No group near me?

[NewMom]

I have been looking at first place for a bit now and have done one of the studies. It looks like being part of a group would have a lot of benefits but I have not been able to find one less than an hour away (not an option). I have noticed outlook on line but do not have regular access to the internet so again, not a good option for me. My questions are
1. What have other people done?
2. Are there groups in southern Ontario that are not listed on this site?
3. How important is it to do the exchanges vs points?
4. Should I get a member kit even if I just work on my own? Or should I just get a book or two?

Thanks for all your help

[Patricia/SD]

Hi NewMom,
I'm in the same boat as you, but I do have access to the internet. I live in South Dakota and there are NO meetings here. I registered for the outlook ministry to do my first bible study with them. I do believe, please someone correct me if I'm wrong, you are only required to use the internet to send in commitment records on Monday (but if Monday is out of the question - as soon as you can). I believe it's not absolutely necessary to be on the computer all the time. If you registered and were placed in a group, you could let the group know you don't have daily access and I'm sure you could get support by other means, call or card in the mail.

Now, as far as points are concerned, I can definitely answer that question for you. I had been doing Weight Watchers since 2004. I did lose 35 pounds. I know pretty much A LOT about points. I only recently stopped doing WW in October/2006. Because I now look at food as points, I am nutritionally ignorant. There is a huge difference in points and exchanges. (I did exchanges while I was pregnant and had gestational diabetes years ago.) My opinion, points, from experience, are not a lifestyle. I gained back 25 pounds in the last year (still struggling with WW-still doing the program and failing) because, and I'll put it bluntly, I EMPOWERED MYSELF. All the glory (which WW teaches) went to me and not God. Now I'm having to teach myself all over again about nutrition.

I bought a member kit so I can relearn about nutrition and also incorporate God into my eating lifestyle. I'm even learning (and my group won't start until December) to memorize scripture. At my age!! I pushed God out too long. He wants to be a part of ALL of my life, even eating. I would encourage you to join a group online (I'll probably be in Group G-Everyday Victory for Everyday People). If God is nudging you to do this, He will make a way for you.

God bless you.
Patricia/SD

NewMom: You can email me at createdforwishy@yahoo.com and we can exchange mailing addresses. :)