Success Spotlight ~ Bonnie A.

I have been down the road of trying to lose weight many times. I actually have records of my weight and measurements that date back to 1979, after the birth of my first child. I knew ‘HOW’ to lose weight. I just didn’t know how to ‘KEEP IT OFF’.

Each time I was determined to lose weight, I had come to a point where I couldn’t stand myself any longer; and I would be committed to the PROCESS–determined and focused. Yet the weight always came back. Sometimes it was quick, other times it took years. I’ve lost 30 pounds probably five times. My largest release was 70 pounds in 2000-2001. I regained 30, lost 40; regained 25, lost 17; regained 30, now have lost 25. And on and on the cycle continued. But now I see, praise God, it’s no longer about the scale, it’s about the heart.

My highest weight was 237 pounds 20 years ago. When I started Weight Loss, God’s Way in January 2018, I weighed 187 pounds. I’m happy to say that, as of this writing, I’ve reached my goal weight of 158 pounds. However, I’ve chosen a new goal of 152. My projected date for this goal is October 10th.

I have been a member of WLGW since February 2018. I began the 21-Day Challenge on January 28, 2018. It was eye-opening and life-changing so I wanted to continue and became a member. My sister had been involved in the program for about a month. She shared what she was learning, and I wanted what she had!

“Isn’t that what God asks of us, to let our light shine so that others will see and want to know more?”

Do you still fear that you will revert back to your old habits and mindset?

Having lost weight so many times, of course, doubt creeps in at times as to whether I will keep the weight off this time. But I am learning to encourage myself in the Lord; to remember that this time is different; that strongholds have been broken and my past has been redeemed, and that I am victorious through the blood of Jesus. When I keep my eyes on Him, I know that I can do all things!

I allow myself to be “imperfect” on my food plan, but now I don’t allow that imperfection to consume me and drive me into the pit of willful disobedience. It’s ok to enjoy a treat now and then. It’s ok to overindulge once-in-a-while. I don’t let it knock me down anymore. My God is with me. He holds me in His righteous right hand!

I still have days when I am tempted and I have days when I am hungrier than others. Learning to face the truth has been the most profound principle I’ve learned in the WLGW program. Without that you have no starting point, you keep going around and around the same mountain.

What was your favorite WLGW course?

Faith in Action is so awesome. This is real spiritual food!

What advice/tips/suggestions could you offer to your fellow sisters on this journey?

Come expecting. Let your mind and heart be open to the Word of God and allow it to minister to you and change you.

What is your theme scripture that ministers to you on this journey?

God’s Word is rich with encouragement. There are many scriptures that minister to me. One that stands out to me is Exodus 23:30: “Little by little I will drive them out before you until you have increased enough to take possession of the land.” This helps me to understand that there is no quick fix. Lessons must be learned, and character must be developed.

Aside from your physical weight, what other changes/benefits have you received from taking better care of yourself?

I’m stronger physically, and I feel better about myself. I find that I am more patient and forgiving, both with myself and others. I was a “glass-half-empty” type of person most of my life. I now see my glass filling up and overflowing, receiving the love and forgiveness of my heavenly Father. My capacity to love others is increasing, and I am amazed by the changes in my heart that could have only been brought about by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.