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Looking for a new result? Try a different approach

“Do not be conformed to this world (this age), (fashioned after and adapted to its external, superficial customs), but be transformed (changed) by the (entire) renewal of your mind (by its new ideals and its new attitude) ...”

— Romans 12:2 (AMP)

I’ve heard it said that you can’t get different results doing things the same way. Yet, how many times do we keep doing things the way we have always done them, and scratch our heads wondering why we keep getting the same results?

Now I realize this is not always the case; sometimes a little persistence is needed instead. But many times, the reason we don’t achieve our goals is we fail to look at the alternatives that could bring about new results.

There are many factors in our lives that develop the way we act, think and feel. Our personality, culture, environment and amount of knowledge we possess are all contributors to our problem-solving abilities.

We may do what we do, because we’ve seen a parent, or grandparent do things that way. So we follow their example, never bothering to question if it’s the right way or if there’s a healthy alternative.

There’s a popular story that follows this theory. It explains why taking a look at alternatives is important. It goes something like this: A woman cut off the end of her ham before baking it. One day her husband asked her why she did this. She said she never really thought about it, she just did it because her mother and grandmother did it this way. Since her husband piqued her curiosity, she called her mother and asked her why she cut the end of the ham off. Her mother said she did it because her mother always did it that way. Without a satisfactory answer the woman called her grandmother and asked her why she always cut off the end of the ham before baking it. Her grandmother told her it was because her pan was too small.

Allowing our minds to be renewed can mean looking at alternative ways of doing things. With a willingness and a new mind set, God can guide us in a new direction and place us on the right path to finding his perfect will for our lives.

Let’s not be afraid to ask a few questions and try a few Godly alternatives that come to mind. It could help us get beyond our present circumstances.

The process could be an exciting one, And the sense of accomplishment beyond our wildest dreams.

Ÿ Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach, and nurse. Join her at Panera Bread in Round Lake Beach Saturday April, 6th from 3-4 p.m. for “13 Steps to Make Your Dreams Realities.” No charge for the conference. Calling 847-543-8413 or email Annetteebudzban@aol.com

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