Abby Rike, A Story of Personal Triumph

Guys and gals,
I'm sure that you remember me trying out for "The Biggest Loser" in July, well I was so discouraged when I did not make the cut for season 9. . . but later I was encouraged to start making healthier choices with or without being on the show. So far, I have lost 21 pounds to date. . . but. . . this story is not about me. Although, I believe that sometimes God makes us see things through other people's eyes, this story is about Abby Rike. There are some people in this world that are going through depression, heartache, divorce, loss of job, and other hardships. . . but I am drawn to Abby Rike. Abby Rike will be a contestant on the upcoming season 8 of "The Biggest Loser". Abby is from Mabank, Tx which is East Texas. Here's where the story gets really interesting. . .my high school played against her high school in football, and one of my co-workers was one of her former theatre students. In October of 2006, I remember this co-worker telling me some terrible news of her drama teacher's husband, five year old daughter, and two and half week son being killed in a fatal head-on car collision. Well, yesterday at work my co-worker said that Abby Rike, who was her teacher is going to be on the show. She asked me if I remembered what happened to her, and I couldn't believe it. Then, tonight I watched a video clip of Abby Rike on Access Hollywood, and she talked about how her faith has gotten her through this tragedy. Abby has a great outlook on life and she says that being on the show is a catalyst for other things. I think that we as people need to take a deep breath, check our senses, and be thankful to God for the time that we have. I have been dealing with selfishness, bitterness, depression, a "woe is me", and a "doubting Thomas" attitude lately. Just because things don't happen when or how you want them to doesn't mean that God is not still listening. The amazing part of her testimony is that she gives God all the glory. She also stated that she was suppose to be in the car with them that day that they lossed their lives, but if that happened I don't think that she would be the witness of testimony that she is today. We don't always know or understand what God is doing or planning on doing in and for our lives. . . we do however, know that it is our job just to go where He leads us!! I want to encourage everyone who reads this blog to remember that when the devil plays that tape recorder of "Should of Could of Would ofs" you remember who you are in Christ Jesus! I also speak to myself when I say these things, I want to be an inspiration to those around me and myself. . . a Beacon. . . if you will. My goal is till up the soil that has been causing the erosion of my harvest, and start planting good seed. I have so much to be thankful for and yet I have been very dissatisfied. God cannot and will not open the heavens of blessings to me unless I yield to him as a bride yields to her husband. When I do this, I will the things of His kingdom while living in the world. It's so important folks that we be cognisent of our actions and our thoughts. Thoughts can turn into actions, and if those thoughts are damaging, well those actions will be damaging too. Sometimes, it's too late once those actions have been done and those my friends lead to consequences. God does not want us to suffer, but as a nuturing parent, He will let us find out the hard way if we resist Him the most. I'm so thankful that God has used Abby Rike's story to tug at my heartstrings and minister to my heart and to correct me of my less than excellent attitude. I may still stumble along the way, but just like the grave could not hold my King, the devil has no hold on me!!

Be sure to watch "The Biggest Loser" so that we can pray for Abby's win!!!
Thank You God for Your Awesomeness,
Erik