Good Morning Girls!  I've already told you all how I love it when Shaun T looks into the camera and tells me not to quit.  He assures me I can do it.....and I do. He pushes me harder.  He encourages me.  And though he is the only one that talks on the DVD, he is not the only one who encourages me.

I am also encouraged by the other people on the DVD who are doing the workouts along with me.  I am encouraged for many reasons.  First, it feels good to not feel alone.  I know it sounds ridiculous but simply knowing that at some point they had to do all the same stuff I am doing makes me feel better.  I love the fact that so far I am able to keep up with most of them.  I also love it when some of them have to take a break, because it helps me feel okay if I do also.....but I always try to beat them back!

Most of all, I love staring at the Girls tone legs, and rock hard abs!  I am serious!  I know I sound like a weirdo, but when have I ever hidden my weirdness from you!  I love staring at the abs for two reasons.  First of all, rock hard abs are the true mark of success in the fitness world.  They scream "I have arrived!  I have the ultimate discipline!".  Which in many cases isn't really true.  What they really scream, but those of us chasing after don't hear is "I worked hard.....but most of all I am really blessed with good genetics in the abdominal area!!!!!"

The other reason I love to stare at those abs is that it motivates and encourages me.  They tell me "If you don't quit....you will find your abs!"  "If you don't quit......you will look like this!"  Now don't go giving me a lecture about how we are all different and so are our bodies, and we shouldn't wish we looked like someone else and blah, blah, blah.  I know that.  I get that.  Yet I want those abs.  And if thinking I may get them from this workout makes me stick with this workout, then who cares.  Some of you are shaking your head at me.....many of you (and I could list you by name....but I won't lol) are shouting Amen!  You are feeling my pain.

So what does all this abdominal nonsense have to do with our walk with the Lord?  Well, it's the part about the working out as a group.  Pressing through together.  Sweating and gasping and celebrating at the end together.  It's about seeing those you aspire to be.  The ones who didn't quit, and seem to have found the way to successful living.  It's about encouraging each other, whether it is a spoken word, or simply using your life (or your abs) as a testimony.  It's about coming together for the same goal....the same purpose.

 It's about feeling, and helping others feel, that we are not alone in this life.  We are not alone in the struggles.  We are not alone in the victories.  We are surrounded by those who have been through it already.  And though the "individual results may vary", we know that if we keep pressing on we will come out a little stronger, a little faster, and a lot more confident! 

So Girls, next time you head off to church, remember: not only are you doing it to worship and hear from the Lord, you are going to be an encouragement to others.  Believe it or not, someone else is wishing they had your abs! (I'm sorry I am in a weirder than normal mood..........)

Hebrews 10:25  And let us not neglect out meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

Love, patience, and abs of steel to you all,
Jen