LIFE TRANSFORMATION

The byline for the organization that I work for is, "Where Life Transformation Happens". Now that's a pretty bold statement to state that lives are being transformed and it happens at our Teen Challenge Centers/campuses. However; after today I am convinced that God still changes lives and that men, women, and adolescents are finding help and hope through Jesus Christ. Teen Challenge is indeed a vessel that He has so graciously chosen to use for over 50 years.

Today I had the privilege of visiting a Teen Challenge center, preaching their Graduation service and Family Day. It was encouraging to see men and women from all walks of life, all kinds of backgrounds, come together and worship the Lord Jesus and acknowledge unashamedly His sovereign work in their lives. Families coming together to celebrate the change they can see in a son, daughter, niece or nephew. Yes, I still believe that Teen Challenge, though flawed by human oversight (like any other organization) is a place where the Lord Jesus is welcome, shows up in the demonstration and power of His spirit and changes LIVES!

A Day for Dads

Happy Fathers Day!

Yah, that's what we have been saying, texting, gift exchanging and card appreciating throughout this day. I don't have the privilege of calling my dad and wishing him a Happy Fathers Day as he passed away many years ago. If your dad is alive- don't pass the moment by. Call, write, text or better yet- show up in technicolor (that's in person for those who don't get the humor). The point is while there is breath in his lungs and ability in you- acknowledge love, appreciation and for those who may be harboring "stuff" (justified or not) set it aside, take the high road and honor your dad.

I can think of no other example of the ultimate honoring of a father than that of Jesus Christ. He honored His Father until the point of death (see Phil. 2:1-11). You see we set aside one day on the calendar to honor fathers- not a bad thing. Probably a good thing. We do it for moms too. They are really awesome aren't they? But the Father who desires and deserves our best love, attention, devotion is the one of Heavenly origin. Our Father who art in Heaven!

“Freedom is never free”

It’s believed that the author of this oft-quoted line is unknown however; the words are deeply etched in my mind. After a heart-stirring visit to our nations capital I want to reflect on some findings. The whole Romano clan was able to take the journey to Washington D. C. My mind was stirred with a deeper appreciation for the history of our nation and those who have sacrificed supremely to allow us to do even such simple things as blog our own thoughts, feelings and opinions.

One of the exhibits at the Smithsonian American Art Museum was a tribute to the American flag. The popular words of our nations anthem by Francis Scott Key remind us that we truly are still “the land of the free and the home of the brave”!

It was almost surreal as we walked through streets, museum halls and corridors where our founding fathers and countless others who followed are chronicled in such beauty, grandeur and vastness. Whether it was marble, granite, and brick or steel the entire landscape appears to be etched in one theme, “Let us Remember”, we will remember, we invite you to join others and remember.

One of the moving moments for me was listening to the husky park ranger named Allan at the Vietnam Veterans Wall. Allan was a masterful communicator who had the ability to hold the attention of the outdoor audience despite the many distractions. My mind was engaged and my heart stirred as he held at least 35 or 40 listeners in rapture loudly sharing the history of the large piece of black etched granite wall. Allan’s deep tenor voice resonated with knowledge, conviction and passion about the “unpopular war” citing facts and figures that ranged from the 21 year old young lady who’s submitted design (part of a national contest) was selected by a committee to the most unique gift he could ever recall left at the wall; a Harley Davidson motorcycle.

The point of all of this is that I must confess I have lacked a deep level of appreciation for my personal freedom as well of that of my fellow man. My wife rightly commented that many American’s probably never get the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. This trip allowed my family and I to get a good taste for so much our nations history. For this I am thankful. Our rich past positions us for a blessed presence if we are careful to hold fast to that which helped us establish it originally. Yes, it’s true, the freedom to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is really not free at all.

The price of our spiritual freedom was not free either. It cost the Father the price of His precious son, Jesus Christ who freely shed His blood for all of mankind whom He loves (Eph. 2:13). He invites you today to experience the fulfillment of scripture which says, “He whom the Son sets free is free indeed” (Jn. 8:36).

May we hold fast to the convictions of remaining one nation under God and realize that true freedom is found in knowing Him!

Say What?

You have probably heard this phrase thrown around nonchalantly in social settings here and there. I want to use it in another context and that is what is your communication style?

I am preparing to teach at an upcoming conference on the subject of Communication Style.

So what does this mean? Do I really have a style? (of course you do) How do I determine it? Why is it important? Many models have been developed and used over the years to determine how one communicates. You communicate with others every day on many levels. You may not always take time to analyze how your natural communication style affects others, however; learning about personality type preferences can help you understand some important differences in communication styles.

A simple one I will offer is the Expresser, Driver, Relator, Analytical. These styles will at some point intersect with learning styles and personality types. Sounds like a lot of stuff to figure out but in the long run it greatly enhances our ability to understand ourselves- then others hopefully resulting in positive, healthy relationships.

So go figure out your style and connect with others and glorify Him!

To learn more go to:http://www.cedanet.com/meta/communication_styles.htm