recentchristian

Even bubble tea – the unexpected bubbles of tapioca as they move through the large straw and into my mouth, each one a refreshing, candy-like experience.  Many changes have happened in my life since I became a Christian – I don’t remember a lot of them and didn’t expect many of them.

As I think about the changes that have taken place in my life, I again look back to my NLP training and Dilts’ Neurological Levels.  I was astonished with how many changes have taken place in my life.  Coming at it from Dilts’ Neurological Levels perspective though, I really shouldn’t have been surprised at all.

A quick overview of the Levels:  Spirituality sits at the top; then Identity; then Beliefs & Values; then Capabilities; then Behaviors; and lastly, Environment.  What this means is that if you make a change at the Spirituality level (in my case, conversion to Christianity), then changes will be unavoidable from all levels under the level where the change takes place.  If the change is at the Beliefs & Values level, there will be changes trickling down through Behavior and Environment.

If I had of stopped to think about this prior to my conversion, it would have been a scary thought – knowing there would be changes all the way through each of the Levels – if it was a conscious decision (which it wasn’t), I not sure I would have made the decision to convert.

Identity

When I think of my identity, I do call myself a Christian … that’s one of the first things that comes up when I think of my identity.

Sometimes we think of ourselves one way and other people have a very different perception of us.

It was confirmed just a few weeks ago that others (outside of the church and Christian friends) also identify me this way as well.  My boss called me a “Bible Thumper.”  I know there are negative connotations to that term for some (prior to my conversion, I would use that term and not in a positive way) but when he called me a Bible Thumper, I smiled, I knew that I was (and am) being faithful to Trin(ity).  On another occasion, my boss was trying to explain something to me that I just wasn’t getting and he said that he’d have to come up with an example from the Bible so that I’d understand.  He never did come up with an example.  It does feel good that how I identify myself is how others identify me – love that I’m being congruent.

Prior to becoming a Christian, I said that I was an Executive Assistant; a dancer; a loving mom to my 2 cats; and strong & independent.  I don’t see myself as strong and independent any more.  I’m strong because of Trin.  I depend on Trin.

Check that one off … there have been changes at the Identity level.  I am a Christian.

Beliefs & Values

This one is obvious … many of my beliefs and values have changed.  When I think of someone I’d like to date, what I value most is a good Christian man – that would not have been the answer prior to my conversion.  I believe in the eternal power of the Trinity, I believe in the cross.  So many of my beliefs have changed and some have gotten a lot stronger.  I always knew there was a God – I’m just a lot more grounded in that knowing now.

Capabilities

My dear sweet mother died in June 2014 (just six months after my conversion) and in the days leading up to her death, I asked her what she would say if she is asked while at the gate of heaven why she should get in.  She told me that she would say that she’s been a good person and has done good things.  I explained the cross.  This is something that I never could have done prior to becoming a Christian.  The perfection of God’s timing really shone bright here.

Behaviors

Not surprisingly, as I read the Bible and gaining head and heart knowledge, many of my behaviors have changed.  One of the biggest is my heart has softened A LOT.  My eyes fog over and tear almost every Sunday.  I told a friend (I was kidding when I said it) that I didn’t want the softened heart gift because I now tear over so easily.  It just means checking to ensure my mascara hasn’t run.  I love that my heart has been softened – I’m much more open to the Word.

Many other changes have happened – I used to love watching some TV shows and now I can’t watch them – they lost their appeal pretty much overnight.  I love Christian music and they are moving up my playlist for most played (this is huge – I’ve always been and probably always will be a music junkie – unless God has something different up his sleeve).  I pray before meals; I pray at different times through the day when I have a moment; I keep a prayer-request book (just to keep track of things to pray for – my memory isn’t the best – I’m praying for a better memory); I haven’t sworn for months; and I get up early every Sunday morning (huge – I used to love lazy Sunday mornings in bed).

I’ve even taken an interest in history.  This one is huge.  I failed History in High School a few times – I had the attitude that it already happened so why bother learning about it.  Now, I’m wishing I was open to learning about History – it would be so helpful now as I study the Bible.

Environment

Yes, even down to Environment.  It has become important to me to have a home that I can welcome a group of people into.  So, it became a priority to do a home makeover (with more seating).  My environment is undergoing a huge and very welcome makeover.

Many new friendships have been and are being established and some friendships have been renewed.  Some friends have also drifted away.  The new friends and the drifted were expected.  The renewed friendships – I wasn’t expecting this and I love it!

My friend JB did warn me very early that Christians eat a lot – lol – I know it now.  Food at church, food at book study, food at prayer group … always yummy food.  Ok … so, for the winter, it’s extra insulation … I must shed it for the warmer months though.

So many changes – they have permeated every area/every Level of my life.  I never would have thought there would be so many.  I’m sure that more changes will come – it’s fascinating to see the changes and also the anticipation of what God will be doing next.  He’s only started working on me and I’ll be a work in progress for many years to come.

Even bubble tea – I tried it for the first time in January 2015 and was quite cat-like about the whole experience.  This wouldn’t have happened so soon if I hadn’t converted (I tried it with a Christian friend).  Now I love bubble tea … it’s just another change that’s happened in my wonderful Christian life!