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DDDeeeaaarrr OOOnnneeesss,

Summit 2011 at Houston’s First Baptist Church this past weekend was just fabulous. We had 160 men and women from 26 states and Canada joining us in celebrating the 30th anniversary of First Place 4 Health.

The theme for all of our events this year is Better Together and this weekend was proof positive of that statement. The Scripture

for our theme is Ecclesiastes 4:12:

Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

We also introduced our brand new devotional book, Better Together, and a new First Place 4 Health Bible study by the same name at the Summit. Many of the devotionals were contributed by First Place 4 Health members and leaders. The books are available on our website and at all of our Better Together events. Nothing is more beautiful to me than to see the body of Christ come together in Christian love and unity. This is exactly what happened at our event. On Friday night we heard from Buddy and Sandy Griffin. Buddy was the Minister of Activities at HFBC, when First Place 4 Health began in March 1981. Buddy’s wife, Sandy, was my leader that first session. Buddy is a world-renowned banjo player, having played all over the world, and has been inducted into the banjo hall of fame. Buddy gave a short concert and then spoke to the group about the early beginnings of the program. The group enjoyed Sandy sharing about what a rebel I was in that first group, not even doing the First Place food plan! I was so glad that I had already confessed that fact and long ago changed my ways, but it was delightful to hear from two who were there when our program was birthed. Pastor Steve Reynolds, who writes articles for this E-Newsletter, served as our MC for the weekend and also gave testimony about his loss of 125 lbs. Steve has written a great book about his journey, Bod 4 God, and his church has lost over six tons (12,000 lbs.). We heard a powerful testimony from Rossanne Day on Friday night. Rossanne lives in Granbury, TX, and has lost 200 pounds through First Place 4 Health. Watching her little petite self working out at our early morning boot camp was amazing, as she doesn’t look like she has ever been overweight. You can read Rossanne’s story here: http://www.firstplace4health.com/stories/111/roseanne_day.

Continued on page two

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Dear Ones Carole Lewis ~ Page 1 Summertime Slump ~ Vicki Heath ~ Page 3

Zumba Your Way to Fitness ~ Jeannie Blocher ~ Page 4 Begin with a Goal - Steve Reynolds ~ Page 6 Devotional ~ Page 7 Success Story ~ Page 8 Recipes ~ Page 9

First Place 4 Health (800) 727-5223 (713) 688-6788

To Place an Order: (800) 727-5223, x1002

www.firstplace4health.com

The First Place 4 Health E-Newsletter is published monthly by First Place 4 Health. Address all correspondence to First Place 4 Health, 7025 W Tidwell, Suite H-101, Houston, TX 77092

Continued from page one

Joyce Ainsworth, FP4H leader from Brandon, MS gave her testimony Saturday morning. Joyce has also lost 187 lbs. through First Place 4 health and has a dynamic witness for Christ wherever she goes. Read Joyce’s story here: http://www.firstplace4health.com/stories/34/joyce_ainsworth. Karen Porter, a Christian speaker and writer of six books, joined us on Thursday night speaking to our networking Leaders about how to better communicate. All the networking leaders said this was their best year ever. Karen also spoke to the entire group on Saturday morning and we were all blessed. Vicki Heath led a 30-minute boot camp Friday and Saturday mornings and it was such fun for all who came. Vicki also led 5-minute exercise times throughout the two days together and the group loved it. We had wonderful seminars both days led by experts in many fields. If you have never been to a First Place 4 Health event, I hope you will make plans to do so in the future. Save the date for next year’s 2012 Summit July 27-28. Our Fall Better Together events are one-day events held on a Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. I will be at all of the events, Lord willing, and would love to meet you and hear your story.

Better Together Events

September 10 - Attleboro, Massachusetts September 24 - Elgin, Illinois October 22 - Springdale, Arkansas

Wellness Weeks

October 6-13 - Round Top Retreat Center, Round Top, Texas

April 29-May 4, 2012 - Sandy Cove Retreat Center, Sandy Cove, Maryland

To register for any of our events go to www.firstplace4health.com/events. Attend one of our events and you will truly see why we are “Better Together.”

CCaarroollee LLeewwiiss

.

LLeeaaddeerrsshhiipp

SSuummmmeerrttiimmee SSlluummpp –– WWee hhaavvee aann aapppp ffoorr tthhaatt!!

Vicki Heath vicki.heath@firstplace4health.com

Do you feel that leading your First Place 4 Health class in the summer time is like trying to pull a wagon load of sleeping babies across a mountain? Every leader can relate to the following two words: summer slump. What we usually see is a decrease in attendance and, as a result, a decrease in momentum. There are some things you can do as the fearless leader to help boost them on through the summer. Managing your own personal productivity as a leader, as well as keeping the class motivated through the summer, is a tough challenge. I think I have done just about everything from prizes to standing on my head! With summer here it’s hard to shake off the slows. We don’t need to turn off our learning power just because our schedules have relaxed a little. Our summer classes do not have to be “ho hum.” Summer is definitely not the time to relax our leading techniques. This idea by far seems to be the most productive: Introduce something new. Something new always gets me excited – whether it’s a new pair of shoes or just a new way of looking at something. Newness is refreshing. I suggest you give them something new to study and something new to eat! Something new to study. First Place 4 Health has

two new products that might be just the app you need. The first is My Food Plan. This is a new product that is to be used to enhance the Member’s Guide. The My Food Plan booklet includes a two-week quick start plan with menus and shopping lists to help new members jumpstart their pursuit of a balanced diet. It brings healthy

food choices within reach of anyone who is ready to

change. It also has a list of calories and tracker information per serving in most of the commonly eaten foods in each of the food groups. That will be a great help to those who really need to know how many calories are in a serving. In addition, it has the Top Ten ways to kick start your weight loss if you have hit a plateau. Most everyone I know in the program has hit a plateau at some time or another. The second new product is the new devotional Book called Better Together. I received an email this past week from a young man sharing with me his journey and I could not say it better. He shared, After 40 years of “ups and downs” (I’ve won every weight loss contest I ever entered) thru y’all it’s coming off. Down 50 with 50 to go. Y’all, me and Jesus are going to do it this time! Y’all, me and Jesus is exactly what the new devotional book is all about! Better Together is a collection of 240 inspirational readings and twelve encouraging testimonies from First Place 4 Health members around the world. Your class members will find encouragement to nurture healthy, lasting relationships that bring glory to God and satisfy their deepest needs for fellowship. Each month of devotional readings is based around one theme central to enrich community--Love, Service, Patience, Fellowship, Compassion, Encouragement, Harmony, Forgiveness, Honor, Godliness, Prayerfulness and Obedience. These two new resources may be just the applications you need to bust through that weight loss slump and also to revive that sense of community in your FP4H class. Click here to order your copy now.

Something new to eat. I challenged my class to try one healthy new food they had been curious about and bring it to class and see if the rest of us would like it. We had lots of new foods including cocoa dusted almonds (yum) and a new smoothie (double yum), but hands down our favorite new food – unsweetened almond milk. It has only 40 calories for one cup serving and twice the calcium of regular dairy milk. – By far the winner! Even my “picky” member loved it. See what your class can come up with and post your new favorite healthy foods on our FB page. I hope these ideas help get you through the remaining days of summer. Continue to be faithful and positive as you soar through the summer – no slumping! Be blessed,

VViicckkii HHeeaatthh

MMoorree iinnffoorrmmaattiioonn aabboouutt oouurr nneewweesstt aacccceessssoorriieess!!

My Food Plan Booklet, ISBN 08307.59719 This handy resource provides up-to-date calorie and Live It Tracker information for many common foods in addition to recommended serving sizes to help you manage your portions. Foods are listed in alphabetical order, making information easy to access on the go, whether you’re at the supermarket or out to eat. You’ll also find a two-week weight loss jump start plan with menus, shopping lists and recipes to get you started right on your pursuit of a balanced diet

Live It Tracker Packs, ISBN 08307.59743 This package of 12 Live It Trackers provides First Place 4 Health members with an easy-to-carry set of forms for recording their activities that lead to a healthy, balanced lifestyle. These Live It Trackers have space for entering each day’s food choices, exercise and spiritual activities. Printed on heavy cardstock.

BBaallaanncceedd LLiivviinngg -- PPhhyyssiiccaall

ZZuummbbaa YYoouurr WWaayy ttoo FFiittnneessss

Jeannie Blocher jeannie@bodyandsoul.org

One of the latest fitness craze is the phenomenon known as “Zumba.” It is a made-up word that refers to the dance-based cardio workout developed by Alberto ‘Beto’ Perez, a native of Colombia, South America. Zumba classes are called dance fitness parties and the marketing says to ‘ditch the workout’ and have fun. Some people say that it is “exercise in disguise.” You don’t have to be able to dance in order to do this workout, but I can guarantee that if you love to dance, this is a perfect way for you to get fit. It’s designed for people of all fitness levels and you can work at your own pace throughout the one hour cardio workout. I have recently been to Zumba Instructor training, gathering ideas, as we are developing our “Dance Blast” program in Body & Soul. We will use fabulous Christian music with uplifting lyrics that point to the Lord –praising God with dancing, as it says in Psalm 149:3. It will have the feel of Zumba, but will include a careful selection of dance moves with which the whole class will be comfortable. Our goal is for Body & Soul to have a Zumba-inspired workout that will honor the Lord. We will be showcasing it this fall in many parts of the country. Go to ‘find a class’ at www.bodyandsoul.org and contact the instructor nearest you to see what her plans are for Dance Blast plans. Most Zumba classes have a drop-in price so you can check it out once at a discount. Since each Zumba instructor puts together her own combination of Zumba routines that she has been taught and adds some routines that she has personally created, I have found a great variety in the workouts from class to class. You will need to compare the Zumba classes in your area and choose the instructor with whom you are the most comfortable. If you’re looking for some fun variety in your workout, I encourage you to try Zumba or Dance Blast. Whatever you do, keep moving and don’t give up. Find what works for you and be faithful to your exercise commitment! Grateful to the Lord of the Dance, Jeannie Blocher President of Body & Soul Fitness

AUGUST 2011 PAGE FIVE

FP4H Strength & Flexibility Workout Available at www.firstplace4health.com. $16.00

Upcoming Events BBeetttteerr TTooggeetthheerr ~~ MMaassssaacchhuusseettttss September 10, 2011 Attleboro, Massachusetts Speakers: Carole Lewis, Director, FP4H Vicki Heath, Associate Director, FP4H Contact: Monique Johnson Email: FP4H_FAC@yahoo.com

TTeexxaass AArreeaa LLeeaaddeerrss MMeeeettiinngg && TTrraaiinniinngg September 24, 2011 Stephenville, Texas Speakers: Special guest speakers! Visit the FP4H website for more information and agenda. Contact: Vickie Martin Email: vickie@nctv.com BBeetttteerr TTooggeetthheerr ~~ IIlllliinnooiiss September 24, 2011 Chicago Area (Elgin, IL) Contact: Mary Chin Email: maryschin@gmail.com

MMiicchhiiggaann AArreeaa LLeeaaddeerrss MMeeeettiinngg && TTrraaiinniinngg October 8, 2011 Lansing, Michigan Contact: Marilyn VanDyk Email: marilynvandyk@yahoo.com WWeellllnneessss WWeeeekk October 6-13, 2011 Round Top, Texas Speakers: Carole Lewis, Director, FP4H Vicki Heath, Associate Director, FP4H

and more!

