For Such a Time as This! Renew! #weightloss

RENEWAL! I have been waiting til I lost 30 lbs to write this.... 

AND TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!

For years, I have had this sweet little blog that makes my heart happy, but I have ignored it for the past few years and tried to pretend that I was going to make changes.  I didn't.  And I kept trying and giving up.  

I got my chin back... 20 lbs gone

Last December, God put the word Surrender on my heart.  I thought He wanted me to surrender my finances, my parenting, almost everything.  I didn't realize He wanted me to surrender my control and put it in His hands.

In October, I was doing a study on Esther using Beth Moore's book with an awesome group of ladies.

Something hit me... BIG!
"And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" Esther 4:14

SUCH A TIME AS THIS!!!!

If Esther didn't act immediately, her people would die. She could have just buried her head in the sand and ignored what was happening to her people. She was doing alright.  She was the queen.  It wasn't a great life.  She hadn't even seen her king in 30 days.  Should she put her life on the line now? Her uncle, Mordecai, knew she had to. And when he says, "Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this" it spurs her to move forward.  She knows she may die.  She even says in Esther 4:16, "If I perish, I perish."  Wow!  Imagine having all that pressure to do something that you know is right but it could kill you, or knowing that your people WILL die if you don't. 

I realized that I make much easier decisions daily but still struggle with those decisions.  It seems that my stronghold this year and in the past few years has been my decision making.  Especially what decisions I am making concerning my health.  I will in no way compare this to the heroic decisions that Esther made, but I can learn something from what she did. 

I have gotten way too comfortable in my life. I feel like everything personal has been put on the back burner for me for a while now. I focus on work and being a mom and I even manage to fit in time with Jesus. But what about me? Oh, I do things for myself, but they aren't always healthy. Recently I read Made to Crave by Lysa TerKeurst, and I was convicted about how I crave food and treating myself to that food more than I crave God! Ouch! This is not something I am proud of.

I am mortified by the pic on the left. But there it is....
30 lbs down

A couple of months ago, at The Soul Sisters retreat in Tennessee.  One of the presenters talked about strongholds and how they cancel out our abilities to bear fruit. Wow... I know that I have an eating problem and it is affecting me on the inside, but I hadn't thought about how it was affecting my relationship with God and my ability to bear fruit.  

That was it, I just knew that I would lose a million pounds and give all the glory to God.  (I even saw my skinny self declaring it while I sat on the back of the convertible with my sash and crown waving to all that came to my "She's finally skinny parade" to celebrate this feat... Just kidding... kinda) I got back home and ran into the same thought process I always have, "I will do it... SOON."  I know I am not the only one who says this... soon... I will start monday, or on the first or in the new year....

About a week later,  I was woken up to a thought in the middle of the night. "Who knows! Could your word for the year, Surrender have been given to you for such a time as this!" It felt like it had been said specifically to me. I didn't hear a thunderous boom or a deep Morgan Freeman-like voice.  I just thought it. And I, FINALLY,  realized that NOW was the time. I don't have to be perfect but now, at this very moment, it was time.  I have always felt God would use my story for something, but I have never SURRENDERED control of this particular stronghold.  I have never given my cravings of food to God. I have never actually surrendered them. I would try to, but I would pick them up later in the McDonald's drive thru.  No more! I will do this! I will change my habits because I want to honor the Lord. That was Oct. 28th, 2019.

Esther did a whole lot more than what I have been doing with this past two weeks, and I am not trying to say I am anything like her.  But I know that in order to be who God wants me to be, I have to surrender this stronghold to God.  I have asked God to unsettle me and to remind me that the number on the scale doesn't define me. I also ask God to help me when it's time to make a food choice.  I have talked to Him a lot more in these last 2 months than I have in the past. Sometimes I have even painfully asked why those incredible cookies from Chicken Salad Chick can't be healthy!

He keeps reminding me of Ephesians 4:22-24: You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;  to be made new in the attitude of your minds;  and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  

I have been asking people to pray for my "want to" in this journey over the last month, and it is SO VERY evident that people are! Some of you are, I know it.  And I am so grateful for your obedience. 

