Time For Change

In 2015, my Number 1 goal was to lose weight (same goal I always have when the New Year starts).  All through the year, I fluctuated five pounds, up and down.  In the end, my weight was up!  I went to the doctor in November and found out that my blood sugar was high.  OK.  Time for change!  When I sat down to plan my 2016 goals, I changed my Number 1 goal.  I wrote, "Become Healthy," on the paper, along with my other goals for 2016.  I did not have a plan yet, but I changed the goal.

I came across a magazine article that mentioned the Wheat Belly book by William Davis, MD.  I'll read that book, I thought.  I don't know what "gluten-free" really means, but I will try it!  The article talked about all the same challenges I was facing... elevated blood sugar, out-of-control appetite, fatigue, and inability to lose weight.  It was time for change!

On January 9, I took my Barnes & Noble gift card and bought the Wheat Belly book and Journal.  When I got home, I read the first few pages and I thought, this is it!  I began my gluten-free lifestyle (not a diet) on January 10.  My goal to "become healthy" is being realized!  My blood sugar is way down.  My fatigue... gone!  My appetite (eating whole foods, no gluten) is under control!  I've lost 15 pounds!  I am so happy!

You may not need to go "gluten-free."  But, I believe that, if you are finding that your goal (whatever it may be) is sending you in the wrong direction, it may be time for change!  You can alter your goal and find that a new direction is just what you needed!

I was thinking about my change in direction and I realized that my book project has taken a slight detour.  I must follow my gut instinct and the Lord's leading.  In addition to the novel I am writing, I began writing another book (non-fiction) that I have had in my heart to write.  Someone suggested to me that it is OK to have several book projects going on at the same time.  I can sit down and work on the book that I feel motivated to work on at that moment.  That seems to be working well for me.

Are you making progress toward your goals?  Are you praying for the Lord's leading?  Is it time to re-evaluate your goals and move in a different direction?  Now is the time to think about how you are doing with your 2016 goals.  This year is going to be half-way done at the end of next month!  Time is going by fast.  Is it time for change?

Devotion

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.  Psalm 51:10-12

Prayer:

Lord, we ask you to move in our hearts and set us in the right direction.  If a change is needed, please convict our hearts and help us to re-examine and re-define our goals.  We know sometimes we need a change in order to move forward.  We need a renewal!  We ask you to cleanse our hearts and renew our spirit.  We turn to you and trust you to lead us through a change in direction.  Thank you for giving us hope in the future and help in the present.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

© 2016 Linda Lijewski