Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — As a teacher educator and someone who also helps parents raise their children well, I’ve been teaching frequently about how digital technology effects people’s beliefs and behaviors. Especially many people under the age of 30 have been drastically influenced because they’ve never known life without technology. Because of the plethora of websites, blogs, online videos, Facebook posts, podcasts, print resources, and the ease of finding information with search engines, we’re inundated with knowledge. I’m not surprised when young people don’t know what to do with it all. They’re young and haven’t been … [Read more...]
I Will Walk Beside You
April 8, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — How do you respond to life’s challenges? It tells us a lot about where you have your security. Who’s with you in times of need? It tells us a lot about your belonging. What do you make of your life after tragedy strikes? This tells us a lot about your purpose. A friend of mine models healthy responses to challenges and tragedy better than most. He wouldn’t claim he’s anyone special. He would properly credit God and His sustaining power. And, yet, any of us who know God know it’s our choice whether to rely on Him or not. Brandon has given me permission to share part of his recent Facebook post here. His … [Read more...]
Choose to Invest – Community Matters
February 18, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Choose to invest. About two weeks ago, a Facebook friend posted asking for prayer for Kathryn, a child from my church. I didn’t know her or her parents, but I chose to “like” the page they set up to keep people informed and I’m glad I did. Kathryn is in the hospital for major brain surgery. She’s had two in the last two weeks and symptoms of epilepsy that they hoped would subside continue. I can’t imagine her parents going through this alone. I can’t imagine any of us being alone. We should be in community to celebrate blessings and to support each other in hard times. Belonging matters. Choose to … [Read more...]
Rather Than “Happy” … How About Having a “Blessed” New Year!
January 2, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Please enjoy my video New Year’s greeting. Rather than a “Happy New Year” I wish you something much more important and appropriate. I hope you agree. You may want to click through to my Vimeo Channel and then click on “follow” to be notified when we launch new “Kathyisms.” We’re using these to influence and encourage you just as we use our blog and our Facebook page. Serving you is a joy! … [Read more...]
Have a Merry, Merry, Blessed, Blessed Christmas! (Video)
December 24, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Merry Christmas! Have a merry, merry, blessed, blessed Christmas! Please enjoy my video Christmas greeting that we posted to our Vimeo channel last Tuesday. You may want to click on “follow” to be notified when we launch new “Kathyisms.” We’re using these to influence and encourage you just as we use our blog and our Facebook page. Serving you is a joy! … [Read more...]
Use Your Smarts to Increase Holiday Joy
December 5, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Do you collect anything? Are there things you value? I know things aren’t important in comparison to people and beliefs, but they’re not valueless. This month, on our corporate Facebook page, I’m sharing a nativity each day from my amazing collection. As I’ve traveled internationally, they’ve been the most fun to purchase from different on-the-street markets and stores. I’m very privileged. I like some of the nativities because of their color and unique design. That’s the picture-smart part of me kicking in. For example, In the one I own from India, each of the ten pieces is designed as a stamp … [Read more...]
Thought Provoking Discussion Starters #43: What’s going to be left when you’ve left?
November 30, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Friday, I’ll post thought provoking discussion starters. — What’s going to be left when you’ve left? Did you notice, perhaps with announcements on Facebook, that Zig Ziglar passed away? He’s known as the Master of Motivation, Ambassador of Hope, and Mentor to Millions. I’ve read several of his 30 books, heard him speak live several times, and even been privileged to share a devotional with him and his staff many years ago. When you pass away, will enough people care that your passing will be announced? What are you known for? What do you want to be known for? What do you want to be remembered for? What will you be remembered for? Are you purposefully influencing people now? If you’d like to watch … [Read more...]
First Day of School Excitement … for the Whole Year!
August 29, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — I have two challenges for you. I wonder – seriously – how many of you will take me up on them. The dividends could be huge. As school has started over the past two weeks across America, I’ve seen more first-day-of-school pictures on Facebook than I can count. More will be posted next week as more schools open on Tuesday. Children have been celebrated and recognized on the first day of school. That’s great. I’m all for it. Yet, I have to ask, what about the rest of the year? I hope children are encouraged regularly and celebrated often. No one should assume that causing a child to feel … [Read more...]
Strengthening Smarts + Olympics = Winning Combination!
August 1, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — Last week, I wrote about the reality that intelligences can be paralyzed and I mentioned that I’d write this week about how to strengthen each smart. This is important to do. Rarely, if ever, will a smart become a child’s natural strength simply by awakening it. Even if it’s never paralyzed, it’s wise to strategically interact in such a way that each smart is strengthened. But, here’s my dilemma. I’d like to write about the Olympics and I forgot they’d be taking place when I committed to writing about strengthening the smarts. What if I can do both? Yes, I think that’s possible. You … [Read more...]
Thought Provoking Discussion Starters #25: What Would You Say to Returning Warriors Uncomfortable With Fireworks?
July 6, 2012 by · 1 Comment
Every Friday, I’ll post thought provoking discussion starters. — Do you like fireworks? Most people do. Perhaps you saw some great ones on Wednesday night. Many of my warrior Facebook friends who served our country in Iraq and Afghanistan posted on Wednesday night that they didn’t like them, even from a distance. Of course, the sounds remind them of mortar attacks and bring back memories they’re working hard to put behind them. I’m sorry that something they used to enjoy is now hard for them. They can’t enjoy fireworks with their children and many can’t even escape the noise in the safety of their own homes. What would you say to them? (I’ll gladly pass your comments on.) … [Read more...]
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