Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 4)

As always, if you haven't done so, be sure to go back and read the last couple of articles leading up to this one. I feel that the last one was particularly good.

And, by the way, it was completely different than what I had recorded earlier for the podcast on the same topic (part 3). That's why I strongly suggest that you also be sure to listen to the podcast (links below) to get a "full picture" of my thoughts as I continue to share on this topic.

You'll need to catch up to know what it is that I am discussing as far as this "TRANSFORMATION" that has been talking place in the lives of my wife and I over the past 7 - 8 months...and I'm not done yet!

This time, I begin by mentioning, again, that I had worked on a program that I felt very proud of and very strongly about concerning focusing on some main areas of our lives over the course of one year to see what kind of MAJOR impact/change it could have on our lives. "Project 141" means to focus on "1" thing once a day "4" - "1" full year. AWESOME! This was in November and December of 2020.

Now, fast forward to June of 2021 and, through a course of connections and other actions, I was introduced to a program (a "movement") that had been around for a number of years. Yet, I had never heard of it before and I was BLOWN AWAY when I discovered the main premise of this program. The idea is to focus on 7 main areas of our lives over the course of one year to see what kind of MAJOR impact/change it could have on our lives. Sound familiar? Oh, this program is called, "Oola". 

Take a look at the side by side comparison I put together to see how closely these two "programs" mirror each other and, yet, one had existed for years and the other (Project 141), 7 months before I ever had even HEARD of "Oola". 

 Coincidence? Some might think and/or say so but, what I have learned (and have said even before this that I believed) is that, in my opinion, THERE ARE NO SUCH THINGS AS COINCIDENCES. 

**Want to hear something REALLY "coincidental"??? My wife is sitting in another chair reading a book while I am typing this article. She is actually reading, "The Attractor Factor" by Joe Vitale (which I will discuss further in this article) and I interrupted her reading and shared with her the "side by side" listings that you see above and then the paragraph right below that. She went back to her reading and started laughing and she told me that, the VERY NEXT SENTENCE that she read in this book mentioned something that caused Joe Vitale to ask, "Coincidence?" (In case you don't get it, read the first word in that sentence right below the graphic. 

THIS IS WHAT I'M TELLING YOU HAS BEEN GOING ON IN OUR LIVES OVER THE PAST 7-8 MONTHS! 

 During this past 7 - 8 month period this type of thing was happening literally every day and, sometimes, several times a day! The same scripture was being repeated to us over and over again from all different sources. I may have read a scripture in my Bible in the morning, heard the SAME scripture in a "randomly" scheduled podcast, heard it on an inspirational video that I watched and, then, the "preacher" focused on that exact same thing "at church" on Sunday! (This was especially true on the topic of "FEAR" that we especially noticed). 

 When I got done reading a book that I had gotten on the "Oola" program I began to search in my personal library for the next book that I was going to read. (I had committed to reading from a book - along with the Bible - EVERY day at the start of the year). I looked over my library 2 - 3 times not seeing anything that really caught my eye and then I decided to pull out the book I mentioned above by Joe Vitale, "The Attractor Factor". Now listen, some of you may already be "shutting the doors" to this because you may have a preconceived notion about what this book is - or isn't - about. I have to admit that I have had reservations on some of the things that I've been listening to (talked about in an earlier podcast and article) and, yes, even reading. 

QUESTION: If you ask for guidance and direction from God, are YOU shutting doors to things that He may be bringing across your path in order help do just that - guide and direct you???

Anyway, as I looked through the book I did notice that when I read it through the first time (back in 2007) when I first received the book that I had not underlined or highlighted one paragraph, sentence or even a single word! All I can say is, you should see that book now! "Underline City"!!

I know, without a doubt, that I was "supposed" to read THAT book at THAT time! There were just too many things that were "going along" with all of the other happenings in our life and it was continuing to impact me - and my wife - as we continued down this path. Accident? Coincidence? Again, I don't think so!

I'll close with one more example for this article but, know this, there are several more that I will be sharing over the next couple of articles. Here's the kicker: THEY STILL KEEP HAPPENING EVEN TO THIS DAY (remember my wife's reading that I mentioned earlier?). 

