TRUST

Trust

"Trust me" scary words right!

 

Trust me! well I had a moment where trust was HUGE, I voluntarily went skydiving a few years back with my younger sister, it was our birthday jump. We jumped with tandem skydivers totally trusting them to secure us to them property, to know when it was safe to jump, to guide us the entire way back to the landing zone, I’m good at trusting even to a fault it’s something I continue to work on...back to our jump, as we jumped from the plane my guide went from fun to serious fast we went from free falling to pulling the cord and him now telling me to put my hands to my side and just wait! I waited as he whipped us back and forth and tells me we are a bit tangled and give him a minute. I’m sure he’s done this hundreds of times, but me I begin to argue with God this is not the plan, I have 3 babies and a husband down there waiting for me to land and then I started singing in my head Our God is Greater, and yes I sing that song with full emotions because as I felt the chute release and see my little hometown below I know my hope and my trust is in Him and in His plan. I may not like it, I may freak out more than once but the praise of Him being greater was on my mind. It was an amazing jump and I would do it again because it’s not  the activity in which we need to trust but it's in our salvation because our everyday life is just as scary and dangerous if not more than jumping from a plane, because a jump happens way less than speaking with our children, cultivating a strong marriage, living according to His will a purpose for our lives not in the big hairy scary moments but in the day to day activities of preparing lunches, bath time and date nights.

 

He wants us to Trust Him in all things and in Him all things have hope.  

 

Have you had a moment in your life where you needed to Trust in something you had no control over, how did it feel?

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Finding Strength in Him today and everyday

Strength in Him

Have you ever needed help in your life, have you ever you needed a deliverer either in a real life situation or from your own mind and thoughts? I know I have, probably more in my head than not, our thoughts get the best of us if we don’t rely on Him. I try to do things all on my own and then I get stuck feeling like a failure and self talking my failure thoughts. This is where I want to take a step back and ask Why! why do I feel like I need to be stronger than I am, why can’t I fully rely on His strength, His protection. I think we all have a desire to fall into the arms of protections and strength and He offers this so freely we can run to him and seek Him. It’s OK not to be perfect, to stumble, to want to do more but in so relying on His strength as you go about your day.

We don’t live where there are a lot of rocks but one of our favorite places to go is to Stone Mountain and climb that granite mountain. Hiking up that mountain has been a tradition for years and if I stop and think about the massive rock and comparing the Lord's protection and strength to that one rock which is huge to us but is so minimal to the refuge and protection He offers to each one of us if we ask for it. I hope you learn this verse write it on your heart. and simple “I love you Lord, my Strength” does wonders for the soul and your thoughts when you are weary and need help.

Verse: I love you O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the strength of my salvation, my stronghold.  Psalm 18:1-2

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I know my strength comes from you alone and I thank you, allow me today to rely on your strength as my refuge from a dirty house to a bill that desperately needs to be paid or a diagnosis that will lead to many doctors visits. I stand here today proclaiming you and you along as my refuge in whom I turn to first and before all else. Thank you for your promise of a safe and strong tower and a shield of protection, I know life won't be easy but I also know you are here with every step I take and in that I’m grateful and find my strength is truly only in you Lord, Amen.

"I'm not that mom" - My thoughts while cooking meatballs

Most of you know my husband and I own a massage studio and my kids and I spend Tuesday  - Saturday from 9:30am - 8:00pm on most days here, so when I talk about busy I know busy, when I talk about setting priorities I know priorities, when I say I just want to order fast food it's real, when I say I've learned to say no to things and I've gained a new perspective on well simply wasting time. When I say put your husband first and everything else falls into place I mean it.

Just over a year ago I was the stay at home mom of 3 with the coffee pot always hot, the house super clean and having playdates and daily adventures, nap time & my workouts at 2pm.

News Flash!!! I'm not that mom anymore!!! That mom was always thinking of her dreams, her future for helping others through a wellness center and as I sit here I can say honestly  I can't afford to be that old mom and guess what that's ok, that wasn't the real me, it was someone I thought I was supposed to be.

I never thought I'd be a "working" mom but not only do I work, I run 2 business, homeschool my kids and still do everything for our household and the difference is I know there is a time to chill with coffee in hand or a family day and I know when it's time to work. Balance...there is no such thing in my world but there is such joy doing what I do as mom, wife and boss I get to share so much with others, everyday, it's diffetebt yes, but it's our different.

If I got stuck comparing our household and daily activities to other's around us it would lead to problems, so as I was cooking today I thought of this and  yes some have said I focus on me and my health & fitness too much or I share everything on social media it's TMI and that's selfish, so I say in return "I'd rather be focused on me sharing the real me then trying to be someone else."

True happiness & contentment aren't hard to find when you focus on what really matters, being true to yourself.