This growth has only come in the last few months and I pray deeply that I stay the course.  I know not everyone struggles with this issue, but I do hope it helps someone else. 

I would love to hear how you are going to enter 2020...  For me, my vision for 2020 is clear.... it's time for RENEWAL! I am ready to transform into who God wants me to be.

What is your word for 2020? Share it with me!

Prepare to fight Goliath! #MadetoCrave Day 2

This isn't just a fight for me.  It feels like a battle... a war! And I have, so far, just been sitting off to the side watching the enemy take over. The saddest part of all of this is that the enemy isn't just helping me stay over weight, he is affecting other parts of my life too. No more! I am a Godly woman who is taking back my life!

I was always very athletic and healthy when I was younger.  I would say that it's been the last 12 years that I have been carrying around the "fat suit."  It's weird because I forget my size until I see a photo or get a glimpse in the mirror. And I will not lie, this weight has beaten me down.
I am no weight loss expert. I am reading Made to Crave and focusing on glorifying God in all that I do.  It's that simple. I am not trying to write a book or start a weight loss program.  Just talking about my struggles and hoping to connect with like-minded people who want to discuss!

This weight has allowed for some ugly voices in my head to tell me my worth is wrapped up in a number.  Yikes! I don't like that and don't want that anymore.

In her book, Made to Crave, Lysa TerKeurst says she told herself this over and over again.  I am going to hang it up right by my scale.  I need to remember it. "I am a Jesus girl who can step on the scale and see the numbers as an indication of how much my body weighs-not an indication of my worth."  Ok that preaches right there!!!  How many of us look to that scale for validation.  Or look at it with hate... I know I do.  I hate that stupid scale.   First step today: Weigh myself.  Y'all, seriously that sucked! It was a number I am not proud of and am not feeling led to share it with you, lol... and you don't have to share yours with me either! Ha!

So if I look at the scale in a different way, that is definitely the first step.  Second step for me is tracking my food.  Listen, I am not about to be sharing my food diary with anyone just yet, but I am ready to be accountable to me.  Tomorrow, I food journal. Can you do it too? I will be on the my fitness pal app. Search me and let's encourage each other!
You can follow me on myfitnesspal.com or on the app.  https://www.myfitnesspal.com/profile/mindylouwho2019

What was your first step today? What did you do to start or continue on this journey?

Why does it have to be so hard!!! #MadeToCrave Day 1

Seriously! Why? It wasn't always this hard... why now?
Have you ever asked any of those questions? I am really struggling with this. I need to get healthy and I have the urge to, but I am missing one big thing.... I am missing my WANT to.  The WANT to comes with really hard choices that don't pack a lot of fun. I mean, I know I need to, but ugh... it's too hard!

No makeup and short hair, yikes! 

I will confess it now... I am tired of saying, when I lose weight I will do this or that... oh I am not going to get a headshot done til I lose weight, I am not going to cut my hair til I lose weight, I am not going to put myself out there to meet someone special til I lose weight.... All of the things that have to wait until I lose weight to do.... That is dumb! That means I am waiting to live UNTIL I LOSE WEIGHT????  Well that is pretty sad.  This should be the motivation to get started!

So today, I cut my hair! Yup! Chopped! I cut off about 9 inches! It's a short bob now and well, it doesn't make my face look thinner but my hair does look much healthier than it did.  But now, I can't hide under all of that hair.  You can see my face... it's too, um, uh, full.... So this should be the motivation to get started too!

I just finished the book, Made to Crave by Lysa Terkeurst.  If you all don't know of Lysa Terkeurst, you need to check her out. I have read a number of her books and she is incredible! She also founded Proverbs 31.  In this book, she talks about craving God more than you crave anything else.  Wow! I love my time with God and I want to glorify Him in everything I do.  Hmmm... am I doing that with my self care? So this should be the motivation to get start too!

Well, tomorrow is the day! I am starting Day 1 of Made to Crave Devotional: 60 Days to Craving God, Not Food. 

