Changing

Life is hard enough; why add more stress on top of it? We are prone to perfectionist tendencies; we hold high standards for ourselves and those around us. However, this behavior (while good in some situations) can lead to overloading our plates. In today’s episode of Changing, Donald interviews Matt Ruedlinger to discuss how we can call upon God to help ease our burdens in all instances, not just religious challenges.

Shifting his mindset helped Matt change his business. 

• Building a relationship with Christ makes it easier to rely on him. It’s a constant exercise of growth.
• When Matt relies on Christ, he feels peace. Things that frustrate him when he’s alone don’t give him those same feelings. 
• When you can give your troubles to Christ, life just gets easier.
• James 1:2-4 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.”

When we go through challenges, we grow with Christ.

• As a business owner, how Matt reacts to things can directly correlate to their lives. His business is like a ministry; what he does affects everybody. 
• Call upon God to help you. Whether that’s church-related, family difficulties, or workplace challenges, you can ask God for help with anything. (You aren’t limited to matters of the church.)
• People will see his love through you when you let him be a part of your life.

How do you get to a place where you can start relying on the Lord?

• It’s something you’ll constantly work towards, but it’s about creating habits.
• Try writing post-it notes or other reminders so you remember to step back and ask Christ for help when needed.
• Instinctively, we know we can call upon God for help.

Connect with Matt on LinkedIn or contact him at [email protected] to continue this conversation with him.

God has a message for all of us. For some, that message might be a small action or decision that carries a tremendous impact. Or, for others, it’s a huge action that also results in a big impact! In today’s episode of Changing, Donald is joined by Jon Hensley, a man who experienced the latter of these two scenarios. In this episode, he’ll recount his story of when he learned to listen to that voice, and what changed as a result.

The story starts in 2007 when Jon entered the army. 

• When he first arrived, he was ready to save the world and was quite convinced he knew what was going on. 
• His mom mentioned her friend’s daughter was married to a colonel where he was located. After she mentioned that, Jon had a strange feeling he needed to reach out and offer his help (as a priest of the church.)
• All he knew about the family was that the daughter had left the church and didn’t want anything to do with it.
• This fact made him think he probably shouldn’t offer help. So, he blew it off.

But he couldn’t shake the feeling.

• He was still apprehensive, so he called his mom and told her to tell her friend to tell her daughter the message. And she did.
• Out of the blue, Jon got a call from the colonel. While Jon had never heard the voice before, he knew who it was. And the colonel wanted Jon to bless his wife.
• So Jon went to his home, and the moment he saw the woman, his heart broke. She had an ailment where her jaw was disconnected from her skull.
• She had been through several surgeries to have her jaw wired shut, and those surgeries meant she was bruised, swollen, and in pain.
• Her doctors had told her they couldn’t fix the problem, but after she begged for another attempt, they agreed to one final try. And that attempt was tomorrow.

The whole family was exhausted and scared - they were asking for a miracle. 

• When Jon sat down with her, he asked her to repent. He felt compelled to say that.
• As he said those words, he saw the desperation, fear, and anxiety in her eyes. She was ready to ask the Lord and needed to hear his message.
• As the mouthpiece to the blessing, Jon told her if she would repent, she would be healed. And if she didn’t, a worse trial would befall her. 
• He didn’t know what came over him, but he felt compelled to say it. 
• She repented. And the next day, the surgery was a responding success. And to this day, she is a member of the church. 

In December of 2008, Jon was sent to Afghanistan. 

• At one point he got an emergency call from soldiers in contact with an enemy position. They needed emergency extracting to get wounded out of the situation. 
• The soldiers didn't have coverage, and there wasn’t space to land Jon’s helicopter safely. Jon landed the helicopter between the enemy position and the soldiers so they could use the helicopter as cover while the wounded boarded.
• As soon as he landed, the enemy began to approach. And Jon was helpless.
• He asked for help on the radio. And who answered? The colonel, flying a strike eagle in the vicinity. He engaged the enemy long enough for Jon to escape with the wounded.

The man Jon was once sent to save was now sent to save him. 

• The Lord knows our needs. If you need a miracle, put your faith in action because He will not leave his disciplines hanging. 
• Colonel Johnson eventually joined the church, and the family’s entire fate is changed. They’re now sons and daughters of God. And it’s all because of that one call Jon had received.

Put action to your faith to bring salvation to those around you. To talk to Jon and discuss his story, contact [email protected].

