So a lot of people go around talking about words for the year. I had never really thought about that and since I tend to start things and then not finish them I was not really too worried about figuring out a word for 2016.

Until the Lord gave me one.

You see He has been stretching me a lot lately and challenging me in areas I have not allowed myself to go in a very long time. 

I realized that for years I have not really had a true relationship with Jesus. I do better in different seasons-but overall I felt like I had to act like everything was ok because if I didn't I would be letting a lot of different people down.

I didn't want to do that.

Then my husband looked at me one night and said: "Why don't you just quit pretending?"

And I realized at that moment I really wanted to! More then anything in the world I wanted to get all areas of my life right again.

I wanted to be walking with the Lord again.

I was tired of being a slave to so many different things I was using to try to fill the void that only Jesus Christ can truly fill. Food, movies, social media, friends, family-the list goes on and on. 

I was desperate to just be free once again but I was looking everywhere but the One that truly can free us.

So I started repenting and surrendering over a weekend.

It was beautiful.

I had not felt that alive in a very long time.

So one night as I was pondering the upcoming year 2016 this word popped into my mind.

Moderation.

How perfect is that? I could not believe how much it tied into the lessons the Lord had been teaching me and I knew. 

This year my theme is moderation.

Moderation in the food I eat.

Moderation in media.

Moderation in budgeting.

Moderation in shopping (don't laugh I really am kind of a shopoholic although it is at thrift stores).

Moderation in my home.

Moderation in my relationships.

Moderation.

So it has been a few weeks and I have been noticing changes in my life that truly amaze me.

I guess that most obvious one is in the food I eat.

I had a secret habit of binging when I felt sad or mad or stressed or alone. Food was always there and it would comfort me and hey-I was pregnant so I truly had an excuse.

Then reality hit.

I gained 8 lbs. in less than five weeks and let me assure you it was not the babies fault! I knew I needed to make a change to be healthy-not just thin. My lifestyle needed to change and fast!

I had had great success with the 21 day fix in the past and decided to give it a try yet again.

First workout (a walking dvd with Leslie Sansane)-mess my foot up and am off it for five days.

So exercise is out apparently. 

That threw me into a depression.

Then I decided that even if I could not exercise (I am going to a specialist to see about my foot) I could at least get my nutrition in the right place. 

So I started drinking shakeology everyday (along with my hubby and kiddos) and joined a challenge group. 

I love the 21 day fix for many reasons but the most amazing one to me is I can do it while pregnant and nursing (I just went up one calorie bracket).

So I started around the first of the year and did not take any photos or measurements because I figured it was not really going to make a difference anyway in how I looked I just wanted to feel better.

I was wrong.

It has already made such a difference! Not only in the way I feel but in the energy I have and the fact that I went back to the doctor and in two weeks over Christmas and New Years I had not gained an ounce (remember the last time I was there I had gained 8 lbs. in less then 5 weeks)!!!! 

I was on top of the moon!

So then I decided to compare:

The first photo was when I was pregnant for my first baby back in 2012. I was swollen, unable to move and absolutely miserable. I was 32 weeks (what I am currently) and had 8 weeks to go before I was induced because of pre eclampsia. That pregnancy was miserable I felt awful!

 My second pregnancy was not quite as bad but still miserable! This pregnancy I had vowed I didn't want to repeat my food habits from the first but got back in the binging etc using pregnancy as an excuse. It was a vicious cycle.

 Sadly it was one I started with this pregnancy. But I realized that even in my third trimester I could practice moderation and see the change!  I am not worried about after birth weight loss because of the 21 day fix! So thankful for never have to go back to that insecure girl in that first and second picture. 

Why do I not have to go back? Because I am not trying to do this anymore in my own strength. My motivation is not to "be that hot mama" it is to practice moderation and to bring honor to Jesus Christ by taking care of myself and choosing to not turn to food for comfort. 

So that is where I am at. 

I think about my word every day.

Moderation.

I am excited to see what this year brings!

So what about you? Do you have a word for 2016? I would love to hear about it.

Do you ever struggle with moderation? Do you have a favorite verse that helps you through it? 

smile emoticon.