+

NOVEMBER NEWS

You’re Thankful for What?! My pain! Yes, I just said it. I am thankful for my pain. With Thanksgiving coming so quickly this year, it’s time we ponder our blessings, make our thanksgiving list and prepare to answer the traditional, round the table before we dive into the turkey question: “What are you thankful for this year?”

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis. It was not a happy day; however, as a result of daily pain and physical limitations I am truly better for it. How’s that? Let me list the ways:

• I cry out for help. There are some days I can barely get out of bed. And it’s usually on my busiest days. I am learning to cry out to God every morning from inside my pain, much like Jonah from the belly of the great fish.

• Jonah 2:1-2 says, “From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said: “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me. From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help, and you listened to my cry.” I am quick to call on the Lord, but I am also quick to call on others for help. I am blessed with my FP4H prayer partners. I have set aside my pride and send out prayer alerts when I need that extra measure of strength or grace.

• I pray for others more. I have never been a great prayer warrior. I have never prayed for people like I should. I honestly thought I had an out because I scored so badly for intercessory prayer on my spiritual gifts test. This pain has changed that. I pray for others, especially those in pain. God has shown me through my own personal pain that suffering is real, and we need each other. Our prayers make a difference.

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

You’re Thankful for What?! ~ Vicki Heath ~ Page 1 Devotional ~ God Peace? ~ Page 3 Success Story ~ Vicki Linstrom ~ Page 4 Upcoming Events ~ ~ Page 5 They Ate Together with Glad & Sincere Hearts ~ Lisa Lewis ~ Page 6

Holy Land Trip ~ Page 10

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, 622 22nd St., Suite 100,

Galveston, Texas 77550

• I am more thoughtful and understanding in the way I connect with others. I have been a fitness

instructor for 23 years and I have long rejected the words “I can’t.” I now understand those words on a deep level. There are things I cannot do. I am a better instructor to those who are decondition or suffer from an injury or disease. I believe there are times when we just “can’t” and it’s okay.

• I am now a serious contender. Col. 1:28-29 says, “We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone

with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” The Apostle Paul was suffering in prison, but he stayed on mission for the Gospel in the strength he had. I may not be able to do what I did before, but I can do something. We cannot use pain as an excuse for lazy or bad behavior. I’m serious about my workouts and my eating habits. I do not use my disease as an excuse not to work out. My disease is a reason I have to work out. Teaching cardio classes and strength training keeps my heart and my body strong. The more I move the better I am. I go in the strength I have, and He meets me there.

• It’s making me mature. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because

you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2). No more whiney baby.

I am doing my best to follow the biblical command laid out in I Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I don’t give thanks for RA, I give thanks in the RA. I know I don’t have to be strong if He is strong and He is always strong! With Thanksgiving,

Vicki Heath............................................................................................….....………..vicki.heath@fp4h.com

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MATERIALS COMING SOON! Member’s Kit -- $79.99 My Place for Bible Study W/Inspirational Audio Download My Place for Nutrition

My Place for Fitness My Place for Discovery, Book #1 My First Place

Leader’s Kit -- $149.99 Complete Member’s Kit My Place for Leadership

Downloadable Video Files 25 Brochures Tote Bag -- Available for preorder now --

This devo taken from Healthy Holiday Living,

available now in our online store.

Devotional ~ Got Peace?

Life offers us no shortage of things that tempt us with anxiety. The pressures of jobs, relationships, parenting, keeping house, paying bills, eating healthy . . . even balancing all of the above can produce an abundance of anxiety—if you let them. The apostle Paul, under the direction of the Holy Spirit, wrote, “Do not be anxious” (Philippians 4:6). When I realized this meant that I actually had a choice of whether or not to give in to