In today’s episode of Changing, Mylena Sutton joins Donald to discuss her experience separating from and ultimately returning to God. While she might’ve left Him, God never left her. And His grace allowed her to find her way back to Him and continue on her journey.

To Mylena, going to church as a child was like a family reunion. 

• While her family wasn’t conservative, she was still the first to attend college. 

• As she left to attend college, she left her family church and started attending a mega-church in Atlanta.

• Her family was upset because they thought Mylena had an identity shift.

• But Mylena liked it. She didn’t have to worry about everyone seeing her when she was vulnerable. Though it had nothing to do with her family, she enjoyed being there.

• While she enjoyed church, part of her obedience to God was out of fear.

After moving to New Jersey in 2002, it took her two years to find a church she liked. 

• She was there for about five years when she noticed she felt disconnected from the sermons. 

• In one sermon, her pastor was preaching about what a woman needs to know about a man. She was so offended by the entire series that she left.

• She reached out to some of the other women, and she asked if they also felt it was out of line. But they dismissed it, saying not to take it personally.

She decided that if she didn’t respect the pastor, what was the point of going to church?

• A year went by, and her life was fine. She realized she needed to reframe the way she perceived God.

• It led to a transition - she left the church and was terrified of God because he would be angry at her for leaving.

• But she was okay. And that realization made her realize God wasn’t out to get her.

• God’s plan for us is good. In that phase of her life, she wasn’t doing anything she thought she was supposed to do. But His grace was amazing.

Fast forward to 2008, she started her own business while working a traditional job.

• She told God she wanted more time to focus on things important to her. The next day, she was fired.

• While unfortunate, she would never have had the courage to quit on her own. She needed the push.

• Despite having the business established, there was nothing behind it besides the concept and her determination for it to come to fruition.

Along this journey, she progressed from fearing God to finding his grace. Despite making many mistakes during her life, God’s grace has kept her moving forward. As a result, she now knows her relationship with the church and God are two different things. She can live her life without fear, because regardless of where she is in life, God is there with her. To contact Mylena, visit her website mylenasutton.com or her business’s website, voltagevista.com.

In today’s episode of Changing, Donald takes a look back to a fan-favorite episode from the Changing archives. He speaks to Stake President Andy Lustig about converting from Judaism to Christianity. 

What is a stake president?

• The Stake President ministers to people, oversees the church bishops, and deals with the general dealings of the stake. 
• President Lustig grew up in Jamaica, Queens, New York, and went to a Jewish school. He was raised in a conservative Jewish home and, like all Jewish men, was bar mitzvahed at age 13. 
• At 17, President Lustig became disillusioned when his synagogue was sold to another synagogue. He saw the synagogue was focused more on business and earning money than it was about ministering to his people. After this, he and his mother stopped going to temple (but continued practicing Judaism traditions.)

Lustig converts to Christianity:

• After moving to Florida, he met his wife and married her in a synagogue. The couple would continue to go for three years but never really felt the spirit. 
• They eventually left, and several years passed before they had a pivotal encounter. Then, one day, President Lustig was working as a piano technician when his client’s wife gave him a Book of Mormon. 
• At the same time, President Lustig’s daughter was in a special program in Utah where everyone was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. While visiting, President Lustig gave their names when asked where missionaries could visit. And, two weeks later, they came. 
• But just before they came, however, President Lustig’s daughter wanted to go to church, so he went with her so she wouldn’t be alone. And who greeted them at the door? His client whose wife gave them the Book of Mormon!
• President Lustig was inspired by The First 2000 Years by FBI Director of Salt Lake City Cleon Skousen.

Whether or not you believe in the Savior Christ, if the spirit touches you, you’ll get an answer. 

• Since becoming a member of the church, he has witnessed thousands of miracles and heard countless testimony.
• The initial decision was hard, but he is still a member of the House of Israel and has not given up his heritage. 
• Jesus was a Jewish boy who became a carpenter. When he read the New Testament, it was a revelation to him, and in response, he knelt in prayer to receive the truth. 
• President Ludwig has gone from a person who was focused on himself and his career to someone concerned for others. 

To get in touch with President Lustig, you can email [email protected].

MUSIC CREDIT: Audio Jungle

Everyone experiences loneliness at some point or another. For many, the Covid pandemic brought this to light; quarantining in isolation has left many feeling alone and depressed. In today’s episode of Changing, Donald interviews public speaker and financial consultant Godfrey McAllister to discuss Godfrey’s feeling of loneliness and how he turned to God for help.

