Tour comes to Pete Hanna Center at Samford University in Birmingham on Sunday, March 16, 2014, at 4 p.m. Online voting is now open at harlemglobetrotters.com/rule, where all fans can choose which new game-changing rules they want to see in their hometown.
The Globetrotters were the first organization in sports and entertainment to let fans vote on rules when the team introduced the concept last year. Since the fan response was so overwhelming, the team is doing it again – but with a major twist.
The 2014 online ballot includes three never-before-seen revolutionary rules:
·        Hot Hand Jersey – Both teams will have a “Hot Hand Jersey” they can pass among each other. The player who is wearing this jersey will receive double points on made baskets.
·        Make or Miss – The quarter begins with only two players on the court for each team. When a team scores, a teammate may enter the game. When they miss, the player missing the shot must leave the court, leaving his or her teammates shorthanded.

·        Trick Shot Challenge – Via three challenge flags per team, each coach can challenge the other team to make a trick shot. If the team makes the trick shot, they earn five points. If they miss, the other team receives five points.
With a roster showcasing stars such as Special K Daley,Big Easy Lofton, Flight Time Lang, Hi-Lite Bruton and Dizzy Grant – plus female stars TNT Maddox, T-Time Brawner and Sweet J Ekworomadu* – the Globetrotters’ one-of-a-kind family show features mesmerizing ball handling, an assortment of trick shots, high-flying dunks and precise timing – all with an array of comedy guaranteed to entertain the young and the young at heart. After virtually every game, Globetrotter stars remain on the court for autographs and photographs with fans.
Tickets start at $22 and are now available at harlemglobetrotters.com, www.samfordsports.com/tickets, the Pete Hanna Center box office or by phone at 205-726-3647. Information on group and scout tickets can also be found at harlemglobetrotters.com.

The Globetrotters tipped off the North American leg of their world tour with the first-ever events at the new Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, Maine, on Sept. 20 and 21.  The tour recommences on Dec. 26, 2013, with the Globetrotters playing more than 290 games in over 250 cities in 47 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and Puerto Rico through April 2014.

WHAT GOD REQUIRES

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Birmingham Times
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Dr. Wilkerson
Dr. Wilkerson
Dr. Wilkerson

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).

“Here are my dues. I haven’t been to church in a long time, but I always pay my dues,” said the elderly man. He had just plopped down an offering envelope bulging with money on the church secretary’s desk.
The pastor smiled sadly when he overheard him. He thought to himself that man believes he has to pay regularly in order to maintain membership in the church and stay in God’s good graces.
Paying God off is not a new concept. The Old Testament has many examples of people sacrificing animals in order to please God. They were giving blood sacrifices, but God didn’t want them. The real demands of God are moral and spiritual, and the proper worship is a life of obedience to Him.
The prophet Micah tells us that God has shown us the better way. This way has three aspects, two related to our dealings with other people and one with our relationship with God. We must act justly in our daily relationships of life, show kindness (mercy) to others, and walk humbly before our God.
God is far more concerned with how we live than He is with how much we pay. On the cross at Calvary, Jesus paid it all!
Dr. Robert Wilkerson is a minister, writer, and founder of People for the Christian Way, an organization whose mission is to encourage all people to practice Christian principles in business, politics, and every area of life. drbobwilkerson@bellsouth.net, www.peopleforthechristianway.com

LEO OLIVA AND DANNY GLOVER STAR IN UPCOMING MEDICAL DRAMA FEATURE FILM 'THE SHIFT'

