Your Change Meter

Life Change in the New Year by Dr. Lisa Ryan

The mike is off, but the brain is still on. I was inspired to send this out during a recent walk…

I see clients who want change in their lives. Few arrive at my office understanding that they themselves are the ONLY agent of change over which they have any true power. Even fewer want to pay the price for change. In my deepest prayer, I ask God to help us to be able to catch the vision of true freedom and its reward. We are free to let go of our old habits and change. Here’s how to tell if you are changing:

Change involves pain, discomfort, and internal wrestling. On a scale of 0 to 10, are you registering any score on the “discomfort of change” meter? If not… ain’t much happinin’. I used to think that if I felt too uncomfortable, that something was wrong with my process. I now know that I should anticipate a lot of discomfort when I set my mind on change. If we want to continually change, which I do, then there will always be some discomfort.

“Sweet words of change” don’t get us anywhere, but it is easy and alluring to speak them. “Of course” we need to learn to love others more, judge less, and forgive. “Of course”, we say, we are willing to do our part. “Of course”, we understand that change starts with us. “Of course” we “want” more self-discipline. “Of course!” And sadly… the process often stops there – with the words.

With a little faith, we can choose to believe in ourselves, in God’s goodness, and in a different tomorrow. Change has an uncomfortable price, but the reward in self-esteem, serving others, pleasing God, and watching how we grow in integrity makes our discomfort seem only “light and momentary.” For our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!], 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Have a great NEW Year! AKA, here in Hawaii, Hou’oli Makahiki Hou!


YOUR choices count!

Letting Go For Higher Ground

Today is a landmark day for me; it will be my final Talk YOUR Story show – at least for now. Letting go of things is difficult, but if we ever want to be free to move to God’s higher ground for us, we have to. God calls us from glory to glory as we grow. Like the trapeze artist who cannot hold on to one bar while grabbing the next, we must rely completely on faith as we move between the bars, aka move forward. It scary and exciting. God loves a heart that will put confidence in HIM. Want something fresh? Want to move forward? Want excitement and adventure? Want freedom to live in joy? Then, loosen the death grip on “whatever,” and LET GO. God has got your back! I hope you can share this final show with us!

Music for Today's show:

Jesus Take the Wheel by Carrie Underwood
Let it Rise by Holland Davis

Taking The Hit

Did you ever think you needed to make a change, but didn’t do it? Was it something big like breaking off a partnership or changing the way you interact with a loved one? Maybe it was a call of God on your life… Why don’t we do what we know we should do, or even must do? Taking the steps to make a change involves loss and usually pain, a “hit” of sorts. Have you thought about the cost of living in the familiar? Listen in today as we explore common barriers to change, and easy, yet challenging, reasons to “take the hit.”

Music for today's show:
All The Power You Need by Darlene Zschech
I'm Free by Jon Secada

Books mentioned:
Streams in the Desert by L.B. Cowman and James Reimann

The Power of Self-Boundaries!

Against gentleness and self-control, there is no law. Galatians 5:23
Isn’t it easy to point a critical finger, especially at a spouse? Since we can’t control or change someone else, why not put our energy where we DO have some power? Often we want something from someone that we don’t even offer ourselves. Sometimes, we don’t express our needs in an effective way, or we fail to draw boundaries when they are needed. These things are our own responsibility. How wonderful it is to open our hearts to correction, knowing the whole time that God loves us right now, just as we are! Join us on the 14th or you’ll be missed!

Music for today's show:
Wash Me Lord by Harvest
All That Is In Me by Harvest

Boundaries, Part 2

The Bible uses the phrase “unfailing love” 32 times. Not once is it attributed to humans. It would be wise for us to consider our own imperfect love as we continue this week on the topic of boundaries. In the book, Boundaries in Marriage, Henry Cloud and John Townsend discuss 10 “Laws of Boundaries.” They are likened to gravity in that we don’t have to acknowledge them or even “believe in them,” but nonetheless, they are in effect. I think it wise to educate ourselves, so that we will recognize them when they are in play and take responsibility for protecting our marriage, our spouse, and ourselves. Now doesn’t that sound good? You BET it is!!

Music for today's show:
Love Takes Time by Mariah Carey
A New Day Has Come by Celine Dion

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Boundaries 101

There are boundaries that hurt relationships and boundaries that promote healing. Boundaries set with love are not about controlling others or getting even. The laws of boundaries are very useful to know and basic to every human relationship. How much do YOU know about boundaries? What is your boundary IQ? Tune in today and get on the road to being an expert at standing on good ground with your heart set on love!

Today's Music:
Dreamlover by Mariah Carey
When You Believe by Mariah Carey