In 1962, Victor and Mildred Goertzel published Cradles of Eminence: a study of 413 "famous and exceptionally gifted people." They spent years attempting to understand what produced such greatness. What common thread, if any, might run through the lives of people like Einstein, Gandhi, Roosevelt, Edison, etc?
The most outstanding fact was that 392 had to overcome tremendous obstacles in order to become who they were. What helped them compensate for their handicaps? From an early age, each one had someone in their life of significance who helped them recognize hidden strengths and talents and encouraged their development.
A timeless tragedy is that so many children never have the chance to reach their full potential because their innate strengths are never nurtured. Their potential remains buried.
Our job as parents is to enrich our children's lives by helping them recognize and develop what makes them unique. Instead, many parents spend more time focusing on shortcomings. We need to nurture our children's strengths to increase their self-esteem, limit their stress, cushion their tough times, and to help them overcome their limitations.
There are 3 basic steps to follow:
1. Identify their unique strengths
2. Point out these strengths so your child can see them
3. Provide opportunities to develop strengths
It sounds simple, but it demands that you spend some serious time studying your child. Some of you may say here, "I know my child!" Yes, I'm sure you do. But is your child worth taking a deeper look and possibly uncovering something that could enrich the rest of their life? Of course!
This is one of the most important topics parents can dive into when it comes to their children. In a cynical world that is often more critical than supportive, they desperately need you to step up and actively build their confidence and cultivate their strengths.
More to follow ....
Friday, May 27, 2011
Monday, April 25, 2011
Impossible Circumstances and Unlikely Heros
"... that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
"God is glorified that we bear much fruit and so prove to be disciples of Christ."
"... to the glory of God the Father."
Thant's the point. It's the point Jesus made time & time again no matter what He was talking about: suffering, asking anything of Him, bearing fruit, worship, adoption ...
That's why God uses impossible circumstances and unlikely heroes. No one else can take credit. Without Him it would never have happened - not possible by the power, skill, or ability of people.
BUT ... this is the stumbling block. It's also these 'impossible' circumstance God brings our way to reveal the condition of our hearts - what do we truly rely on? On what do we base our actions? How is this any different than the world around us?
We're always trying to 'figure it out'. We discourage others because their aspirations appear unrealistic. We plan and create processes. We cause-and-effect everything. BUT GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL THESE THINGS!
Wake up Christians! Until we are "all in" ... until we as God's people TRUST Him by FAITH in the midst of impossible circumstances ... we will change NOTHING! God will not move. God will not work wonders in our lives that causes the world around us to take note and seek to answer the question, "How are these people different?"
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light"
"God is glorified that we bear much fruit and so prove to be disciples of Christ."
"... to the glory of God the Father."
Thant's the point. It's the point Jesus made time & time again no matter what He was talking about: suffering, asking anything of Him, bearing fruit, worship, adoption ...
That's why God uses impossible circumstances and unlikely heroes. No one else can take credit. Without Him it would never have happened - not possible by the power, skill, or ability of people.
BUT ... this is the stumbling block. It's also these 'impossible' circumstance God brings our way to reveal the condition of our hearts - what do we truly rely on? On what do we base our actions? How is this any different than the world around us?
We're always trying to 'figure it out'. We discourage others because their aspirations appear unrealistic. We plan and create processes. We cause-and-effect everything. BUT GOD IS GREATER THAN ALL THESE THINGS!
Wake up Christians! Until we are "all in" ... until we as God's people TRUST Him by FAITH in the midst of impossible circumstances ... we will change NOTHING! God will not move. God will not work wonders in our lives that causes the world around us to take note and seek to answer the question, "How are these people different?"
1 Peter 2:9
"But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A ROYAL PRIESTHOOD. A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God's OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light"
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Positive, Positive, Positive
I know we’ve heard a whole lot about ‘positive thinking’ … so much that we may grow tired of hearing it. But gang, it’s at least close to #1 on many scales: Success, Mental Health, Contentment, Marriage, Relationships, Family, School, Wellness … the list goes on. That’s the point! That’s why we hear about it so much. Think there might be something to this positive stuff?