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Birmingham Times
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Film Explores Whether Terminally Ill Should be Kept Alive by Machines
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Sept. 30, 2013) – Actor Leo Oliva is turning his experience as a nurse into a medical drama with veteran actor Danny Glover that asks whether the terminally ill should be kept alive by machines or whether they should be allowed to die.
“It’s a question that frequently comes up in hospitals for medical professionals and for families and it’s not an easy answer for anyone,” said Oliva, who stars in THE SHIFT, a drama he wrote and produced while working in the medical field.
“With the beginnings of THE SHIFT, I was looking into what was my worst fear as an ER nurse working in my home town: Finding myself caring for a close friend or loved one and ultimately not being able to save their lives.”
THE SHIFT tells the story of Kayle, a young male nurse, portrayed by Oliva, who is conflicted on whether doctors, nurses and families should let long suffering patients or family members live in pain and anguish or allow them die in peace. It stars Oliva, veteran actor Danny Glover (“Dreamgirls,” “Grand Canyon,” “Lethal Weapon” series), and young actress Casey Fitzgerald (“After the Wizard”). THE SHIFT is set for release in January.
“We sought out the best people we could find to participate in this project and thankfully we were lucky enough to get Danny Glover to play Head Nurse Floyd, who is an integral part of the story,” Oliva said.
“Danny read the script and immediately jumped on board. It was the kind of role that he wanted to play. It was unlike anything he’d done before and that was a big part of it. The other was the script and the message it conveyed.”
THE SHIFT is also about a question facing many today: “Where do you draw the line between being alive and actually living your life?” The answer isn’t easy and many continue to debate the issue, whether as medical professionals or as family members or patients themselves. Himself a medical professional-turned-actor, Leo Oliva understands first-hand how doctors, nurses and family members question whether life should be sustained at all costs.
“Some things in life are never as black and white as we sometimes think and this film explores an important part of that as it happens in hospital rooms across the country and around the world,” said Oliva, whose work includes the films “Los Traficantes” and the upcoming “Strike One.”
“That’s what makes this film very timely and so thought provoking and so important to us all.”
The fact the film was shot at an actual hospital, Los Angeles County/USC Medical Center, was part of Oliva’s goal to be as realistic as possible when it came to the production. Its interiors, architecture and overall atmosphere of a facility that dates back to the 1930s gave THE SHIFT gritty, realistic feel from the get go.
Part of the realism also included the benefits of actors training with medical equipment and learning how they work. Oliva’s desire to train his actors in the proper way to hold and use the equipment was especially important.
“You can’t hold a medical device upside down and do your dialogue and be believable. You have a sophisticated audience out there and you can’t afford to lose them by not being factually correct with these instruments,” Oliva said.
ABOUT LEO OLIVA
Lead Actor/Writer/Executive Producer Leo Oliva graduated from the University of Miami School of Nursing in 2006. In addition to being a registered nurse, Leo is a trained actor. In 2009, he officially became a graduate of the Sanford Meisner Studio in Burbank, Calif. Before writing THE SHIFT, Leo wrote, produced and starred in a short film, SPOILS OF WAR. With THE SHIFT, Leo used his many years in the ER and ICU to write a story about nursing from a unique prospective: the nurses’.

AJIONA ALEXUS COMPLETES SEASON 2 OF THE RICKEY SMILEY SHOW on TV ONE

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Birmingham Times
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ON TV ONE with Co Star Actress, Singer Ajiona Alexus.

Tune in Friday, October 11th at 8:00pm CST to TV ONE and watch what happens when Rickey Smiley is eager to see his son’s first step show. The season finale is sure to be funny, family friendly and jam-packed with Rickey’s Omega Psi Phi brothers!
In just two seasons, on The Rickey Smiley Show, Ajiona Alexus has become well recognized for her role as DeAnna, Rickey Smiley’s only daughter, a very spoiled, shopaholic fashionista, who’s sometimes dingy at heart. “It’s fun playing DeAnna, she’s always dressed like a diva, stays on her cell phone and can pretty much do what ever she wants! I’ve learned so much working with, Director, Roger Bobb and the Bobbcat film team, they allow me the freedom to have fun with my character and be creative.” Ajiona shared.
The Rickey Smiley Show in loosely based on the real-life experience of super-funny comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley. Season Two is hilarious because it introduces some of Rickey’s characters like Lil’ Darryl, Clarence and of course Bernice Jenkins. ” I love working on set with my cast members, we are truly one big happy family. I can’t wait for season 3!”
Since being on a national TV network,17 year old actor and singer, Ajiona Alexus is in high demand. Just last month, she performed the National Anthem at the WNBA Atlanta Dream vs. LA Sparks game and UniverSoul Circus.

