As we go through life, we have a tendency to carrying things we should let go of.  I know I am guilty of this.  However, the Word says in Hebrews 12:1 to,  throw off, strip off, lay aside and rid ourselves of the things that hinders us, slows us down, entangles us, and easily besets us.  The following are some of the things I have dealt with and I have cut the cord on these things.

1.  Comparing ourselves to others.  You and I both know that you are a, one of a kind creation.  Psalm 139:14 tells you and I that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Unique and gifted. Just be happy being yourself. God loves you just the way you are!

2.  Trying to impress.  Being from a entertaining family this one has been hard for me.  However I am reminded of the scripture in Philippians 2:3, that tells us not to do anything out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.  Just live to please God and it doesn't matter if people like it or not. Just know that God is pleased when His kids do His Word.

3.  Saying yes when you want to say no.  I can't tell you how many times I have done this.  To me, this is a heart issue, not an obligation.  Let's don't get into the martyr spirit.  If God tells you to say yes, then do it.  Do not say yes out of obligation or manipulation.  Matthew 5:7 in the NLT says,....Just a simple, yes I will, or no I won't...   If you say yes out of obligation or manipulation you may be keeping someone else from doing what God has called them to do.

4.  Dwelling on past mistakes.  The devil just loves to play all the videos of all the wrong things we have done.  He is the accuser of the brethren.  Do not take his bait.  Remember what Paul said. in Philippians 3:13, " this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind me and reaching forward ......"  If I have learned anything in this past year without my husband, it is to move forward.  2/3 of God's name is GO.  He never tells us to go backward, so get out your scissors and cut off the extra weight and move forward!