Media & Entertainment

Whether good or bad, school experiences impact most everyone’s life. Many choose to return to college and pursue a degree. What about less-intensive options?

Back in the 1970s an evangelistic campaign featured yellow signs and bumper stickers that simply said, “I found it!” And today? Summer could be a good time for your church to try new visibility strategies or give a second try to an earlier effort that ran out of steam.

Ironically, we often must miss something — like pleasant weather, good health, slow walks and fast computers — to really appreciate our blessings.

When personal computers are sluggish, opening programs is time-consuming and websites are slow to load, users are apt to try a number of useless solutions — pressing Enter over and over, hitting the keys harder or screaming.

Professional photographers go through a time-consuming process to get that "just-right" photo. They deserve compensation. What are ways you can make sure you have the legal right to use a picture you found online?

Email may seem a bit like a “magical” device — push a button and send messages worldwide. But sometimes an email will be too big to send.

Email servers enforce varying attachment size limits, with 10 MB as a safe rule of thumb. An office network may establish its own limit or block larger attachments. Also, as it is sent from your device to recipients, an email could be affected as it is relayed through various servers. What are your options?

Have you ever considered what your local library contains? On one hand, there is the need to have the facilities used by the maximum number of people. On the other, cultural and language needs of other segments of society whose numbers may not be as great should be considered, so that the library represents the entire community.

What is it about Jan. 1 that causes people to talk about new beginnings and trot out resolutions for turning over a new leaf? Every month and each day is a chance for a fresh start.

Perhaps a new strategy is needed. How about a checklist of positive accomplishments to achieve this year?

At the end of each year, this column has given the “coveted” Bad Burrito Awards for religious marketing efforts and products. 2014 marks the 10th year of acknowledging those labors best described as head-scratching – much like the middle-of-the-night dreams and great ideas, possibly inspired by indigestion (hence the name), that make little sense in the light of day.

Sharing a smile or a hug or an expression of kindness can be more meaningful than most gaily wrapped presents. If you get stuck in materialism or distractions from the Christmas message, use these resources to inspire you:

Text messaging may help churches stay in touch with members and guests during worship services and throughout the week with information and updates.