Additional Background
The Rickey Smiley Show: http://tvone.tv/shows/the-rickey-smiley-show.html
Ajiona Alexus Credentials: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4725344/
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/ajiona
Twitter: @ajionaalexus
Instagram: @ajionaalexus

Category: TV/Film, Music, Entertainment

Tags: Ajiona Alexus, The Rickey Smiley Show, Rickey Smiley, Bobbcat Films, Roger Bobb, TV One

Birmingham Business Alliance’s Annual Small Business Awards Celebration

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Birmingham Times
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BBA Award Contenders

By: LeNá Powe

On October 1 the Birmingham Business Alliance honored entrepreneurs, small businesses and executives at the organization’s annual Small Business Awards Celebration at the Sheraton Hotel. With over 400 attendees the Birmingham region’s best and brightest were recognized for their accomplishments and contributions to the Birmingham region. The event was sponsored by Charter Business, Wells Fargo, Alabama Media Group, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama and AT&T Alabama.
Bob Dickerson, executive director of the Birmingham Business Resource Center was named Small Business Executive of the Year. As the BBA’s Executive of the Year, and in partnership with Samford University’s Brock School of Business, Dickerson will serve as Executive in Residence at the Brock School of Business. Throughout the 2013-2014 school year he will be available to lecture classes, advise Brock School of Business incubator tenants, and participate in a variety of school activities.
Susan Matlock, who is retiring as executive director of Innovation Depot was recognized for her work in developing one of the most celebrated business incubators in the country. Other honorary award recipients were:
•    Glyn Agnew and Cassandra Ferguson, both of AT&T Alabama, as the Jesse J. Lewis Jr. Small Business Advocates of the Year.
•    Law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP as Small Business Champion of the Year.
•    Birmingham Barons as Legacy Business of the Year.

In nine competitive award categories recognizing small business in Birmingham, more than 80 companies qualified as nominees. After review by an independent panel of judges, three finalists emerged from each category and one was named an award recipient:
•    Slice received the Emerging Business of the Year Award; Fleetio and Kemp Management Solutions LLC were named finalists.
•    Urban Cookhouse received the Retail Business of the Year Award; Gus Mayer and Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market were named finalists.
•    Tonya Jones of Tonya Jones Salon Spa received the Young Professional of the Year Award; Krista Conlin of KC Projects and Nicole Beachum of NicoleBeachum.com were named finalists.
•    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham received the Nonprofit of the Year Award with a budget of less than $1 million; Metro Changers Inc. and PreSchool Partners were named finalists.
•    First Light Inc. received the Nonprofit of the Year Award with a budget of more than $1 million; The Arc of Jefferson County and Pathways were named finalists.
•    Proventix Systems Inc. received the Technology/Biotechnology Business of the Year Award; ProctorU and Atlas RFID Solutions were named finalists.
•    Sain Associates received the Small Business of the Year Award, with one to 50 employees; Sain Engineering Associates Inc. and Marketing 24/7 Inc. were named finalists.
•    McSweeney Holdings received the Small Business of the Year Award, with 51 to 250 employees; Bruno Event Team and TherapySouth were named finalists.
•    SARCOR LLC received the Dr. A.G. Gaston Emerging Minority- or Woman-owned Business Award; KC Projects and Cheeriodicals were named finalists.

“Telling the story of Birmingham’s small businesses to the world is essential to our work at the Birmingham Business Alliance,” said Brian Hilson, president and CEO of the BBA. “That’s why once a year we honor small businesses and their champions, to understand what these companies do and how they operate, which reveals a lot about Birmingham’s thriving economy.”

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