anxiety, my life started changing for the better. You see, when the Lord gives us a command, like this one, He always provides how to do it. When we recognize the familiar feeling of anxiety, we are to stop and take our feelings and concerns to the Lord in prayer. Not only that, but we are to do so with thanksgiving. No matter how ominous the circumstance, we can always begin by thanking the Lord that we don’t have to face it alone. Thank the Lord that He is able to do infinitely more than we could ask or dream, and He is working all things—truly all things—together for our good, whether it feels that way or not. Thank Him that nothing is impossible for Him. As you pray and express your gratitude to the Lord, it will become much easier to present your requests to God and then leave them there with Him. When we begin to thank God for what He has done for us in the past and what He desires to do in and through us in the future, our gratitude will grow, and our eyes will begin to look above our problems into the face of our God. That’s when the most awesome thing happens: peace replaces anxiety! You see, this verse is an instruction that is followed by a promise: “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). How awesome! How amazing! How like God’s economy! He lifts my anxiety and guards me with His peace. Let’s not allow anxiety to color our lives this holiday season. It’s not necessary. It is avoidable. We have so many things to be thankful for. Let’s develop an attitude of gratitude. When the things of the world press in on us, let’s consciously count our blessings and express our thanks to the Lord. Let’s present our requests to Him and leave them to Him to handle in His time and in His way; and then let’s receive His peace. It transcends our circumstances. Thank You, Lord! PRAYER: Father, Your Word tells me that I have a choice when circumstances seem to be against me. I choose to obey Your command to thank You for the circumstance and receive Your peace...help me make that choice every time. JOURNAL: Record your top concern and rephrase it with words of gratitude for what God does in working in and through you for His good purposes. Whatever the outcome, don’t forget to thank Him for His peace that passes all human understanding. Karrie Smyth

Success Story – Vicki Linstrom

I began my First Place 4 Health journey in 2012. Our church offered a Christ-centered weight loss program as a small group. I thought it was just what I needed. I had tried to lose weight for years. I started my weight loss journey at the age of 12, when I was 103 lbs. A well-meaning family member told me I was putting on some weight. I had tried so many different diets: low fat, no sugar, one food, specific foods on specific days, and low calories. I even tried some diet aids, one of which was like a caramel that you were supposed to eat and then drink a warm glass of water. I ate the whole box. No matter what the diet, the results were similar--no loss at all or a loss followed by a gain. When the Ridge offered a weight-loss program that was faith-based, I signed up. I could lose weight and grow my faith. I did not realize that I had more than just extra physical pounds to lose; I had some emotional and mental weight with which I also had to deal. There are a few things you need to do when you start a FP4H Bible study:

Physically: Track your food and exercise. Mentally: Memorize verses. Emotionally: Come to the meetings. Spiritually: Do the study; read the Bible.

Although I said I wanted to lose weight and the Bible study was just what I needed, my list of excuses was a recipe for weigh gain, not weight loss.

• I can’t memorize verses. • I can’t track my food this way. • I don’t have time to do the study every day. • I am tired, busy, not done with the study (I can miss this week’s group). • I did not want others to know my weight, so I can’t weigh-in in front of people. • I had too many surgeries, so I couldn’t exercise; I had physical limitations. • I didn’t like to sweat. • I worked hard all day; I deserve to eat, or to take a break. • I have a lot of food allergies and I felt deprived of all the things I could not eat,

so I ate what I could (and more of it). I was self-conscious, felt like a failure, and felt like I would never be able to lose the weight. I compared myself to others and always came up short. So, I started in 2012 with little to no real effort, and three books later I had gained some weight. The group disbanded—another surgery and more weight gain. A new group started, again and my list of excuses kept me from being successful. Four more books, more excuses, more weight gain and this group ended up disbanding. There were more surgeries, depression and weigh gain; I did not see any hope. I had what my dad called the PLOMS (Poor little ole me’s). I felt sorry for myself, but I didn’t do anything about it. I did not want to go anywhere or see anyone. I knew people just saw a fat lady; I was sure people were embarrassed to be seen with me. I became a homebody. If I was home, I didn’t have to think about any of this. I could sit and wallow in self-pity. While I was closing myself off, God kept putting it on my heart that I needed to get back to FP4H. I needed the studies, I needed the community, I needed help! I talked with a couple of people from my church who had been part of the last FP4H group and asked them if they wanted to try again. They also felt the draw to get back in the studies. We connected with others from the group and I somehow became the group leader. When I restarted, I would love to say I started doing everything I needed Continued on page five

