Blog name change

As I grow, this blog will change.  I am changing the name from "Chariots of Fire" to "Transformation."  I still value the ideas behind our chariots of fire prayers: open my eyes and help me see your chariots of fire. Lord, keep me from having tunnel vision. When I see clearly, help me to have the courage to act accordingly.

I had a great spiritual workout this morning while

running.  I focused on the following words individually: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness goodness, gentleness, faithfullness and self control.  I thought about as many things I could think of about each individual word as possible.  Once I ran out of ideas, I went on to the next word.  It was a beautiful morning.

Angry people make noise; happy people remain silent

I recall a leadership project my wife and I participated in a while back.  It was challenging because it involved raising money for a non-profit organization.  One of the instructions we received was to look for opportunities to celebrate.  The idea was to celebrate the good times...take time to focus on things that make us happy through celebration!

Now, as I continue reading our parenting book 123 Magic for Christian Parents, the authors state, "Angry people make noise; happy people remain silent."  They state our praise to our kids should out number our negative comments by a ratio of 4:1.   They bring to mind the following scripture, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."  Eph 4:29  In summary, these thoughts remind me of the need to look for opportunities to celebrate the great things that are going on in the lives of my family.

The authors state that praise in front of other people and unexpected praise is most effective for building self- esteem.

"...then you will know the truth

and the truth will set you free."   John  8:32.  "The truth will set you free, but first it will make you miserable."  ~Attributed to James A. Garfield
I remember having discussions, debates and arguments about "The Truth" while I was a student at Bowling Green State University.  Now, I'm ready to move on. 

I do believe the truth will set us free, however, I think there may be times in our lives when the truth may rock our worlds.  When we seek truth in our daily lives I think we look for the following:

1. Accurate perceptions regarding our behavior and the behavior of those around us.
2. Clarity regarding exactly why we do what we do.
3. Confidence in where we place our faith.
4. Wisdom to allow us to speak accurately to help others.

Finding the truth in a situation requires:

1. Understanding the context and environment involved.
2. Patience to gather all the facts.
3. Bravery to look in the right places and follow through with tact.
4. Discipline to manage the information wisely and constructively.
5. An ability to look through a lense that allows us to see our world the way it really is.

Our next "Transformation" gathering is going to be on "whatever is true."

Parental Temper Tantrums

The idea behind counting 1-2-3...take 5 is that numbers only are counted.  Words are not used to explain reasons for bad behavior.  According to 1-2-3 Magic for Christian Parents, adding explanations and comments to this discipline approach can distract the child from the consequence of poor behavior.  It can take a child's focus off the possibility of good behavior and put it on the prospect of an enjoyable and energetic argument. 

"Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tounge of the wise brings healing." Proverbs 12:18

Finding the right person

at the right time can sometimes be a challenge.   But, it can make a world of a difference.  This impacts whether or not the job is done properly.  Reaching out to others, building relationships and being willing to take emotional risks enhances our ability to connect with the right people at the right time.

Be the right person

at the right time...all the time.  Our experience yesterday (Elbow dislocation then relocation at ACH) has really inspired me to continue striving to be the best person I can to help others.   Being a Physical Therapist who works with people battling dizziness, I am regularly reminded of the power of people being connected with people who truly know what they are doing. 

Yesterday, I experienced the value of working with excellent people personally.  It makes me want to keep getting better, keep growing, keep creating, keep designing, keep thinking outside of the box and to love others.