How positive are you … really? What are your first thoughts in the morning? What mood are you in when you get to work/school? What mood are you in when you speak to your wife/family?
Attitude is your choice, not your circumstance. Attitude is the way you respond to the situation, not the situation itself. You have control.
How much are you missing because of your negativity? It is proven that when you concentrate on what you want, when you self-talk that you will achieve it, when you stay positive, you will succeed! It’s also proven that negative talk, negative thought, and negative attitude accomplish nothing but destruction and stress for you and everyone around you. Have you ever said, “I’m a realist!”? That’s a not-so-clever disguise for Mr/Mrs Negative. How many people have you discouraged? How many gave up because of you? And from it you gained what?
“It ain’t the rain, the snow, the boss, the competition, the spouse, the money, the car, the job, or the kids – it’s you! And it always has been.” ~ Jeffrey Gitomer
Let’s say you take a step out on faith to charge at something you’ve always wanted to do … and what do you hear from everyone? “You’re crazy!” People who tell you you’re crazy are known as “pukers.” They feel it’s their job to make you feel stupid, inadequate, or incapable of making good judgments. Pukers are people to avoid at all costs.
REALITY: Their attitude sucks and they’re basically cynical. They are incapable of encouragement because they would rather see you as a failure … just like they are.
WARNING: Don’t puke back! Be cool and lead by example.
Concentrate on positive. Try me! Make intentional efforts to praise and encourage others. Find something good/great in their personality to compliment. Shake off the negative thoughts before speaking. Control your freaking tongue. Stay humorous but never make fun of. Quit Whining! Think about and speak what you CAN do, not what you CAN’T. Tell me the solution, don’t puke on me.
If you just can’t muster the positive within … SHUT UP!
How positive are you … really? What are your first thoughts in the morning? What mood are you in when you get to work/school? What mood are you in when you speak to your wife/family?
Attitude is your choice, not your circumstance. Attitude is the way you respond to the situation, not the situation itself. You have control.
How much are you missing because of your negativity? It is proven that when you concentrate on what you want, when you self-talk that you will achieve it, when you stay positive, you will succeed! It’s also proven that negative talk, negative thought, and negative attitude accomplish nothing but destruction and stress for you and everyone around you. Have you ever said, “I’m a realist!”? That’s a not-so-clever disguise for Mr/Mrs Negative. How many people have you discouraged? How many gave up because of you? And from it you gained what?
“It ain’t the rain, the snow, the boss, the competition, the spouse, the money, the car, the job, or the kids – it’s you! And it always has been.” ~ Jeffrey Gitomer
Let’s say you take a step out on faith to charge at something you’ve always wanted to do … and what do you hear from everyone? “You’re crazy!” People who tell you you’re crazy are known as “pukers.” They feel it’s their job to make you feel stupid, inadequate, or incapable of making good judgments. Pukers are people to avoid at all costs.
REALITY: Their attitude sucks and they’re basically cynical. They are incapable of encouragement because they would rather see you as a failure … just like they are.
WARNING: Don’t puke back! Be cool and lead by example.
Concentrate on positive. Try me! Make intentional efforts to praise and encourage others. Find something good/great in their personality to compliment. Shake off the negative thoughts before speaking. Control your freaking tongue. Stay humorous but never make fun of. Quit Whining! Think about and speak what you CAN do, not what you CAN’T. Tell me the solution, don’t puke on me.
If you just can’t muster the positive within … SHUT UP!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
God Can Be Trusted
He is faithful to keep His word.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man. he doesn't deal with weakness like lying. There is nothing He says that He doesn't make good on.
Psalms 18:30
The Word of God is tried and proven. His way is blameless. He is my shield and I can take refuge in Him.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth could pass away, but God's words never will.
Friends, family, parents, spouses ... they are not perfect. They WILL fail. They WILL disappoint. They WILL mess up. They WILL hurt you. We will be abandoned by people we care about. Some of us will endure unspeakable pain because of people close to us. This creates distrust in our hearts ... but God can be trusted. He can heal those wounds.
