Hi. I am 24 years old and I have been overweight almost all of my life. I don't remember a time when I wasn't on some type of diet. I had some brief success during college when I was just 10 pounds away from my goal but I have long since gained the weight back and then some.

I want very much for this time to be different. Although I am at my heaviest, I have never been more comfortable being me. I'm hoping this helps me to set more reasonable goals and not be so hard on myself when setbacks occur (and experience tells me they will).

Motivation for weight loss is different this time too. I am a Christian now and I desire to serve the Lord and testify of his healing and transforming power.

This time it's not about vanity, it's about living the abundant life my God has promised me. There are so many things I want to do. From horseback riding to paragliding to backpacking. I want to explore God's creation and testify of his grace and mercy all over the world. He deserves my best. He deserves my life and I want so much to give it to him without reservation.

It is my prayer that the Lord strengthens all of us on our journey and gives us courage to face the hurdles we will encounter. I pray that we rely on Him and allow Him to work miracles in our hearts and lives. We cannot do this on our own (or we already would have) but we have our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on our side. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us!