WWeellllnneessss WWeeeekk @@ SSaannddyy CCoovvee ((**wwiitthh aallll nneeww ttrraacckk ffoorr PPaassttoorr’’ss && wwiivveess)) April 29 – May 4, 2012 North East, Maryland Speakers: Carole Lewis, Director, FP4H Vicki Heath, Associate Director, FP4H Steve Reynolds, Pastor – Capital Baptist Contact: Lisa Lewis Email: lisa.lewis@firstplace4health.com

For more information or to register for any of these events, visit our website, www.firstplace4health.com

Simple Ideas for Leaders

We are just beginning the new 12-week series on "Hope." The first time together I brought a bowling ball to pass around to person by person. It weighs 15 lbs., which is exactly the amount for me to reach my goal weight. I have lost 80 lbs. and have 15 more to go. It is also a good amount of weight for folks to set as a goal to lose in 12-week time period. The idea was to put that bowling ball by your refrigerator and every time you crave a snack, pick up that ball and carry it around a few minutes. Do we want to continue carrying that excess weight with us? If you don't use a bowling ball, how about a scale in the kitchen area? Or a picture of you at a healthier weight? Or whatever motivates you personally, take a stand and do something for yourself that is motivating and keeps you focused. On another note, I did make the commitment to wear the same pair of tight pants for the next 12 weeks for us to see the change over time. I also invited others to join me in that commitment, so thanks for the great idea! Mary Kloek

BBeeggiinn wwiitthh aa GGooaall

Steve Reynolds sreynolds@capitalbaptist.org

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2

Someone once said that if you don’t set a goal, how will you know where you are going and how will you know when you arrive? And when you get back, how will you know where you’ve been? It is important to set goals and it is also important to keep that goal in front of you. Write down your weight loss goal on a sticky note and post it on your bathroom mirror and refrigerator door. Post it in the front of a book you may be reading. Post it on your computer or on the dashboard of your car. Setting a goal tends to focus you on what you want to achieve. It’s like you’re making a contract with yourself. It drives your motivation. Keep the goal achievable. Set your goals realistically so that you can be successful. That will keep you motivated. Here are some tips for goal setting:

Write down your goal. Again, post it where you see it often. Make the goal attainable. “I will lose one to two pounds a week.” Let everyone know about your goals and get people to encourage you. Spouses and children are notorious for

trashing weight-loss plans. Explain to them what you are trying to achieve and ask them to be supportive. Vary your exercise and try to have fun. Take a walk one day, lift weights the next, ride a bike, swim or play

basketball or handball. Watching TV while moving your body can help take the tediousness out of exercise and give you something to look forward to during that time.

Try new seasonings and flavors in your food, but stay away from any that add calories. There are tons of recipes on line for healthy, delicious dishes that will bring new flavors to your palate. Type the words “weight loss recipes” into an Internet search engine for more healthy food ideas than you will live long enough to eat. The Mayo Clinic has a great website for recipes. My favorite website for recipes is www.firstplace4health.com.

Reward your success on reaching your goal, but don’t do it with food. This is one of the toughest places to retrain one’s self, because most of us have been rewarded with food from the time we were sitting in a highchair.

Remember the Scripture, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13)

Your vision for a healthy body needs to be clearly stated and kept in front of you. This is a very important step in weight loss.

SStteevvee RReeyynnoollddss Steve Reynolds is the Senior Pastor of Capital Baptist Church in Annandale, VA. He is also the author of the book Bod4God and the creator of the Losing to Live Weight Loss Competition. Steve has lost over 100 pounds and has led his church to lose over three tons of weight.

AUGUST 2011 PAGE SEVEN

DDeevvoottiioonnaall

Spurring Each Other On

  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24

I grew up on a farm, so when I see the word “spur,” I know that means to push forward with a little bit of pain until you run in your potential. That is what my First Place 4 Health friends have done for me.

My family DNA lends me to die of a heart attack early, but I do not believe that my “sisters” will allow this to happen. I run an organization called Seasoned Sisters, and the word “sister” is a building term, which means to hammer 2 x 4’s together. My FP4H friends and my Seasoned Sisters “spur” me forward by nailing their lives to mine. They hold me accountable for better life choices by doing them with me.

