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Refocus
by Angela Willingham It sounded good. Most challenges or goals we set sound good, when we first start, then as time goes by we find it is not working as smoothly as we anticipated that it would. Over the course of time we lose sight of the goal, what was once clear becomes obscure. Are the goals still realistic? Are the goals still the one you want to attain? Maybe I have lost focus on my fitness goal. Physically, I have not done what I needed to do. I'm still not eating enough. I haven't put the effort into the cardio that I need to. I haven't prayed and asked God to keep me focused or to draw my focus back to the thing that I need to focus on right now. The attention to my physical body is not my strong point. Enter in my friend and business partner to remind me that while I have dropped two sizes, he knows that is not where I want to be. As one of my accountability partners, he has not said much to me, but this week he was refocused by my conversation. He wanted me to encourage someone else in this area and I had to admit this is an area where I need encouragement. Tell me to talk to someone about their spirituality, about their relationship or emotional issues and I'm there. But physically? That is why God connected us, He knew I would need some additional help and encouragement in this area myself. He reminded me that all he recommends is at least 20 minutes of cardio every day. All I have to do is get up 20 minutes earlier every day to do it. Like all of you I have a very busy schedule and sometimes I struggle to get up five minutes earlier than I have to. My questions to me and to you- "How bad do you want to get your temple in shape?" "Why are you doing it?" "Aren't you worth it?" I told you at the beginning I am not one my business partners personal training clients. I struggle just like you to keep focused. Physical fitness is his strong point, not mine, but I know it is what God wants for me, that is why He connected us. Remember in our weakness God is made strong. If you have lost a month off the fitness challenge, praise the Lord, that He is giving us another chance to get it right. In Philippians 3:13-14, the bible says, "13No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be,[a] but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Last month is past, we cannot get it back, we must focus on the future. We all mess up, it's what we do after we mess up that makes the difference. Last month is gone, so let's see what we can do in today, next week, next month and next year, to reflect Christ to the world through our temples. What does this mean to me? When I woke up this morning, when I opened my eyes, God was giving me a new chance to get it right. It's time to refocus in every area of our lives. If there is a sin that has been pulling you down, today is a new day, turn it around. The MasterBuilder is right, we can never give up, each day is a new opportunity. I have been up 20 minutes earlier to get on my treadmill for the 20 minute minimum that was suggested. (A treadmill is not a requirement for this process-walk outside, walk at lunch, go to the gym, use and exercise video, just do something.) I have recruited some accountability partners that understand what I am attempting to accomplish and have no problem supporting me in my efforts. Choose these people wisely. Here are four of mine: Charlotte walks 5 miles per day. Jennifer is going to school to be a personal trainer. Billie is a powerful praying woman chosen to pray me through. My friend the personal trainer is my partner in ministry and you know what he does. Remember someone that has the same bad habits that you have and does not have victory in a specific area may not be the person to hold you accountable in that area. They may be able to sympathize, but sympathy is not what we need at this point we need encouragement. They may also be able to understand, but in their understanding you do not want to both go astray. All I am saying to you is that no matter where you are, your situation can be turned around. I have chosen to focus my attention on the physical, but I could be talking about relationships, emotional situations or the spiritual. A change can be made in any area of our lives if we choose to refocus our attention and our actions. Scripture- Philippians 3:13-14, "13No, dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be,[a] but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven." Find out where you are and refocus. Angela Willingham, CEO New Beginnings Holistic Fitness Ministries, Inc. www.mynewtemple.org Copyright New Beginnings Holistic Fitness Ministries, Inc. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |