“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” (1 Thessalonians 5:23, NLT)

Dear Friend,

Do you ever look back and wonder how different your life could be if you knew then what you know now?

I look back frequently and thank God for the people He’s brought beside me to help me get to where I am. I wouldn’t be here without my family, friends, and mentors He’s brought to help me in my journey. After drug addiction, I had a long way to go grow. Coming from homelessness, bankruptcy, poor health, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-mutilation, suicide attempts, abortion, depression, anxiety, mental health issues, and no personal boundaries, you can imagine how broken I was.

But God held me—each step of the way—and led me to amazing people who could help me. Sometimes I wonder if my path could've been easier if I knew then what I know now. If not easier, maybe a little less...turbulent. No matter, I don't regret my path because it made me who I am.

My prayer is that everything that God has taught me, and continues to teach me, would help other people (especially you—if you need it) discover the same freedom in spirit, soul, and body.

Wholeness. Peace. Joy. Not living in bondage to anything—food, drugs, personal image, fear, or fill in the blank with your life story.

Freedom is available to anyone—everyone—who's willing to reach out, and walk with God.

If my journey to recovery and wholeness will help you and make your journey easier, then every part of my path was worth it.

You know by now that I’m passionate about total-life wellness, right? What does total-life wellness mean? I mean seeing victory and freedom from in every sphere and corner of our life.

I think I’m passionate about this because I’ve experienced the complete opposite. I used to be in utter bondage in every possible way, so experiencing freedom and wholeness is amazing. I’m talking about bankruptcy and devastating debt, to debt-free, Biblical prosperity. I’m referring to debilitating depression, anxiety and fear, to experiencing that the joy of the Lord is my strength. I went from toxic, unhealthy choices, to experiencing the power of daily, healthy choices which led to the best health of my life.

Who taught me how to live this way? Who showed me the path to true, Biblical freedom in every sphere in life?

There wasn’t one person or situation in particular, but I will tell you the secret to life-success.The biggest thing that changed my life (and continues to change me every day), is learning how to apply Scripture to every choice I make.The Bible has a practical answer for everything—including health and wellness.

When we allow God’s wisdom to guide our daily choices, it transforms us. And when we do something consistently for a period of time, it rewires your brain and changes the way you think.

According to Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist and Christian author, it takes about 63 days to form a habit to the point where it becomes "second nature."

She teaches that:

• 21 days is enough to break down a toxic thought or build a new one at a basic level.

• But 63 days (three cycles of 21 days) are needed to fully rewire the brain so the new habit or mindset becomes automatic and embedded in your identity and daily behavior.

In her words, the first 21 days plant the "thought tree," but the next 42 days grow and stabilize it so it actually influences your life naturally without you having to force it.

This is amazing! We have the power to break destructive patterns in our life and build a completely new future through life-giving choices.

This is what God did within my life. And this is what I pray each one of us accomplishes through the FAITHFUL & FIT 60 Challenge. Have you heard about it? For 60 days, we’re implementing 6 of the most life-transforming behaviors that God has used to rewire my brain and restore my life.

What God did in my life, He can certainly do in your life.

“Wisdom extends to you long life in one hand and wealth and promotion in the other. Out of her mouth flows righteousness, and her words release both law and mercy. The ways of wisdom are sweet, always drawing you into the place of wholeness. Seeking for her brings the discovery of untold blessings, for she is the healing tree of life to those who taste her fruits.” —Proverbs 3:16-18 (TPT)

Through prayerful thought and consideration, we’ve outlined the challenge details below along with their spiritual and practical benefits:  

#1. Workout four days a week (we’re including three months of workout videos free!)

"I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." —1 Corinthians 9:27 (NLT)

Our bodies are the temple of God. When we steward His temple with care and excellence, there’s blessings that follow. You feel better, it glorifies the Lord, and it helps you to fulfill your God-given purpose with longevity and strength. God wants you to fulfill and finish your purpose on the earth with health—not giving up early due to tiredness, sickness, or growing weary.

Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health (heart health—so important), increases muscle strength and helps burn fat around muscles, causes you to burn more calories throughout the day, and boosts your metabolism. It also helps reduce cortisol to healthy levels (the stress hormone) and increases endorphins (your brain’s natural mood boosters). Exercise increases dopamine and serotonin, improving motivation, mood, and mental clarity. The case is clear—working out LITERALLY makes you feel good and it’s good for you. This is a win-win all around!

Watch my recent video "Get Fit for God's Purpose" to learn more about the benefits of consistent exercise.

#2. Follow a healthy meal plan of your choosing (we’re including over 30 clean eating recipes to help you out!)

Ever heard the saying, “you are what you eat”? Well, it’s true. If we’re feeding ourselves junk, then you’re body is going to feel like junk, your output is going to be junk, and you’re going to see…well, you get the picture. If you’re exercising consistently but not aiming to eat healthy, nutritious, whole foods, then you’re pretty much cancelling out your workouts, and you aren’t going to see the results you’re working for. If you want to learn more about the benefits of clean eating, watch my video on "Faith-Based Food & Nutrition."

For this challenge, you get to choose the type of meal plan you follow. For example, you could try things like eating only whole foods, reducing sugar and processed foods, incorporating more fruits and vegetables, etc. Nutrient-rich foods support energy, concentration, immunity, mood balance, and long-term physical and mental health.

When it comes to our food, I always recommend balance and moderation over strict diet programs. Why? Because the law strengthens and empowers sin (1 Cor. 15:56). Have you ever told yourself you can’t eat chocolate or think about the pink elephant? That’s the first thing you want to eat and think about! When you tell your child “don't touch the hot oven,” that’s immediately what they’ll want to do.

To solve this, I allow myself to eat whatever I want, but I've learned that certain foods will actually make me feel good, and some make me feel bad. Interestingly enough, the foods that make me feel bad also produce negative results in my body, and vice versa.

Instead of fighting myself about the food I eat, I ask God to help me choose things that produce good results in my life. I rarely eat sugar, I never eat junk food, and you won't ever see me eat something with tons of ingredients in it (basically, if it can sit on the shelf for months and years). Why? Because I know it will immediately make me feel bloated, groggy, and tired. I would much rather pick up something that’s good for me and that makes me feels good. God has helped me change the way I think about food (trust me, I used to be so unhealthy)!

Over time, these choices have become second nature and I’m not tempted with junk food—not because of law, or fear, or being strict with myself—but because the truth has set me free. I desire healthy food far more than I desire the unhealthy food. You can rewire your brain to think this way too!

“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” —1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

#3. Drink water daily (women: 91 oz., men: 125 oz.)

Secret tip! I chug about 30 oz of water first thing in the morning, which has loads of benefits! Drinking water first thing in the morning rehydrates your body, boosts your metabolism, flushes out toxins, fuels your brain, supports digestion, strengthens your immune system, and sets a healthy tone for the day. Staying hydrated throughout the day enhances brain function, improves digestion, regulates body temperature, reduces unnecessary hunger pangs, and supports detoxification. This is a habit that you should definitely engrain into your daily life!

“Good news from far away is like cold water to the thirsty.” (Proverbs 25:25, NLT)

#4. Read the Bible every day

There’s literally not enough space in this blog to write about each of these points and how important they are in our life, let alone the importance of reading the Bible daily. I could spend days—years—talking about how much God’s Word has impacted my life. For example, the Bible says,“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, KJV)

God’s Word is God-inspired, God-breathed, His instruction manual for humans to lead us to lives of wholeness, blessing, and prosperity. When we follow His Word and apply it to our life, it leads to long life, health, wisdom, and maturity as His disciples. This is how our lives bear more godly fruit, how we see balance and stability in our life, and how we release the will of God on the earth. Reading God’s Word daily will renew your mind and transform your life (Rom. 12:2).

#5. Spend 15 minutes outside, four days a week

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalms 19:1, ESV)

Have you ever taken a walk or spent time outdoors, and you feel rejuvenated, energized, and motivated to face life head-on again? Wow! I sure have. Just yesterday I took a jaunt through the woods, which is my favorite place on earth. Not only did I take in God’s vast, beautiful creation, blue sky, stately mountain, huge red rocks, and majestic green pine trees, but I also felt God speak to me, giving me vision and ideas for our future.

God's creation is a great place to get quiet, listen to God, recenter, and practice being instead of always doing. Believe me, I’m preaching to myself.

You can spend time outside with God by walking, cycling, or jogging to name a few. Sunlight exposure boosts vitamin D, improves mental clarity, and triggers serotonin production which helps regulate your circadian rhythm improving sleep and lowering stress hormones.

#6. Invest 15 minutes, four days a week in personal growth (set or pursue a goal, listen to a teaching or podcast, read a nonfiction book)

“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5, NLT)

I love this verse. Throughout God’s Word, He tells us to be diligent, to plan your path, and to seek God, bringing Him into every detail of your life. This reminds me of something my Dad told me throughout my life. He says, “Work hard and good things happen.” For as long as I’ve been able to apply this to my life, its came true. You could also call this diligence, stewardship, excellence, intentionality, or integrity.

What do you do when no one’s watching? Are you working hard and diligently sowing towards your future? God is glorified by your hard work and your reliance upon Him to do the job well. Your daily choices of diligence will reap a future harvest of wholeness.

