Communication

Good communication can build a relationship, and bad communication can destroy it. It's a powerful tool, and it's important to be able to communicate effectively. Whatever your message is, if you can't make it known, then it's futile. We live in "the communication age" right? But with all of this technology and innovations, it still comes down to dealing with people.

Text seems to be an increasingly common means of relating important messages, but it leaves a lot to be desired. Great writers and poets have been using this for years, but as interesting as that is, it's relationships that require communication the most. It's so difficult to convey proper meaning through text mediums, such as chatting on the internet. You have to be very careful of your wording, so that your audience will interpret your words to the meaning you intended.

Being understanding and open-hearted is key. You should give the benefit of the doubt, and never automatically assume that your friend or loved one intends to hurt you. But at the same time, be fully open and honest with each other. Trust. If you can keep that up, I guarantee that things will go well. I know from experience.

Ideally, there is more than text. Tone of voice is another essential tool in conveying your thoughts. The emotional inflections and implied meanings will surely help. Talk in person, use the phone, VoIP, whatever.

Then of course, body language. Whether it's gestures, or a great big hug, nothing sends meaning and intent like an action. A smile does wonders to warm the heart. Webcams are nice, but meet in person! A handshake with a business partner develops trust and familiarity. Or in a different situation, there would be no way to pull off a long-distance relationship you didn't meet on a regular basis. There's nothing better than holding a loved one, expressing your feelings, and sharing your dreams, fears, hopes, and desires.

Back in Town

It's been a couple of weeks, but I'm more or less back in town. (less, until Sunday)

The family started off with a trip down to Florida for a business conference, and then spent the next week traveling around. It was pretty cold, so we unfortunately didn't get much time at the beach. We did go by Gettysburg though, and saw some cool old Civil War stuff.

Then as soon as we got back, I took off for a 9-hour train ride to spent Easter weekend with my girlfriend. It was a loooong ride, but Shannon's more than worth it. I would go a whole lot further than that to see her.

We had a fantastic weekend together, and I even survived meeting her parents!

Over the last couple of days, we went through a pretty interesting time together. It was a little confusing, and some tears were shed, but we ended up redefining our boundaries in the relationship for a more God-pleasing romance. Some of it were things like making sure we have a little time apart each day to spend reading our bibles and praying, even if we've traveled great distances to be together. She'll probably be formally writing about it.

In the end, we've come out stronger than ever... in a deep romance that Jesus is blessing more than we could have imagined.

Counsel Together

When I look closely, I find that many of the wisest and most inspiring counselors I know of, work very closely with their wives. Knowing how to counsel people on your own is great as it is... but think of doing it as a couple. You have twice as much knowledge and wisdom to draw from, and two totally different outlooks on the subject that your counseling on. And most importantly, a good couple often knows what each other are thinking, or where they're headed with their advice.

Just take a look at some of these christian counselors that I've learned from in life. (I only know a few of them personally)

John & Stasi Eldredge... wrote Wild at Heart, and Captivating, and are a constant source of insight and encouragement to many many people.

Dr. James & Mrs. Shirley Dobson... founded and lead the Focus on the Family organization, which has done fantastic things to promote healthy families.

Bill & Creely Wilson... founded Brentwood Baptist Church, now thousands strong, and an active and vibrant church community.

David & Norma-Jean Mainse... founded CTS TV and 100 Huntley Street.

Dr George & Marian Bryniawsky... have been close friends and mentors to my family for years.

Rick & Donna Lamothe... pastor and founders of Sequoia Community Church, and close friends of the family.

It really looks like the greatest and most influencial and life-changing couples work together as a team. And when seeing that, I am so amazingly thrilled at the prospect of changing peoples lives with the help of Shannon. She is already very wise, a strong christian, and a great counselor, and we recently had a chance to counsel someone as a team... to amazing results.