Forgetting the Past and Looking Forward

The New Year always brings with it a new hope for a fresh start, don't you think?

New beginnings or should I say new attempts at turning your life around in a different direction is on everybody's mind now that we have welcomed in 2015. We all are about forgetting the past and looking forward to 2015!

• Exercising more
• Praying more
• Reading the Bible more
• Making healthier food choices
• Losing that holiday weight so you can get back into your skinny jeans
• Cutting down your debt
• Going back to school

We sometimes get caught up in all the failures of our past and end up putting high expectations on ourselves as we look forward into a new year. I'm guilty...how about you?

But what if we could forget the past - or better yet - FORGIVE ourselves and move forward into 2015 with a new attitude when it comes to what we want to "do better" in this new year?

That's what I am doing...with God's help!

The past two years {um, maybe more} of bad food choices and lack of exercise have left me with extra pounds that have led to high blood pressure which has led to prescription medication. See the snowball effect?...yep, me too! And.I.don't.like.it!

I've received my "wake-up call" and already began making changes back in December. I've cut out salt in my cooking, I'm buying fresh vegetables, and I'm walking 30 minutes five days a week in our neighborhood to name a few.

I have forgiven myself for the past and eagerly look forward to this new lifestyle in 2015. I actually made it through Christmas with my new attitude of making better food choices and exercising!! WhooHoo!

I go back to my doctor this month and I hope to see a difference on the scales. My ultimate goal is to lose about 20 pounds and - with my doctor's approval - come off of the blood pressure medication. My Word for 2015 is Self-Discipline for that is what I need to accomplish this goal for the new year.

I have two verses that I will focus on throughout this year as I seek to live in the power of God's grace in this area of my life - the first part of 1 Corinthians 9:27 "But I discipline my body and keep it under control" and Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me".   

**Chime In**

What do you need to forgive in your past so you can look forward in 2015? Let's help keep each other accountable in 2015! If you feel led to share, please do so in the comments below. Happy New Year!

Walking in His Grace, 

Laurie