Maria walks the 5 K race by my side. Debbie and I kayak. Gail and I cycle to wellness. Kendra orders a salad when we do lunch, instead of the dessert we both love. Carole, Gwen, Georgia and I get up early to walk city streets at sunrise. Robin, my personal assistant, prayer walks with me on “Tennis shoe Tuesdays” in my “joy zone” office. Catherine sent me a towel that read “jubilee” to remind me to take good care of myself as I take good care of others. Penny emails me a simple “w?” which is her way of asking if I have lifted weights that day. Carol and Gene do active double dates with my husband and me. Vickie, who also has some harsh family DNA, prays for me as we dance away the blues with aerobics.

The Bible doesn’t have the word accountability in it, but it has two powerful words that describe how to “spur” a friend on to wise life choices. Exhortation means “called alongside to bring out the best in another.” Admonish is “to put in mind” and carries the idea of putting the right thoughts into the minds of others. Who does God want you to “spur” on today?

. Prayer: Dear Lord, Today help me “spur” others by “sistering” with positive words and actions to bring out his/her best.

Pam Farrel

Author of Woman of Confidence: Step Into God’s Adventure for Your Life   

Taken from Better Together, New FP4H Devotional Book releasing in this month. To preorder, visit our website, www.firstplace4health.com or call 800.727.523, x1002.

AUGUST 2011 PAGE EIGHT

SSuucccceessss SSttoorryy

Colleen Hammond Kingsley, PA

I started First Place 4 Health in January 2008.  I weighed 255 lbs. and was desperate for change.  I had been using food in place of relationships with people and God.  Food was my friend, or so I thought. I knew that if I did not change my lifestyle, I would never experience God working in my life.  I was embarrassed and I hated to go anywhere for fear of the looks and pity I would see from others. My fear was really about my own opinion of myself; I felt disgusting.  I was on depression, anxiety and sleep medications and nothing was working.  Nothing was filling the void I had inside. 

 I had to make that first right choice to join a group where God was front and center in order to start my incredible journey.  Once I joined, I told God I would give my all 

and I did.  That first year, week after week, I cried all the way to the scale.  I thought that eating real food would make me gain weight and I was terrified of failing.  But God did not leave me; He was there the whole way.  I lost 60 lbs. that first year.  The next two years were a struggle for me, but God worked with me and I lost another 28 ½ lbs.  Just when I think I am done with my transformation is when God wants me to change another thing.  He has changed me inside and out, but He is far from done.  I am no longer on any medications and I can honestly say that the only way to break free from food addiction or any addiction is through my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He did this, not me. 

   

This inspirational story was taken from the new book, better together, by Carole Lewis.   Available now at www.firstplace4health.com 

WWeellllnneessss WWeeeekk RReecciippeess

Here is a sampling of recipes we’ve provided to our guests at the First Place 4 Health Wellness Weeks in Round Top, Texas each October and at Sandy Cove Retreat in North East, Maryland in April. For information about either of

these events, please see the flyer at the end of this newsletter or visit our website.

CChhiicckkeenn SSuupprreemmee

6 3-oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 cup bread crumbs 1 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. black pepper 2 tbsp. parsley 1 garlic clove, minced 1/4 oz. slivered almonds 3 egg whites

Preheat oven to 350° F. Slightly beat egg whites in small bowl; set aside. Combine bread crumbs, cheese, salt, pepper, parsley, garlic and almonds (reserve a few for garnish) in shallow dish. Dip chicken breasts in egg whites; roll in bread crumb mixture and arrange in 9x13-inch baking dish. Garnish with a few almond slivers. Bake 30 minutes. Serves 6. Serve with Mushroom Gravy.

Nutritional Information: 242 Calories; 7g Fat (25.5% calories from fat); 29g Protein; 14g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 60mg Cholesterol; 842mg Sodium.

MMuusshhrroooomm GGrraavvyy 1/4 cup light margarine 2 cups sliced mushrooms 1 cup chicken broth 2 tsp. cornstarch 1 tsp. salt pepper to taste

Sauté mushrooms in melted margarine. Gradually add broth to mixture in skillet, continue to stir. Dissolve cornstarch in small amount of liquid. Add to the skillet mixture, stirring constantly until thickened. Add seasonings to taste. Spoon over the chicken breasts and serve. Serves 6

Nutritional Information: 49 Calories; 4g Fat (72.7% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 575mg Sodium.