With this Oola program (by the way, let me know if you'd like to find out more...I've added a link to my website for more information on that program), I've been involved in what has been called an "Inner Circle Call" on Saturday mornings. On this particular Saturday morning I shared some thoughts that I had on the power that is found in Ephesians 3: 20-21 (look it up) and how it had impacted me that week when, one of the ladies on the call - B.J. - held up a mug that she had sitting on her desk with the EXACT same scripture on it! Again...you believe what YOU want to believe but, friend, I KNOW that it is NOT "just a coincidence". 

So, again, I'm going to ask the same question that I asked earlier... If you ask for guidance and direction from God, are YOU shutting doors to things that He may be bringing across your path in order help do just that - guide and direct you???

 Something to think about, isn't it? I'd love to hear from you and, if you would, please leave a note below the posting of this blog article link on my Facebook page (link below). I'd love to hear from you.

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141  Oola Program

Seeing With NEW Eyes - The TRANSFORMATION (Part 3)

 

I just finished recording and posting the podcast that goes along with today's article. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of today's article to listen in. It's always good to LISTEN as well as READ since I don't have a script that I follow. That being the case, the two will not be exactly the same and you may pick up some extra "nuggets" from one or the other!

Let me begin by asking you this question: If you seek and ask God for direction...or ask him to "lead you" in your life and decisions, what does that mean for you and what is it you are "looking for" to where you would know?

That is a HARD questions to answer - at least for me it has been!

Let me ask you another question: How many of these "things" have to walk right in front of you and even "slap you upside your head" before you pay attention and see them for what they are? 

Follow me?

In this "transformation" series that I am currently sharing, I let you in on my wife and I's journey over the past 7-8 months of "seeking" God's guidance in and for our lives. Here's the deal: I've been "in church" literally all of my life and was even in ministry for around 20-25 years or so.

Yet, at the same time, I have known that I have not fully given myself up to fully surrender to God and allow Him to take me and use me in the way that was designed before I was even born.

Oh, don't get me wrong...I KNOW he has used me for His good and glory along the way. I honestly believe your reading of this blog article is a part of that process and I hope that you are always encouraged in the process even though I may challenge you on a few things in and for your own life. 

(Here's what I mean by getting an extra little "nugget" from either the podcast or the article. I didn't discuss this part in this podcast!)

I'm trying to share as much detail as I can in the podcast and, that being the case, I'm not covering very much material or covering a very large "time-frame" in this journey that has taken place over these past few months. But I want to make sure that I "point out" things that have made a HUGE difference even if I didn't fully understand that along the way.

But, I tell you this, friend...even up to yesterday, for example, God is still doing things that make me literally start laughing out loud in how it connected to something else that he "brought across my path" earlier the same day! What's He up to? I don't know for sure but I can sure tell you that He is up to SOMETHING in and for my life!

So, be sure to listen to the podcast that goes along with this article and simply ask yourself this question: "If I ask God to lead me and to guide me...will I do what He says? Will I open my eyes to SEE who and what He may be bringing across my path?" Hey easier said than done, my friend, that is for sure!

One thing I did share in this podcast that I want to be sure and share with you here: Opportunity doesn't always knock! Stop waiting for that to happen! Sometimes it may walk down the sidewalk in front of your house and you may have to run out there and tackle that sucker!

Stop sitting around and waiting. Start watching. Start paying attention - expectantly - for what may be passing before you every single day.

I'd love to hear from you. You can leave a comment here but I'd prefer you to do so on my Facebook page (link below). Either way is good as long as I hear from YOU!

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141

Seeing With NEW Eyes: The TRANSFORMATION (Part 2)

 

 If you have not done so, be sure to go back and read the blog article that preceded this one as well as listening to the two podcasts that I have posted so far in this new series entitled, "Seeing With NEW Eyes" (see link at bottom of article). 

I will tell you that I did not get as far in that second podcast as I had planned...but that's o.k. because I want to say what God wants me to say and share as I go along the path of this story of TRANSFORMATION that has been taking place in my life as well as in the life of my wife. 

We have been married for a little over 39 years now and we are more focused and happy than ever before. It is because of what we are experiencing TOGETHER along this path. 

Now, some of you may already be getting "scared off" due to the language that I am using and you may be thinking this is going to be some strange, mystical, cultic-religious article but you can just relax, friend. I will say this though: If you listen to my podcasts, I now pray during each one and I will say what you will hear me say on those podcasts...I don't know who is reading this but if you are, you are reading this for a reason. You likely don't even know what that reason is but I firmly believe that there is a PURPOSE for you being here, right now, reading this. 

