God gave Adam and Eve a beautiful existence in a garden of bounty and tranquility, but life on earth was forever altered when they chose to eat fruit from the one tree that had been forbidden by the Creator. The real dynamic of the Garden of Eden is not a mystery, and—as Joe points out in this w...

At this time, springtime of 2020, the world seems in disarray, but the Bible ensures us, “…if my people…will humble themselves and pray and seek my face…then will I hear from heaven ….” (2 Chronicles 7:14) In Matthew 24:4, Jesus warns us not to be deceived by rumors and not to be alarmed. These ...

You can do it! You can learn to deny yourself those extra bites that are keeping you from achieving your weight loss goal. “Denial is a muscle,” as Gwen explains in this week’s episode of “Life with Gwen and Joe.” Like any muscle, if we are not exercising it regularly—or if we get away from usin...

Natural disasters strike unannounced and can change lives and communities in an instant. Such was the case when a tornado ripped a 50-mile path of destruction through middle Tennessee in March 2020. Buildings were leveled, lives were lost, and entire communities were devastated in the aftermath...

Pack your bags, because Weigh Down is going on tour! The Bible tells us that Jesus sent the Disciples out two-by-two to share the good news of a “you can do it” salvation amongst a hurting world. Christ traveled the countryside, refreshing Himself and His followers in the homes of friends or on...

There is no better feeling than the heart-swelling emotion of knowing you have done something good for someone else! The world is full of organizations that promote good deeds as a way to better our communities, but God is the Originator of good works and has always built His Kingdom around the ...

Love is in the air! The world designates Valentine’s Day as one of a few days each year focused on love, and it is important to use every chance we get to express our appreciation and affection to the one God has given us to love! But chocolates melt and roses last only a few days...while these ...

Imagine a place known for taking care of its own, expressing true compassion toward one another and making sure every need is met! Physical pain, such as an overweight condition, is what the world sees with physical eyes, but there is an underlying spiritual pain that can be deep and dark. Weigh...

There is an amazing new perspective for us all when it comes to hard times, suffering, and loss! Everyone faces adversity at some point. Jesus said in Matthew 5:45 that God “sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Hard times are often seen as unmerited tribulation that results in ques...

Weigh Down was never about a diet—it has always been about putting your ALL into a relationship with God! Let’s make 2020 the year that we do not give up, but instead we give ALL! Join Gwen and Joe for this special episode filmed live at the Weigh Down New Year’s 2020 Rally, as Gwen lays out a st...

Let’s make 2020—a new year and a new decade—the year that we ALL stick it out and achieve our goals! The key to keeping your resolutions is to not give up! You CAN change! Let’s go for it! If you have not already made your list of resolutions and goals, get them written down so that you can a...

Happy New Year, and welcome to a new decade! This is the year we all can change! Have you made your resolutions? What do you want to achieve in 2020? In this episode, Gwen and Joe reassure all of us that God gave everyone the ability to change! What an exciting way to start a new year, knowing th...

Another year comes to a close, and 2019 has been made even more special with the development of these “Life with Gwen and Joe” episodes! Join Gwen and Joe Lara as they express their sincere gratitude to YOU, the faithful viewers, who have tuned in and made this past year so special by your friend...

Christmas cheer is in the air! This festive season is a time for fellowship and parties, showing honor to those who imitate the example of Jesus Christ—not only at the commemoration of His birth, but every day, all year long! If you have ever participated in a Weigh Down class, you have benefitt...

“A wife of noble character … [is] worth far more than rubies.” (Proverbs 31) Although this passage about the Proverbs 31 wife is often quoted, living examples of such a wife are few and far between in this day and age. However, this Scripture tells us that such a woman earns the full confidence ...

You’ve heard the saying that “boys will be boys,” but did you know that God programmed that masculine nature into boys who will one day grow up to be men: husbands, fathers and warriors for God’s Kingdom? God is a Protector of those He loves and the ultimate Husband-Defender for the saints. The B...

Christmas is a magical time of year! There is nothing more fun than spending it with your family and seeing things through the eyes of the children! Kids love traditions and merriment and wonder … and one of the most wonder-filled stories is that of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewi...

Thanksgiving is a beautiful time for bringing family together and enjoying one another, a time filled with beautiful traditions and daylong activities and—of course—gratitude! There are favorite passed-down recipes that everyone anticipates each year. You hear laughter around the table as every...

Fall is a beautiful time of year—the colors, the temperatures dropping, the outdoor activities—but there is a deeper significance to all the changes that happen as the seasons transition. From a green, vibrant summer to an autumn where leaves dry up and drop from the trees, the symbolism of dyin...

Want to know a secret? Being content, according to the Apostle Paul, involves learning secrets which are often contrary to our culture and our human nature. Paul was familiar with being in need and being rich, and he knew that “things” were not the answer. He knew hunger and being well fed--he ...

A God-focused humility is the key to peace, joy, success and happiness in your life. Proverbs 22:4 assures us that “Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.” In this episode, Gwen and Joe dig deeper into how we can let go of our own expectations in order to discover peac...

What do you like to do for fun? Hobbies, being with friends, singing, dancing, enjoying favorite foods such as pizza...all these things and more have one thing in common: God Almighty! He is the source of all fun and good things! As stated in James 1:17, “Every good and perfect gift is from above...

Harvest festivals may seem trendy, complete with hayrides, bonfires, amazing food and outdoor activities in the crisp cool air! But what happens if you throw in pony rides, outdoor concerts, camping under the stars, and putting God first with non-stop JOY? You end up with “the blissful feast,” a...

Through the eyes of a child—full of joy, wonder, innocence and delight—is how we should all view life! The Bible tells us that unless we become like little children, we cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven, which lets us know that God is all about joy and happiness and fun! Being in God’s Kingdom m...