New kid with lots of questions

[proudmomof2]

Good eveing all! Today as I was pouring over the health and fitness shelf at my local Bible bookstore, I came across the First Place series! Some time ago I had heard of this program and I was hoping you would be able to help me out a little. There are no groups meeting in my area and so I would like to grab the book and dig in. However, there were several books available within the First Place program. How do you get started? Which book is the first one? What order do they go in? And what have your experiences been? :confused:
I have browsed the website and love the mission and statement of faith. I have struggled with my weight all my life. This year I have realized that I have allowed Christ to penetrate most areas of my life, but have never figured out where my battle with my weight fit in. It felt like a vain thing to pray for, but I am way to pre-occupied with my self image and I know that it is not allowing me to serve God to my fullest potential. I am tired of battling on my own, and now sheepishly admit that He has been waiting for me patiently to come to Him for help! :o This sounds like a great program and I want to know more.
I appreciate your help and look forward to what amazing things God has in store! Thanks again!

[Pat/TX]

Hi, ProudMomof2!

I'm so glad you looked us up on the Internet! First Place is a wonderful program for those who want to submit totally to God and put Him first in every way. The books you saw in your bookstore may have been the series of Bible studies that we use in each of our sessions. Each session is 13 weeks long...and within that time we all study the same Bible study book. The first book in the series is PUTTING CHRIST FIRST PLACE (I believe that's the title, but it may be a little different.) It used to come in the member kit, but I don't think it ships with the kits now. There is no particular order that you must follow in the Bible studies. You can choose the order you want to follow.

There are other First Place books that you will find that are written by our national director, Carole Lewis. Back on Track is one of those....as well as The Divine Diet and The Mother/Daughter Legacy. Any of the books Carole has written will warm your heart and offer you valuable encouragement. She is a very special lady! I go to her weekly FP class at our church, and I love to hear her lead the Bible study discussion.

If you are interested in this program, read as much as you can about getting started on this website. Then order your member kit. It comes with books, a member guide, CDs, and DVDs to tell you all about the food plan and how the program works.

If you don't have a local group meeting close enough to you for you to attend, I would recommend you join the online group. You can find out about that at http://www.outlookministry.net/

There are new support groups forming every month, so now is a good time to join for the July group. Online members encourage one another in a private message board, study the Bible study together and talk about it online, share recipes and prayer requests, and generally lift one another up when one of them is having difficulty. When you have a question about the program, someone there can always help you. There are First Place leaders with each group, and these leaders are there just to offer support and assistance.

I enjoy being a part of Outlook Ministry....and I think you'd enjoy it, too. If you have any more questions, don't hesitate ask!

Pat/TX