No Matter What

"Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen."
Hebrews 13: 20, 21

The above scripture is a blessed reminder of who you serve and what He is capable of accomplishing in your life.
 Chances are, you are in the middle of making plans for the new year.  Setting goals, and dreaming big dreams.  You may have the whole family onboard (or not) but nonetheless, you are planning, preparing, and praying.  Hoping that this new year will bring about change for you and your loved ones like never before.   There are so many areas in your life that you desire to see a transformation.
 Maybe it's your finances.  This year you are committed to diligently seeking God's will and direction to get out of debt.
 Or at least to lower your debt.
Maybe it's your health and the health of your loved ones.  You are ready for change.  No more junk food.  No more drive-thru's.  
At least for the first few days.  
Or maybe you are desperate to draw closer to God in the new year.  Tired of putting Bible reading literally or figuratively "on the shelf."  Ready to dive into God's Word.  Glean the lessons; embrace the truths.  Live a life of freedom from worry, guilt and shame, and drown yourself in the promises of His Word.
Whatever the case.  Whatever your goals.  Make this declaration today.  No matter what happens.  No matter what struggles come your way, you won't give up.  I know that's a heavy request, but you must remember this,
 What matters to you, matters to God.  
He longs to give you the desires of your heart, but they must remain your desires.  
Don't give up, just because you slip up.  
Don't quit because you feel like you've failed.  
Think about this.  Both Walt Disney and Henry Ford filed bankruptcy before founding Disney World and the Ford Motor Company.  
And where would we be without them today?  
(Just to be clear, I don't think Walt Disney would approve of the current state of Disney World any more than you or I. It was his original dream and perseverance that created the "magic" of Disney that I for one wish could return.)
The world, and your loved ones need you too.  They need you to not give up this time.
Remember one very important thing.  
It is not you who will do the great work in your life in the new year.
 It is the One who lives in you.  The One who came to this earth in human form, willingly gave up His life, and was raised again to take away your sin, guilt and shame.  
Do not minimize what God has done for you by trying to achieve your goals in your own flesh.  Trust in the One who can bring them to pass.
As this year ends and another one is soon to begin, consider doing the following:
Let go of the fear.  
Let go of the shame.
 Let go of the guilt.
Let God do a great work in you.
NO MATTER WHAT!

Let's Pray.
Dear God,
No matter what, I will not give up this time.  I have so many hopes, dreams and aspirations for the coming year.  For me and my loved ones.  I will dream big, because I serve a big God.  Thank you Lord for saving me.  And thank you for taking me to new levels in the new year.  I will boast about my God and all You have done for me.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen

E4M DAILY STRATEGY
No Matter What
No matter what your goals are for the coming year, improving your eating habits will be a powerful asset to achieving them.  Implement these four healthy eating strategies to give your body the best chance for success in the new year.
 (Consider getting the whole family onboard too!)

1.  Limit eating out to one time per week. Typically, eating out prompts over eating and eating less healthy.  Lessening the amount of times you eat out per week can automatically reduce your calorie intake and make weight loss more natural!  Saves money too! Consider making Sunday after church the one time you eat out with family and/or friends to give everyone something to look forward too!

2.  Always drink before you eat.  Everyone in the family can benefit from this little trick.  Drink 12 ounces of water before you eat at every meal.  This allow your body to flush out toxins left over from your previous meal/snack, and helps to fill you up so you may not eat as much.  Again, a natural weight loss trick!

3. Fill your plate with..... Veggies!  Always fill half your plate with veggies.  Veggies provide the majority of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to function at its best.  Plus, most are sparce in calories but filled with texture and flavour.  This little trick can reduce the calories and fat on your dinner plate by up to 50%!  

4. Pray before and after.  Most of us pray before our meal, but forget a couple things.  First, it's important to ask God to help you eat healthy.  (Not overeat, not eat too fast, etc.). And second, thank Him at the end of the meal for being with you on this journey and continuing to spur you onto success.  Keep Him at the center and He will lead you to victory!

The above strategies can be powerful for everyone in the new year, not just those on a weight loss journey.  God wants us all to take care of our temples, and educating our loved ones about healthy eating regardless of their weight, is imperative to their longevity and health too!