8 - 2013 - RodneyOlsen.net

timothyrjennings

I’ve heard a lot recently about neuroplasticity, a term that refers to the fact that the physical structure of our brains can be changed through our behaviour, thoughts, environment and education. Someone who has looked closely at neuroplasticity is Dr. Timothy Jennings.

Timothy R. Jennings, M.D. is a Christian psychiatrist, master psychopharmacologist, author, international speaker, radio personality, Secretary of the Tennessee Psychiatric Association, Adjunct Faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and has a private practice in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Dr. Jennings obtained his M.D. degree in 1990 from the University Of Tennessee College Of Medicine in Memphis, Tennessee and completed psychiatric residency at D.D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia. He is board certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and is licensed to practice medicine in Tennessee, Georgia and Washington. Dr. Jennings was named one of America’s Top Psychiatrists by the Consumer Research Institute of America in 2008, 2010 & 2011. Many of Dr. Jennings lectures and written material can be found at his website Come and Reason

Dr. Jennings has recently released a book titled The God Shaped Brain – How Changing Your View of God Transforms Your Life. The book says that it’s not just a belief in God that brings positive change but a belief in a loving God who wants the very best for us.

Dr. Jennings is currently touring Australia and I spoke to him today about the book and the evidence that backs it up. You can hear our discussion by clicking play on the audio player at the bottom of this post. I have a copy of the book which I’ve only skimmed so far. After today’s chat I’m looking forward to diving in and reading more.

In this book Dr. Tim Jennings introduces you to the Integrative, Evidence-Based approach of understanding scripture. This method harmonizes scripture, science, and experience. He presents the Great Controversy over God’s character and contrasts the two views of His Law, documenting the impact each view has upon neuro-development, mental health, and physical and relationship health. He presents a complete atonement model explaining why Christ had to die and answers questions, contrasting the various views about our origins, judgment, punishment, and God’s wrath, identifying which one can heal any kind of person.

The last chapter entitled, “Buddha, Jesus and The Brain,” explores the difference in how Buddha and Jesus dealt with their confrontation with death and the significant impact on brain function and structure that eastern meditation has compared to Biblical meditation.

This book makes a compelling, evidenced-based case for a God of love and His methods of love. It is easy to understand and brings to a practical level why it is so important to live in harmony with God and his design for life.

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heart

What’s shining inside you that the world has never seen? What’s the passion that you’re too scared to show anyone?

A strange thing has happened with television talent shows over recent years.

Around a decade ago we started seeing a trickle of reality shows that gave people a shot at fame and fortune. Idol, Popstars, X Factor, So You Think You Can Dance, The Voice, Australia’s (or whatever other country) Got Talent and several others filled our screens. Some have continued, others have headed to the TV graveyard.

A lot of these shows used to focus heavily on those who are completely unaware of how badly they sing. Auditions were full of spectacular failures, shown only so that we could laugh at others and mock their inabilities. Thankfully that’s changing.

While there are still some auditions featuring those who have been told by their mums how brilliant they are when they can’t actually hold a note, we’re seeing more and more of those who don’t seem to fit the expectation of the good looking pop package walk on stage and surprise us with amazing performances.

Refuse to wear someone else’s labels.

Something rises in us when we see someone showing that they can’t be judged by the narrow criteria we so often use to classify others as not worthy of our attention. I think it’s often because we recognise something in ourselves that’s never been able to see the light of day. There’s something hidden inside us that we’re too afraid to put on display because we don’t believe we could handle the possibility of rejection. In watching someone else overcome the labels our hearts celebrate …. but there’s a part of us that still wishes others would see the beauty inside us.

Over the years We’ve seen triumphs from people like Susan Boyle, Paul Potts and several others. A few nights ago on Australian television we saw another person defy the stereotypes to soar into our hearts. Check out this video of Leon Lee, a 19 year old university student.

No one expected too much of Leon.

You can tell that the audience didn’t expect anything great. The judges exchanged knowing smiles that said they expected Leon’s audition to be a bit of a train wreck. But then he sang.

There was something in Leon that most people had never seen. Thankfully he had the courage to put that something on display.

I wonder what’s inside you.

It might not be a great singing voice or anything to do with performing but it’s still there ready to shine. What are you hiding for fear of rejection?

Maybe there’s something inside you that wants to shine, not for the whole world, but for those closest to you. Are you prepared to trust someone else enough to shine?

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Archive - August 13, 2013