So, I am asking the Lord tonight to Unsettle Me! I don't want to keep living the way I am living. I want to be a healthy, Godly woman who takes care of the body that she was given so that she can live a long and happy life, LIVING, rather than watching from the sidelines!



Would you like to join me? I am considering starting a Made to Crave group.  Let me know in the comments if you want to join me.

Back to the Drawing Board #FWTFL

I am here now and that's all that matters!

Well, it's been too long since my last blog.  Unfortunately, that means that I haven't had much to talk about in the health and fitness world.  I am not sure how it's gotten away from me, but it has. 

Rather than beating myself up about it, I am going to forgive myself and move on.  Thank you all for joining me on this new endeavor... the road to healthy living!

I have tried so many different weight loss plans over the years and failed.  I am the queen of verbal abuse to myself and comforting myself with food.  NO MORE! Not happening anymore!

I have been reading the book Atomic Habits by James Clear. You read more about it HERE: Atomic Habits on Amazon. He talks about how negative thoughts produce more negative thoughts and that we can have big goals, but that can cause disappointment.  The better plan is to change by 1%. Just be 1% better and then celebrate the victories! I love it.  I have always said, "I want to lose 50 lbs (or whatever)"  And then when I didn't lose it in 30 days, I would feel frustrated and want to quit.  NO MORE! I want to make small changes and see the difference.

I have decided to do the FASTer Way to Fat Loss® program. This program was created Amanda Tress and I have see HUGE changes in lives! Not just weight loss, rather in overall health. It's all about creating healthy habits.

This program begins on Monday. I am excited to get it going. I will be documenting this 6 week program here. My coach is Jordan Rothwell and she has made huge changes and looks incredible.  She feels great too!


You can learn more about it here. FASTer Way to Fat Loss  Today I am still working on understanding the program. I am very excited. It is a plan that I feel I can get on board easily! It makes complete sense too.  I have already started fasting. We do an intermittent fast daily.  I will be fasting every day from 7pm til 11 am.  This allows for the body to burn fat.  I am excited about it.  I have done it this week and believe it or not, it isn't that hard.  When I really wanted to eat something the other night, I just went to bed.  LOL... worked perfectly!

I cannot wait to get started and I will be sharing the journey! Have you ever heard about this program? Do you know anything about it?

Don't Let Anything Get in the Way of Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.


As a parent, there is really nothing more important than my child and his future. We all know this.  Helping him find success in school is one of those things.  I grew up knowing I would go to college.  It was never a choice.  My parents just taught us that we would, as if everyone does.  So... we did.  

It was very important to me that I ensured that for my son. When we sold our home 12 years ago, we made a significant profit and were able to pay for a Florida Prepaid plan outright.  Not everyone is that fortunate.  But it's okay because there are many different payment plans and program options.  

There is a recorded webinar https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/1511/24661 you can watch and learn all about this. You will learn how families have been using Florida Prepaid for 25 years to send their children to college.  You will be able to connect with a Florida mom who can give you firsthand knowledge of getting started and how this will impact your children's future success.

The webinar is Tues. Feb. 20th from 12:00-12:45 PM EST.  There is no cost to register. Don't miss this valuable information that will help your child's future!


If you haven't already, NOW is the time to sign up.  Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

Prioritize Your Child's Future! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own.


Florida Prepaid enrollment is open from now until Feb. 28th.  This is the only time of year that you can sign up for one of Florida Prepaid's college savings plans.  You can lock in today’s plan prices, today’s college plan prices, and the future cost of college. Don't wait. Open enrollment ends February 28th!
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
ENROLL HERE

People commonly believe the "myths" that they hear about signing up for Florida PrePaid. These are myths...

MYTH: Florida PrePaid is restricted to Florida Schools.  FACT: It isn't restricted to Florida schools; the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide.

MYTH: Florida Prepaid can only be used if my child remains a Florida resident.  FACT: If the beneficiary moves out of Florida after purchasing a Prepaid Plan, your child would still be billed at in-state tuition rates when using their plan at a Florida college or state university.

