Overcome This

Today I am taking a stand. I'm taking a stand against my own weaknesses. I am taking a stand against the lies that I tell myself about myself every day. I'm taking a stand against the fact that I have started new fitness journeys and failed over and over again. But, this time, I'm getting back up. I'm standing up. I'm standing for something other than myself. I'm going to stand against the disease that helped take my Dad's life. He was never able to stand strong against these things. So, I'm going to. His life is snuffed out because of his diet, and his bad habits. I'm not going to lay down and give up. I'm going to fight. I'm going to fight for him. In honor of his life. I'm going to overcome this. I'm going to become the woman God wants me to be. I know that how I look is not everything. I want to do it for my health. I want to live. I want to thrive. I'm tired of being sick! I'm angry! I'm tired of being tired. I'm tired of dealing with hormonal imbalance. I'm tired of giving in to my own habits. I'm going to stand strong. I'm going to fight.

It's a New Day

Today I am starting a new season of my life. I"m going to be working on a new lifestyle. I'd like to journal about it here. I'll be starting a food journal to let all of you see everything I put in my mouth. I am hoping this will give me some good accountability if I know that everyone is watching. :) I'm going to drink 1 gallon of water a day for the next 3 months. I'm also eliminating sugar from my diet as of Tuesday, March 7th. NO more. No soda for sure. I had my last one earlier. I need to stop for life. It is a major hang up for me. I will be spending at least 30 minutes a day in my Bible and praying for others. I will also spend at least 30 minutes with Ellie teaching her the Word. I'm going to get out the door daily, for at least 45 minutes. Rain or shine. This may be a walk, run or a hike. I will also do some exercises with Ellie during the day. She is also going on this plan with me. We are going to do it together. She will not be drinking 1 gallon of water though. I will also be eating 3 TBSP. Coconut oil every day. I'll be drinking apple cider vinegar every day. As I get into this lifestyle, I will touch base with you. It's not going to be easy. I'm addicted to sugar. I need the Lord's help, and I need your help. I'll document photos as well. Please be praying for me! Thank you, Jen Drake

Setting our hearts on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith

Today we set up our tree and put up most of our decorations.  It was a fun time.  Many times the kids wanted to bicker or argue.  I kept reminding them to focus on the real reason for doing this.  It's not just because it is pretty, or fun.  We are doing this to not only make good memories to carry them into their lives adults. We are not only doing it to create traditions.  We are doing it to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  He is our reason for life. For everything.  We set our hearts on Him each day, no matter what that day is.  He is the author of our Faith, and the Finisher.  His birth reminds us that we are here for a purpose, a plan, a destiny.  He came that we might Glorify God and enjoy Him forever.  I don't want to  lose sight of that during this busy time. I want us to SLOWWWWWW down, and take time to focus on what is real.  I am going to be purposeful to make Jesus our focus this Holiday Season.  
How about you?  Set a goal to spend time with the Lord daily focusing Him.  Resting in Him.  Don't get so caught up in the business of this season.  It's good to give gifts. It's good to decorate, bake and have fun together. I love this season for all of those things.  But, I want to be real about why we are doing it all.