Author: Dr. Steve Ventola
Located in: Atlanta GA
Submitted: August 27, 2015
Tell us a little about yourself. I have been a healthcare provider for over thirty years and have had an interest in what makes for health since I was twelve years old.
What was your motivation behind this project? Also at a young age I realized that if I was having a stressful time I would hear the command within myself, " turn to the things of God." In doing so I turned to reading the psalms. And I found that as I read the verses invariably a verse would especially stand out to me each time I read. I would then write down the verse the night before and carry it with me the following day. And if a stressful moment came up I would access it when possible which I found to be very helpful. As I was doing this day after day the thought dawned in my awareness to share "the gems," of the psalms I was finding that could serve be a ready reference for myself and others.
What do you hope folks will gain from this project? That as individuals turn to the things of God and cultivate an awareness of a spiritual communion through them it would serve to increase the level of well being of people by helping them meet their challenges with grace and stature as well as to help them to experience the joy of living.
How were you personally impacted by working on this project? To this day I continue the practice of meditating on a verse in the evening and carrying it with me through the following day. This has given me insight and perspective to continue through some very challenging times especially in rising above the health infirmities I have had regarding cancer. It has also served to set the stage for fulfilling my days day by day.
Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? My love of the psalms was inspired by my chiropractic mentor who also loved the psalms. When he presented the way he would recite some verses touched my heart deeply. It left a deep impression in me that the influence that is provided through the psalms continue on and on.
Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: It is vital in this day to do something on a daily basis to keep you on track. On a track whereby your mind and heart can discern what is sane and true to be able to make right choices in living that bring personal happiness and integrated fulfillment.