Success Story..continued from page four

To do, but old habits are hard to break and some of the mental and emotional weight had yet to be addressed. I did make some small changes and lost a little weight. We took a break for the Christmas holidays and I came back at my highest recorded weight. In April 2017, as a group we decided to give God a year. We bought the Give God a Year book, by Carole Lewis, and four Bible studies. One of them was Begin with Christ and Romans 12:2 was one of the memory verses. This was my changing point. I felt God was talking to me directly. I read the part about testing God and I was confused because Jesus said to not put God to the test. I realized God said to me to test His good, pleasing and perfect will for me. I needed to stop conforming to the patterns of the world (diets, excuses, junk food, not moving) and renew my mind (learn verses). I learned this verse and it was amazing how this verse showed up at church in another book as a verse for the day… it seemed to be everywhere, reinforcing what I needed to believe. I took my list of excuses and started chipping away at them:

• I can’t memorize verses: I do know some verses and I must work at memorizing more. • I can’t track my food this way: I need to try to track my food before I decide I can’t. It is easier than any other

way I tried. I can make better choices when I know what I have eaten. • I don’t have time to do the study every day: 15 min. 20 min. 30 min— I have wasted so much more time

playing on the computer, watching unenjoyable things, sitting. I can take that time and give it to God first. • I am tired, busy, (not done with the study) so I can miss this week’s group: The meetings are at my house; it

will be hard for me to miss. • I did not want others to know my weight, so I can’t weigh-in in front of people: I need to be accountable

because on my own, I was not doing so good. • I had too many surgeries, so I couldn’t exercise. I had physical limitations: I do have limitations, but I can

walk, and I can ride a stationary bike. • I didn’t like to sweat: Sweat is an offering to God, and I can take a shower. • I worked hard all day; I deserve to eat, or to take a break: I deserve to be healthy, I

deserve to make good choices, so I can serve Jesus. • I have a lot of food allergies and I felt deprived of all the things I could not eat so I ate

what I could (and more of it): Because an answer in one of the studies, I wrote down why and chose the word deprived and then I looked it up. It means suffering; a severe and damaging lack of basic material and cultural benefits. WOW! That blew my excuse out of the water.

I then started to lose some of the mental weight, and emotional weight; then the physical weight started coming off. It was real weight loss, ½ pound. I knew I was not going to gain back what I lost; it was such a clear feeling. I have the next study in hand before we finish one because I need them to help me grow spiritually. I finally started to recognize all the ways Jesus had been with me sharing the words of truth, hope, and freedom. The Scriptures that entered my heart and mind helped me grow spiritually and this helped me release weight physically, mentally and emotionally. I never thought I would lose weight; I am close to my wedding weight (one of my goals). I am down 48 physical pounds, and an immeasurable amount of emotional and mental weight. I believe I will reach my next goal and be able to maintain it. I feel so different. I shared with the group: I want to lose weight, so I can lead people to Jesus. I feel truly blessed to answer the question, “How did you lose all that weight?” I can honestly say to Jesus, no pill, no fad diet, the best plan ever—the Word of God.

