Here we go again! We are embarking on yet another Whole30 as a “Whole Family” starting on July 16th and ending on August 14th. We really are very excited but we are also soberingly aware of the fact that this whole30 will be our most difficult yet.

Why? Because we are holding on to the fast moving health wagon by our finger nails as our feet drag crazily in the dirt! Oh yeah, It’s bad. Which is why we so desperately need to reset our eating habits and our grossly large and irritated tummies, through a whole30. I have taken a “before” pic of Brandon and I and will compare it with what I know will be a drastically changed “after” picture in 30 days. Even though we know it will be difficult, really difficult, to eat only whole30 approved foods without any cheating whatsoever, we are so excited for the results. The results we once had, that we have allowed to wither, and are fighting to have back. And we will. Oh yeah baby, we will.

Of course, our main goal in this next 30 days is not our eating habits. What?!?! Stop the train! Did I really just say that?! Um, yes. Haha. We love eating great, we love feeling great, but we love being great as a family the most. No, we’re not perfect or anywhere near it. We fight hard for our marriage and family everyday and we are constantly working on making our family stronger. Our focus is, and must be, our family.

Over these next 30 days Brandon and I have set small, simple goals for our family that we have committed to achieving. We know these goals will stretch us, keep us accountable, and hopefully draw us closer to each other and to the Lord. I hope our goals inspire you to set some simple goals for your family. I’m sure as these 30 days go by we will have some stories to tell and I hope to hear some from you as well!

Goal 1 | Family Strong: Our goal when it comes to our family is to be “together” more. That might seem silly, especially since we are around each other ALL THE TIME but I’m talking about purposeful, set aside, family time. What am I thinking this is going to look like? Well, we will be playing more games together, playing outside together, swimming together, cooking together and more. It will also be a cleaning out of anything we feel is coming against our family or distracting us from joining together. Any opportunity we can find to bond and grow as a family we will, and we’re going to have a blast doing it.

Goal 2 | Spiritually Strong: Our “Whole Family” has absolutely committed to being in God’s word every single day. We have many different books, bible studies, devotionals, and apps that will be assisting us over these next 30 days and we are very thankful for these. Brandon and I are wanting to be obedient to the Lord by being in His word and in turn teaching our children about our faith in Jesus Christ. We are all eager to see what the Lord has in store for us.

Goal 3 | Physically Strong: We will be strong! Brandon has committed to working out at least 3 times a week at our local Anytime Fitness. I have also committed to working out at least 3 times a week, for now at Anytime Fitness as well. After going through a stressful season and then fracturing a rib I haven’t done Crossfit in too long now and miss it terribly. I am not physically ready to jump back into it at this point but my goal is to be doing Crossfit again by the end of these 30 days. As for the kids they will be swimming and biking as they always do. Jeremiah has asked about doing a race so we are tentatively looking into doing the “Run for Autism” on August 18th in City Park. I’ll keep you posted.

These are our goals! Although there are only 3 and they are pretty simple, don’t let them fool you. This is NOT going to be easy for any of us. So why are we doing it? Because what is life without a little stretching, a little growing, a little pushing of limits for the purpose of achieving more, learning more, and being molded into something better?

I challenge you to make your own goals. Start small and simple, and see what amazing things you can achieve.

Your “Whole Family” will thank you……..