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When Changing Nothing Changes Everything
Reframing your perspective can transform your life.
We often face circumstances that we cannot change—a job we are forced to keep, a relationship that did not work out, a decision we cannot take back. Life can overwhelm us, and we may not be able to see past the obstacles in our path.
Laurie Short offers a simple but revolutionary idea: change nothing that is around you yet still change everything about your life. With the help of four different lenses, Laurie shows how the way you see can have an impact on how you live. If you put on the right lenses, you can reframe whatever comes your way and embrace both the good and the bad, recognizing that every detail of your life is fully in God's sovereign hands. Your perspective has more power than you think to determine the course of your life.
We often face circumstances that we cannot change—a job we are forced to keep, a relationship that did not work out, a decision we cannot take back. Life can overwhelm us, and we may not be able to see past the obstacles in our path.
Laurie Short offers a simple but revolutionary idea: change nothing that is around you yet still change everything about your life. With the help of four different lenses, Laurie shows how the way you see can have an impact on how you live. If you put on the right lenses, you can reframe whatever comes your way and embrace both the good and the bad, recognizing that every detail of your life is fully in God's sovereign hands. Your perspective has more power than you think to determine the course of your life.
1 pages, Audio CD
First published March 8, 2016
61 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
November 8, 2020
One of the topics I like to learn more about is persuasion, and I read and listen to podcasts about this topic quite often. One of my favorite podcasts often discusses reframing of issues or questions or facts in such a way that one gets unexpected new insights into the source. This book provides ways to reframe the issues or questions or facts of one's own life in order to get that different perspective and to possibly get that aha moment when you gain new understanding. The author suggests 4 different "lenses" with which to approach your subject. A couple relate to changing your time perspective. I found the concepts familiar from other books that I've read, but I found this to be more specific on the types of reframing to attempt. I appreciated how the book organized (or framed) the way to think of this process. It's not perfectly clear and concise, but you can find enough along the way to make this a worthwhile read if you want some help in rethinking about your life.
The author did use a number of personal stories, and these were hit and miss for me. Many had a Christian life perspective that didn't add to the value of the content, but generally didn't detract from it either. I probably would have liked more stories and examples that I could identify with, but for many I expect the author will connect.
The author did use a number of personal stories, and these were hit and miss for me. Many had a Christian life perspective that didn't add to the value of the content, but generally didn't detract from it either. I probably would have liked more stories and examples that I could identify with, but for many I expect the author will connect.
June 5, 2017
I love the implications of this title. Instead of changing our behaviour and circumstances with the advice of yet another self help book, we could simply try tweaking our attitudes and the way we view our lives. It may take a pivotal turn, but could be well worth it in the long run.
I like the author's friendly and warm approach, and the way she sprinkles each chapter with stories and examples. Laurie Polich Short has come up with four possible ways we can view our personal worlds, which she likens to telescopes or magnifying glasses. There's the Big Lens view, which helps us see the broader perspective; the Present View Lens, which alerts us to what we might be missing; the Rear View Lens, which gives us insight in retrospect; and finally the Higher View, which focuses on hidden things which God might want to show us. Although none of these actually change what's in front of us, they enable us to see expanded versions.
Although it's a cool concept, the lens analogy has the potential to get a bit confusing at times, simply because the lenses tend to contradict each other. With just one set of spiritual eyes, we're being told to simultaneously look forward, back and stay where we are. In each section, we've instructed to focus on either our past, present or future, and take the spotlight off each of the others. That sounds bewildering, but I guess it's up to each reader to figure out which 'lens' to employ for each new circumstance. It's got the potential to tie our brains in knots.
The stories were interesting, although I thought a few were stretched a bit far. She mentions how Ben Carson's mother's strict discipline helped give him the outlook to become a successful surgeon. Yes, that's all good. But then she goes on to mention another, more permissive mother whose son grew up to become Adolf Hitler. Whoa, with one simple paragraph, Short seemed to pin the blame for the way he turned out on his mother's shoulders. She probably didn't mean it to sound like such an indictment or broad generalisation, but I thought it was a fairly harsh call just the same.
On the whole, it's an easy read with some good material, but you might have to sift through to find what gels with you, and ignore the rest of it. Hey, maybe in that way, it may appeal to a wide audience.
Thanks to NetGalley and Inter Varsity Press for my review copy.
For more reviews and book talk, visit my blog, http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
I like the author's friendly and warm approach, and the way she sprinkles each chapter with stories and examples. Laurie Polich Short has come up with four possible ways we can view our personal worlds, which she likens to telescopes or magnifying glasses. There's the Big Lens view, which helps us see the broader perspective; the Present View Lens, which alerts us to what we might be missing; the Rear View Lens, which gives us insight in retrospect; and finally the Higher View, which focuses on hidden things which God might want to show us. Although none of these actually change what's in front of us, they enable us to see expanded versions.
