Answer:
Having a "buddy" or accountability partner is one vital aspect for success in "Transformed for Glory". Here are some helpful hints to encourage your work through the program.
 1. Stay connected to people.
Even if you move thousands of miles to a new community, it's one vital aspect of all health that you be "in touch" with other people. Praise God we live at a time in which communication devices allow "inexpensive" connection. Don't have a cell phone or computer? Most public libraries have email access; so you can set up an account and have the ability to send and receive mail. Many cell phones are cheapter than regular phone service: take the time to check out your options. Use the old US mail service: it still works and I think everyone still enjoys receiving a card or letter from a friend. I know first hand that cross-country friendships can flourish and be a source of great solace. There is no valid reason to lose the friendships just because you move.
2. Purchase the "Transformed for Glory" audio tapes.
These tapes were developed to assist your progress. Listening to Karen and Jane can be quite encouraging and you'll be more likely to keep reading and doing the Transforming Work assignments. Thus, you'll be putting your faith into action. Many listeners have stated what a great help this has been to them.
3. Pray, pray, pray.
Many times we turn back to that old habituated comfort of eating. When loneliness strikes we go to the old friend: food. STOP! Turn around (repent) of such thoughts and actions. Communicate with God. Tell Him everything you think and feel. Yes, He wants to know. If it seems like you have no friends, no one to encourage you or support your healthy changes, allow the Holy Spirit to enter the situation. "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express... the Spirit intercedes for the saints in
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accordance with God's will." (Romans 8:26-27, NIV.) Begin to pray and even if it seems difficult or uncomfortable, you'll begin to feel connected. You are not alone.
4. Let Christ Jesus be your friend and encourager.
If loneliness saps your strength and waylays your motivation, turn as fast as you can to Christ. I have found this TRUTH: the sooner I turn to God and Christ my Savior, the easier and faster the problem diminishes. The more I hold onto a negative or false thought, the harder it is to change. "As a man thinketh, so is he." (Proverbs 23:7, KJV.) This is true biochemically, because my brain develops patterns of chemical responses to every thought and action. I can easily make myself miserable and be flooded with feelings of despair or hopelessness. Can I just as easily "train" myself to think thoughts of peace and joy and be flooded with hope: "God has said: Never will I leave you; Never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mad do to me?'": (Hebrews 13:5-6, NIV.) The Amplified Bible (vs. 5) adds these words: "I will not in any way fail you nor give you up nor leave you without support, I will not, I will not, I will not in any degree leave you helpless, nor forsake you nor let you down, relax my hold on you. Assuredly not!" Christ Jesus can be your best and dearest friend... if you choose. So let Christ be your buddy. Because I have moved away from family and friends I have been forced to turn to and rely upon Jesus many times. This has strengthened my faith and honed healthy responses to loneliness.
5. Join a local church.
As soon as possible find a Body of Believers where God's Holy Word is preached and taught. Then ask around and maybe you'll find new friends who will want a program of discipleship and diet. Maybe God has brought you to this new place to be a helper/encourager? Maybe you can lead others to be "Transformed for Glory"? Oh, what praise!
KJL
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