"Them that honor Me, I will honor."

US National Junior Weightlifting Championships.
Silver.

The Lord has done a mighty work within me. I believe this truth now, more than ever.

"Angels are assigned to you to keep you company." Laurel sent me this text before we left for Houston. We had had a chat about angels and spiritual presences a few months ago, and since then-- since I consciously offered my senses to be instruments of righteousness--I have become more aware of these presences. They are ministers of the Lord's to send comfort, healing, and strength to those in need.

There were at least three. I always know they are there, because I can feel a spring of abundant joy burst within me whenever I smile. I've gotten into the habit of conjuring up a smile whenever I feel jittery because it relaxes me. During this weekend, whenever I smiled the jitters away, I couldn't help but giggle too. That was the angel tapping into the spring releasing genuine joy.

Because of that, this meet was the most fun I've ever had. It was better than every other gymnastics or weightlifting or Crossfit competition. Way better.

Beside having a load of fun, I felt strong. In the last weeks before competition I mildly strained an adductor muscle, which made me want to let my right knee roll in when I stood from a squat. It was feeling a little weak when I was training at the venue on Friday afternoon. I prayed for a strong right leg constantly after. Well... there was no symptom on Saturday, come competition day. I felt my best.

The competition: I easily made my opening attempt at 55kg, which I was credited with in the end. The judges called me on a lazy left elbow on my second attempt at 58kg, and following myself, I missed it again on the third attempt.
I started my Clean and Jerks with light opener for me, 72kg after the bronze medalist finished her last credited lift. I finished with 78 kg, which I had done for the first time last weekend at Rainier Crossfit. It was a competition PR and my technique was "superb." Several coaches approached me after the medal ceremony and described my technique with words like that: "incredible" extraordinary" "superb" "the best technique at this competition."
Papa said that was pretty cool.

Standing on the podium I pumped my fists and smiled big. I don't think I've ever felt so good about a competitive performance. I feel for the first time that it's easy to say thank you and humbly agree when someone says that I'm awesome. I truthfully feel that I was all that God wanted me to be at this meet.

Today, I talked to Laurel, who was watching the live broadcast the whole time, about the experience. I told her I feel so honored, and understand now that it is the Lord's glory manifested in me. She confirmed that when she said that when I stepped out on the platform, I looked different. Not different like bigger stronger physically-- but different as in... glowing.

"I will be a wall of fire around you, and I will be your glory within."

I am a light, like a silver star. Glowing, pulsating the glory of God. That's freaking crazy-awesome.