How do you prepare for a Super Bowl?

Veterans of that game told Aaron Rodgers: “Don’t let anything distract you from your normal preparation.”

Don’t get distracted from what you know and what you have done up til now. Stay focused. Don’t change the game plan, just keep on task as you understand it.

Aaahh. But now the next question. What if you don’t have a routine working for you? What if your plan is not getting you to a winning place?

One word: Discipline.

This is my word for 2011. I know that there are several places in my life that need a fine tuning. I won’t go into them here (yes, perhaps some pride showing through), but I am sure you and I could talk about some common themes: exercise, healthier eating, more time invested in others, less time wasted, and you can add your own here: __________

Discipline defined: Training to act in accordance with rules; drill military discipline; Activity, exercise or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training: A daily stint at the typewriter is excellent discipline for a writer; Punishment inflicted by way of correction and training; Behavior in accord with rules of conduct; behavior and order maintained by training and control; A set or system of rules and regulations; To train by instruction and exercise; drill; To bring to a state or order and obedience by training and control

Did you find yourself lacking any of these? Anywhere? I do every time I read it. It’s not easy but locating those things within myself that need improvement keeps it real for me. I am not Wonder Woman (that’s good news), but there are still many things I am responsible before the Lord to accomplish every day, every week, every month, every year.

C’mon. Join me. 2011 a year of wins! It’s in you.

Speaking of wins . . . any Packers fans out there?

Everybody wants a Magic Elevator!

A redneck family from the hills was visiting the city, and they were in a mall for the first time in their life. The father and son were strolling around while the wife shopped. They were amazed by almost everything they saw, but especially two shiny, silver walls that could move apart and then slide back together again.

The boy asked, “Paw, what’s ‘at?”

The father (never having see an elevator) responded, “Son, I dunno. I ain’t never seen anything like that in my entire life. I ain’t got no idea what it is.”

While the boy and his father were watching in amazement, a fat old lady in a wheel chair rolled up to the moving walls and pressed a button. The walls opened and the lady rolled between them into the small room. The walls closed and the boy and his father watched the small circular numbers above the wall light up sequentially. The continued to watch until it reached the last number and then the numbers began to light in the reverse order. Then the walls open up again and a gorgeous, 20-something blonde woman stepped out.

The father, not taking his eyes off the young woman, said quietly to his son, “Go git yo Momma.”
This story was sent to me years ago, and I cannot give credit to the author but the concept of a magic elevator is quite intriguing.

And yet . . .

It’s so satisfying to go through life with people who cherish those evidences that time and experience brings to us. Sure, a few wrinkles, a couple gray hairs are going to show up. And so are the photo albums and laughs and defining moments!

Don’t get me wrong, I am old enough (and young enough) to still appreciate an excellent hair dresser (who is an expert in color) , teeth whiteners, and a good night cream!

If Billy Graham would do it differently . . .

You may have seen the interview with Reverend Billy Graham that Christianity Today published recently. I love reading or hearing life lessons from seasoned, experienced (yes, older) people who have been around a few blocks a few times. I believe we can learn from others’ experiences, mistakes and the things that worked well.

We should heed wise words:

Christianity Today to Billy Graham: If you could, would you go back and do anything differently?

BG: Yes, of course. I'd spend more time at home with my family, and I'd study more and preach less. I wouldn't have taken so many speaking engagements, including some of the things I did over the years that I probably didn't really need to do—weddings and funerals and building dedications, things like that. Whenever I counsel someone who feels called to be an evangelist, I always urge them to guard their time and not feel like they have to do everything.

I also would have steered clear of politics. I'm grateful for the opportunities God gave me to minister to people in high places; people in power have spiritual and personal needs like everyone else, and often they have no one to talk to. But looking back I know I sometimes crossed the line, and I wouldn't do that now.

In summary: More time with family. Study more and preach less. Don’t do more than you should do.

via www.christianitytoday.com

It's still January . . .

If you have ever waited for THAT college acceptance letter, or that “we love your manuscript” letter, or “your test results came back negative” letter, you know what anticipation feels like. You understand those words that put hope in your planned future – the document that seals the deal. That seals your deal.

January can still be that for you. It is for me – every year. The beginning of things. Again. The whole month says “Use me to start fresh. Use me to regain perspective. Use me to establish action items for some priorities. Go ahead. I dare you.”

Earlier this month my husband and I sat down together and talked about goals. We talked about what we had for ourselves, and we discussed some that we saw for each other. Some of our individual goals matched. So we looked at our calendars and established time blocks for them. Our schedules need to be altered a little bit to fit it in, but we are going to do that. There are some dreams we both have, and we found blocks of time to set aside to work on them. In that we became accountable to the other.

God’s Word says, “I know the plans I have for you. They are to give you a hope and a future.” (Jeremiah) Nobody can cover you like the Father. Nobody.

And if it helps you to draw in your spouse, a close friend, a pastor to help you -- Do it.

I’ve got my husband’s back on his planned future. He’s got mine. That feels real good.

It’s still January. Find your place and outline the plan. Put some action steps to it.

I dare you.