Last week I ventured down to one of the area's most amazing artists for a particular tattoo that I have been contemplating getting for quite some time now.  Yes, this is my arm, this is my tattoo...  After getting it, I've had many ask "why this specific tattoo?" ...and, the infamous question "what does it mean to you?"  I can sit here for days and talk all about "poor me" (in my own words) explaining all about my past, or I can give you the "readers digest version" (as my pastor or says) and give you a little bit of insight as to how I look at life from my own personal experiences in that 'now vs then' perspective that explains, my past the trail run.

The past, absolutely unchangeable yet remarkably ingrained into our mind.  The past, the specter that looms or the sunsets of days now gone in the rearview mirrors of our lives. The past, how amazingly resourceful it has been in crafting who we are today in areas such as profession, character, etc...but not who we can or have become as a person.  Are you ready to make your past the trial run?

Today I am thankful that my past does not define me nor my future.  I am more than the culmination of my desicions and circumstances.  I am more than any negitive word ever spoken into me.  I am more than any pain I have ever endured in my past.  And so are you!

Choice – the power, right or liberty to choose.

Everyone's rearview mirror most assuredly has a different view to portray.  As you look into yours what is it you see?  Do you see a one chapter book or a many chaptered novel?  The ability to create those chapters comes from your freedom of choice, the power to change.  Often, it is your past that helps you make more prepared choices for your future, but you do not have to allow it to be the tool the enemy uses to tell you who you are, or define you.

I was created to live a good life, a peaceful life, an abundant life, a happy life! I was born with the tools necessary to reach for great things, and to attain them. And so were you!

Who you can become is totally up to you.  Though change can be difficult and trying at times, you have your past to reflect back upon your successes and failures, and how you survived any injustices.  Reflect and use these experiences wisely, but do not spend time dwelling on things that are not there to offer insight, guidance or direction.  Be determined not to let these things control your thoughts, but allow change to come your way.  Give yourself permission to accept and embrace these changes.  You have the choice to make the changes to become who you want to be in your book of life.  Most of all, you have God and your faith to strengthen you on your journey.  Ask God to help you put the past in the past, and make your past the trial run.

In the words of Jesus, "I have come to you that you may have life, and have it more abundantly." ~ John 10:10 ...  This tells me I was created to live a good life, a peaceful life, an abundant life, a happy life!  I was born with the tools necessary to reach for great things, and to attain them.  And so were you!

Believe what God says about you, not what your past says about you. Yesterday's race is just that, yesterday's race. Today is another day, far more within your ability to change than yesterday.

I have within me a God-given ability and strength to fight evil, and to win.  I have within me the ability to forgive, so that bitterness does not control me.  And, I have within me the ability to discern the truth from a lie.  When I cannot find within myself the strength to press through, I know, without a doubt, I can find it by reaching out to God, who has been my source of strength and courage and is the source of all wisdom and power.

"I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord.  Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" ~ Jeremiah 29:11  Regardless of how something may seem, what I may often find myself thinking in my moments of weakness, or what my situation or circumstances may be, I remember this scripture.

Believe what God says about you, not what your past says about you. Yesterday's race is just that, yesterday's race.  Today is another day, far more within your ability to change than yesterday.  Are you ready to write a new chapter in your life? It's time to make your past the trial run!

- Coach Anna

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* Individual results may vary.