MYTH: If my child doesn't go to college, I lose all the money.  FACT: If your child doesn't go to college, you can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid Plan or get your money back.

There is no reason not to do this.  Don't let your child start their future in debt.  This is a simple and economical way to ensure that your child can get to college.


Florida PrePaid will be hosting a webinar on 2/20.  Stand by for more details. This will be a great time to get all of the information you need and they will be able to answer any questions that you have!


Signing up is easy! You will $25 off the application fee and it should only take about 10-15 to fill out the application.  It's is not scary or time consuming.  You can do it over morning coffee or while you wait in the doctor's office.  Don't wait.
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount at ENROLL HERE

Re-evaluate your New Years Goals now! ! #startingisbelieving

This is a Sponsored Post for Florida Prepaid. However;  all opinions are my own.

Today is the day when most people give up on their New Years Resolutions! Don't let that be you! The New Year is the time to evaluate your finances, prioritize, and set goals.  It's time to make sure that college savings is on that list! Florida PrePaid is an easy way to get started.

Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount. 
  ENROLL HERE

When I graduated from the University of South Florida in 1996, (wow I am old) I had a HUGE amount of student loan debt. It was scary to see.  Being young, I was just thinking, "Hey, no biggie! I will just get to it later." Until my first payment came due... ummm what!!! I had just started working... I didn't have that kind of money! I realized that this debt was going to stay with me for a long period of time. It seemed insurmountable. And it was.  At 43 years old, I would probably still being paying this off if I hadn't had a blessing by my parents.  They inherited some money and paid my student loan off for me.  At the time, I had no idea how HUGE this blessing was, but my parents did. I am so blessed that I didn't have to deal with that loan.  I got to buy my first house and start my own family.

Knowing all of this, when my son was 2 years old and my ex-husband and I sold our home for a large profit. I made sure that we took some proceeds from that and paid for Florida PrePaid for my son, Bryce.  College these days is a must and I didn't want any reason for Bryce not to go to college. The idea that he won't be burdened by a huge loan leaves me feeling at ease. 

Did you know that student loan debt has reached $1 trillion of debt among Americans?  The time to start saving is now!  Enroll here!

Signing up is easy! You will $25 off the application fee and it should only take about 10-15 to fill out the application.  It's is not scary or time consuming.  You can do it over morning coffee or while you wait in the doctor's office.  Don't wait.
Sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount at ENROLL HERE

Why I am skipping resolutions this year... We can do anything for 52 days! #stayonthatwall

So it's a New Year!  Time for the New Year, New Me resolution again right? Yep! I do it every year. And December rolls around way too fast and I am the same old me.  Again!

So what am I doing wrong? Why can't I stick to it? One word... COMMITMENT! I don't commit to it fully. I think I commit, but it's not a full commitment.

Let me first say... I am not in ministry and I don't quote verse very well.  I am just a Christian who is sharing what I experienced today.

Every December for the last couple of years...

Today at church, my pastor, Tim Whipple talked about New Years resolutions. He talked about how we all have our "things" that we don't admit to or that we don't stick to.  The first "thing" I always think of is my physical health.  Sad since that is the most important thing I need in order to survive.  I want to live a long happy life, but I still give in to the sugar and desire to skip workouts. Hello... Mindy, you can't be healthy and skip healthy eating... not possible.
Seriously... it just makes me angry at myself.  It reminds me of Fat Bastard from Austin Powers "I eat because I'm unhappy and I am unhappy because I eat!"  I am not unhappy but it is a vicious cycle!

Why is it whenever I share that I want to lose weight with people and they have a quick fix for me.  Oh try this or oh try that... Ok... here's the deal.  I know what I need to eat and I know what I need to do in the gym.  That is not my problem.  My problem is inside ME... I have to want it.  And I do, but then I forget... but then I beat myself up about it, and then I want it again, then I forget and get into bad patterns... so now it's time for me to say YES to me. Me! I can't be all I need to be for everyone else if I am not taking care of me. It's like the flight attendant who tells us to take care of our masks first then put the mask on the child.  I need to help myself so  I can be the mom I want to be.

