July 29, 2025

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You’re good at it, but is that a good thing?
Columns & Opinion
May 17, 2024
You’re good at it, but is that a good thing?

You are one talented and gifted person - no doubt.

You are one talented and gifted person - no doubt.

When He tucked you into your mom’s womb, your Creator handed you some abilities that are expressly yours. You may be one who socializes easily, able to talk the horns off a billy goat. Or you could be gifted with the ability to effortlessly make and manage money. You may be a tremendously talented artist. Maybe easily having sweet little babies like an assembly line is where you shine. Teaching may your slot. Or you may be able to repair anything that exists.

I don’t have any idea who you are - but I do know everyone has gifts.

But how are you using yours? Just because you are really good at something doesn’t mean you should be doing it - the way you are doing it. There is the right way and there is ‘abusing what you have been given.’ There are always two ways to go with your talent. And I do mean always.

Are you just being friendly with others, or are you gossiping? Simply making money, or cheating at it because you know how? A wonderful artist creating wholesome work or, um ... otherwise? Giving strong leadership or all-out bullying? Having babies, but then not truly parenting?

If you haven’t yet found your gifting yet, you will at some point in your life. Also at some point, you will be tempted to use it wrongly. Typically, that temptation involves a desire for money, fame, or power. And it takes prayerful determination to doggedly cling to a decision to “Use what I have in a good way.”

Want an example extremely close to home for me? I could be writing smut right now, and making money from publishers who are willing to use my words to line both their pockets and mine. I could have wielded a microphone on the sleazy stages of nightclubs, instead of churches across our country.

A social expert needs to be constantly self-aware of crossing the gossip line. The financial guru has to back off from crossing the no-no line of ethics. Mechanical geniuses and teachers have their own temptations when it comes to their work. And the artist? You can be a wholesome creator, or you can give in to the temptation of the sensational. A baby- maker on steroids? You better make certain that you provide love, discipline and time for each of those babies.

Folks, my point is this. Find your gift of God. Determinedly hone it to where it holds a fine sharp point. Ask your Creator to keep you accountable for how you use it in life. Then use it. Use it well. Use it as a major part of your life, but use it in a way that doesn’t cause you guilt and shame at the end of the day. Make certain your Maker looks at you with pride, because you used His gift to you to make life worthwhile for yourself and others around you.

--- Podcasts are available at Coffeetimecolumn.com. Send any responses to andybowman839@gmail.com.

New HPS Board Member Welcomed
A: Main, Lifestyle...
New HPS Board Member Welcomed
July 26, 2025
Willem Vandenborn is welcomed by Henryetta Public Schools Superintendent Jason Price after he was sworn in to fill the Ward 2 seat on the HPS board. The action came during a special meeting Thursday, ...
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Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
A: Main, Lifestyle...
Patrons Bank warns community of rising phone scams
July 25, 2025
Patrons Bank is urging the community to be on high alert as phone scams targeting bank customers continue to rise across the country - and right here at home.Scammers are spoofing legitimate bank phon...
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Christmas in July is today
A: Main, Main...
Christmas in July is today
July 25, 2025
Downtown Henryetta is set to come alive with holiday spirit and summer sunshine today, as the Henryetta Chamber of Commerce presents its annual “Christmas in July” celebration. The event, scheduled fr...
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A: Main
Back-to-School excitement builds
July 25, 2025
As summer winds down and the school year quickly approaches, Henryetta Public Schools and Dewar Public Schools are rolling out the red carpet for students and families with a series of exciting back-t...
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Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
A: Main
Main Street Crossing Temporarily Closed
July 25, 2025
The City of Henryetta has announced that the Main Street railroad crossing is currently closed to all traffic. Residents needing to cross the tracks are encouraged to use the Trudgeon Street crossing ...
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Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
A: Main
Sales Tax Holiday returns Aug. 1-3
July 25, 2025
Shoppers across Okmulgee County and throughout the state will soon get a much-needed break on back-to-school expenses, as Oklahoma’s annual Sales Tax Holiday kicks off Friday, Aug. 1, and runs through...
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Editor Picks
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Historical Museum open Saturday
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Historical Museum continues to welcome guests through its doors this summer with its special every-other-weekend schedule - and this Saturday is no exception. The museum will be open Jul...
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News
OCEM Report
July 25, 2025
This report is a summary of activities Okmulgee County Emergency Management participated in and does not reflect all activities performed by or participated in by Okmulgee County Emergency Management....
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Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
News
Plans underway for Okmulgee County Fair
July 25, 2025
Planning is in full swing for the much-anticipated 2025 Okmulgee County Fair, with the event officially set to take place Sept. 4-6 at the Okmulgee County Fairgrounds.Members of the Fair Volunteer Com...
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Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
News
Lions Club celebrates new members, history and upcoming events
July 25, 2025
The Henryetta Lions Club held a lively and productive meeting on Thursday, July 17, at The Shack 2.0, welcoming new members, celebrating local heritage and preparing for several key community events o...
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News
Preston Schools announces Child Nutrition Program
July 25, 2025
Preston Public Schools announced they are participating in free lunch and/or breakfast program for the 2026 school year. All students enrolled in the district or the listed sites may participate in th...
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