Although it's a cool concept, the lens analogy has the potential to get a bit confusing at times, simply because the lenses tend to contradict each other. With just one set of spiritual eyes, we're being told to simultaneously look forward, back and stay where we are. In each section, we've instructed to focus on either our past, present or future, and take the spotlight off each of the others. That sounds bewildering, but I guess it's up to each reader to figure out which 'lens' to employ for each new circumstance. It's got the potential to tie our brains in knots.
The stories were interesting, although I thought a few were stretched a bit far. She mentions how Ben Carson's mother's strict discipline helped give him the outlook to become a successful surgeon. Yes, that's all good. But then she goes on to mention another, more permissive mother whose son grew up to become Adolf Hitler. Whoa, with one simple paragraph, Short seemed to pin the blame for the way he turned out on his mother's shoulders. She probably didn't mean it to sound like such an indictment or broad generalisation, but I thought it was a fairly harsh call just the same.
On the whole, it's an easy read with some good material, but you might have to sift through to find what gels with you, and ignore the rest of it. Hey, maybe in that way, it may appeal to a wide audience.
Thanks to NetGalley and Inter Varsity Press for my review copy.
For more reviews and book talk, visit my blog, http://vincereview.blogspot.com.au/
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September 13, 2023Good timing... I needed this book about shifting perspectives to handle worry and life's challenges.
February 21, 2017
To accentuate book theme, Short uses lenses, rather than chapters for book division. She goes further into lenses by suggesting that there are four lenses through which we may view various life events and time periods which proffers great/er insight.
The wisdom and insight is solid. We urge you to step inside the covers. Accept what's there. Grow.
Short ensures that you understand the four lenses with plenty of examples. In fact, understanding them should help to close up that gap which, can exist, between the head and the heart. If you understand the necessary lenses which, can transform you existence, then, you may not need to actually remember the lenses in and of themselves.
Just use them.
Hence, the title.
Love it.
The wisdom and insight is solid. We urge you to step inside the covers. Accept what's there. Grow.
Short ensures that you understand the four lenses with plenty of examples. In fact, understanding them should help to close up that gap which, can exist, between the head and the heart. If you understand the necessary lenses which, can transform you existence, then, you may not need to actually remember the lenses in and of themselves.
Just use them.
Hence, the title.
Love it.
April 12, 2017
This is such an encouraging book to read, especially for those that are struggling with their outlook on their lives. Sometimes we get stuck in our past. Sometimes we long for the future so much that we forget to live in the present. Laurie does a wonderful job at explaining the importance of these lenses (as well as other lenses) and how God uses our situations. I have enjoyed reading this book so much.
December 26, 2020
Just another self-help book labeled “christian” because the author mentions God a few times. Major concerns with author’s lifestyle and questionable theology. Won’t finish reading due to enough “red flags.”
June 17, 2024
John Milton wrote in Paradise Lost "The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven." This verse is so aligned with reality. Several times in my own experience, while nothing external has changed, a change in perspective changes everything experientially--bringing Joy, hope, new energy, or peace--making it easier to breathe.
Our brain necessarily tunes out most incoming information and must interpret what it does allow in through the gate. After allowing some bits in, we make generalizations, assume causation, and generate speculative predictions based on underdetermined evidence. Obviously, a myopic focus that is biased to only pick up negative data points will lead us to construct some ugly meaning from it. We are already inclined towards logical leaps and distortions, and If we only begin with a few gloomy pieces, we can construct a prison of our own making that seems an inescapable reality. Fortunately, the door is locked from the inside and we have the key. If learn to expand our perspective by including additional data points and avoiding cognitive distortions, and when faced with multiple frames (none of which can be proven conclusively) we side with a frame that brings life, our life can improve significantly.
Anyhow, I am glad a Christian wrote a book on the power of reframing. The second chapter was absolute gold, the rest of the book was fine. This topic is something that the Apostle Paul understood, Jesus grasped and quite a lot of scripture communicates. Pointing out ways the Bible attempts to shape us by influencing how we frame our experiences is a good way to use scripture. Here we have a message that is true and can withstand scrutiny and is something that will not need to be later deconstructed. We need more messages and more books on this topic!
Our brain necessarily tunes out most incoming information and must interpret what it does allow in through the gate. After allowing some bits in, we make generalizations, assume causation, and generate speculative predictions based on underdetermined evidence. Obviously, a myopic focus that is biased to only pick up negative data points will lead us to construct some ugly meaning from it. We are already inclined towards logical leaps and distortions, and If we only begin with a few gloomy pieces, we can construct a prison of our own making that seems an inescapable reality. Fortunately, the door is locked from the inside and we have the key. If learn to expand our perspective by including additional data points and avoiding cognitive distortions, and when faced with multiple frames (none of which can be proven conclusively) we side with a frame that brings life, our life can improve significantly.
Anyhow, I am glad a Christian wrote a book on the power of reframing. The second chapter was absolute gold, the rest of the book was fine. This topic is something that the Apostle Paul understood, Jesus grasped and quite a lot of scripture communicates. Pointing out ways the Bible attempts to shape us by influencing how we frame our experiences is a good way to use scripture. Here we have a message that is true and can withstand scrutiny and is something that will not need to be later deconstructed. We need more messages and more books on this topic!