And, whether you want to believe that or not I want you to consider the fact that acknowledging the possibility of that being true does you no damage at all. None.

As I said, in this series I am sharing with you information and events that have taken place that has taken my wife and I down a path of TRANSFORMATION. What does that mean, exactly?

Perhaps it is best to begin with a "dictionary" definition of the root word - transform. Here is what is recorded in the Merriam-Webster dictionary for the word, transform (transformation) - 

a : to change in composition or structure

b : to change the outward form or appearance of

c : to change in character or condition

 

Simply put, it is the process of CHANGE taking place ("change in character or condition") and, yes, even - at times - a resulting change in the "outward form or appearance of" an individual, in this case. 

If, for some reason, you think that sounds a bit odd, consider how often you hear someone tell a lady that is pregnant with child that she is "glowing". Have you ever told someone or heard it said about someone that "It is easy to know that you are happy...it is written all over your face!"? It could be as simple as turning a frown into a smile or a life of desperation into a life of hope and promise.

I also want to call out a scripture that is found in Romans 12:2 which reads... "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (NKJV)

Two sides of the spectrum discussed here: being CONFORMED or being TRANSFORMED.

Being "conformed" is just the opposite of what was defined by the word, "transform". Whereas the word, "transform" indicates CHANGE, the very idea of "conform" indicates more of "molding to" (which, yes, is a change) and not "changing from". 

Let me go further with this comparison...ANYTHING that is poured into any type of a mold is being CONFORMED to the shape and limitations of that particular mold. That which is being poured into that mold has no ability to be anything different or shaped any differently than that particular mold. Yes, even people can be "molded" into a certain way of dressing, talking, behaving and, overall, living. 

However, a TRANSFORMATION is taking place when a caterpillar enters into it's cocoon and comes out as a butterfly! Completely changed! And, once again, it is possible for people to undergo such a transformation. No, I'm not talking about a person becoming an animal or anything like that but, instead, a person becoming something that they (or others) never thought that they could or ever would. 

THIS IS POWERFUL! 

The Bible verse listed above states that one way that this transformation can take place is by the "renewing of your mind" (and some versions indicate that this is to be a DAILY process). In other words, "making" your mind "new" on a daily basis. Allowing your mind (mindset) to "grow" and "expand" in it's knowledge and thought process. Never allowing it to be the same. To never, ever stop thinking and growing in this way. 

THIS IS POWERFUL!

When you listen to the podcast you will hear a song playing in the background that is titled, "Rattle", that is sung by Zach Williams. In case you don't know the story of what this song is talking about, you should go look up what is found in the Old Testament in the book of Ezekiel, chapter 37. Ever hear the song that goes something like, "...ankle bone connected to the - leg bone, leg bone connected to the - knee bone..." ? That song is also referring to this occurrence found in Ezekiel 37.

Are YOU, perhaps,  going through a DRY season? Do you feel that you are just a bunch of "dry bones" that are lying out in the middle of the desert? Take heart, friend, because TRANSFORMATION is possible!

Perhaps you are one that is going through a POWERFUL and TRANSFORMATIVE change? LET ME HEAR FROM YOU - I'd love to hear your story just as I am sharing mine with you!

  Listen, I'm not trying to be "preachy" or anything like that. I am, however, trying to be encouraging by sharing this amazing story that my wife and I are experiencing right now as I write this blog article. 

The other day, the image you see above is a thought that "came to me" so I wrote it down...just as you see in that image. I knew it was something that I needed to see and hear and, I honestly always feel that, at the same time, it is something that others probably need to see and hear as well. (Remember when I said that I don't know why you are here but that there is a REASON for you reading this article? Maybe THIS is the reason.)

No matter what is going on in your life and no matter how LONG this has been going on...I want you to "feel" those dry bones begin to move and I want you to listen closely to see if, maybe, you don't begin to hear those dry bones begin to "rattle" in preparation for the TRANSFORMATION that might be coming your way!

So, right now - today - I want to encourage you to, first and foremost, LOOK UP! Stop looking down in defeat and begin to look UP to what lies ahead and then make that next step and GET UP! That's right, GET UP and get ready to put some life back into those legs that were intended to move you forward and then, do just that - GET GOING and, friend, don't you dare stop...KEEP GOING!

Easier said than done? Maybe. But you won't get anywhere lying out in the middle of that desert now, will you? YES, YOU CAN do this!

