12 Rounds...

Many of you will probably be huddled around the big screen with friends watching the Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez boxing match. I've watched previous fights of Pacquiao and he's a tough little fella.


I admire these guys. They battle until they're bloodied, tired and barely able to stand but they keep punching until one of them gets knocked out or the final bell sounds.

Life and achieving your goals/dreams are alot like a boxing match. You start out pursuing your goals with vibrant energy, bright eyes, smiling faces and full of optimism. Which is a good thing, but what you don't realize you're just in the first round. It's easy to maintain high hopes that the victory is yours. But what happens when the enemy sneaks in a left hook, or uppercut and pops you on the chin. You may get a little wobbly, but you stay on your feet and try your best to regroup.

You stay in the fight and during the next several  rounds you continue holding your ground, throwing some of your best punches. You  bob & weave, implement your best attempt at the Ali shuffle to try and avoid your opponent. But, in spite of your best defensive moves he tags you again. This time he gets you against the ropes and just pummels you while your high hopes of victory begin to wane. With each punch, you feel your knees begin to buckle, your eyes swell, your nose bleeds. You just want to give up. But off in the distance you hear your trainer yelling instructions, and encouraging you to keep fighting. Somehow you find the energy to reach down deep inside, to stay in there, not give up and continue to fight for the victory!


Today, I'm your trainer/coach **grabs you by both shoulders and looks you straight in the eyes**

1) You can do this!
2) Never give up! Never, never...Nevah!!
3) When you feel like you can't go on. Take a step back, re-group and get back in there!
4) Have Faith!
5) Dig Deeper (--Shaun T)
6) The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed.

Which round are you in?

2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.