Be you! Find your calling and live it  unapologetically,
Coach Joy

New August Challenge Groups Focused on helping you reach your healthy lifestyle goals

I hope you were blessed over this past week during our 5 Day Devotion week.
I believe you can not truly make lasting results in your health until you heal or mend your heart and mind, so that is why I started refocusing on helping my challengers with personal development over all and then nutrition and fitness.

I'm taking it one day at a time focusing on the body, mind and soul, as a whole. I'd love to have you join me in one of my next challenges. leave a comment here with you email or send me a Facebook message and tell me what you are interested in or fill out the application below let me know more about you and your fitness goals and together let's make it happen.

Application for my next Challenge group

New Groups opening in August

5 Day Get FIT challenge
30 Day "Sweat - it - Out" in my private accountability group
5 Day Clean Eating Group   

JoyforFitness

Day 5 Devotion: Prayer "Whispers with God"

Day 5: Prayer

I begin the new year with reading the Power of a Praying Women by Stormie Omartian and I’m simply reminded more each time how God wants our first thought to be communication through prayer. He created communication for our relationships, they are based upon talking to one another and as I read through this book every year my heart craves talking with Him in the most simplest ways, but as the year went on I used to fall back into a boring selfish routine of coffee and social media or mindless activities, but this year I made it a point to have endless devotions and scripture right with me that I could read and dive into before the kids would wake up and sometimes they cuddle next to me, as I read and I have seen a difference when I spend my time with Jesus and when I simply put Him aside when I awake. Prayer is the most intimate and personal way in which we have to communicate with our God, there is a direct line of communication that we take for granted in our day to day activities. My children and I do the ACTS prayer in the car A-adoration C-confession T-thanksgiving S-supplication and although they choose crazy things or sometimes all the same things it gets Jesus real in their life and in our day. Think about ways you can make Jesus real in your life today through prayer not just over food, a big decision or at bedtime, but over a tough car ride, traffic, bills, vacations parties etc.in all things bring Him along in your everyday life, don’t allow the devotion or bible to close without inviting Him to join you in your ongoing life.

Verse: Evening and morning and at noon I will pray; and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice Psalm 55:16

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we come to you today in Adoration for you alone are worthy of all of our praise, We Confess we get busy our minds get filled with nonessential thoughts and day to day struggles that we think we must handle on our own and we forget about you and your promises. We Thank you for never walking away from us, for your protection, steadfast love and your forgiveness. Lastly Lord, We bring our Supplications before you, asking that you guide us from day to day, that we learn to seek your will and purpose for our lives and in so doing we shine a light into this dark world that would be a representation of your Great Love. Thank you Lord for your word that we can read it, study it, and rely on it to bring us closer to you, Amen.

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Day 4 Devotions: Emotions

Day 4: Emotions

I can’t tell you how many times my emotions have truly ruined an event or occasion for me. The first one out of many that just came to mind was a few years back we were in the mountains with my entire immediate family which totals about 22 or more at any given family birthday and we keep adding. Anyway, in the mountains on a tree farm, a little remaining snow on the grounds, coffee in my hand and the sun was shining, acre upon acre of trees a very Hallmark movie scene and what makes choosing the perfect Christmas tree very hard with 3 little children helping you. Well, we chose one for the kids tree and that was our plan for the day a small tree to bring home, but here I found myself being guided off to find our family tree, we found a beautiful big round one, in which I knew was too big to fit on our roof top and drive home, but I allowed all the other voices tell us it was the “perfect” tree for us. As it was being chopped down I knew it wasn't the right tree, I knew I was once again talked into something I didn't want and I was angry, I was angry with myself that as a grown woman I’m still being led astray, first by others and then by my emotions. As everyone laughed at the size, the inability to get it bundled and as I watch all of theirs load nicely onto their rooftops my emotions were boiling. I walked away crying I wanted to pay for the tree and drive away, I was mad and the more I showed it the more they laughed and told me to get over it, something I’m not good at. Once again I let my families opinions and suggestions ruin my day it actually stung me hard for a few months, yes it was a beautiful tree and my dad made sure it made it safely to our home but they try to jab it at me if given a chance. I worked so hard in my adult years to control my Irish temper and my emotions that I get upset when I let it get out of control over others or my lack of self control. I’m always working on it but I look back at events and it makes me sad to think I should have cast it all on Him, He would have taken my pain even as trivial as a silly Christmas tree.

Verse: 1 Peter 5:6-7 Humble yourself under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you that you don’t let us stay stuck in our emotions, that you have offered us a way to let go, to truly give it to you and leave it there. We praise you for giving us emotions and feelings but help us control, express and use them for your good, help us to learn to humble ourselves more to you each day and find both forgiveness and peace knowing you care for each one of us even in our silliest more unrefined moments. I pray that I learn to bring it to you before I allow my emotions to ruin another event or memory. Amen

To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven...

