JanuaryNews

Your Best Year Ever! – Vicki Heath

This could be your best year ever with one simple decision—you change your name.

I’ve never wanted to change my name. I’ve always liked Vicki Rhea Hensley Heath. I do remember, as a teenager, I started calling myself by another name. In high school, I never felt like I measured up; “less than” was a name I started using. As a young pastor’s wife, I felt my name should be “inadequate” many days.

When you look at yourself in the mirror, what name do you call yourself? Failure? Lazy? Ugly? Loser? Pathetic? Unhappy? Hopeless? Too old? Too tired? When you introduce yourself to someone, do you say in your mind “Happy to meet you! “My name is nobody.” It’s time we stopped calling ourselves by these inappropriate names. These are not our names. What would happen if we changed our names to the names God calls us? What would happen if every morning when you woke up and looked in the mirror you said:

“Good morning Treasure!” The Bible says, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, His treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6). God calls you His treasured possession! I don’t treasure a lot of things, but I do treasure my husband and my children. I treasure my wedding ring and my gold cross my husband gave me. And I am God’s treasure. I’m smiling now, “Hi! Good to meet you. My name is Treasure.”

“Good morning Masterpiece!” Seriously, can you imagine saying this to yourself? It may seem awkward at first, but I dare you to try it. It is an absolute truth. Many of us are dissatisfied with the way God made us; especially how He formed our bodies. We are so critical of our shapes and sizes. The New Living Translation of Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s masterpiece…” which could easily be translated “work of art.” We are each one an original work of art never to be duplicated. I am into art appreciation using my new name.

                  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.

2018 – Your Best Year Ever! ~ Vicki Heath ~ Page 1 Devo – The New is Here ~ Page 4 Best Meal Ever ~ Lisa Lewis

~ Page 5 Success Story ~ Jennifer Roberts ~ Page 6 Winter Workouts ~ Sherry Leggett ~ Page 7 Upcoming Events ~ Page 8 Recipes ~ Page 10

First Place 4 Health

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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

Continued from page one

“Good morning Beloved!” This is my favorite name. What an endearing name. I know my husband, Rob, loves me. He fixes my coffee in the morning and brings it to me. He makes me feel cherished. How much more my heavenly father loves me! He blesses me with new mercies every morning, which are much better than coffee. He reminds me of His love and sacrifice every time I look at the cross. “My beloved is mine and I am his...” (Song of Solomon 2:16). “Good Morning Forgiven!” God has forgiven us for our sin. He does not condemn us so we should no longer condemn ourselves. We must choose to live as forgiven people. Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” I no longer call myself a bad person. He has made me good and righteous. We have the name our parents gave us, we have the name we give ourselves and we have the name God calls us. We have the opportunity to choose daily which name to use. The name God calls us is our true identity. God has the ability to look deep into our hearts detecting capacities and possibilities that are hidden even from ourselves. He knows exactly what name to call us at just the perfect time. I am defined by His great love for me and not by how I look, feel or weigh. I know nothing that happens to me in 2018 can separate me from His love. Because He has named me His child, I have the power to live the Godly life He has called me to live. He has chosen me and named me to live holy and blameless in His sight… and I can! My name is no longer failure—my name is victorious conqueror. My name is not perfection—my name is progress. Your Best year ever is one name change away.

His Beloved Treasure, aka Vicki Heath

Vicki Heath………………………..…….…………..vicki.heath@fp4h.com First Place 4 Health National Director, American Council on Exercise, certified fitness instructor, certified life coach and Wellness Coordinator for her church in Edisto Beach, SC. Vicki is author of Don’t Quit Get Fit and Wellness Journey of a Lifetime. She has led a successful First Place 4 Health ministry in her church for twenty years.

            

DECEMBER 2017  

Kick off 2018 With a Wellness Boost!

Devo ~ The New is Here!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new

is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 Ever since I was a kid, I have loved a blank page and a sharpened pencil. Back then, I drew pictures and practiced my writing skills. Today I feel a wonderful thrill when I start a new journal or notebook. I like it so much that my shelves are full of half-full journals, each one with dozens of empty pages at the end. I simply can’t wait to start over.

Imagine the possibilities of a fresh new book with untouched pages waiting for rich, beautiful words. I write new goals, new lists, new thoughts, and notes. I carefully copy meaningful Bible verses and then pencil in quotes that inspire me. It’s such fun to start anew. I feel the same sensation when I open a new First Place 4 Health Bible study book—a new book, blank lines, and a new chance to follow Jesus to a balanced life.

Jesus understood the human need to start over. He told a man named Nicodemus that he had to be born again. The man didn’t get it, saying that would be physically impossible (see John 3:1–4). But Jesus offered much more than physical change. He presented abundant life on earth and a kingdom for eternity. To start over for Jesus meant to turn away from sin and begin in a fresh new way. It’s hard to imagine how we can start over on a new wellness journey when we see the extra pounds on the scales or feel exhausted when we try to exercise. Discouragement overwhelms us. I have too many pounds to lose. I have stiff joints. I eat because I’m unhappy. If you knew my past life, you’d understand. I can’t.