In my next podcast and blog article I plan to start getting into SPECIFIC details about people and situations that have come into our lives over the past 7 months or so and how they  - all different - have come together to aide in this TRANSFORMATION that is taking place in our lives. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and, like I mentioned above, I'd love to hear any stories of transformation that you have to share. The best place to do that is on my FaceBook page (see the link below). 

Until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141

Seeing With "New" Eyes

Yes indeed, it HAS been a while since my last blog article! That was what one calls, "stating the OBVIOUS", right? 

I had been talking about doing another podcast and blog article for several weeks (months?) now and, the other day, I got a "nudge" from someone that shared their new podcast with me and I told her that she had inspired me to, once again, do something that I have always loved doing...sharing my thoughts and encouragement with you.

So, let's do a little "catch up" about where we left off and what has taken place over the last 6 months or so.

For the most part, I last shared information with you about my program that I called - and still call - Project 141. As a matter of fact, if you don't know what I'm referring to, click the link below this article and it will take you to all of the information about that program. (By the way, I went through all of the videos that I put together on that program recently and, I have to say that I was impressed with the amount of information as well as the QUALITY of the information that I shared about that program!) 

Now then, to be honest, I've not really done anything with the FINANCIAL aspect of that particular program...the "vehicle" that I had picked out for that particular section of the program, and that's o.k. I have actually followed along with the principles that I set out and have seen MASSIVE improvement in all areas of my life!

One last note (at least in this article) about Project 141...I'm not done with it yet! 

Now, let's fast forward 6 or 7 months AFTER the development of that program. This is when I was introduced to a program that I had never heard of but that been around for several years. What got my attention was the fact that there were 7 major "life areas" that they promoted as areas that we all need to focus on, work on and move forward on over the course of a year. WHAT????

I do not believe that this (or pretty much anything else) was a coincidence and I have been a part of that movement for the past month or so and it's been a real blessing in and for my life. 

In the podcast I use the analogy of what happens when you buy a "new to you" car (new or used). Now that you are driving this particular make and model of vehicle you now notice that there are a LOT of people driving that same make and model car. I mean, it's like they are EVERY WHERE!

Question: Are they "all of a sudden" all getting out on the road at the same time? Nope, they were there all along. Your focus was just not where it is now that you drive that particular similar vehicle! (What you focus on is what you will see!).

And it's not been just that happening that has gotten my attention (you REALLY need to listen to that podcast!). I will get into this with more detail in the next podcast and blog article but, needless to say, my wife and I have been experiencing the "there's another car like ours" syndrome for the past several weeks now and it's been very interesting!

Things that we hear said on a podcast that we listen to every morning. Something a minister says in a sermon or something that a friend posts on social media. Something that I read in a book and even the book that I chose to read in the first place! ALL OF THESE THINGS have been pointing to / calling my attention to the same "message" again and again and again.

I feel that we (my wife and I) are beginning to "see" with "new eyes". Again, go listen to the podcast to catch the full impact of what I am saying here. I will also try to clarify and expand on that very thing in the next podcast and blog article but, I will close with the following thought.

I think this may have been the same morning that I recorded my podcast the other day but it was just another of "those things" that literally "jumped up and down" and was asking me, "ARE YOU LOOKING? DO YOU SEE?"

I had come across a guy online that I had never heard of before and I clicked on a link and thought, "Well, let's see what this guy is peddling" and I was pleasantly surprised (and encouraged) with his main message. And, here's the kicker...the morning after I had "discovered" him is when I opened up an "auto-generated" email from him that listed - almost exactly - the same key areas that I had put together in Project 141 and also in this other program that I discussed. WHAT???? AGAIN???

When my wife came home from the gym, I called her over, showed it to her alongside a listing I had of those things in the other two programs and just sat back and watched as her eyes widened and she said, "That's crazy!" to which I replied, "You know, when you keep seeing this over and over again, it would be completely FOOLISH to ignore it and walk away."

Simple question: Are you foolishly ignoring what is being made clearly obvious to you at this time? Think about it and, until next time, remember, YOU'RE HERE FOR A REASON and, whatever you do, always be sure to...

"Make it an AWESOME day! (Who else is going to do it for you?)"

Mike

Future You University   FYU on Facebook!   Podcast on iTunes   Podcast RSS feed

YouTube    Project141