A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted...

A time to break down, And a time to build up;

A time to weep, And a time to laugh.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-4

 

 

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Day 3 Devotions: Blessings...count them one by one:

Day 3: Blessings...count them one by one:

Stop right now and consider the blessings you have just today (share your thoughts or your list) but stop and think, sometimes it’s so hard to remember the blessings as we go about living in this crazy world we live in, the negative headlines, the sickness, the accidents and the list can go on, but let’s stop and start counting our blessings. Naming them one by one - each child, each laugh, your daily food, your senses in which to take in His great beauty, even as I write this my heart is overwhelmed with His great love for me. I hope you have that feeling the LOVE HE HAS FOR YOU! Don’t let the trivial things keep you from the joy’s of the Lord, we have so much to be thankful for that I want you to refuse to fall into the trap of having a “bad day” many people in the bible had “bad days” we’ve all had those days too. The lesson we need to learn is how they seeked wisdom and clung to God’s promises while proclaiming His holiness and faithfulness. Job is one I think speaks to me he had horrible days of losing everything  mostly testing of his faith, but because he was faithful throughout it all God blessed him more than ever and he did lose everything: is family, wealth, his friends he lost everything but his breath and faith in God.

Verse: Psalm 103:1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!

Isaiah 25:1

Proverbs 10:22

Job 5:17

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I’ll be the first to say Thank you for blessing my life even when I know I don’t deserve any of it, thank you for the love you show each of us, may we see it and feel you close to use in good times and bad and help us to always keep our eyes on your blessings given to us. We ask that you guide us in using our blessings to bring glory and honor to you. We pray that we choose to live wholeheartedly for you and your kingdom. Amen

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Day 2 Devotions: Seeking WISDOM

Day 2: Seeking WISDOM

Oh Wise one where are you! Let’s take time to think about life, have you ever thought I shouldn't have done that or I knew better?  Am I the only one that has more of those thoughts than the feeling of wisdom. Wisdom does accumulate with age, experiences and life lessons but wisdom does not just evolve. True wisdom as to living a life according to His will means us asking for Him to guide, lead and direct us. So many times when in trouble or at a fork in the road of our life, we go to a friend, google it or ask what would you do on Facebook or simply stress out or worse make the wrong decision out of pride and fear, when our first response should be praying for Wisdom in all things.

God wants us to have Him as our first responder our 911 call not just sometimes but everyday of our life in every situation, how much greater would your life be if you first prayed before acting. Wisdom means having a clear insight and understanding, it means knowing how to apply that in all situations. making right choices, turning back from a dangerous edge, learning to listen to the voice that already knows the path before you and learning to walk that path is made possible through daily choices of connecting and seeking God’s great council.

How we gain Wisdom:

1. Be in the Word Proverbs 2:1-5, 5
2. Pray for wisdom James 1:5
3. Acknowledge Him Proverbs 3:5-6
4. Be humble Proverbs 11:2
5. Seek His wisdom  1 Corinthians 1:20-21

Verse: Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths. Lead me into Your Truth and teach me. For You are the God of my salvation; on You I wait all the day

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you that you see the whole picture and you have the directions for our lives already mapped out, teach us to stop and seek You first. Please guide us today as we take on our daily duties and help us seek Your will before even opening our mouths. Thank you for loving us even when we wander to those edges You’ve warned us about and the situations we should have learned our lessons from and for those of us still struggling with the same issues may today be the day that you seek your wisdom and when we seek it from You and Your Word our path becomes less bumpy and more joyful no matter what else is going on. Amen.

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Day 1 Devotion: PRIDE is it good or bad?

Day 1 - PRIDE is it good or bad?

Strange how a word such as pride can have 2 very different definitions or connotations, what was the first thing that came to your mind? I often think of the pride comes before the fall, but there is another kind of pride, the pride that we can take in our motivations, self-respect and dignity, the pride that can motivate us to take care of our health and appreciate of our personal talents and strengths. Then there is the flipside the pride that I know I often think about first, the pride that leads to our fault, containing self-centeredness and boasting in ourselves, rather than building us up we tend to pave a path of destruction for ourselves with arrogance, egotism and conceit.

I”ll remind you of another word that has 2 connotations in our daily life and that is diet, do you see diet as a restriction of food or simply the daily food you put into your body. This word controls so many individuals and much like pride you can choose to see the word diet for what it is; fueling your body with nutritious food or you can choose to allow diet to guilt you into feeling bad about yourself and your food choices. Much like pride depending on the way to use it, sometimes diets build up your health and others diets tear it down. Diets can lead to your downfall and rob you of true happiness.

