Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Don’t let old tapes ruin your December. Or, if you’re too young to know what I mean, don’t let old CDs ruin your December. :) The past is tricky, isn’t it? It can stay in the past or it can rule the present and direct the future. Our past may have been good and our memories of past Decembers, Christmas preparations, and Christmas itself may be beautiful. Either we were truly blessed, we’ve processed the negatives so they no longer affect us, or both. Yet, the ideal we remember (which was actually rarely as good as we remember it being) can even affect us negatively this month if we’re not careful. We … [Read more...]
“Why Am I Alive?” – Purpose Questions are Important
November 26, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Purpose is one of our core needs and the question that defines it is, “Why am I alive?” In addition to answering this question with our whole life in mind, we can answer it while thinking of shorter periods of time. For instance, a freshman in college might think with this question in mind: “How might this year fit in with my life goals?” Or, “What do I need to learn this year so I can go forward to meet my goals?” With Christmas a month away, it might be wise to ask and answer questions like, “What do I want to accomplish this month and what do I not need to do?” “In January, when I look … [Read more...]
Intentional Thankfulness (Part 2 of 2)
November 21, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
In my first post in this two-part series, I shared how we can express gratitude effectively when we consider people’s multiple intelligences. This is true whether we’re simply expressing our appreciation or buying something for them to say “thanks.” I covered word, logic, and picture smart in that post. Let’s consider the other five smarts. Music smart – Write a note describing their value to you or the beauty of your friendship with musical terms such as classical, melody, in tune, harmony, and composer. (This may seem crazy at first, but I’ve done this. It is possible!) Buy them symphony tickets, make sure to attend their recitals, listen to their favorite songs on their I-pods, and spend time at a store listening to new … [Read more...]
Personal Liberation for A Constrained Picture Smart Person
October 24, 2012 by · 7 Comments
I’ve invited Randy Thomas to write today’s blog. Do you remember in last week’s post, when I mentioned a friend who doodled as a child and now creates art from similar doodles? That’s Randy. Randy is also the talented person who takes my words, titles them, adds the pictures, and launches them here. He’s perfectly smart to do this well! I think you’ll enjoy learning what it meant to Randy to find out he is smart because he doodles. He’s not just artistic or creative. He’s smart. There’s power in that word. Being picture smart means he processes ideas differently from me. I’m not sure I can relate, but that’s okay. The fact that we’re smart differently actually enhances our working relationship. Take it away, … [Read more...]
End of Year Contributions: Help Celebrate Kids Influence More in 2012
December 29, 2011 by · Leave a Comment
You are the reason I blog. Believe me, it’s not because I like to write or have so much to communicate. I write because you read. Based on feedback we receive, we know you’ve grown as our influence has affected your heart and mind. You’ve been teachable, you’ve trusted us, and you have benefited. We’re grateful! Many who read my blog also connect to Celebrate Kids through my speaking and our products, email newsletter, and website. New beliefs, new ideas, new strengths, healthier relationships, deeper connections, lasting change, smarter children, fewer frustrations, more peace. Praise God! You can help us influence more parents, teachers, grandparents, teens, and children with an end-of-year contribution. We have ongoing … [Read more...]
Christmas Is The Gift
December 8, 2011 by · 1 Comment
Tomorrow night I’ll be having dinner with three fabulous, faithful friends. I’m looking forward to it. Until last year, we exchanged Christmas gifts when we got together. Last year, because of changing financial situations, we didn’t. This year, we’ve agreed to bring gifts if we want to. We’ve stated, “No pressure.” It’s awkward and freeing all at the same time. What if I give a friend something more expensive than she gives me? Will she feel bad? What if someone gives me something more expensive than I give her? Will I feel bad? Will she? This dilemma just makes me realize more and more how incredible it is that God’s gift of salvation through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, truly is free. No strings attached. … [Read more...]
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