CCaarriibbbbeeaann PPoorrkk wwiitthh SSwweeeett PPoottaattooeess

4 T Pickapeppa Sauce (or 3 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce mixed with a dash of bottled hot pepper sauce) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp fresh thyme or ¼ tsp dried thyme, crushed 2 lb boneless pork loin roast (single loin, trimmed) 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ¾ inch pieces (1-1¼ lbs total) 1 recipe Mango Jicama Salsa (below)

In a small bowl combine 3 tbsp. of the Pickapeppa sauce, the garlic and thyme; set aside. Trim fat from roast. Brush garlic mixture on all sides of roast. Place roast in a shallow roasting pan. Invert an oven-going meat thermometer into center of roast. Roast in a 325-degree oven for 45 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan cook sweet potatoes in boiling water about 8 minutes or just until tender; drain. Toss sweet potatoes with remaining 1 tbsp. Pickapeppa sauce. Place sweet potatoes around roast in pan. Continue cooking for 30-45 minutes more or until internal temperature registers 155 F. Cover meat with foil and let stand on a wire rack for 15 minutes. The temperature of the meat after standing should be 160 degrees.

Nutritional Information: 163 Calories; 5g Fat (27.8% calories from fat); 20g Protein; 8g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 50mg Cholesterol; 45mg Sodium.

MMaannggoo JJiiccaammaa SSaallssaa

1 8-oz can pineapple tidbits, drained (reserve 2 tbsp. juice) 1 cup peeled, chopped jicama 1 medium mango, peeled, seeded and chopped 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped 1 green onion, sliced 1-2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped 1 tbsp. lime juice

Mix all above; cover and refrigerate until serving time or up to 24 hours. To serve, slice roast. Serve with sweet potatoes and Mango salsa. If desired, garnish with cilantro. Serves 8. Nutritional Information: 44 Calories; trace Fat (3.1% calories from fat); 1g Protein; 11g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 36mg Sodium.

First Place 4 Health Wellness Week  

October 6‐13, 2011 Round Top Retreat Center 

Round Top ~ Texas  

Round Top Retreat Center in beautiful Round Top, Texas, is a beautiful Victorian-style retreat center located “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” It is operated by the Goad family, who began this ministry on a full-time basis in 1984, to provide a home environment with all the charm of a country setting, where people can share God’s Word.

Limited to First 60 Registrations!

WELLNESS WEEK INCLUDES: ~ Nutrition Information ~ Complete Fitness Testing ~ Inspirational Speakers ~ Rest and Relaxation ~ Daily Exercise Options ~ Healthy Delicious Meals

Contact Lisa Lewis at 800-727-5223, x1001 or

lisa.lewis@firstplace4health.com or visit

www.firstplace4health.com for more information.

Refund Policy – If First Place 4 Health cancels Wellness Week, a full refund will be given. All other requests for refunds must be received in writing by September 7, 2011. Upon receipt of request, the refund will be granted, minus the $100 non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be given after September 7.

Space is limited! Make your reservations today!

Exercises you CAN do – for every fitness level! Incredible weight loss stories from real people Practical information on nutrition and health Motivational messages for growing spiritually Daily Bible study and devotionals Delicious First Place 4 Health meals Rest and relaxation Physical assessment testing Praise and worship And more!

Cost:

Single occupancy $895 Double occupancy $775 Triple occupancy $725

About Sandy Cove: Join us amidst the tranquility of Maryland's lush green forests and the views of Chesapeake Bay's beautiful headwaters at Sandy Cove. Situated in a spectacular setting at the headwaters of Chesapeake Bay in North East, Maryland, midway between Baltimore and Philadelphia, Sandy Cove will offer you the chance to rest, relax and rejuvenate yourself and your walk with God.