The reason some people have such a hard time trusting God is because people close to them have failed them countless times. They have no good example to go by. By taking refuge in God we can guard our hearts from being jaded. We can put our trust in Him and not in people. He gives us the character and strength to forgive and to remain truly secure in Him.
Everyone may fail you.
God will not fail you.
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man. he doesn't deal with weakness like lying. There is nothing He says that He doesn't make good on.
Psalms 18:30
The Word of God is tried and proven. His way is blameless. He is my shield and I can take refuge in Him.
Matthew 24:35
Heaven and earth could pass away, but God's words never will.
Friends, family, parents, spouses ... they are not perfect. They WILL fail. They WILL disappoint. They WILL mess up. They WILL hurt you. We will be abandoned by people we care about. Some of us will endure unspeakable pain because of people close to us. This creates distrust in our hearts ... but God can be trusted. He can heal those wounds.
The reason some people have such a hard time trusting God is because people close to them have failed them countless times. They have no good example to go by. By taking refuge in God we can guard our hearts from being jaded. We can put our trust in Him and not in people. He gives us the character and strength to forgive and to remain truly secure in Him.
Everyone may fail you.
God will not fail you.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Dog Poo Patty - HAPPY FRIDAY!
Not much is worse than waking up Friday morning, throwing on the ole jeans, walking out the door for the last workday of the week ... and BAM your dog has left you a nice, warm, oozing patty of poo. Nasty.
That's life isn't it? When you least expect it ... poo. How we react says a lot about us because we can't prepare for it. You have no idea it's going to happen. Obviously you could pick a better way to start your day. Then wammo. Your reaction is immediate and very natural.
Me? I would like to say that I handled it in style, kept my cool, 'no-big-dealed' it, and remained thankful it was at least Friday. No. I exploded in frustration and anger ... throwing a conniption fit like an angry teenager. Hmmm ... unresolved issues?
That's life isn't it? When you least expect it ... poo. How we react says a lot about us because we can't prepare for it. You have no idea it's going to happen. Obviously you could pick a better way to start your day. Then wammo. Your reaction is immediate and very natural.
Me? I would like to say that I handled it in style, kept my cool, 'no-big-dealed' it, and remained thankful it was at least Friday. No. I exploded in frustration and anger ... throwing a conniption fit like an angry teenager. Hmmm ... unresolved issues?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Focus Grasshopper
So much going on, so many moving pieces, so many important details ... it's hard to prioritize. What's most important? What comes first? What's the best order of things? And we haven't even gotten to delegating. I've got to get my head wrapped around the game plan. I have to break it all up into pieces, delegate some responsibility, and take action. Action, Action, Action! 1 action is worth 1,000 plans.
So off we go!
So off we go!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Morning Workout
Made it 3 out of 4 days to the gym by 6am. It's not a 'kill-death-die' workout, but it's a start. I've been on my butt in an office job for nearly 3 years now ... and my butt-n-gut show it. We are launching a karate school and I'm 30 lbs overweight. Crunch Time!
The Game Plan
1400 Calories per day
Protein load - 6 meals a day
100+ oz of water per day
Burn 500+ calories/day workout
At least 30 minutes cardio
I've got to get more and more creative with meals and workouts. Total body, big muscle, calorie burning exercises - that's where it's at. Meals: lean meats, yogurt, veggies, low sodium and sat fat, and whole grain.
So far, 6 lbs lost. The next 10 shouldn't be so hard. Then it's man-up time!
The Game Plan
1400 Calories per day
Protein load - 6 meals a day
100+ oz of water per day
Burn 500+ calories/day workout
At least 30 minutes cardio
I've got to get more and more creative with meals and workouts. Total body, big muscle, calorie burning exercises - that's where it's at. Meals: lean meats, yogurt, veggies, low sodium and sat fat, and whole grain.
So far, 6 lbs lost. The next 10 shouldn't be so hard. Then it's man-up time!
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