Verse: 2 Chronicle 26:16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall

Focus: What do you take a healthy pride in? your job, children, abilities and talents? turning our feelings of pride into feelings of being truly humble is going to be our focus today, how do we cultivate the right kind of pride in our lives? similar to deciding to choose a healthy diet and the right balance of food, we must choose to look for ways to choose humility with the right relationship with God. We must choose to see the wonderful gifts He has given us, we must choose to cultivate healthy pride not in ourselves but in Him who has given them to us.

Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord. 2. Corinthians 10:17

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for allowing us to dig into your word daily and draw closer to you. I ask that you bring each women here into your arms of comfort and peace today. Please help us seek your will with the talents and blessings you have given us. Guide each women here to choose to be humble and only boast in your name. I also pray for our earthly bodies that we learn to use our words and choices wisely and would honor you with our diets, our activities and our words so we can humbly come to you more energized, more focused and ready to be filled each day with your word and blessings,. Amen.

Joy Bracero: Daily Devotions for Women- Aligning Your Everyday Life According to His Plan and Design

Ever try to "change" your spouse, to make them become better or different how'd that go?

Ever try to "change" your spouse, to make them become better or different how'd that go? 

After sitting in a conference last week listening to Chalene Johnson speak, I had so many stories come to mind about my own marriage and me trying to leap into my dreams and leaving my husband behind after 10 years of marriage and 14 years together our communication is great but sometimes I'm the only one talking...not that he doesn't want to, I just have a hard time staying quiet long enough for him to voice his opinion. 

Well, I have learned from many years of my own marriage and coaching many women that if we keep trying to do things different or wanting to see a change in their lives, health, job, finances, family dynamics etc. that we often experience pain and give up, the let down and devastation when one goes after a goal without bringing their spouse along is devastating to not only the person wanting to do things but the spouse that feels left behind.

When making a change in your own self and future you need to think of how your spouse perceives your desire for change, you taking the steps to change yourself, can be just as scary to them as you trying to change them, the thought that you might change or become different and not desire them anymore is a real threat to any marriage, so we sit in unhappiness instead of communicating our desires out of fear.  And so I encourage you to have a real heart to heart with your spouse about your reasons for taking on a personal development course, a fitness class or nutrition challenge or simple wanting to be more than you are now. Not to be a different you but to be the real you, the one you feel is on the inside waiting to come out and live. 

Take the time reduce the fears for both of you and gain the support you need from within your home and relationship. Growth in one person and not the other can be scary and can cause separation of you and your spouse or family but guess what it doesn't have to. I guarantee if you talk things out share your goals genuinely and ask for your spouse to join you or invite him or her to think about something they'd like to do so you can support them on that adventure.
communicating and working together makes your relationship so much better in all areas if you know what I mean.  

Life begins when you give yourself permission to be the real you. 

Coach Joy 

Action step: plan a date night this week with your spouse, share your heart in a positive way and see what happens. don't try changing them but bring them along with you. 

Chalene's note: Bring the other along from "Mine to Ours" and watch not only your life change but your marriage get stronger than ever.

I would love to hear about your goals and your date night click here to share your best tips for a happy marriage

My best friend for life

Beachbody Classic Journey: Reaching My Personal Summit

My Beachbody Classic story.

I felt to post on Facebook without sharing my thoughts and feelings just felt wrong and I know I'll get more backlash regarding my choices but I prayed if this wasn't going to glorify God that He would take this opportunity away, so I hope you take a minute to read my Classic Journey.

"I am not ashamed of being a happy healthy energetic Mom of 3 that fell in love with at home fitness 8 years ago, sharing that health is within your reach if you choose to take the time to reach for it" 

Some say I'm "just" this or I'm ok "just" being that well I know that I'm not "just" a mom of 3! I say no one is "just"'anything we were made to be amazing but it takes work and belief in yourself to ignite that spark and my journey as a coach as taught me at least 3 things

1. I get to choose to live intentionally everyday no matter what others say or do.

2. I can and have made a difference in others lives while on my own journey. I'm not where I want to be but I've come a long way and that's being the real deal.

3. This platform that Beachbody gives is the perfect opportunity to truly be who I am body, mind, soul, working toward my goals and challenging myself and that included joining the Beachbody Classic to push myself more outside my comfort zone.

I didn't take this competition lightly as far as who and what I was representing a wife, mom, women and coach that says these programs work if you do and yes it did come with doubt, challenges and me almost quitting.

My varicose veins showed more and more everyday, I felt my cellulite was so obvious, my stretch marks were ever present, my baby belly skin was not going away and guess what even with doubt and flaws I'm so proud of what I represented, I was true to me.

You might look at the top 10 and say I had no right being up there and that might be true I mean all I do are 30 minute workouts drink Shakeology & I ate pizza & frozen yogurt the week of competition.
I was representing all of my followers and challengers it's real life and you'll get real results.

I knew signing up on a whim was probably not my best decision, but I'm not a quitter ever (says a girl who stood on an ice rink over 20 minutes barefoot to win a pizza and watch a hockey game.) I know I'm goal oriented that's what's gotten me this far in life along with passion and desire to share and show being a healthy women is so incredibly worth it.

