Thank You

It's been a LONG time since I have written, and while writers certainly go through seasons, it's great to be hitting these keys again to put some thoughts on the screen.  Today's post will be short but sweet, and it's for all of my fans, friends, and those who have been with me on the journey thus far.

I simply wanted to say thank you.  It's funny how two words can seem so incredibly inadequate at times.  Words carry such power and yet, at times, they oft fail us.  Yet in some feeble attempt, I want to express my gratitude for you, thanking the Lord each day for you.  Waves of thankfulness have encompassed me as I have reflected on the journey thus far, a journey that began not too long ago and yet feels as though I've been here for awhile.

The Bible speaks a great deal about encouragement, and Jesus told us to encourage each other all the more as we see that final day approaching.  I was swimming my usual laps today at the pool, water mist and oxygen coming out of my mouth as my arms moved waves of water and my feet fluttered.  Staring at white ceiling tiles with hints of rusty hues for any amount of time will lead to depth of thought.  And it was in this chlorinated, quiet place that the Lord showed me something sweet.

Whether you just read this blog, throw up a prayer for me, text me encouragement or cook amazing, low-carb food for me, thank you.  Oh sure, you may think you have done nothing worthy of thanks...but you see, you have.  Because every lap I swim, you swim with me.  Every time I lift those weights that seem featherless compared to the weight of the burden of my health, you lift it with me.  Every time I go just a minute longer, a minute harder on the machine, you go with me.  Every time I turn away that tempting piece of food that promises false comfort and pleasure, you say no with me.  (Which by the way, I am convinced that Eve bit into a caramel apple from that tree, I'm just saying!)  A little encouragement goes a long way, it's true.  We have, that is you and I, have proven it to be so.

I have never been this consistent in my working out.  Typically after 2 weeks, maybe 3, I run into physical problems and quit.  6 days a week at the gym with cardio and weights, I'm still going strong.  I am eating food, healthy foods, that before I would have never touched...and actually enjoy them.  I wake up feeling confident, for the first time in perhaps years.  And with the strength and grace given to me by God to walk this thing out, I have lost 25 pounds.  I now 157 pounds to lose.  I give all glory and honor to Jesus, who is making ALL things new, even me.  And to you, thank you.  May you be blessed abundantly beyond measure and given grace to do what it is He is calling you to do...for me, it's to continue on gaining by losing.