Good Morning Girls!  Yesterday I talked about the importance of an encouraging word during my workouts, and more importantly, my life. Later on in the day I met with a friend and received just that........ A word of encouragement to keep me going.  She took me out to lunch where we shared a delicious meal....only mine came with a side order of...........Level 2 Drills?

So during the INSANITY workouts, there are times when I am dripping with sweat and can hardly breathe.  I am barely hanging in there and then Shaun T has the nerve to say "Level 2 Drills!".  Level 2 drills are when you jump into push up position, crank out 8 push ups, do 8 mountain climbers, and jump back up to standing.  Then repeat.  You do this for a minute.  Now, it may not seem like much, but they seem to come at the time in the workout when I am already toast.  I feel like I have already given out maximum effort.  I have nothing left.  But he is the expert.  He has promised me results. I have committed to following him and his program.  So I Dig Deeper and with an exhausted "Help me Jesus", and I do what he has told me to do.  And though my form isn't always pretty, I somehow get through it.....and feel better when I do.....knowing I did not quit, and I did what I knew to do.

So yesterday, while at lunch with my friend, I was served up a side order of Level 2 Drills.  She spoke the truth in love regarding something I needed to do.  And I knew I needed to do it.  And I knew I could do it.  But I also knew life had been a little easier when I wasn't doing it.  Now the details don't matter.  What matters is that we all need to have these "experts" in our lives.  Whether it is Shaun T as my current fitness expert, or my friend, who has been my mentor, my support, my Christian living "expert" if you will.  We need to have these experts in our lives to push us in the direction we already want to go......but have a hard time doing so on our own.  We need these experts to encourage us to be the best us we can be.  And most of all, we need them to do it in love.

If you are in a leadership position you need to realize that there will be times when you have to give someone a Level 2 Drill.  Even though they may already be working hard, and sweating from the demands of life.  If they are getting off course, or doing something that will lead to trouble down the road, you need to steer them back.  You need to encourage them to press on.  You need to show them you truly love and care for them, by telling them what they need to do.......even if it means more work.....more sweat......and sometimes more tears........

So Girls, whether you are on the giving, or receiving end of a Level 2 Drill, know that it is scriptural.  We are called to teach others the way of life that will lead to more blessing...... and less heartache.  And though it is not always easy, you will be rewarded in the end!

2 Timothy 4:2  Preach the word of God.  Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not.  Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

Love, thanks, and strength for your Level 2 Drills,
Jen