I'm not fitness challenged either, I love fitness. I love sweating and feeling strong, I love working out at home, finishing one program after another I like having a goal to visually see the finish line. Like I said my Nutrition was not so great, not spot on because I like food I like treats I guess that's what I'm working on.

So this is my story I enjoyed it, I like the stage and my husband was so proud, excited and supported and for that I'm grateful, supported with kindness never judgment.

I met amazing men & women that each had their own story to tell and used this to better themselves and show others they to can do scary things.

What are you scared of? Are you hiding behind someone, something or living in skin you'd like to shed? You don't need to walk across the stage to be a better you, but I challenge you to have a heart to heart with your reflection and set goals that scare you because you are stronger than you think or feel.

Let's set goals together! 

Coach Joy

Need a coach that will help and guide you? I'm your girl Let's connect"

"Everyone has a Summit" do you know your way?

As I sit sharing, reading and praying I'm nervous that I'm about to climb very close to a scary summit, why is it scary? Because it's dangerous? No! Because I'm alone? No! Because it's new and unknown to me.

This week my husband and I hiked new trails to a waterfall and swimming hole beyond the "normal" trail walk, I was calm mostly because I didn't have our kids with us, but I got nervous getting close to the ledge, seeing the sheer drop to wherever, and yet we continued because we knew it would lead to the water we kept hearing. Was it work mud, using trail ropes tide by others to the trees, talk about  trust!!! I fell a few times one big thud but we continued on to what was one of the most best cult falls and water hole. Had we given up when I first got scared we would have seen tree tops and missed out of all the beauty God had tucked away back on that mountains.

Do you know where you are headed, everyday you'll be faced with reaching a summit, some days it's just the other side of the laundry pile and other days God will be asking you to walk one to the sheer rocks and trust He has something amazing to show you. 

Today write down 3 thoughts, dreams, plans you have regularly and put them in order from most scary to more rewarding. Then next to them write why you haven done those things & what IF you tried to do those things, how would you feels? Whether you fail or succeeded. 

Have a great day! 

I'd love to hear about your personal summit, let's connect on  Facebook

JoyforFitness 

Team Align "REACHING OUR SUMMIT" Day 1

As we continue driving today and listening to our personal development, talking about our goals and why's I'm getting super excited that I'm able to see the endless possibilities for our family and our team.

Last year I sat on my couch watching Summit live streaming on YouTube and I bought our tickets for 2015 Nashville as soon as they opened the sale because I KNEW it would be a game change and we had to be there LIVE!!! 

I'm very blessed that a year later I've been  blessed  to share my passion of faith & fitness and empower other ladies on their healthier life journeys, sharing that it starts from within and that is KEY!!! 

Our team has grown so much and has so much potential to truly MAKE A DIFFERENCE by reaching out to EveryONE that wants to live a happy empowered life! 

So yes I'm super excited this is our first summit, my husband and I get to spend an entire week together, to hangout with our bigger team from around the country, listen to amazing guest speakers, workout with all the trainers but as we get ready to experience life changing days It makes me truly wish we had our Team Align going this year, but that isn't happening, And now I'm making it my ultimate goal to be the leader that INSPIRES & EMPOWERS our team both as challengers and coaches to realize that YOU are smart, YOU can become confident, YOU can change your income, your HEALTH and your LEGACY! Do you trust that? 

Will you consider joining us at summit next year? Will you watch Summit this weeks live streaming on YOUTUBE!  

It will change your life because it has been changing mine from day 1. I have no regrets and when someone asks me what would change if I stopping coaching my answer "nothing! Beachbody isn't my life but it gives me a energizes life, healthy marriage, real income & relationships that I owe to Beachbody's mission & products, it's not a fad it's our lifestyle" 

Team Align - helping others Aling their health according to His plan and design. 

We would love for you to follow us during summit week on Facebook

Healthy Intentions rooted from the bible or my own worldly views!

I hit a huge road block this week how to being clear about my healthy fitness intentions and coaching,

I mean I had to call my Jesus friend, ask questions of faithful women and speak honestly with my own self and prayed about it, I've read  and heard so much this week I know what I believe but I was being bombarded with "to be content with yourself, God loves you just as you are,  you don't need to loose weight, eat more veggies you are crazy, stop pressuring yourself to do daily fitness, you are his child He created you just as you are"...these are all from women's bible studies, books & audios so when I say I struggle I do I think we give permission to make excuses in His grace. I believe it's a crutch and a way to get around the not wanting to change my comfy life or yoga pants kinda attitude we have come to cherish.  I believe it's false hope to offer women comfort and peace without offering a lifestyle change to be light in the world, lights shine bright and bold.