My pastor also talked about the book of Nehemiah.  Nehemiah was a cup bearer... nothing special right? He was a guy who tasted the king's food and wine to make sure it wasn't poisonous.  Learning that the Jews in Judah were in distress and the walls of Jerusalem were broken down, he asked the king if he could rebuild the walls of the city. People didn't want the walls restored because they were stealing from it and destroying it.  So they tried to distract Nehemiah, but he wouldn't come down from the wall.  When the people who were against him tried to get him to come down, he simply said, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." Nehemiah 6:3

He ignored distractions  and stayed focused.  He worked for 52 days, and he got the wall done.  52 days guys... 52 days is nothing....
So today I decided that I don't need to commit to 365 days just yet... I am starting with 52 days... I can do this for 52 days....That is nothing...I got this... 

No matter what happens and what distractions arise, "I am doing a great work and I cannot come down." Nehemiah 6:3  I WILL NOT come down off this wall.  If God can do miracles for Nehemiah in 52 days, he can do them in me too!

You can see a recap of my church's message here: https://www.bridgepointfl.com/articles/i-cannot-come-down/

My plan: I have joined a gym: Tryumph Functional Fitness and am doing a 12 week challenge there.  If you live in the area, you need to check this gym out.  So much awesomeness and one on one attention.  These coaches truly care about your well being.  I am so excited to be committed there.

I have decided to track my food daily as well.  I am not coming down from that wall.  I can't.  I am making this commitment to God!

What came to your mind as your "thing?"  Let's make it our great work for this year.  Just like Nehemiah. If we set out to build that wall, God can accomplish a great work through us.  But we have to stay up there.  We can NOT come down.  It doesn't matter what the enemy tries to tell us!!! We need to stand firm!

My commitment also has to do with my prayer life too.  If you are a woman who is interested in strengthening your prayer life, I encourage you to join me and a large group of women from all over in a facebook group.  We are doing Mark Batterson's Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge. You can join our Facebook group here:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/752566431555141/

Anyone care to join me? 52 days... our resolution starts here... Not 365 days, rather 52...  What is your resolution?

#stayonthatwall #belikenehemiah
Update: Day 1 done!

Give the Gift of College! #startingisbelieving

This is a Sponsored Post for Florida Prepaid. However;  all opinions are my own.

This holiday season, there are a ton of gift guides and suggestions for the perfect gift, but what gift would be better than the gift of college! It's an investment into the future! Every year I hear parents say, "Ugh, I don't know what to buy him. He already has everything!" Well, this is what he needs most right? 

You can give a year of college or the full four years! It's up to you.  When I bought my son's college plan, I was selling my house for a profit so I had a large amount of money to spend, but you don't have to go crazy.  You can start with a one year plan. 



1-Year Florida University Plan:

 Now there is a more affordable way to save for State University credit hours. The 1-Year
Florida University Plan is our newest offering

~ Starting at under $50 a month
~ You can purchase one year, or 30 credit hours, at a time according to your budget and
timeline, without feeling the pressure of having to buy all four years at once
~ The plan also allows multiple purchasers to buy a plan for the same child. So now you can
team up with other family members to help pay for your child’s higher education
~ Great for gifting!!

Think about that... grandparents can buy a year, you can buy and year and then maybe next year add more.  

At a time when so much in the world is uncertain, saving for college through Florida Prepaid College Plans is guaranteed and secure. It is certain- a way to ensure a child's financial security. Florida Prepaid aims to reassure families this holiday season as they make purchases this season!


Please sign up using promo code Mindy1718 to get a discount  at ENROLL HERE

What is the most treasured gift you have been given for the holidays? Comment below!

The time is now! Florida Prepaid #startingisbelieving

The following post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, but all opinions are my own. 

The Florida Prepaid College savings plan's open enrollment period has begun. This isn't open all year round, it's only open til Feb. 28th, 2018. Do not delay! Time is of the essence. 

