Good Morning Girls!  As many of you know, after 3 1/2 years, 10 attempts, and many tears, I finally completed from start to finish, the 12 week Body for Life Program this past June.  It was something that had been hanging over me since the first time I did it years ago and was too insecure to mail in my results.  During the 12 weeks, I fought many emotions.  At the end of my 12 weeks I went to the gym to have my final stats done.  I had anticipated this day for years.  I was excited.  My excitement soon turned to anger and frustration as I met with the trainer.  I had only lost 8 pounds.   My body fat had only gone down 3%.  I went down one clothing size.  Now, don't jump all over me about how that is good.  Yes, it is good, but it did not meet my expectations.  During the 12 weeks I imagined this huge physical transformation.  I wanted to lose 18 pounds, not 8.  I wanted to drop 10% body fat, not 3%.  I had a mini meltdown right there in the middle of the gym.  I grabbed my bag and went outside where my mini meltdown turned into a full blown meltdown.  I called my friend and completely lost it.  I was mad I said things like "this is it?  I worked this hard for this?"  I wanted to drive to the store and buy a pizza and a pint of Ben and Jerry's.  I wanted to sit and eat until I put the 8 pounds back on in a statement of rebellion.  My friend replied "Jen, you need to stop measuring this by the numbers.  When you set out to do this, it was never about the numbers.  You have said all along that this was about finishing what you started 3 years ago.  You said you were doing this because you believed the Lord was telling you to follow through.  Do not quit now.  Finish this.  Turn in your entry, and be done.  It's time to quit following a program, and follow the Lord's direction."  She was right.  I had been telling everyone that this was about the task, not the results.  I spent most of the day fluctuating between bitterness, joy, relief, and everything in between.  The next morning, I woke up at 5am and wrote my essay.  To be honest with you, I thought it was awesome.  I thought "well my results may not be so impressive, but this essay rocks!".  I mailed in my stuff and was glad to be done.  After a couple of weeks I would go to my mailbox in anticipation every day.  I wanted my certificate.  My friend had received a certificate from EAS acknowledging her completion.  I wanted mine.  It was black and white proof that I had done what I set out to do.  I mailed in my stuff on June 23rd, it is now Sept 18th, I think it is safe to say that I will not be getting any acknowledgment from EAS.  Why am I sharing this seemingly sad story?  I want you to know the truth.  I want you to know that there are times, when you reach your goal, that the outcome is not what you expected.  There are times when you follow instruction to the letter, and the results are not what you have built in your mind.  I want you to know, that sometimes the task is given to you for reasons you do not yet understand.  I have not one moment of regret in completing the Body for Life Program.  The things I learned about myself during the 12 weeks have shaped who I am today.  The disciplines I put back into place have continued to carry over to this day.  I am still working out 5-6 days a week.  I am still well aware of what I put into my body.  More than that, I have been reminded that we do not do things for credit from man.  We do things for the glory of the Lord!  I can honestly say I am a more confident and effective witness because I  no longer have this "thing" hanging over me.  I have completed the work.  The initial results were not what I expected, but the rewards that I continue to reap are greater than I could ever have dreamed of.  If you reach your goal, and feel discouraged, don't assume you missed God's direction.  Trust Him for the reward, it's much better than any old certificate!

Isaiah 49:4 I replied, "But my work seems so useless!  I have spent my strength for nothing and to no purpose.  Yet I leave it all in the Lord's hand; I will trust God for my reward."

Love you all-
Jen