Jack’s Winning Words 3/10/16
“I just can’t concentrate.  I try to think about Shakespeare, leap year and the Beatles.”  (Patty Loveless)  In a song, PL sings about being overly concerned about an issue (a guy) and what she does to break that concentration.  She tries to think about other things, like leap year, Elvis, freight trains, hair do’s, tattoos and saxophones.  What do you do when you see that your focus needs to shift?  The Statler Bros sang, “A little talk with Jesus makes it right.”     ;-)  Jack

FROM LBP IN PLYMOUTH:  My best trick right now is to set a timer. I do whatever needs my concentration for a set time (10-50mins) then I can allow myself to be diverted. But I might set a timer on the diversion. Example: "10 minute tidy" gives me 10 mins to pick up a spaces or a "50:10" work day gives me 50 mins on task and 10 mins off cycles throughout the day. Somehow this allows me to focus while allowing me time to deal with the distraction.====JACK:  It's a good strategy for those who have a lot to do in a limited amount of time.  "Plan your work and work your plan," is a saying used by many successful business people.  Don't forget to include some fun-time, too.  ====LBP:  I am able to work at home about once a week. I always used to get distracted by home chores. Then I implemented the 50:10 timer and now I love home days. Not only do I get a productive day (mostly) free of meetings but I wind up getting a surprising amount of little house chores done in those 10 minute breaks. Then I've got time for more fun when the kids get home. ====JACK:  Where there's a will...there's a way.

FROM JERRY:  YES!====JACK:  "Getting to YES" is a best-selling book showing readers how to be successful negotiators.  A little talk with Jesus goes a long way toward getting to YES in our life.

FROM TARMART REV:  "A little talk with Jesus" gets my vote this early morning!====JACK:  I think people who are new to the Church can be intimidated by some of the long prayers.  Just a LITTLE talk with Jesus is OK, too.

FROM IKE AT THE MIC:  I meditate for 10 minutes & longer if time permits.  "Ikeism #217 Meditation is the best medication  for a less stressful life."====JACK:  Ohmmmm!

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  I pray for strength.  We need all the strength we can get these days...and patience.  God is good all the time.====JACK:  "Thy will be done...by Thee and me."

FROM CHESTER THE GOOD:  Take a nap!====JACK:  Naps are for old folks.

FROM SBP IN FLORIDA:  Well, for quite a while now, I've been saying a prayer, "I trust you, Jesus." Then I lift my concern because I DO trust Him. I have to remind myself every once in a while that God has a plan for me and Jesus is holding my right hand every inch of the way. Reading Jesus Calling every day surely helps in many ways to reinforce and add to the stimulation of WW. ====JACK:  How long can someone say that prayer?  I would remind them of what Job said to his friends when they told him to give up trusting.  "Though he slay me, yet will I trust him."  The Book of Job is worth a reread.