How do we cultivate our minds?

Today, we'll tackle this question with the always-joyful Dr. Kathy Koch, a child development expert and long-time minister.

We'll especially be taking a look at "the eight smarts," which are:

• Word-smart: They think in words. When they're excited, they usually talk or write. They often thrive in school.
• Logic-smart: They think with questions. They ask more questions when they're excited. Usually, they like math and science, and they love things to make sense.
• Picture-smart: They think with their eyes, in pictures. Pay attention to color, design, where things are placed on a page. Art and creativity, fiction, history, and Bible are strengths of theirs.
• Music-smart: They think with rhythm and melodies. When they're excited, they hum or tap or dance. They go after the musical disciplines.
• Body-smart: They think with movement and touch. Love to experience life through movement. They may be athletic or artistic, culinary or theatrical. They are hands on, no matter what.
• Nature-smart: They think with patterns. They would rather be outside than inside. Their strengths are often in biology, meteorology, or earth science.
• People-smart: They think with other people. They brainstorm, collaborate, coordinate. When they are excited, they talk to others and get feedback.
• Self-smart: They think on their own. They reflect inside of themselves. When they're excited, they engage in more self-reflection. They are quiet but have a lot to say. Often counselors, teachers, salespeople.

All of us have them at different levels, and everyone has a few that they excel in.

These are connected with Dr. Kathy's take on the core needs (she has five):

1. Security: Who can I trust?

2. Identity: Who am I?

3. Belonging: Who wants me?

4. Purpose: Why am I alive?

5. Competence: What do I do well?

Give it a listen to see how you fit into all of this!

// Highlights:

“For me, it was wisdom that started [my relationship with Jesus], love that completed it—other people might have that in the opposite direction.” -Dr. Kathy Koch

“We can pursue righteousness, and we should—but we don’t have to be perfect. And we have a loving, full-of-grace-mercy-and-hope-and-truth God who receives us when we mess up and acknowledge it.” -Dr. Kathy Koch

“One of the questions is “Am I smart?” And I like to tell children the answer is always yes because God doesn’t make stupid people!” -Dr. Kathy Koch

“Jesus did not die that you would have an abundant school experience. No! It’s abundant life! And life is abundant when ALL of life is abundant!” -Dr. Kathy Koch

// Do the Next Thing:

Thank you to the CSB Bible for sponsoring our podcast episode! Check out the Holy Illustrated Bible we talked about here!

Check out Dr. Kathy’s website to see her book, Eight Great Smarts, and more!