Habit Formed Distractions

The change in position today has been great. How funny it is to even get distracted by simply doing the same things over and over. Even the habit forming things become distractions. Every morning I get up at the same time. I press snooze on the alarm clock for the same length of time. I sit on the edge of the bed until the same amount of time has run out. Habit forming distractions right? I watch my same favorite inspirational programs and watch the clock until the same time I have set in my habit forming morning to go and get in the shower. I then watch the clock for the same of amount of time it takes for me to realize that I only have 5 minutes left because if I leave in 6 minutes I will be stuck in major traffic and will cause me to be 1 hour late for work. (Isn't it amazing what loosing focus for one minute can cost us?) So I run around rushing at the same time every day to leave with out taking my curls in my hair down, and no make up.( I fix all that when I get close) Oh and it's a good thing I have a spare pair of shoes in the car, and now off I go onto my habit formed ride. Where now that I am on my ride I will of course commune with God now because that will keep me from cursing all those who left out on time and they have time to mosey along and be in my Habit Formed way.

Well today I dared to do something different. I began to set the stage for worship when I woke up. I played the music that reverenced the Almighty. I took my shower and dressed and then took the time to go before the Creator and worship and honor Him for being the Almighty Creator, the God of all. I began to tell God what an honor it is to be able to come to Him and just honor Him for being as fantastic as He is. With that I became so happy. My day began to form into a day of joy. Oh yea and I did leave out 5 minutes earlier than the norm. I was not all tuned into what is going on in someone's life or what the news reports said. I was filled with Joy that God saw fit to send grace and mercy my way. I was able to drive in calm because I was basking in knowing that because of His love for me, dispute of how unworthy I may feel, He is so wonderful. He began to affirm in me that he see's me as worthy because His Son came to die for my sins. Even the Angels say "who is man that thou are mindful of him".

So I challenge each of you to dare to do something different. Dare to take a different route home. Dare to eat a more healthy meal, Dare to loose yourself from the habit forming distractions. You never know what great blessings are on the other side of what you are use to doing. You never know how many new Kingdom Connections are on the other side of who you are used to hanging out with. You never know how much growth is on the other side when you loose yourself from unforgiveness and bitterness.

Break the habitual process and find out for yourself all that is outside the box.

Call Them Out By Their Name

Well I looked up one day and found that I was 48 years old and had not even began to touch the passions that are deep within me. I at times found myself depressed, fearful, over eating, etc. Those things just mentioned are just surnames to a main culprit called DISTRACTIONS. Let me show you how.

I checked Dictionary.com for the definition of distract and distraction and when I looked at what it meant then I was able to label it with the things that have kind of captured my attention and ultimately moved the direction of my focus.

DISTRACT (Verb)
to draw away or divert, as the mind or attention

to disturb or trouble greatly in mind; beset

to separate or divide by dissension or strife.

DISTRACTIONS (noun)
that which distracts, divides the attention, or prevents concentration

division or disorder caused by dissension; tumult.

Now isn't it amazing that the things that take us off the course of the desired end or take us out of our God given purpose, are things that bewilder, agitate, cause pain, torment us, or even causes distress.

It is a must that we recognize the name attached to the distraction, be it sickness (distraction), lost of a relationship (distraction), slothfulness (distraction), and there are many other distractions that many of you know their name. Yet the truth to knowing the name of those distractions actually give you an edge. Knowing what they are allows you the opportunity to strategically position yourself, your thoughts, and actions so that as distractions come you can say NO to them.

Clear the Landing strip of negativity from your mind so that all the the empowering thoughts of encouragement that have been hovering can land.

Know Distractions (THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS THE WAY THEY APPEAR

Imagine this...Driving down the street going home and there is this brown skinned man laying in the street and you're wondering why is he there. Then you get up close only to find that it is just a cardboard box. (Things are not always as they appear)

Then you turn the corner a few blocks from home. When you drive up the street, you see something strange at the curb up ahead and you are not so sure if it is a dog or a cat and when get a little closer you find it is just a trash can. (Things are not always as they appear)

Sometimes you may find yourself looking so deep at that item/situation then you get closer to it only to find that "whew" it was nothing. That is how we can look at those things that try to distract us and keep us from getting to the mark.


We talked earlier about knowing distractions, and each of us know what things capture our focus. Now we can start relaxing and notice that things aren't always as they appear. Difficulties are just illusions. Stumbling blocks are just things that make you stumble, but never can they take you out.

If you want to start a business, then don't allow the distractions of how much many it will take keep you from getting started...Like Nike...Just do it. If you cook then cater from your home. Start with selling lunches at your friends office building. Or even better allow friends to sample and offer to taste test of new recipes.

If you have a book inside of you, then with today's technology start writing or recording your thoughts and past memories. Make sure you get it copy written and then get those thoughts and memories published. You never know who is crying in the night waiting just to hear that some one's story is just like theirs and there is a book talking about how the road leads to a happy ending.

Let's see...Higher education...Hummm? It only takes getting registered, and then you are there. It is so amazing to know that schools have people in place to help you set your career path, and they are there to help you get all the financial aid you may need. Funny...They do most of the work, all you have to do is give them the information needed for registration and then you can come to class or you can take online courses, and before you know it you will be framing your degree.

Let's start this journey by talking about how you have found that things that appeared to be so difficult, or goals that appeared to be hard to reach turned out to be easier than they appeared. Also share some ideals on how you may have turned a distraction around and made it to your desired goal.

Starting Point (Knowing Distractions)

So often we have our mind set to accomplish a thing and then it seems that life's distractions tend to take our focus off of the desired end.

It may be as simple as completing a class or office assignment, or it can big or let's say large as starting a business, or even saving a marriage/relationship.

How often are you considering writing a book, but you never take the time to even write the first page because, you have to work, go to class, got stuck in traffic and now you are tired, kids crying, have to cook, had ministry rehearsal, etc? Or even better how about you have the book finished but can't seem to get the time to get it published or even get the information on how to get your book published? Then next thing you know there is a movie that comes out that has the same story line as the book you wrote when you were 17.

How many times have you been meaning to send the thank you note but found yourself months later realizing you never took a moment to organize your day to get the note sent?

Wait a moment and think for one second what you have not gotten accomplished today because you have had so many things that got you off focused. Look real close and you now Know you have been distracted and now it's time to say No to those things that have distracted you and began to focus on the mark.

Let's start by pointing out some of the known distractions...I'll start with having every intent of writing out my vision board. I get home from work, get out of my work clothes, grab something to eat, get my pad out grab a pen and then turn the TV on and that is all she wrote one TV show after another has captured my attention and then before I know it the TV is watching me and there in no vision board. Which means what? I have gotten distracted and no vision to work towards. Tell me some of your distractions and then let's get to the saying NO.