Jill Snapp

Thank you, GOD, for this message!!! Thank you, Gwen, for standing up for Truth and stepping out in faith!!! Oh, I can't even fathom the changes God has made in our lives and continues to refine in us! I would never go back!!! Thank you, thank you! On a personal level, the old me weighed over 300 lbs and was focused on what I could or could not eat - yuck! I was a miserable, hopeless person - full of self and ugliness! I had even decided that God meant for me to be fat for the rest of my life. I was raised in a church but believed that God had nothing to do with weight loss! That was up to man. God was there to help us and love us, but we were the ones who really had to do things. How incredibly sad and twisted that was.

The leaders in our church were usually overweight and very focused on numbers - how many souls were "saved," what was the attendance, how many "disadvantaged" children could be reached through vacation bible school, etc. It was ALL outwards, but I just didn't see it at all! There was NO looking inward, especially at the individual. We were all sinners and there was no hope this side of heaven for purity. How sad and miserable! God's Word was also so limited. The teachings might revolve entirely around one or two verses. Many books of the bible were hardly ever used. Some might never have been used! We all needed special times for ourselves. Service was an obligation, not a joy.

As a result, life was ALL about me! What could people do for me - What did "I" need for fulfillment - The funny thing is that this focus never ever brought me any joy at all. This lack of direction and focus was so evident in every area of my life, especially my marriage. My poor husband was under constant criticism and direction from ME - his wife. I acted like his boss! I was in charge of everything. In fact, I don't think I believed the world could function well without me! Our children were also struggling. Our oldest was diagnosed with all sorts of issues even though he was only 6! We were told he had autism, learning disabilities, a distended bowel that would require a lifetime of medication, severe anxiety requiring medication, food allergies, and many other medical concerns. He was in therapy several times a week and special education classes. Our 3-year-old girl was angry, defiant, self-focused, and sullen.

Praise God, that is the past!!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, GOD! He has so kindly delivered me from over 160 lbs of weight! I LOVE my husband and am joyful just to be alive each day! I praise God for the chance to wake up and serve my family! I no longer look for "me" time or think about what someone should do for me! Life is exciting and fun and beautiful! I LOVE learning about God and finding this Truth! Our son has been completely delivered from medication for his stomach problems and no food allergies! He is learning quickly without all the added aids, he has no anxiety and is a sweet, happy child. Our daughter is loving and sweet and happy! We enjoy being a family! We praise God for each day and the chance we have to go even further in pleasing Him! We love His Word, and it is so much more present and clear than ever before! ALL of God's Word is relevant and used in the teachings.

We LOVE our leaders! They exemplify a life for Christ! They live it out and are true examples to follow 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! They are available and will tell us the Truth! It is NOT about numbers ever. They just want pure hearts for God! They don't ask for money or keep tallies. They truly trust God! I just love the fact that we never have to worry about going outside the church on a quest to find a new youth pastor or music leader or whatever. God brings in what He wants for His church. It is just amazing! I could never say thank you enough for this peace, this truth, and this life!