Every Wednesday, I’ll post about multiple intelligences so we can better understand children and why they do what they do. — I often say that too much of a good thing is not a good thing. You may be surprised, but this philosophy is even relevant to how we use our smarts. I think easily with questions because I’m very logic smart. Analyzing and comparing come naturally to me. I want things to make sense. To me. When people or things disappoint or confuse me, I think a lot about the situation. I can get stuck. Frustrated. Even angry if solutions don’t come to mind. I’m sure you’ve heard of the “paralysis of analysis.” That used to describe me. Past tense. Have you wrestled with … [Read more...]
Identifying Barriers to Remove for Growth
May 20, 2013 by · 2 Comments
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — The waves kept coming. And coming. It if weren’t for the rocky shore, I couldn’t have sat where I was. The water would have come much further. The waves would have calmly died out. Slowed down. Quietly. And then the next waves would have arrived, continuing the pattern. But, there were rocks. There was the shore. The barricade. It’s where the water churned. The waves collided. The ocean roared. These rocks are immovable, but I know they’re smaller than they used to be. The powerful water has acted as sandpaper and the barricade is smaller as a result. Some water gets through. While recently watching and … [Read more...]
The Heart of the Matter
May 13, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Did you get what you wanted for Mother’s Day? Did you give what your mother wanted? I’ve turned my blog over to Tina Hollenbeck today. She wrote this as her column for tomorrow’s Celebrate Kids newsletter, but I wanted you to read it. Not only are her ideas important, I hope it will encourage you to subscribe to the free newsletter here so you get quality thoughts like this every other Tuesday. --- The Heart of the Matter by Tina Hollenbeck A few days before Mother’s Day, my husband asked me what I’d like for a gift. I knew he wanted to show his genuine appreciation and that my daughters would want … [Read more...]
Do You Extend Hope to Others?
May 6, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Do you extend hope to others? If you have some, I hope you do. We shouldn’t keep it to ourselves. Does it have to be a big deal? A time consuming conversation? The giving away of something you value? No. Might it be? Yes, and it would be worth it. Can it be a smile shared as you walk past a coworkers? Yes. a genuine question, asking someone how she is, and showing with body language, eye contact, and facial expression, that you do want and care about a real answer? Yes. an anonymous gift of money to someone who needs it? Yes. asking someone for practical help so a need you have is met, but more importantly … [Read more...]
Security & Freedom
April 22, 2013 by · 1 Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Security. Protection. Shelter. Safety. Refuge. Retreat. Defense. Safeguard. Sanctuary. Guard. Sure. Supported. Safe and sound. Trustworthy. Freedom from harm, danger, fear, hurt, wickedness, abuse, wrong, injury, Freedom from hopelessness, hurt, disaster, suffering, pain, damage, worry, trouble. Freedom FOR truth, belief, joy, hope, confidence, love, contentment, purpose, Freedom FOR happiness, playfulness, growth, peace, pleasure, blessings, anticipation. God. Jesus. The Holy Spirit. Forgiveness. Salvation. Security. … [Read more...]
Grieving the Boston Bombings – Practical Insights to Help Process
April 15, 2013 by · 1 Comment
In light of the tragic bombings in Boston today and the loss of life and the number of injured, I thought I’d repost this blog (with some slight edits) from about a year ago. --- Grief is on my mind and it’s probably on yours. And, it’s in our hearts. Fear and confusion may be on your mind and you may notice it in your children, depending on how aware they are of what happened. Would it surprise you to know that understanding how we are smart can help us process grief, fear, and confusion well? It’s true. And, it’s important because grief isn’t well understood. Too often, people can be made to feel they’re not grieving right. Really? Disappointing. If your children have definite intelligence strengths, you’ll want … [Read more...]
Letting Go to Steward Better
April 15, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Joey came to my home to cut off the dead limb from a tree in my front yard. I noticed it dying this winter as bark occasionally fell off. I wanted the limb cut off mostly so it wouldn’t break off in one of our frequent wind and thunderstorms. Of course, it was a bit ugly, too, as compared to the rest of the tree. I was concerned a disease might have caused the limb to die. I was relieved to learn that wasn’t the case. (Apparently when fruitless mulberry trees reach a certain age, limbs often begin to die.) Joey told me cutting the limb off was wise because the tree was still expending energy to that limb. By getting … [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...]
Are You Alive?
April 1, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Are you alive today? Of course you are, if you’re reading this. :) Are you living? Did you celebrate LIFE at church yesterday? Let’s live grateful for it EVERY day. When we live with Christ’s sacrifice in mind, we will LIVE. Don’t waste it. Let’s LIVE! When people spend time with you, is LIFE appealing? Is Jesus appealing? Forgiveness freeing and sin damaging? Really LIVING appealing? I’m sad for people alive not living. We need to recognize our need for LIFE and have faith to see Jesus as the answer. He is life and He wants us to live. Daily. Every day. To be alive. To breathe. Inhale. Exhale. Bleed. … [Read more...]
For God So “Dvu”-d The World
March 25, 2013 by · Leave a Comment
Every Monday, I’ll post about discovering genuine hope and authentic answers for living a healthy life. — Love is on my mind. It’s Easter week. That makes it “love week” for me. It’s better than Valentine’s love, birthday love, and even wedding love because it’s about God’s love. I’m grateful I know and believe in the love sacrifice God made on our behalf. Our behalf. Ours. He sent His Son to take our sin upon Himself so we’d be forever free from the death penalty. I hope you know Him and believe. Please read what follows. It’s written by Bob Creson of Wycliffe Bible Translators USA. Titled, “God so ‘dvu’-d the World…” it’s one of the best things I’ve ever read about love. I’m glad … [Read more...]
Follow Kathy!
You can also sign up for our helpful bi-weekly (on Tuesday) Celebrate Kids newsletter.