My story isn't different than any other women who has found herself at her wits end, desperate to get the weight off and after trying every fad diet known to man only to find herself right back at square one: frustrated, depressed and, yes, overweight once again. I knew I had to do something, I had to make some drastic changes, but I struggled with what the implications would be and how I would manage to stick with it this time. Instead of turning to God from the beginning, I had to fight the internal battle with myself of trying to do it my way; the same battle I have fought and lost over and over again. It took months of God prodding me as I would pray for answers and then not listen to His guidance before I finally realized the only way I was going to find freedom from the "food chain" was to give it all over to Him.

Then God led me to Grace and Strength Lifestyle. I entered the program bitter, angry, and very broken. My only focus was needing to get the weight off, and be able to keep it off. What I discovered, however, has been very different than I expected. It didn't take long for me to realize there was much more to Grace and Strength than just a weight loss program. Sure I lost the weight, but I have gained way more than I could ever dream of losing!

When I joined Grace and Strength Lifestyle, I was suffering from severe migraine headaches occurring on average 8 days a month. I had high cholesterol, and my relationship with God was on a "per-needed" basis meaning I called upon Him only when I needed Him. Since I have made the commitment to the Healthy Eating protocol that Grace and Strength offers, the migraines are practically non-existent. My doctor has fully endorsed and encouraged me to continue on the Healthy Eating protocol permanently due to the vast improvement she has seen in my health condition. I have only suffered one migraine since I have begun the Healthy Eating protocol and that migraine came on, ironically, after traveling and eating things one particular day not within the protocol recommendations. My cholesterol numbers have lowered and I no longer feel angry, bitter, frustrated, or depressed. All of that has melted away and I feel loved by my Heavenly Father. We walk and talk together every day. I spend time with Him and I have a heart filled with joy. My entire day is enriched by just having those special moments each morning with my Father. As for my brokenness, well that is a work in progress. I am still struggling with some issues and have a ways to go yet, but God has used Grace and Strength Lifestyle to equip me with tools to prepare me for the battle.

I have lost the weight, and am happy about that, but there is so much more now to accomplish. Grace and Strength Lifestyle has helped me to understand the value of devotional and prayer time and not treating my relationship with God like a pain pill only turned to when needed. He is a part of my every day, my every hour, my every moment. I can honestly say that while I still have some growing to do, being a part of Grace and Strength Lifestyle has enriched my life. I am thankful for the ladies of Grace and Strength who have answered God's call to serve Him by coaching those of us who need it, even when we aren't aware of what we needed until God uses them to provide it!

Singing His Praises ... Tina

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* Individual results may vary.