Growth & Hope

Before you read this... check out the before and after in these pics. The pic on top was late 2006 at a friend's cabin with some girls from my bible study ( I'm the one sticking out my tongue). The pic on the bottom was several weeks ago, when I was in a friend's wedding (I'm in the middle).

In the last 18 months or so, life has taken some major turns. I mean major. Conviction in all areas of my life started to set in, and I had no choice but to start making decisions. Some decisions were without a doubt right, but others were just the best solution at that moment.

The relationship and lifestyle changes that have occured because of the decisions I started making were difficult to say the least.

I had to make myself a priority last year, which was very strange, and a foreign concept for women in the Christian faith. It really wasn't selfish, it was self care. I hadn't been paying attention to my spiritual, physical or emotional health. When God gave me life he entrusted me with this body, mind and soul to use for His good purpose. But I wasn't healthy, and therefore couldn't be used to my full potential.

What if God had wanted me to pick up and go climb some mountain? I wouldn't have been able to do so for several reasons. First, I was extremely overweight. Second, I was in debt. Third, emotionally I just wasn't prepared for that sort of challenge. Fourth, I didn't know how to let go and trust God (still learning this!!).

So what changes have I made? I started seeing a counselor... wow, what a difference that made in my life! After I dealt with several issues in my life, I was really able to concentrate on my weight issue, and how my current lifestyle was contributing to that. Running was my new best friend, I literally ran my butt off. Relationships have simply changed. Accountability has been such a blessing. Whether through my accountability partner or through the bible study I'm involved in, other women speaking into my life has been incredibly important.

In the last several weeks I've seen some hope in even the worst of situations. It seems healing has come to certain relationships. I am so thankful for the growth in my life, and the lessons I keep learning. It's not that I don't mess up constantly, it's just that I seem to recognize the pitfalls much sooner, and deal with them accordingly.

I hope this trend continues, I pray it does.