6 Key Benefits of Adding Boxing to Your Training

...how you perform on game day is determined by the quality of your practice. But have we given much thought to how the quality of our practice is measured or do we make some assumptions? Is a quality practiced measured by how many starters were present? Is it measured by how much sweat equity was paid out? Is it measured by how quiet the team was when coach spoke? Or is there more to it than this? What if I told you that the quality of a practice is set way before coaches and players show up to the field. Where there is no vision, the people perish. (KJV 29:18) The quality of practice is determined by ‘why’ coaches and players choose to show up. It's determined by a vision bigger than themselves, bigger than running sprints and memorizing plays. It’s even set by something bigger than winning a state championship. The quality of a practice is determined by a vision that brings a team together for a purpose beyond themselves. As the ‘why’ is formed is determines ‘how’ players arrive to practice and the mindset they find themselves in as they step onto the court, field, etc. In short, the ‘why’ determines the ‘how’ and thus shapes the quality of that practice. So what? Well its often easier for us to see this discipline played out in sports. But this same discipline plays out in everyday life, specifically as we enter the start of the school year. COVID has turned the world upside down so many times few of us could probably tell if we were even right side up. As the school year begins with most of the learning taking place via distance learning you have a choice to make. It would be easy to focus on the hurdles and what you dislike about the current format. Instead, make a decision for how you want to show up this year and make it before you sit down at your computer. What’s your vision? What’s your why? Unlike any time in your education before, you will own and determine what you will learn this year. Hint, it’ll be more than how to structure a sentence. Leaving your why or vision unanswered will probably lead to a long list of excuses. We see this happen in sports all the time. However, taking the time to be proactive and set a vision for yourself could be all the difference in the world this school year. Hopefully, it’ll be a determination to show up despite all odds seemingly being against you fueled by a vision that reaches beyond yourself. This is what winning teams do. This is what competitors do. When the odds are stacked against them, they choose how they want to show up, lock arms with their teammates and chase after their vision. Below is a link for some quick thoughts on how to care for the mental health of coaches and athletes.

Let's get one thing straight. Where you are right now, the season of life, the resources and relationships you have... none of it is on accident. God knew what was coming. He prepares us even if we don't realize it, and He places us where we need to be on purpose. Eph 2:10 A few perspective shifts will help you focus and answer your "WHAT NOW" during this time. God may not have caused what we are going through....but He can use it. - Rom 8:28 This life isn't about us. It's about bringing other people to Jesus...whatever it takes. - Acts 20:24 God is for you. God is with you. Circumstances will never change this. - Rom 8:31 Hard times and unexpected trials often turn out to be the times we look back on and see how we grew the most. It's a chance to be broken and refined. To learn humility. You might just experience God in ways you were too comfortable to notice before. - James 1:2-4 You have a part to play in this. YOU . What is it? What has God given you for this time? What can you use to bring others closer to Him? If it solely depended on you for the people in your circle, family, team or neighborhood to see Jesus....would they experience Him? We often pray for God to "open doors" and show us how to live for Him. Well, here's our chance. More than ever, people are open and looking for answers. You may not know exactly what to do or say in this season, but God does. There is a time for everything. So do something. We only get one shot. One life. Most of what we worry about won't even matter when we stand on the edge of eternity. So make it count. How will you use this unexpected season in your life? Learn about ways that FCA is using this time at FCA Virtual . Ready to do something?

READY "Give thanks in everything, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -1 Thessalonians 5:18 SET Our world today tends to say that we should only give thanks in the midst of good circumstances, so it's easy for us as athletes to give thanks to God after a victory. Now, there's nothing wrong with thanking Him for good Ws, but God challenges us through His Word to adopt a much higher way of living by giving thanks in everything. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (above), the word "thanks" comes from a Greek word that literally means to be "thankful for God's good grace." This kind of thanks never needs to be circumstantial. While playing basketball at the college level, I found it very difficult to give thanks to God in the midst of losing streaks, injuries, or when I was benched, and I didn't understand why. But now I realize that it's because we get so consumed by the performance in our sport that we forget we are constantly experiencing God's grace in our lives and in our hearts. When we choose to remember the grace and forgiveness God has given us through Christ's death and resurrection on the cross, no loss or disappointing outcome can keep us from giving thanks. Today, don't allow your life to be just a reflection of thankfulness during good circumstances. Choose to make thankfulness the condition of your heart as an athlete or a coach both in and out of competition. Dwelling on His grace and forgiveness more than your circumstances will allow you to do that. GO As an athlete or coach, in what circumstances do you find it difficult to give thanks to God? How would thankfulness change your frame of mind and the condition of your heart? What are some things God has done for you that can define the way you live? WORKOUT Matthew 14:13-21 Matthew 26:27-29 Philippians 4:4

READY “He gives strength to the weary and strengthens the powerless… those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31 SET I began playing soccer in kindergarten and quickly discovered that I loved it, especially the feeling of scoring a goal. My parents had started me in the sport to help me learn good people skills. Little did I know that the sport I loved and the skills I learned would later play a role in my relationship with God. I grew up going to church with my grandmother every Sunday. Through her, I learned that faith was important. When I was twelve years old, my life took a turn that would change me forever. My sister died and I was faced with questions about why things happen and what role God played in it all. For a number of years, I struggled and put distance between God and me. But He was faithful and patient and provided gradual healing and strength. In college, I joined a team Bible study. God’s Word brought me peace and a desire for a relationship with Him. I found that questioning Him and searching for answers through Scripture helped me grow and gave me direction. Now my faith in Christ is what gives me confidence for the future. I know that through both good times and bad, He is faithful and will watch over me. Today, I pray for strength to walk the road before me. I play to the best of my abilities and am thankful for the many opportunities and amazing success He has given me. Through it all, I want to do right, not make mistakes, and live a life that is pleasing to Him. God provides strength, even when circumstances seem impossible. In Genesis, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many generations, but for years his wife, Sarah, was unable to bear children. Even as he approached one hundred years old, Abraham “did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God” (Romans 4:20). Abraham’s faith was rewarded when God honored His promise and Sarah, at age ninety, gave birth to their son, Isaac. GO What promises of God do you struggle to believe while you compete in your sport? When you face adversity in your season, how do you respond to God? What else or who else besides God do you rely on to give you strength? Take some time to read through the passages below and refer to them often in your challenges. WORKOUT Genesis 15-21 Matthew 6:33-34 Ephesians 6:10 Philippians 4:13