I never want to promise false hope of happiness with living a healthier life. I know that true acceptance and happiness is only by living a life immersed in God's grace and having a relationship with Him. But with that said, we have the choice to care for the bodies that we've been given, all different shapes, sizes etc. embrace that you can choose to care for His temple, your body for it's worth caring for daily. Temples are built with proper planning, quality materials, taken care of daily, polished, housing precious items and when Jesus died on the cross He broke those chains tore the veil, now our bodies have the chance to house His precious gift of the Holy Spirit. 

Please, when you read or hear me say healthy & fit, it is not about skinny, weight, happiness or acceptance outside of HIS desire and instructions for us to care for to our best abilities His Masterpieces.

He's not done with me yet nor you but I'm not going to waste today hoping, wishing and praying for things to change if I don't put work into my life too. He can do all things...but I also believe He wants you to step up, move forward help yourself to be the best you can be in Him and through His promises. 

Don't settle for getting by, living a mediocre life feeling like crap and lack of excitement. I can't stress enough the joys of living immersed in His calling for your life and that includes a strong healthy body and happy soul! 

If you feel lost and focused on finding happiness from outside sources or life events I would love to chat, share my favorite verses, books and just help you find your acceptance in Him before & above anything else. 

Have a happy healthy day, 

 Joy 

JoyforFitness@gmail.com

Let's connect on Facebook

Do you ever feel like..."I'm the only one on Facebook"

Have you every posted something on Facebook and NO ONE likes or comments on it? It's like ummm and I blocked, unfriended, or unliked by like EVERYONE? is everyone doing other things they don't care? to busy? off having a life and I'm posting on Facebook?

Or have you heard other say "oh I don't use Facebook" really then how did you know I was at... or had a .... or so and so did this? that was ONLY posted on Facebook so yes to all you Facebook stalkers and walkers it's annoying hit like or something of I went off on the rabbit trail...anyway back to my other thoughts and I hope I'm not the only one, maybe I am then forget this all together.

I've pondered why my page is not liked more or why I loose likes, as a Like page owner you can loose sleep over those things, but truly they are mundane, you must ask yourself these 5 questions:

1. Am I who I say I am?
2. Do I offer something to others to improve their day?
3. Do I offer and ask for interaction to get to know others?
4. Do I offer solutions for the everyday person?
5. Is my intent for them or me?

I know some of you aren't mommies and that's super cool because you don't need to be a mommy to like my page get something from it or to have excuses, side tracked or rather just fallen off the wagon with health and fitness

It's all good but speaking as health coach Mommy I hear and see the excuses all day long, my desire is to reach out to others that I can relate to - I'm a mom, homeschooler mom at that,  business owner, massage therapist, wife and health coach and a Jesus girl.

I hope we can relate on one of those platforms so I can better help you reach your goals.

Joy Bracero
Health Coach and a very Blessed Momma

Incase you choose to stop my and "like" a post is  FB.com/joybracerofitness

I'm raising CEO's not Employees

Before you start commenting, un-liking me and sending emails please read on.

Personally I try make to do lists, dream boards and goal plan weekly, having a focus to where I am and where I want to be is important in my business, my personal life and my family's future, no I can't plan for everything and by no means do I get everything I want accomplished, but I have an idea of where I am headed and when I feel I've slacked off.

With that in mind, I started thinking I have three little peoples that I have been blessed with and that will one day be out in the world. So, what do I want them to bring to their future world and then I thought I want them to think like CEO's of their lives. To live life like it matters everyday, it matters what they do, what they say, how they act and how they represent their company and the morals they are built on, to work hard everyday to improve and to use their assets to assist others.

Versus :

The Employee, the one that just does enough to get a paycheck, does not have an investment in the future of the company, leaves when they want or when the times get rough and always looking for greener grass or the hand-out from someone else.

And when I say compay I mean their lives, their future families, their future workplace, their ministries. We as parents are their example from sun up to sun down they see what we do, what we say, how we act and react to situations. They hear the conversations between you and your spouse, the telephone call with your friend, the facebook posts Yes, they see and hear it all and they are building their own ideas of how to act when they get older.

Today I have 3 future CEO's in my home that I need to go tuck-in, hug, kiss and pray with them and for them.

Are you raising CEO's or Employees?

Future CEO

Future CEO 

Future CEO 

We are Stronger when we are together - Bracero Family 

Post Baby Body - My children are my reason not my excuse!

The Before picture is me Pregnant with Baby #3 and then POST #3

It all started 8 YEARS ago, yes that's how long I've been on this post baby journey. I'm blessed with 3 beautiful healthy babies, 3 times gaining over 45 lbs. and losing the baby weight and more every time while learning to get healthier with each pregnancy,

After my first baby I walked out of the Hospital 168 lbs. (I'm 5'3) with a baby in my ARMS. I'm not really sure of my thoughts to get healthy back then, but I did it. I share about finding balance but in my life and it's not easy but I can help you. When I found it I lost the weight, I felt great and became the healthiest I thought I could ever be... until the next year and next and now 8 years later I know I'm the healthiest me ever with so much more to achieve. I'm now paying it forward as a Health Coach.

