As we look towards the finish line of the school year, and the first half of 2007, I feel that this is a good place for a “check up”. As we approached 2007 your Chaplain encouraged you to have the vision of the finish line rather than just “the end.”
Remember that there is significance to finishing that is not associated with ending. Finishing connotes accomplishment or achievement as ending means stopping or possibly quitting. Ending is something that happens apart from effort or desire. So as you receive your “sine die” packages from our hearts to yours, “let’s all finish strong.”
There are two variables for all of us to finish strong. One is to let go of the things that slow us down, and the other is to run faster. Wisdom speaks to removing what hinders us before we try to increase our speed.
It has been said that in order to finish strong we must remove the little things that can trip us and cause us to lose our stride for the finish line. The meaning is likened to a long distance runner in the early Greek Games, who would “tuck there togas” into their belts so that their stride would not be impeded.
So, look around you. Is there a feeling, or thinking that we need to put aside? Sometimes we don’t need to remove it, we just need to tuck it away so that we can finish the race that we have chosen to run today.
I personally choose to look at life as a relay race and not a personal sprint. Maybe this is due to the fact that I was never a fast runner, or one who enjoyed it. What I do remember is that my goal was to do my best, and end the pain and suffering as soon as possible, unless it was a relay race where I just had to do my best, and then pass the baton to someone who could run faster and continue the process of the race. I knew that what I had to do, no matter how feeble, was sufficient as long as I did my best to help my team to finish the race.
Last Thursday my father in law, James Hampton, who was the “best father in law,” and has been so for over 30 years, finished his part of life’s relay race. In his memorial I was confronted once again with the realization that when we finish, another starts, especially as we influence others to continue the race by our example.
The question is, what example are we giving to our future generations? How are we running our leg of the race? Are we running it to the end, or to assist others to finish strong? It’s not too late to adjust. As long as you are in the race, you can make a difference.
We must be aware that our life affects others. All of us have influence and the life that we lead is that influence. So, let’s check up. The prognosis is completely up to you. You are the lead runner in your part of the race.
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“The Art of Communication”
We want to thank those who responded to our last email telling us that you agreed with our definition of communication.
“Communication” is an act or instance of transmitting information, by processing information that is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior, and a technique for expressing ideas effectively.”
This is evidenced in marriage when we use words like I do, or I will. Words that I said to my wife Kim almost 30 years ago. As these words of commitment are exchanged, the course of our walking together was established.
One thing that we have found true is that as we assign proper value to our words we remain faithful and the relationship grows and communication flows. The fruit of this is the exchange of ideas that produce life and freedom for each of us to be individuals.
The universal principle of communication is that there must be agreement for people to have the ability to walk and work together. Or you can say it this way, “how can people walk together unless they be in agreement?”
There are four basic fundamentals to communication.
1. Communication is the key to our, relationship
2. Relationship is valued by our, words
3. Words assign value to our, agreement
4. Agreement is our, exchange of ideas
The exchange of ideas is Communication. The art of communication is when we become well practiced in these four areas. The goal is for our “artwork” to be appreciated and valued as authentic. When we put value on our own words then we have set the stage for the exchange of ideas.
Simply, we must be the words that we speak.
Questions: (Score: “doodler 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 “artist” )
What value do I place on my words? _____
What value do I place on my friend’s words? _____
What value do I place on the words of those who disagree with me? ____
Keep practicing!
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Remember our four step process in Purpose?
• INTENTION
• RESOLUTION
• DETERMINATION
• EXECUTION
Intention is a determination to act in a certain way: This is based upon three factors.
RESOLVE - Analyze to resolve the opportunity into simple elements
IMPORT - Assign priority to the opportunity
SIGNIFICANCE - Accept the value of the opportunity
Your friends and associates who completed the CPR /AED training represent people with good intentions. They saw an opportunity (need), found a way to resolve it, assigned it a high priority, and set aside time based upon the value of the opportunity (i.e., training class).
Their best intention led them to the first step in fulfilling the purpose of making a difference with their life. Even though they have never used their training, and we pray that they never will be called upon, they are prepared to save a life.
There is no greater purpose than to lay aside our lives and agendas, to save of life.
Think about:
How often do I look for an opportunity to make a difference?
Daily _____ Weekly _____ Monthly _____ Seldom _____ Never _____
Do I have something that I can lay aside to be prepared to make a difference?
Yes _____ No _____ Maybe later _____
What opportunity do I have right now to further my purpose?
Feel free to email us with any questions or comments. We challenge you to have the best intention in purpose...
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“Who do you think you are talking to?”
From the first expression of an idea, to the bills that govern our lives, words are always first and foremost in the process.
In keeping with this, we begin our new series on "The Art of Communication."
To begin start with a few questions.
1. What type of words to do you use most often to make sure that your thought is expressed?
Emotional ____ Intellectual ____ Conceptual ____
2. What volume will you use to win an argument?
Low ____ Medium _____ Loud _____ Piercing ____
3. Are you more interested in speaking or being heard?
Speaking _____ Being heard _____
4. How long do you listen before you start to think of your answer?
0-5 sec. ___ 5–15 sec. ___ When the person is finished ___
5. What is more important to you, expressing your idea, or listening to someone else?
Expressing _____ Listening _____
So to start thinking about how to effectively communicate lets simply remember that we must think of we are talking to. Remember that they are not you, and that your definitions of words may not be the same.
The first key to effective communication is to find a common ground of understanding and agreement.
So, to practice what we preach, do you agree with this definition?
“communication” is an act or instance of transmitting information, by processing information that is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior, and requires a technique for expressing ideas effectively.”
The challenge in communication is how can we speak the same language when our words are defined by our experiences, beliefs, opinions, and even political platforms?
Here is a sample question designed to achieve this.
Do you believe that everyone in Government is trying to make a difference in the lives of the people of Arizona?
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