I PRESS ON IN 2019!!

     I know we are in the Christmas Season and have 2 more days to celebrate. Lately I have been thinking a lot about 2019. Since September when I began this blog, I wrote to you all about my struggles and victories these past 5 1/2 years. I do believe we can learn a lot from our past as we gain life experiences and go through difficult situations. But I also believe we do need to look at the present and future and evaluate where we are at presently and where we believe God is leading us next. This past week, I have been thinking a lot about a particular scripture in the Bible found in Philippians 3:13,14. The Apostle Paul wrote "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."

    

     From 2011 - 2013, I wanted to lose some weight so I started running 3 days a week. I would set a course and wake up before the sun set and run through my neighborhood, sometimes even when the temperature was in the teens! During my two year running season, I managed to get up to 6 miles! My season ended when I hurt my back unfortunately. I do remember trying real hard to push myself toward my final destination. I used to time myself and try to improve on my time. I pushed my body real hard and although my legs were killing me, I put a lot of effort into finishing the course I set out to complete. Oh, and I did lose weight which did make me happy. My point is simple...I pressed on!

    

     Each and every single day when it comes to the Christian life, I believe we have to press on and strive each day to live for Jesus! We also have to move forward and not dwell on the past but trust God and allow Him to direct us to where He is leading us. What happened in the past is over and done with. We can't change the past but we can change one thing...ourselves. So this coming year, I want very much to "Press on" in my relationship with Jesus. 2018 was a great year for me but there were challenges also. My health, finances, family issues and starting new jobs were a big part of it. But I realize one thing! I could not have done it without God's help. I am so grateful that I have a personal relationship with Jesus! Together with Him, I will continue to "Press on toward that goal" in 2019.

I PRAY YOU HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND BLESSED NEW YEAR!!