Tue, Jul 8th 2008, 2:52 pm

7-8-08- Yesterday someone asked me to bring up a trophy of last month's contest so they could show it off at the gym. I politely told them that they don't give trophies for people who don't place in the top 5. When I left I thought that person had to know how bodybuilding contests are awarded because they are a bodybuilder (infact, they just competed last weekend and month). Then a horrible feeling came over me. I realized that the person was taking a stab or poke at me because I didn't bring anything back to the gym. The attack was subtle, cold, insensitive, and the attack laughed at me for my placing. I thought it was a friend; friends don't say things like that.

When I got home a called my husband and a friend, and they all agreed that it was very unkind. So from there I had a choice.....believe the negative (satan or enemy) or believe what God has told me. And I am happy to report, (especially having a long talk with my spiritual mother), I CHOOSE to not take it personal (everyone competes for different reasons), BELIEVE GOD (I am a champion), harbor no ill will (I will not be used by the devil), and keep my focus(my eyes are on the prize of eternal rewards for my life, not a trophy and a pat on the head from man!) So now what??? I will continue to spend time with God at home. I will be VERY SELECTIVE about who I let in my circle. I will not share my plans with people except the ones I trust (I can count that on one hand). Sometimes the devil can come to you really subtle and as an angel of light, so if you don't spend time with God you can get decieved quite easily.

My advice is to watch people. When people show you who they are believe them, don't make excuses. Your true friends are very few, God being your main friend. And when you see a person's shortcomings don't judge them. Pray for them. There is a reason why God allowed you to see that, and it is not for back-stabbing or gossip. Pray for people. They might say they don't need or believe your prayers, but they do. They really do.

Releasing Love and HUMILITY  and BINDING the competitive spirit in Jesus name! Aketa