Finding pure joy in giving to others is my gift. I put on many different hats to serve others; like my husband, children, school children, friends, school organizations, community organizations, church organizations, etc.! When I needed a "pick me up", I would find a different hat to put on by looking to what I could do for someone else. I spent time giving until I was so exhausted and that I did not take care of myself. I found myself eating anything, gaining weight and becoming more sad.

God created me as a vessel and he does not make mistakes and yet I did not take care for myself. My body, mind, soul and heart was created especially for me. Yet, I did not maintain what God gave me. Being raised in a Godly home in a great community was just who I was. But life had wore me down. I had no more to give. I had given into the idea that God loved me no matter what so just be happy no matter what you felt or looked like.

Today, I still believe that God loves me no matter what, but I did not honor what God gave me by running ragged. Serving others is a gift God has pleased me with, but I am disobeying God by not caring for my heart, mind, body and soul. The most important hat to wear is spending time in God's Word learning to be more like Him.

The weight loss was a bonus, but I found pure joy in finding who I am in God's eyes. Healing my heart, mind and soul has been fulfilling. It has brought me to a much happier, peaceful place in the craziness of life. Cherishing the hat of being God's masterpiece and striving to honor him with my food choices, health, exercise and time has been a fabulous journey.

Thank you,

~Jacque

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* Individual results may vary.