Here's to a Happy, Healthy 28!

On the eve of my 28th birthday, I am overwhelmed by the grace God has shown me this Summer, during this 19-month journey and in my 28 years. As of today, I am down 117 lbs. Wow! I can only say that it is truly the strength God has given me to endure this challenge. To think of this amazing gift that He has given me, it brings tears to my eyes.

I've completed my final appointments with the trainers and cardiologist and both were very pleased with my progress. During my assessment at Fitness Together, I was able to improve in all my physical fitness testing and most of my measurements decreased. I was thrilled to learn that I've burned off 20 lbs. of body fat weight, lowering it 20 percent, and I increasing my lean weight by 4 percent. My heart is in great shape and improving. I've decreased my heart rate 25 beats per minute and that adds up to a savings of 13 million beats in a year. So I know that if God continues to bless me in this journey of losing weight, that it will be a much happier and healthier year.

I'm thrilled beyond belief in these results because I know it will not only benefit me, it benefits all that matter to me. I will be able to have more energy to spend time with the ones I love: assisting Mom and Grandpa, chasing kiddos, taking run/walks with friends and just enjoying every breath that I take. It gives me new initiative to bring more excitement and activity to my 28th year. Thinking of the amazing opportunities God granted me in my 27th year challenges me to think of all I can do in the next year. I truly cannot wait to see where God takes me. Here are just a few that have already crossed my mind...

•  Watch Chipper Jones and the Atlanta Braves play against Albert Pujols and the St. Louis Cardinals. 
•  Speak at the Go Red for Women Luncheon as one of the 10 magnificent women who participated in the Better U Challenge.
• Watch "The Lion King" 3D on the big screen & relive some favorite childhood memories.
• Volunteer & "Just Be" at the 2011 Design for Life Conference.
• See my fantastic Floridian cousins in the STL!
• Take an amazing road trip to Tulsa to experience The 7  Tour (David Crowder Band & Chris August)  with my dear friend, Bethany Weatherly.
• Enrich my soul at Fresh Grounded Faith with family & friends.
• See the Kansas City Plaza at Christmastime.
• Participate in a 5K with the Heather Hansen!
• Stand up for some amazing friends, who are like family, as they begin their new life together... Love ya, Jessica & Justin! I'm so excited & honored to be a part of your special day!
• Volunteer/Work at Louisville2012 watching some of the brightest, most talented teens deploy their God-given talents.
• Achieve my weight loss goal and maintain a healthy weight.
• Continue to write content for amazing Christian publications using the gifts God has given me.
• Grow more and more into woman that God wants me to be... 

Thank you again to my amazing family & friends who have been a tremendous blessing & support. Thank you for being encouragement on the sidelines & in the race! I pray the Lord bless you all as you have been such a blessing to me.  Above all else, remember to Praise Him in every situation because He is Everything!

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Many Blessings,
Jenn