FOCUS!!!

This past Saturday, I attended my alma mater's first home football game of the season.  It was a close game throughout the evening and that did not change as the end drew near.  The clock was running down in the fourth quarter, and we needed just one more touch down.  Coach called a time out and our players huddled on the field to make a decision that would best result in a touchdown and guaranteed overtime.  As soon as the players returned to their positions on the field, the opposing coach called a time out.  I looked at my kids and immediately knew it was a strategic play.  Some may say they called it to discuss how they could block the pass or mess up the play.  My personal, immediate thought had nothing to do with either of those.  I truly felt it was a move put in place to cause our players to lose their focus.  Forgive me for not knowing the exact amount of time for a football time out (I'm pretty sure it's 40-60 seconds), but it is definitely long enough for a team to lose focus and concentration on the plans that were just discussed and called in their own huddle.  After the opposing team completed its time out, both teams took their positions and the play was made.  Unfortunately, our team did not make the all-important touchdown that was needed and the game was essentially over.
In the car on the way home, my oldest son asked me what I meant by them losing their focus and I was excited to see a teachable moment in front of me.  You see, if you think about it, the event that occurred in the football game closely resembles our game of life.  You may be trying to hit the gym every day, eat only healthy foods, read your Bible on a daily basis, not yell at the kids so much.  The list could go on and on.  How often have you started to change a habit, or been in the middle of making a new habit, when all of a sudden life calls a "time out"?? You are faced with a headache and you don't want to go to the gym; you go to Sam's and of all days, they are sampling Cheesecake Factory cheesecake; you get your kids to school only to find out that one left their shoes at home, one left their homework and another left their lunch; or you sit down to do your Bible study and your phone that hasn't made noise for days is now beeping out of control with texts from friends that just have to get together!  Right here. Right now. Today is when a decision needs to be made.  Do you keep your focus and move forward or do you take a small detour and hope to get back on track "tomorrow"? 
We've all heard the cliche, "Don't sweat the small stuff."  Most of the time it is the small stuff that causes the most damage.  When life interrupts your focus, handle the matter and immediately turn your focus back.  Dwelling on the small stuff when trying to complete a major focus can cause you to make a huge detour that was not necessary or it may ultimately lead to a loss.
I Kings 11:9-10 says this, "And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, And had commanded him concerning this thing that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded."  "This thing" was referring to what Solomon was doing that was taking his focus of of God.  What is the thing (or things) that God is getting after you about?  Is there something that you need to take out of your life, ignore, simply trust God about?  Do not lose sight of your end goal. You may need to even ask God to show you what your goal should be!  Stay focused!  Keep your eye on the prize!  Win TODAY!     

Who's Your Master?: Exercising Mental Strength

It is the beginning of September.  Labor Day has passed and all children are back in school.  This can only mean one thing.... Fall is around the corner..... then Thanksgiving...... then Christmas!  YAY!  This is by far my favorite time of year!  I LOVE going to football games, hiking just to enjoy the changing seasons, getting lost in a corn maze, bonfires, pumpkins, and of course..... all of the AMAZING food available!  If it involves pumpkin spice, caramel, or apples, I know I'm going to want at least a taste!  Sometimes it is all too easy to let the incredible tastes of the season consume me.
Maybe you don't have a problem with eating too much.  Maybe it is easy for you to turn down scrumptious treats and tantalizing dinners.  Or, maybe you're like me and saying no to some foods is just waaaaaay to hard.  That may be exactly why I have a hard time losing weight.  Oh sure, I lose a few pounds, but then comes along a pumpkin spice latte or a piece of apple crisp that absolutely must have a scoop of ice cream.  And you know that if you don't eat it straight out of the oven, it just won't be as good the next day!
The other day I was given something to think about.  Matthew 6:24 says, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other or else he will hold to the one and despise the other.  Ye cannot serve God and mammon."  Have you ever thought of food as a "master"?  Well, I have to admit that sometimes it's hard to say no, and I give in to something that has a few more calories than I need or something that I don't need at all, but sounds sooooo good.  When I give in, I am allowing my wants to guide me, letting the thought of food be my master. 
Saying no requires discipline.... mental strength.... determination!  There are many other things in our life that can consume our attention besides food: cars, exercise, school, people, hobbies, children, even our spouse or significant other.  Who is your master?  Exercise your mental strength and say no today to something that consumes you.  Don't forget, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing!