Victory in Jesus!

It's a new year, and I am determined to create a new me.  For some time, several different things have had some strongholds on me.  For example, fear, unbelief, and health.  Just to name a few.  They have just sort of taken over my life and eaten away at me to the point that I am not the person I was created to be.  That's not how I want my story to end.  I have decided it is time to make drastic changes in my attitude, lifestyle, and relationship with Christ.  How is it that I expect to see results without putting in any effort of my own? Have I forgotten that the battle is already won for me?  Am I the only one dealing with this... NO.  I have learned that many of us are dealing with strongholds, some we talk about, others we keep in a little box in the back of our souls just hoping no one sees them.  The problem with that is the dust that keeps building from that little hidden box is eating away at our souls.  I can't continue to tuck them away, pretending they don't exist.  I must deal with them.  It has taken some long talks, some seriously awesome girlfriends, and some piercing words from God's word to get me to this point.  Thanks to my girls... who really should get an extra jewel in their crown for being my friend, some scripture has been brought to life for me.  Deuteronomy 20:4 says that "the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight FOR you against your enemies to give you VICTORY", and Lamentations 3:22-23 says "because of the Lord's great love we are NOT consumed, for His compassions NEVER fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."  You see, I'm not living a life that claims these truths.  I am already victorious because My GOD has fought the battle and won.  Why do I let these carnal things have such a stronghold over me?  Why do I let fear, doubt, weight issues, laziness, complacency, and ignorance define me?  Christ Jesus is the author of my life and He defines me!  So, the big question many of us have, is how do we do that, how do we live that?  

After some thought last night and today, I think I have some answers.  Probably not THE answer, but it's the only place I know to start right now.  First of all, I must start praying that God will help me believe not only in Him, but BELIEVE HIM and His promises.  I think I honestly just have to take it day by day and truly rely on the manna He provides for me TODAY.  No more worries of tomorrow or what if's about the past.  When I wake up in the morning, first thing, truly let Him direct my day.  There is something to be said about daily manna.  I must commit and learn to discipline myself.  No more excuses.  Sounds so easy, but doing it is so hard.  The words are there, but the action is obsolete.  Unless I actually DO what I am saying, the results will remain as they are.  So, I am going to believe, rely on His daily manna, and DO one day at a time.  I invite you on this journey with me.  Whatever tasks or strongholds you face, let's do it together and talk about it.  For me, I want to exercise and have an actual quiet time longer than 5 minutes here and there.  I want to build up my belief and energy.  I want to feel better spiritually and physically.  I want to say YES to Jesus more.  I want to literally hide His word in my heart.  I want others to see Him in me.  I want to be better at motherhood and marriage.  What do you want to do?

With so much love for you all,