I used to say "I have no story, I haven't been on a health journey over these past 8 years all I did was pregnant 3x over" and this is so far from the truth. I was on several journeys each time adding a new obstacle, a baby. (I was not healthy pre-baby #1 I was just out of college working 3 jobs and simply put unhealthy although working out with a gym membership and all.

I was recently telling someone the story of my  "Mommy life" before coaching, before Insanity and how that made me who I am today, talking it out made be realize I KNOW WHY I'M HERE!!! I know all too well the struggles & excuses we make yet the DESIRES and GOALS we have. We say one thing and we do another. Are you ready to stop this cycle and have our actions match the words and desires to be you to shed the weight, to feel amazing, to look in the mirror and be proud of the life you are living. It's more than looks, of course we know that, so we focus on feeling amazing from your inside out to feel great and to look great!

I am so proud to share these pictures with you for I didn't give those excuses as often as I thought of them. I choose so many years ago post baby #1 to get back my body to have energy I needed to be a mom and wife to turn nap time into workout time (baby and all) I created a habit that 8 years later it is ingrained in me, in my schedule, in what my body craves, in my family's mind knowing that I do have me time (amongst the chaos. It's all too often society just accepts the post (whatever) as normal and never strives to improve and to live healthier. We instead start treating symptoms of diabetes, depression, weight gain, loss of energy, loss of sex drive, loss of self, anxiety and so much more with prescription instead of looking at the entire picture, history and lifestyle we just treat learning of learning a healthier way to live.

To get amazing results and feel great, you don't have to be a gym rat, you don't need to pay a fortune for a personal trainer, you don't need a miracle or spend all day in the bathroom, you don't need 3 hours a day at the gym, you don't even have to enjoy the sweaty workout but I know you will, I know you will learn to love everyday you give yourself the time to get fit, to get your life back and to get healthy.

I also know You need someone to support you that has been there, someone that has done it and someone with the desire to see other mommy's find themselves again and to say "WOW"
I did this for me and look how much better of a women, mom, wife, sister, boss, friend I am I'm a better person because I got healthy. Lets do this together and you post the next #transformationTuesday pic

Can you say yes to the questions below?

Do you know the feeling of wanting more out of your health & fitness journey but struggling with believing it is possible?

Does the possibility of achieving a goal you never thought you could, excite you?

I'm looking for 5 ladies who are ready to focus and ready to truly take their commitment up a notch to Join me! To work with me to achieve serious goals, be willing to put in the sweat, do the meal planning and believe in themselves!

Is this you??
Click on the link below and I will happily share the plan I have been following to reach my goals and I Know if you follow it this system, you will reach YOURS!!!

http://goo.gl/forms/GiYcv6gU0K

Joy Bracero
Certified Health Coach and fitness coach

Looking to help you find You again! #iShapeMe Challenge

When God sends you a message you just can't ignore, kinda like the Flood

Yes, you know the story of the flood, well maybe my message was not that HUGE, but it's still a sign that He is in complete control over Everything including knowing my thoughts and where I needed Him to take over.

Last night I was thinking about my time and knowing I do not spend it wisely, I get on caught up in the Facebook wall scrolling, the Pinning on Pinterest, even creating great images. Yup those are my attention suckers and time zappers. How about you anything stand out as you read this? I'm not into movies or netflix thankfully but then I see I have my own vices. I could be a workaholic as my husband and I both stated last night.

I'm grateful we are not and we know that down time and family time is crucial for us, but we talked I might have stated I was convicted of spending too much time working or thinking I was "working" and therefore make a statement that I was going to start business hours 2 hours a day with a focused work plan and be a real entrepreneur not a want-entrepreneur so with that the night was over.

Today!!! already a few minutes, comments and posts into my day and 2 podcast later out of nowhere a car comes within 1 foot of my car backing out and my foot to the pedal then the brake caused my phone to take a nose dive into my fresh cup of coffee (yes I drink my coffee in the car in a real mug) after dishing it out of its hot yummy coffee bath and drinking coffee all over me as if I was saving something truly important the light bulb came on...its a phone and it will no control me.

God kinda sent me a message to live what I say not in words but actions and yes I'll replace my phone tomorrow no big deal and yes my hours will be 2 hour a day being productive.

Learn the lessons the first time friends! I'm not sure this was the first message He's sent me but it was the most clear one.

What message is He sending you today that you need to take listen and respond to?

My priorities are getting back on track.

We were made out of dust and to dust we will return...BUT WAIT! Why live a life just waiting to turn back into dust?