February 8, 2021
A book ideal for these COVID days. The author provides encouragement for the reader in embracing the big picture, one's past, and the present. While it may verge on superficial, the author provides effective illustrations and grounds the book with biblical examples. The first half of the book really resonated with me, less so during the later chapters in the book. Overall, I found that the book was soothing and encouraging like wise advice from a seasoned mentor, reminding the reader to have hope in God's leadership through the ups and downs in life. If you pushed for greater depth or more exposition, you'll likely be disappointed.
July 12, 2017
Hearing Laurie speak and then reading her books is something I greatly treasure. This time last year when she came to Austin was a time in my life when I desperately needed to hear her story and this time around is no different. Although I Am in a different difficult place, her insight has given me a new perspective and allowed me to feel as if I could discover how I can work with God to heal my spirit. Grateful for her and her work and hoping she writes another book for me to read next year.
March 20, 2018
A thought provoking and entertaining study of life’s prospectives from a Christian discipleship point of view. A good book to reflect on paths taken, your present walk and the road ahead using 4 lenses that can broaden and sharpen what you see, rest in what is, knowing it is part of what will take you to what will be. Well rounded discussion worth getting in on.
Many ‘take aways’ for my read...most importantly the discussion of the significance and importance of our scars in our story.
Many ‘take aways’ for my read...most importantly the discussion of the significance and importance of our scars in our story.
August 18, 2018
4.5 Stars
So many truths about having the right perspective. How soon we often forget! We get lost in our own thick mire and fierce storms. Our perceptions become so distorted we wander, lost, in a seemingly impenetrable fog.
Four lenses are discussed: The Big View, The Present View, The Rear View, & The Higher View.
A worthy read! Like visiting an eye doctor for the soul.
So many truths about having the right perspective. How soon we often forget! We get lost in our own thick mire and fierce storms. Our perceptions become so distorted we wander, lost, in a seemingly impenetrable fog.
Four lenses are discussed: The Big View, The Present View, The Rear View, & The Higher View.
A worthy read! Like visiting an eye doctor for the soul.
September 19, 2019
This book is a great tool to help navigate life. The author has a very easy writing voice that feels like you are having a conversation with her. There is enough personal stories to make you feel she truly understands your situation and yet enough Biblical grounded teaching that gives you hope and a new perspective. This book is a great read!
September 11, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. I love that it was a Christian based book. I loved the way it made me think about how I viewed things and the way I spoke to myself and others. A lot can change by simply changing how you think.
March 21, 2018
Very easy read and great information. Most of us can’t change our life situations, but by changing our perspective we can make our lives beautiful and full of meaning. If you want help to like your life more, this book will offer great, applicable advice on how to do that.
December 7, 2017
Well-written and useful.
February 18, 2020
Really timely read. Ended up buying this on Amazon as it was so helpful and encouraging.
May 30, 2020
4.5 stars
May 22, 2021
I loved this book so much! What a life giving message it breathed into my ruts of ungrateful, directionless, cynical thinking!
October 27, 2022
I enjoyed this book and gives you many things to think about.
February 4, 2023
When urgent tasks overwhelm important things and busy mayhem leaves you tired and empty, this is a good read.
March 8, 2024
Great book that I enjoyed with my Bible study group.
October 29, 2020
One of those books that has so much wisdom I want to read it over and over again. She’s an engaging author who makes clear points about how our perspective can positively impact our lives. I’ll spend the rest of my life trying to live her suggestions.
November 24, 2019
Lots of practical understanding of how we can view life's challenges. We used this, along with the videos, as a basis for a group study and small group discussion. We had lots of good conversation.
Want to read
May 13, 2017I bought this book because I had really liked Finding Faith in the Dark (which I also recommend). There the issue was going through hard times to realize the story is not done and to see God working even in the midst of circumstances you would not have chosen. Here (and not entirely unrelated) she develops the theme that how we view our circumstances can lead to very different sense of how fulfilling our life is. The first two pages of the intro had me hooked (she talks about her first sermon at a church where she gives, back to back views of her life). She is transparent throughout. She tells a personal story on pages 11-12 I won't spoil that touched my heart in appreciation. The heart of her message is really conveyed in a series of vignettes, some her own and some others but each leads to an insight: "I viewed many of my gifts as expectations" and the need to "train our eyes to see our gifts before they are taken away" (p 14). She talks about a squealing baby in a grocery line (each time someone entered the store and the automatic doors opened). "The baby didn't know enough to realize entering a store was not worth cheering about, or maybe we didn't know enough to realize it was" (p 123) to teach us to be aware of little blessings all around us. Redeeming our personal tragedy and shame is addressed: "when you've experienced a specific pain, you have a unique opportunity to minister to others" (p136) and "even the darkest story can become a story of hope" (p 137). Laurie is a great writer (and also a great speaker if your church or conference could use one....)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews