Changed

I never teach my pupils. I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn.
- Albert Einstein

This was the quote that popped up on my daily homepage today.....and a rush of thoughts began to form. We have all had opportunities to teach what we have learned from experience or what we have grown to know as a most effective way of life vs one that seems to cause calamity at every turn. But we can't change people....people have to change their own selves. We each are responsible for our own actions ....attitudes...and affinities. To change we have to have a true desire, we have to have a true motivation, we have to be willing to at least listen to the opinion of another and process it and choose to accept it or deny it. But I truly believe that there is much truth in Einstein's quote.

Change...we can not do it for someone else and they can not do it for us....it is a personal mindset....that each of us has to take responsibility for....and it begins by recognizing that our lifestyle has gone awry....and it is a runaway in the wrong direction.

At the beginning of the year the Lord brought conditions to my life that awakened me to direct my eating habits toward a different direction. I was having a hard time getting off the floor after playing with my grandkids, I was sluggish and tired all the time...I felt frumpy...etc. I had prayed for courage on several occasions to just get up and change...but it wasn't until I really was still and listened that I was willing to set my mind towards his direction. God placed in a my path a dear friend of many years back who told me her successful story of how she had changed her lifestyle, including mindset and habits a couple of years ago and has continued to maintain her transformed lifestyle. It showed...she was always beautiful...but now she was even more vibrant than ever...She shared with me her road map and I listened then I had to make a decision as to whether or not I was truly motivated to give it a diligent and disciplined effort. I know my track record..try a while quit a while and repeat the same exercise... that there was no way I could do this on my own for too embedded were were lifelong habits, my comfort zone, my coping mechanisms...and I know how easily swayed I am to reverting back. If this was to happen and it was to be successful...Christ has to be involved in the process....from the beginning throughout a lifelong maintenance program. A lifetime is a long time... Looking back....He was not only involved but he was the initiator. He set the process up....beginning with "my" mindset....and continuing on with helping me recognize conditions that were before me and upon me.

That is the way change begins...it begins by having an open mindset for change...knowing there are parts of our life that is a mess...and as each day comes...we are miserable with the results of our existing lifestyle. We have to be willing to change because we see that what we are doing currently isn't working. Weight was my deal...at least one of them...I don't know what yours is...but what I do know is that we all need to be transformed into the image of Christ..and we all have something.....I am far from being transformed as God would have me be, but he works gradually...securing one forefront at a time. He knows he has a great deal of work to do....but I am willing....and God is not only able...but he is waiting for the call from each of us ....to lead us in the direction that will guide us to the vision that he has for our lives.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will.

One worthy change effects another...it is a domino effect..It all pours into the ultimate purpose that God has structured for our lives. His purpose..to transform us into his image...is only achieved by our obedience, trust and a sold out faith in Him. For it is through his goodness and his righteousness....and not our own self centered, self structured, self gratifying way of life....that will bring us the ultimate joy that he has already foreseen.


Back to Einstein a minute... he never teaches his pupils...he only attempts to provide the conditions in which they can learn. I look around and consider the conditions that are around me....there are infinite opportunities for me to acknowledge the need for change...but I have to be willing to take off my blinders and see them for myself...no one can do that for me. Christ has changed my heart many a time over many an issue...and I pray that he continues to be an active part in leading me to a transformation that would be glorifying to him. It is hard job to get on the other side of the hump of change....but the rewards speak volumes to the faithfulness of Christ's power, His love and His grace. For when we finally make room for a mindset of God's truth...he will walk us down the road of his recovery....for His glory. Personal change does, I think, reflect in a recovery...a recovery by God through God and for God....from a worldly hold of temporary gratifications to an eternal hold of peace and joy that springs from the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Dear Lord, Please continue to make your changes within me. I am faithfully asking for your lead and your guidance. And help me Lord to have the power and courage to stay committed to your "right" desires for my life. Amen

Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!