Seasons of Change

"Behold, I show you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye..."-Corinthians 15:51


We often want to change, but change is slow, and many times, we either don’t know we need to change or we don’t want to change. Biblical change is the only thing that can change in the twinkling of an eye, all others types of changes take time and discipline. Wouldn’t it be nice if could miraculously become a millionaire in a twinkling of an eye; I suppose this can happen with today’s lottery, and casinos! But lasting physical, emotional, and spiritual change take time.
We discussed some of the changes you may have decided to make in 2010 in our last newsletter. Listed below are The top 10 New Year’s resolutions for 2010:

1. Save money/get out of debt
2. Lose weight
3. Get fit
4. Enjoy life more/be happy
5. Get organized
6. Fall in love
7. Help others
8. Spend more time with family
9. Quit smoking
10. Learn something new
Blair, Gary R. (2010)

What if you don’t know what changes you want to make? Start with what bothers you, what frustrates you, what makes you unhappy. This may help you decide what you need to change. Once you focus on what needs to change, then make goals. Finally, make action plans to complete these goals.
For example, if you want to lose fifty pounds (the goal), you may start by getting up earlier in the morning for a morning walk, buy a gym membership, hire a trainer, or buy a home gym (the action plan). Have a weight loss journal where you keep your body measurements, your weight, and a few daily thoughts (the motivation).
Share your goal(s) with a few close friends. Not everyone needs to know what you are doing or thinking all the time. It is best to save your energy to achieving your goal than to talk about it with anyone who will listen. A good friend can help you stay on track and motivate you.
If one of your goals is to get a better paying job (the goal), search the internet for what’s available; the choices are slim! You may decide it’s best to stay in your current job with today’s economic outlook and job market. Nonetheless, if you find there is a market for your skills, you may need to upgrade your resume. Have mock interview sessions with a friend. Buy a new interview suit. Your meditation may reveal you are happy with everything and everyone in your life as it stands. Good for you; you are lucky and blessed. Remember though, that everything in life changes; seasons change from summer yellow to winter white. People change too. Sometimes they change because they have to; others change because they want to. Accept change as part of life.

God never changes

When Job’s life fell apart, and God was silent, Job still found things he could praise God for:
That he is good and loving.
That he is all-powerful.
That he notices every detail of my life.
That he is in control.
That he has a plan for my life.
That he will save me.
Warren, Rick (2002)

References:
Blair, Gary R. (2010) Top 10 New Year’s Resolutions for 2010. Retrieved fromhttp://2010resolutions.org/

Warren, Rick. (2002). The purpose driven life. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan.

New Beginnings: Metamorphosis

What are some of your New Year’s resolutions-lose weight, change jobs, get a promotion, write a book, learn to meditate, and/or become a millionaire? Believe it or not these are all obtainable. Yes they are! All it takes is a shift in thought-to believe you can. Like the little book, “The little engine that could!” You can too! Your family background, your ethnicity, or your age does not make a difference. Believing in YOU makes the difference!
For most people, change is very scary and carries with it a fearful mindset. But if you take away your fear you can conquer mountains! Grandmother always said, “With faith of a mustard seed you can move mountains!”
Mary Magdalene, a prostitute, became a vessel to wash the feet of Jesus. Remember she was ridiculed and some wanted to stone her. However, she was used of God to anoint the holy Christ! It is said that Lincoln was no prophet, and yet he changed the course of history! He was the man to steer the country in a time of great moral, economic, and social change. He claimed his destiny and was used to change the human cruelty of slavery. Joan of Arc was but a teenager when she led a revolution to free France from English rule.
Do you think you could lead a revolution? What about the revolution in your mind? For some, the revolution is faith that they will make it through today with enough money to buy some food, or make the mortgage payment. Some people need faith to find shelter after an eviction. Some struggle with addictions and obsessions of unimaginable proportions! For others, it is moving on after a relationship! Moving in, moving out, and moving with the flow may all be painful, but moving can bring metamorphic beauty!
Changing your mindset to believe that God is in control and that all things are possible through Him is the new beginning! Step out in faith and believe that you too are meant for success-abundance beyond your wildest dreams!
Getting out of bed with a smile is not always easy, although, this is the very thing that needs to happen to start a new day. You can place a CD player in your bedroom or use an alarm clock with a radio set to a station with happy, lively music. Watch how you can set the tone for the day. While you shower, sing your favorite “happy” song; some of my friends sing, “Zippity-Do-Da” to raise their energy. Use whatever works! It doesn’t take much to spiral into depression, so why not use it in reverse-spiral up into a joyful mood!
There are life situations and circumstances that are not of our doing or control; however, we have freewill to control our mood! Some circumstances are difficult to overcome: terminal illness, divorce, job termination, disability; however, it is not the what, but the how we handle these that make the difference in our life! Not, how our neighbor handles it…how We handle it-you-me!
Some things we can never understand! Some things just happen-famine, illness, disaster, rape! We all know good people who have the worst of luck. Why? There is no understanding; it just happens! Yet, the survivors are those that can make it through with a positive outlook! Be the warrior of your life!
Change you mindset; change your life! It starts with you. Only you can change because you want to change! Believe that you are the butterfly in a state of metamorphosis! You are a monarch with a new beginning!

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
My, oh my, what a wonderful day
Plenty of sunshine headin' my way
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay

Mister Bluebird's on my shoulder
It's the truth, it's actual
Ev'rything is satisfactual
Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay
Wonderful feeling, wonderful day, yes sir!