Sun, Feb 28th 2010, 3:48 pm

We have our brother Tim down from Ft. Worth. We all went to the gym to work out earlier. I killed the cardio. I addicted to trying to get a lot of calories burned in my sessions. I just feel the fat cells shrinking! They are working on Tim's car at the moment. I'm trying to finish out my day so that I better prepped for the week. We were all talking about how vital our health is, and how amazing it is to have the ability to move and move very well. Internally my age is probably 18 or younger. I was was having my vitals taken the other day and my BP read 110/78 which is not too bad. I can't wait to see what my A1C level is. They were concerned because I wasn't fasting. I never fast when I take the test. Why should this read be any different? Last year my total cholesterol was 130, non-fasting, and not doing much cardio. I can only imagine what is is this year with my current fitness level.

My main concern at this point is will I be able to compete. I've got some challenges I'm facing, but I guess that is nothing new. In 2008, 3 weeks from my first national show of the year, my doctor thought I had cancer. I found a lump in my breast and was on the surgery table the next week. In 2006-2007, my obstacles were more or less people. They all were the kind of people who you need to make sure you are praying for because they are blind to God's truth. God took care of them and me for that matter. All is well and harmonious in most of my relationships and working situations. It just seems like when ever I make up my mind to set a goal there is always something trying to keep me from it. This time it is my body. I had an injury last year as well, with my shoulder. Thank God that healed. The injury is not due to abuse or excessive exercise. I just have a joint that is locking. It is so annoying when you have a productive sesion and then, BOOM, you start to feel pain. I've got to be sure this isn't a spiritual attack, so I will be praying for God to hedge me in and protect me. I hope I will be able to compete this year, but if not then that is okay.

I've realized since taking a year off that competing is not my WORLD. I love to do it, but it doesn't consume me. I'm in a great position at my job; my husband and I are so close; we have great friends; we love God-totally; we own a home; we are not in debt; I'm young and healthy (for the most part); and I have a great self esteem! I can give, love and share myself without concern about feeling inadequate. I've done so many speaking engagements this month I'm quickly become a leader in my community for health and fitness. 

I guess as I write more things are not bad at all. I guess adversity builds character. God never said it would be easy, but at least He is there, every step of the way! Luvs!

Yours in Christ, Aketa