Godfrey came to the United States seven years ago.

• After decades as a professional speaker, Godfrey moved to the United States.
• He realized In America that skill and talent are only 10% of professional motivational speaking. The rest is business acumen (elements he didn’t know.)
• Because of this hurdle, he hasn’t yet broken into the field. And while trying to make his dream happen, Covid spread, and he went into isolation.

But his move to the United States started his loneliness.

• In Jamaica, he was surrounded by people. But in the U.S., he found himself alone with God.
• Depression is something everyone struggles with at some point or another. And when people don’t know how to handle it, it worsens.
• Godfrey realized we are social creatures. When you have something to share and nobody around you to share it with, depression begins.

Godfrey relied on God during his isolation.

• The paradox of the Christian faith is that we’re taught to walk with Christ yet be independent. We need to accept that God is a requirement for life.
• Because of his constant companionship with God during isolation, he grew and deepened this relationship.

His advice to someone who wants a closer relationship with God:

• The Christian life is not just about God; it’s also about the devil. There’s a choice we need to make.
• Our human relationships are essential. But they’re not as sacred as the relationship with God. Regardless of how good life is, praising God for those things is critical.
• When things are good, realize God is that source of goodness. Give him praise. It’ll keep you on top and, when you fall, you won’t be alone.

In a situation where you want to grow closer, what should you do?

• Ask God for forgiveness for our sins and mistakes; we will always be forgiven.
• Study God’s word through scripture, and ask God for the boldness to share his message with others.
• Get accustomed to giving thanks. Developing the habit makes it automatic, even in our lowest points.

To get in touch with Godfrey and learn more about his story, visit his website godfreymcallister.com or contact him via WhatsApp at 954-299-9394. Follow him on LinkedIn for more incredible and fascinating content (not to mention motivational messaging.)

Should you blindly obey the word of your parents, church leaders, and other important people in life? In today’s episode of changing, Donald shared his feelings about it, discussing when it’s important to push back against blind obedience while still living a Christlike life. 

There’s a difference between learning and disobedience.

• Blind obedience is unquestionable obedience. Whether because of manipulation, amorality, or just plain evil intentions, blind obedience can occur anywhere.
• For example, say your church leader claimed you shouldn’t have premarital sex. However, you choose not to obey. Does that make you a bad Christian?
• Rather than not understand why this is a rule, consult your Bible. Why is premarital sex forbidden? Rather than engaging in blind obedience (or blind disobedience), educate yourself on the topic to make an informed decision.
• After consulting the word of God, making the right decision might be what the Bible says and not necessarily your church leader.

How do you get to the point that you’re blindly obeying rather than following?

• God gives each of us the blessing of autonomy; we choose our path, whether that’s with God or not.
• He didn’t give us this autonomy to force us to follow. Instead, he gave us this gift to decide to follow him.

Go with faith until you know. 

• Faith is the assurance of things not seen. So have faith and trust in God, even if you don’t necessarily understand.
• You’ll gain the wisdom and knowledge to understand the right decision as you follow.
• Rather than blindly follow others, find the answer before making a decision. Then it’s no longer a blind decision but one made with faith and love.

We’re all Changing in our pursuit to live a Christlike life, and we’re here to help you walk this path. Tune in to the next episode of Changing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a rating or review. Please send any feedback, thoughts, or testimonials to [email protected].

A core belief of Christianity is helping other people. But how can we do that to become a better disciple of Jesus? Find out on today’s episode of Changing. 

Be anxiously engaged in a good cause.

• Anxious, in this case, means excitement and eagerness for a cause.
• Engage in something bigger than yourself, like sharing the gospel, serving in the military, or even donating time or money to a charitable organization.
• Working for a cause bigger than you benefits humanity. After all, the goal isn’t to help you but to help others. 

Moroni 7:47- Charity is the pure love of Christ.

• The book Preach My Gospel, a manual for people doing missionary work, words it well, reminding people to avoid judging or criticizing actions and to understand the point of view of others instead.
• It is in Matthew 22:36-39 that Jesus says the most important commandment is to love God and to love people. It’s a mandate and a commandment that we should strive to obey. 

How can you help those around you?