Just stop and look at people (don't stare) just observe what do you see?

 

I see people of all shapes and sizes all going through life doing the same old things, saying the same old sayings, being content with the same old ins and outs of daily life.

 

It's so true what Solomon says about "there is nothing new under the sun", there truly isn't. We were made out of dust and to dust we will return...BUT WAIT! Why live a life just

waiting to turn back into dust? I don't know about you but I think God created amazing creatures all over this earth but mankind us, We were made in HIS image a perfect image, no we aren't perfect we won't be perfectly complete until we reach eternity with Jesus. But I'm OK with being Perfectly Incomplete living my life not content to live average to be going along with the Flow I want to swim up stream to be different to be a light that shines for Him.

Think about what you are drawn to, are you drawn to boring, mean, unhappy and dark situations? do those images and feelings get your attention and make you want to be more like that?

I'm not sure about you but I'm drawn to light, happiness, laughing and fun, to the thought of there is more to this world and I want to living a journey outside the box of normal.

If I am drawn to those things I hope others are too.

I want others to look at me and see me the real me maybe some are observing my life and actions and yes I also know not everyone cares to see me or observe me that's OK! God does! (I'm sure some have said more bad than good about me, because I've been terrible in my past, self inflicted hurt and pain so yes, I'm not perfect and I don't have all the answers but I pray that making daily changes to seek His will would cause others to say "she serves God in all she does" and second my mission is for others to be inspired to be ok with being incomplete, but feel the desire to be and do more to live the life filled with light and happiness and knowing we have a great future in eternity, but until we reach our final destination and I pray you have placed your trust and hope in our Savior Jesus Christ to reach heaven's beautiful shores and only then be completely perfect. I pray you stop and observe you and your actions and words are you running the day just to get by and return to dust one day or are you living throughout the day to Go to bed with great satisfaction in shining a light of hope, happiness and Him.

 

I've said this before not everything is about external appearances you can look like you are happy and living a fantastic life but I pray you examine your heart, your actions and your thoughts and ask Him to help you clear those before you re-examine your external. Your heart matters most to Him my friend.

 

Have a blessed day!

 

Joy

You never go back to the Starting line - Push to the Finish line (Then it's time to RESTART) #21DFX

Have you said this to yourself  "I'll just start OVER on Monday"

 "I missed a day or two working out I guess this doesn't work for me" or  "I ate bad yesterday, it was a party so, forget it I'll just wait until Monday and start over"

This was what we, my hubby and I contemplated over our weekend camping trip.

This was our thought Sunday after not pressing play. TRUTH, We didn't miss our Sunday workout, we choose to not do it, we had time, we had space, we had everything we needed and we chose not to do it. So yes, naturally we would say I guess we will just start over tomorrow right? well I said no! We will continue tomorrow day 8 Why? because you do not see or feel change without challenges and you do not reach your goal or your destination if you keep turning back to reset at the start line, you continue running everyday, you can stop off at the medical tent, the water station but you don't turn around, you continue going and pushing to the finish line. Our #21DFX is more than 21 days for me it's race after race where I will continually be better, beat my own records and challenge myself to push, to focus to see the me I want looking back at me in the mirror.
We Don't go back to the Start we push to the Finish line celebrate the accomplishment and then Restart our race again the next day. It's a lifestyle of training, of fueling your body and enjoying your progress each time.

Our Nutrition wasn't hard to stick with away, we didn't pack junk snacks, when you want chips if you only have apples and almonds guess what that's what you eat. When you bring your approved meals and opt out of restaurants you eat your own healthy cooking. But, I'm a sucker for enjoying life and eating food I LOVE food I love the healthy salads, berries, apples and goat cheese to a point of too much of a good thing is bad. Yes, I ate too many containers this weekend so I was thinking I eat when I have time of my hands I eat a bite here and a bite there. Do I START over? No I learn to Think before I eat and keep track using my app don't let a good time sabotage my results.

This is a learning curve for me again, each program is a challenge, with new moves... remember the resistance bands that is a work in progress, even trying new foods and new portions, but that's what changes me to be better, a challenge can either change you for the better or keep defeating you and sending your back to the Start line.

I have a choice to Start over or to Press on and Monday we chose to press on and do better this week and even better the in the following weeks because we are not doing this short term we are running a race of life a healthy life filled with starts and finishes and lots of celebrations for learning, growing and stretching our boundaries.

I love being on this journey with my Hubby the support is great along with the competition in the gym and the victories of saying no to junk food together.

Do you want to start racing toward the finish line? are you tired of Starting over are you ready to celebrate your success?

Let's set you on a path to your own finish line! contact me today if you are ready to race...  http://goo.gl/forms/bpLJv3utCi

JoyForFitness
Have a Blessed Day!

We made it a family thing 

Habits = lifestyle good or bad you do get to choose