To learn more about these plans, visit MY FLORIDA PREPAID. 

When you register, use promo code Mindy1718 and you can get $25 off of registration. 

Don't forget the Scholarship giveaway is still going til Oct. 29th! Register before Oct. 29th for a chance to win ONE of TEN 2-year Florida PrePaid College scholarship from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation. Use the code BLOG1718 to get 10 extra entries.  Go to http://bit.ly/2zQzro1 to enter.

During the 2017-2018 Open Enrollment period, The Florida Prepaid College Board (FPCB) is renewing excitement about college savings through a promotion that you will want to pay attention to! Saving early for college pays off in the long run, and this year, starting your Prepaid Plan early in Open Enrollment could REALLY pay off! Florida Prepaid is going to select one winner from all the plans purchased between Oct. 15, 2017-Nov. 30, 2017 and pay that plan off in full! IN FULL!

When signing up, you can do one of two things. You can get a Florida Prepaid College Plan that allows families to pay for the future cost of college in advance. You will choose a plan and make the payments. Then your child's college tuition and most fees are covered. OR you can start a Florida 529 Savings Plan that allows you to save at your own pace. You will invest tis savings into options that Florida Prepaid offers.  Earnings are tax free if spent on qualified higher education expenses. The only issue with this is that it is not guaranteed like the Florida Prepaid.

Whatever you decide... don't wait.  We all know that the older our kids get, the faster the time goes. My family purchased our Prepaid plan when my son was two. We made all kinds of excuses about how we needed the money and we couldn't afford to do this.  But after countless arguments and ups and downs, we finally realized that things weren't going to get any easier as the years passed and we needed to make this investment for him.  And see the photo... he is taller than I am now! Time is passing by so fast!  I am so thankful that we did because now at age 14, I can worry about saving for a car and the dreaded car insurance that will be coming my way shortly. You and I both know that putting this off a year or two or 10 isn't going to help you.  It's time to start saving now! Starting is believing!

Get that kid to college! #Startingisbelieving

If you have a child in the state of Florida, You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans from Florida Prepaid College Foundation. HERE  While, this post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger, all thoughts are my own.

Bryce is first grade

As you all know, I am a proud mom of a sweet young man.  I still cannot believe how quickly time is going.  I remember the baby stages when I would wish that he could do things on his own, and now that he's older, he does. And most of the time, it is on his own with his friends.  He doesn't need me nearly as much as he used to. Now I long for those days.  I still get those moments every now and then, but they are few and far between. 

In the picture, Bryce was in first grade. It seems like just yesterday, but it wasn't.  Time is passing and it's passing so fast! Pretty soon he is going to be ready to go to college.  Am I ready? Emotionally? NO! Financially? Yes, I am preparing now.  

With Florida Prepaid I am giving Bryce, my son, the opportunity to go to college. His father and I purchased the plan when he was three years old.  I continue to add to it as well. 

Bryce and Coach

Doing this early in his life helped a lot.  Since he was 3 years old, I have been telling him that I have been paying for his college and I know he will be successful.  Think about that... when someone invests in you, you feel it inside.  You want to achieve what is put out there for you. It's been instilled in Bryce since he can remember that he
will go to college.  And I know he will because he now knows it.

Having this plan, will make it happen. My son knows that I did without so he could go to college.  And even though he tells me that he is going to get an athletic scholarship and won't need it, I know I have back up plan.  And if he does get an athletic scholarship, then we will use this money for something else. Florida Prepaid will allow that as well.

Did you know that a recent Georgetown University study estimates that a student with a bachelor's degree can earn $1.6 million more in their lifetime than a student with only a high school diploma? College matters!

For me, it's knowing that my child will have something set aside that will help us avoid the stress that others experience when high school graduation is imminent and they find themselves unprepared.

Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment begins October 15^th 

You can win one of TEN 2-year Florida College Plans!

