What it takes....

...to really change is the part three of Pastor Ricks "New You for a new decade" sermon series. It is also the message for week one of the Daniel plan. (My week one at least) I enjoyed the message and found a few insights along the way. Even though you can watch the series live online as well as get the notes for yourself, I thought I would touch on the highlights for my own sake and to be able to have a record to go back to during the week- for meditation and inspiration. Please not that the "my application" portions of the message are my two cents about how I see the rubber really meeting the road in my life.

What it takes to really change... Romans 12:1-12
1. Dedication to commit my body to God.
Physiology affects your psychology and if you want to create a lasting change it must start with the physical. If you want to pay attention in class, sit up straight. If you want to get healthier, get moving.

FIRST LAW OF CHANGE: Change is always my choice. No one can do it for you and with the right motive (to worship God) it can be an act of worship to Cleanse your body (detox), Care for it, and to control it.

My application: Often, I believe we make life more difficult than it needs to be by thinking we must have the right workout equipment, clothes, gym membership or fully stocked pantry. Life isn't perfect. I wont always have everything I need... If I wait until I do- I'll never get started. If I want the Daniel plan to take root in my life permanently I must GET OFF MY BUTT AND DO SOMETHING. Its that simple. Move more. Play more. Eat less crap. It really is that easy.


2. Concentration: Refocus my mind
Refocus on Gods goals for you and the positive. Metamorphosys (complete transformation) involves a putting off of the old and a putting on of the new. (Attitudes, habits & Actions)

SECOND LAW OF CHANGE: To change my life I must change my model.

My application: True change begins with an examination of my motives. So often I have gone on diets to mold my body into what I think the world says is attractive. I cut out pictures of "the perfect abs" or that adorable victoria's secret model. Every time I have tried with this mindset I lose motivation to continue. I'll never be Kate Moss. I don't even want to be but I can be the best me God has created me to be and if that means I will be more effective for him, then I want it. I want it badly! As I study the word this week I will look at how God sees me and begin to align my theology of myself with that picture. I want to be God's butterfly and at the end of these 52 weeks I know I will be an entirely different person from where i am at now: mind, body and spirit.

3.Evaluation: Humbly assess my current state
By taking an honest look at where you are you can establish an origin point for yourself and from THERE you can then begin to create a road map to where you want to be. If you never realistic look at where you are starting you'll never even begin to be able to plan for where you want to be.

THIRD LAW OF CHANGE: I can manage only what I measure.

My Application: This blog will be an honest record of my 52 week journey. The before pictures and progress pictures are going to be blatantly honest. The numbers 100% real. I will avoid the temptation to make myself seem more perfect by omitting the failures and setbacks that I will inevitably encounter. Hopefully this will allow me to connect with others in a more authentic way and allow myself the ability to dust myself off and keep trying. The goal is commitment not perfection. This blog is also an application of this law. I will post the journey- keep exercise goals and logs. Food logs and emotional journals. Heart Mind soul & strength.

4.Cooperation: I must get group support
FOURTH LAW OF CHANGE:Change requires community

My application: The more support I get, the more likely I am to succeed. I need to talk with my hubby about doing this together. I know how much his support/ attitude affects my desire to implement change but I will also lean on my family as well as my small group for encouragement. I chuckled to myself when Rick noted that "even the Lone Ranger had Tonto."

5. Affirmation: Fill my life with Love.
Love can change the unchangeable.
My application: By loving others enough to support them through their change and metamorphosis God will take care of me. If I set my heart on change in response to the Love God has shown me I will find endless amounts of motivation.

6.Motivation: Nurture my enthusiasm
Positive thinking is simply not enough. You need God. To have enthusiasm you need to be En (in) theos (god)

My application: By keeping God as my hope, my source, my strength and my supplier I will emerge at the end of these 52weeks a newer, better, healthier me.