Learning and goal setting stimulate neuroplasticity, build cognitive function, and increase motivation, confidence, and emotional regulation. When you learn something new, practice a skill, or change a thought pattern, your brain creates new neural pathways or strengthens existing ones. Over time, these pathways can become the "default" way your brain thinks, reacts, or processes information.

Did you know that reaching even small goals boosts dopamine, the "reward" chemical that gives you a sense of achievement and drives future motivation. Practices like learning, reading scripture, and journaling help build emotional resilience, lower anxiety, and increase overall well-being by engaging your prefrontal cortex and promoting peace and perspective.

I hope you can see the heart and plethora of benefits behind this challenge.

A beautiful, Biblical example of someone who personifies these things in their daily life is the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31. We see verses about this woman strengthening her arms, setting her hands to diligent and purposeful effort, providing for her family, blessing her community, skilled in business, kind to everyone around her. She was strong in her choices and reaped a harvest in every area of her life. Let’s read a portion of how the Bible explains this godly woman:

“Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.” (Proverbs 31:25-31, KJV)

The secret to her success was simple: she revered and honored the Lord above all else. Let this same heart posture guide and fuel every choice we make, reflecting a life of true wholeness.

More Than A Challenge

I hope you see that throughout these 60 days, you are doing far more than a challenge. You’re partnering with God to reap a harvest of wholeness.

You’re breaking destructive patterns that may have held you captive for years, and you're replacing them with life-giving, empowering choices.

You’re committing to diligence and consistency that will change the way you think for the rest of your life.

Are you ready to experience God’s strength in your spirit, soul and body?

Are you ready to experience personal growth, momentum, and breakthrough in every area of your life?

Great, I knew you'd be ready! Sign up for this challenge for free today! The challenge begins May 1st and ends June 29th. Sign up by May 1st to reserve your spot before registration closes!

When you sign up, you’ll receive:

• Workout videos and worksheets, a weekly checklist to track your progress, and printable healthy recipes

• Access to our free course in the New You Lifestyle App (free for iPhone or Android)

• Support, encouragement and connection with our free, faith-based Facebook community

If you miss a day, don’t give up. You’re not disqualified. Just keep going, keep going, and continue to keep going. We’re training for our purpose. Your reward is everlasting. We’re preparing to cross our finish line with a shout of victorious strength!

Be sure to spend time with the Lord and ask Him specifically what He’d like you to commit to in this challenge. Do you feel led to spend time outside seven days a week instead of four, or drink even more water? That’s great! Write it down on the checklist we provide to track and monitor your results. When you follow God’s guidance, you’ll have His grace and strength to do it!

My Favorite Health, Wellness, and Fitness Tools for Faithful & Fit 60!

People ask me a lot about how I do my meal prepping, what fitness equipment I use, and how I maintain my health. So here you go! To help you thrive during your Faithful & Fit 60 Challenge, I’m sharing some of my favorite daily essentials for clean eating, hydration, and at-home workouts!

For staying hydrated, I love using a 32 oz glass water bottle to make it easy to hit my daily water goals (three of these and I've met my mark)! Meal prepping is simple with these toaster-oven-safe containers (bye-bye microwave!), my multi-function toaster oven for quick and easy meal prep (this toaster oven cooks veggies and meat consistently and quickly!), and my wheat mill for making fresh, homemade, nutrient-dense flour. For clean protein sources (without the tummy ache and additives), I highly recommend this delicious plant-based protein mix which also has probiotics and BCAAs, and a quiet (and cute), no-rattle protein shaker to keep things easy on busy days (which is every day!). I also use this daily juicer to make fresh, healthy drinks at home!

When it comes to fitness, these dumbbells, a convenient dumbbell weight pyramid, a thick fitness and exercise mat (with a carrier), a sturdy yet inexpensive weightlifting bench, and a doorway pull-up bar make it easy to get fit at home without needing a gym. Plus, for outdoor walks, runs, or bike rides, I love using a water bottle belt —it keeps my hands free and has space for my large iPhone and chapstick (plus, it helps me put my phone away during walks so I can tune in and talk with God).

These tools have truly made a difference in my own journey, and I pray they help you stay strong, organized, and encouraged every step of the way!

If you enjoyed this topic and want to learn more, you can watch this teaching on our recent Faithful & Fit Live Bible Study! Be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel so you get notified when we go live, and you’ll receive all my faith-based wellness tips along the way!

Thank you, partners! Because of you, this resource is made available for FREE!

If this ministry has blessed your life, please consider donating or becoming a monthly partner today to help make a difference in the lives of others!

God is doing amazing things in your life, and I’m so grateful to be part of your journey. I'm praying for you and I believe this is going to be a pivotal year in your life.

Love you!
Erin

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