• Minister to those you’re assigned and serve your responsibilities at church.
• Read scripture to someone, or offer to drive people to church.
• Tutor and help others with their goals.
• Index with the Church of Latter-Day Saints.
• Call someone and check in on them, or visit them if it’s safe to do so.
• Trust the youth and give them the responsibility.
• Visit JustServe.org to find volunteer opportunities in your community.

We’re all Changing in our pursuit to live a Christlike life, and we’re here to help you walk this path. Tune in to the next episode of Changing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and leave a rating or review. Please send any feedback, thoughts, or testimonials to [email protected].

It can be difficult to make life changes when family continually reminds you of your past. In today’s episode of Changing, Donald shares how you can get past this obstacle to walk your Christlike journey with confidence.

We make mistakes. It’s simply part of being human. 

• Changing requires your family to alter their perception of you, which can be challenging.  (Even if those changes are for the better.)
• As you set goals and plans for the new year, remember that other people, even family, should not hold you back in your dreams.
• John 4:44 - ‘Now Jesus himself had pointed out that a prophet has no honour in his own country.’
• The people you grew up around only have a certain perspective of you. They only have views of who you once were.

Four points to consider when family brings up your past:

• Remember who it is you worship and who it is you’re trying to become like - Christ.
• Recognize that you’re human and that you make mistakes. Embrace your past and the mistakes you made. However, you’re doing your best not to do it anymore. 
• Don’t seek the glory of man. From the famed ​​St. Francis of Assisi quote, “Preach the gospel. And, when necessary, use words.” 
• Set a good example and strive to live a life that walks a Christlike path. In the long run, there will be a positive difference in your relationship with friends and family.

We’re all Changing in our pursuit to live a Christlike life. And we’re here to help you walk this path. Tune in to the next episode of Changing on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Goal setting is essential for Christians; it’s through setting goals that we can continue to live our lives in the image of God. But how can we go about setting goals correctly? In today’s episode of Changing, Donald discusses five important things to remember while setting goals as a Christian. 

We’re made in the image of God.

• Genesis 1:26-28 - And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. 
• If God has created everything and created us in his image, just imagine your potential! 
• You probably won’t walk on water anytime soon. But it does mean you can call upon the Lord and his strength to be a better person!
• Changes come over time, and you will sometimes need education or practice to get what you want to accomplish.

We have no need to fear.

• Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
• What else do you need? We’re sons and daughters of God, meaning you can accomplish anything

Put God first.

• Matthew 6:33 - 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.
• Take 30 minutes to study scripture. Donate to the Church. God has given us everything; the least we can do is give our time and resources back to Him and to those who need it.
• Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter, focus and seek the Kingdom of God. The rest will come.

Recognize your God-given gifts.

• You have unique gifts, and you can either ignore those gifts or use them in God’s name.
• D&C 46:8 seek … earnestly the best gifts, always remembering for what they are given.
• We all have gifts, but it matters more how you use them.
• If you are financially literate, think about how you can share that knowledge with others to do amazing things.

Give God credit in all things.

• Psalms 29:2 Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness.
• D&C 59:7 Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.
• God gives us life, breath, healing - everything we have. He deserves the credit for our accomplishments, for without him, we wouldn’t have anything.

Setting goals is the key to living a Christ-like life. So, setting proper goals fueled by God and His image will be key in developing those goals to find success in the new year. Email Donald with any questions, thoughts, or testimonials you have at [email protected].

 

Merry Christmas from TSE Studios! In today’s episode of Changing, Donald discusses the importance of the Christmas season. To Donald, Christmas means love. So what does it mean to you?

Why did Jesus come in the first place?

• Jesus came because of our separation from God; we could only be reunited by repenting for our sins. 
• Jesus’s death on the cross and his atonement for our sins allow us to live again.
• We are all God’s children, and he wants us to live with him. And Jesus was willing to die because of his love for us.

Love is shown through Mary.

• Joseph thought Mary committed adultery. But he chose to believe in her immaculate conception because he loved her. 
• Similarly, Mary was willing to believe and deliver the child because of her love for God. 

Love is for all of humanity.

• Jesus’s ultimate gift was to be the Savior, giving us the gift of eternal life.
• We give and get gifts for one another not because we want to spend money, but because we want others to be happy.
• How are you demonstrating that love and happiness to others around you? Share that love with someone you know, be it a brother, cousin, neighbor, or coworker. 

Whatever it may be, Christmas is all about love. How can you show love to others? Find ways to show others peace, love, and kindness, and help them know there is a way people can experience everlasting peace.