UpcomingEvents

ng Events

Webinar ~ Living Connected to the Heart of Jesus ~ Jennifer Kennedy Dean November 9, 2018 Online

Arkansas Wellness Workshop December 1, 2018 Searcy, AR Webinar – Teaming up for Victory! December 10, 2018 Online Fun & Fitness 4 Life Weekend January 18 – 20, 2019 North East, MD Southern California Wellness Workshop February 23, 2019 Lancaster, CA

Trip to the Holy Land March 22-30, 2019 Departures from Houston and New York Nacogdoches Texas Wellness Workshop April 27. 2019 Nacogdoches, Texas Restore: Experiencing Freedom from Food Strongholds May 5-7, 2019 North East, MD Summit 2019 – Save the Date! August 16-17, 2019 Houston, Texas

They Ate Together with Glad & Sincere Hearts ~ Lisa Lewi...They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, Acts 2:46

The holidays are a time to enjoy friends, family and food and the fall season brings an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy. There are apples and cranberries and squash—oh my! Many are favorites because we only have them around this time of year. So, this year, include dishes filled with your favorites because many recipes can be lightened (a lot) in terms of fat, sugar and calories. Check out the First Place 4 Health website for some great holiday recipes. Here’s a few tips and recipes that you might want to include in your holiday meal.

We know we should fill at least half our plate with vegetables, so go for the greens and seasonal root vegetables. Sautéed Green Beans with Glazed Pecans 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon water 3/4 cup coarsely-chopped pecans 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided 2 pounds green beans, trimmed 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 350°. Line a jelly-roll pan with parchment paper. Bring sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves. Remove pan from heat; stir in pecans and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Spread pecan mixture in an even layer on prepared pan. Bake at 350° for 12 minutes or until browned. Cool in pan. Place green beans in a large saucepan of boiling water; cook 4 minutes. Drain and plunge green beans into ice water; drain. Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add beans; sauté 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper and toss. Sprinkle with pecans and serve.

Nutritional Information: 96 Calories, 7g Fat, 1.6g Protein, 2g Carbohydrate, 8g Fiber, 3g Cholesterol, 5mg Iron

Cranberry sauce is a mainstay at most holiday meals. Try this one with raspberries for a fresh superfood addition to this favorite.

Cranberry sauce with Raspberries 12-ounce bag cranberries 12-ounce bag frozen red raspberries (3 cups fresh) 2 cups orange juice Zest from 1 orange 1 cup sugar 1 envelope unflavored gelatin (1/4 ounce) Combine cranberries, raspberries, juice, orange zest, and sugar in nonstick medium saucepan. Bring just to boiling. Reduce heat to medium-low and boil gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 8 minutes. Sprinkle the gelatin powder over the top, stir, and continue to boil gently for about 4 more minutes. Remove from heat and mash slightly. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Nutritional Information: 38 Calories, .5g Protein, 9g Carbohydrate, 0g Fat, 0mg Cholesterol, 1g Fiber.

Consider choosing one delicious dessert instead of sampling several. Holiday meals are filled with the ultimate selection of pies and pastries that we feel obligated to sample. Pick the one you look forward to all year and enjoy it and leave the others. If you can’t choose between pumpkin and pecan, this recipe offers both!

Pumpkin Pecan Pie 1/2 (14.2-oz.) pkg. refrigerated pie dough Cooking spray 2/3 cup packed light brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large egg whites

1 large egg 1 (12-oz.) can fat-free evaporated milk 1 (15-oz.) can unsalted pumpkin puree 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

TOPPING ½ cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar 1/8 teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup chopped pecans 2 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 425°F. Roll dough into 11-inch circle. Fit dough into 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray. Combine 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, egg whites, egg, and evaporated milk in a bowl. Whisk in pumpkin and next 2 ingredients. Pour mixture into prepared pie plate; bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (leave pan in oven). Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes (cover edges of piecrust with foil if they get too brown). To prepare topping, combine flour, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Stir in melted butter. Stir in pecans. Sprinkle topping over pie. Drizzle with honey. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or until center is set. Cool 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional Information: 262 Calories, 10 g Fat, 6g Protein, 5g Carbohydrate, 39g Fiber

Live Question & Answer Session November 26th at 8:00 PM (Central)

Go to www.firstplace4health.com/events