With Florida Prepaid, you can save for college! It's simple and rewarding.  Register from now until October 29th for a chance to win ONE of TEN 2-year Florida Prepaid scholarships from the Florida Prepaid College Foundation.  Each day log into "class" for fun activities and complete "extra credit" to earn even more chances to win!

To enter click HERE  http://www.floridaprepaidscholarshipprogram.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=scholarship

Once open enrollment begins (October 15th) you will use this link to enroll. http://www.myfloridaprepaid.com/?utm_source=mindysfitnessjourney&utm_medium=ambassador&utm_campaign=open-enrollment

You can save $25 off the application fee by entering Mindy1718  Using this promo code will also give you a chance to win more entries into the scholarship contest once you register.  The scholarship giveaway entry ends on Oct. 29th. 

Win a Florida 529 Savings Plan! #startingisbelieving

This post is sponsored by the Florida Prepaid College Board, through my role as a Believer Blogger. All thoughts are my own. 
The Florida 529 Savings Plan Scholarship Program and you could be one of 10 lucky winners of a $529 scholarship deposited into a Florida 529 Savings Plan account.
ENTER HERE! You can enter anytime between May 15th and June 11th. Visit HERE daily (You must be a Florida resident, 18 or over.)

Nothing stopping this guy from success! 

For me, it's simple. I had student loans that I would probably still be paying off if my parents hadn't paid them off for me from inheritance they received.  The last thing I want for my own child is to go to college and get out into the world with his own family and have insurmountable bills to pay. I don't want that. I am going to now, do everything I can. I have a prepaid plan for him and I know that I still need more in it. 

The average student debt of borrowers in the state of Florida is almost $24,000, and over half of the 2015 college graduates had student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access & Success' recently released report on student debt. It's time to ensure that your child and mine are not going to have this problem. 

May 29th is National 529 day and Florida Prepaid is trying to increase awareness about college savings and the Florida 529 Savings Plan. In celebration of 529 Day, Florida Prepaid is giving 10 Florida families $529 in a Florida 529 Savings Plan!

Don't wait! Starting is Believing!

Arise! Change is coming!

So today I will post it... I have to change. I have traveled down an unhealthy road and I don't even recognize myself. I know that others see me this way, but I still see the fit and healthy girl I used to be. I am ready to see her again!

I am ready to "consecrate" myself.  Just like Joshua told the Israelites in Joshua 3:5. "Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you." Consecrate means make or declare (something, typically a church) sacred; dedicate formally to a religious or divine purpose. I see this as me saying loudly that I am done being unhealthy. I am ready to treat the body that the Lord gave me as I should treat it. I realize that the Israelites were preparing for something a whole lot bigger than my health, but as I have been reading through Joshua with the help of a devotional written by a good friend. (Move! When God's Deliverance Requires Man's Obedience 31 Devotions by Amy Rogers) As I have been reading, I have been hearing God tell me that I need to put Him first. I need to take care of what He has given me.  I have not. I have been taking all that I wanted without even thinking of Him. 

I am not 100% sure of how I am going to start this, but just as God told Joshua in 8:1-2, I just need to go. I don't need to think about it.  It's time to arise!

So... here I go!

Last Call for Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment #startingisbelieving

Don't forget to sign up! Open Enrollment ends February 28th!

One big priority these days is doing everything I can to make sure that my son, Bryce goes to college! I don't want there to be any excuse for him not to have a college education. There were some concerns for us at first though... 

I didn't want him to be limited to staying in Florida for school.  Turns out that the amount covered by your Prepaid Plan can be used at schools nationwide!  We also wondered what would happen if we moved out of state. We would no longer have in-state tuition? Well, we found out that we would still be billed for in-state tuition rates! Wow! What a benefit! And God forbid, what would happen if he doesn't go to college (of course this would be only if he were drafted into the MLB... haha) Well, if he doesn't go to college, we can change the beneficiary of the Prepaid plan or get our money back!

So really, there is no excuse! Sign up today! Have you signed up yet? Tell me below. 

Get signed up today! Go to Florida PrePaid Plans and use promo code BLOG1617 and get 50% off the application fee!