Paul said in 2 Corinthians 5:17 to put the old behind and see the new before. Sure we’ve made bad choices in the past—eating too much, sitting on the couch too long. But God says to turn the page and see the possibilities with the new day, the new week, the new year ahead.

Like me, you may wonder how to put away all those terrible mistakes, choices, and actions of the past. It is a good question. The answer is the love and mercy of Jesus. He knows how weak we are. He loves us anyway. He sees our poor choices and how we are mired in the consequences of our mistakes. He offers mercy no matter how many times we need to start over. “The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22–23 ESV).

Lord, thank You for loving me and for showering Your mercy on me when I don’t deserve it. Help me to see today as a new page in a journal. Help me record a day of good choices of healthy food,

intentional exercise, Bible reading, prayer, and strong emotional relationships. Amen.

Journal: Put the old behind and list some new choices you are going to make this week.

Karen Porter, author & speaker Friendswood, Texas

This devo taken from A Joy-full Season, available now in the First Place 4 Health online store. 

Best Meal Ever ~ Lisa Lewis 

We know that fruits and vegetables are good for us; Twinkies and chips are not. That part is not complicated. But are you stocking your fridge and pantry with the right healthy foods—foods that give you optimum nutrition for your calorie buck in taste and nutrition? Stock up on these foods so you can make the best meal ever! A Bag of Greens Like Spinach or Kale – Throw together a kitchen sink salad with these greens as your base and whatever leftover veggies you have around. Add a protein, like a can of beans or leftover chicken and your favorite dressing. Or toss a few handfuls of baby spinach or mixed greens on your pizza just before serving to add a fresh flair to the rich cheese and tomato. Eggs – Eggs are the perfect go-to when you haven’t planned anything for a meal. You can whip up omelets, frittatas or a simple quiche. Throw a boiled egg onto a salad, or whisk an egg into your stir-fry for added protein. Frozen Vegetables and Fruit – You can purée or blend frozen, organic vegetables with avocado or yogurt when you're running low on time. You can quickly microwave vegetables to add to any meal. Quinoa – Packed with protein, fiber, iron and B vitamins, this item should be a staple in your pantry. Combine cooked quinoa with shredded chicken, chopped veggies, and toss with olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Or, eat quinoa hot as a substitute for oatmeal. Stir in almond milk, dried fruit, nuts, and drizzle with honey. Sweet Potatoes - Talk about optimum nutrition: Sweet potatoes have five times the required amount of beta carotene your body needs. That translates to healthier skin and a boosted immune system. Use them as crust for your frittata you’ve whipped up. Layer thin slices in your pan coated with cooking spray. Give them another spritz of cooking spray and then bake for 20 minutes at 350. Add your favorite frittata recipe and cook as usual. Find the Spinach Frittata in Sweet Potato Crust later in this newsletter. Popcorn Kernels – Popcorn is the perfect healthy snack at home. It’s a whole grain that’s loaded with antioxidants and even more iron than spinach, not to mention lots of fiber. Look for the healthy low-fat Caramel Corn recipe later in this newsletter. Look for more Best Meal Ever pantry staples in next month’s issue of the First Place 4 Health newsletter and join Lisa at Fun & Fitness 4 Life at Sandy Cove on January 19-21, 2018. More info. here: http://bit.ly/2DxqFwo Lisa Lewis……………………………………………………………..........lisa.lewis@fp4h.com Lisa is the Chief Operating Officer for First Place 4 Health. She is author of Healthy Happy Cooking released in December 2016, a speaker, FP4H group leader and chef at spa and wellness weeks. Lisa also provided recipes for 14 First Place 4 Health Bible studies.

Success Story~ Jennifer Roberts

The benefits I have gained by allowing the Lord to transform my life through First Place 4 Health have been incredible. As the scriptures have come alive through our study, I’ve realized I am worthy of better health and weight loss. Because I learned I can do this difficult task with His help, I lost 39 pounds in our first session! Changing physically has had its ups and downs. In the beginning I battled with not seeing fast results (as if it would happen overnight), but after weeks the little changes started to happen. My clothes fit better, I started to have more energy, and my self-esteem went up. Food has always been my “go-to” for everything: bouts of depression and anxiety, boredom, loneliness, change, and stress! Food was my FIRST resort, and prayer was somewhere later when that failed to work, which was always LAST. Now I feel like a weight has been lifted from me, and not just that 39 pounds! God has guided me through our Bible study to see more than what I was reading. He has opened my eyes to see more of His heart and His good desires for me. I feel like I have a purpose and that I can be a support for others as well. Now I know that God was just waiting for me to trust him! With the help of the Bible studies and the support of my group, I know my success will continue and I will reach my goal!

Jennifer Roberts Clarksville, Arkansas

DECEMBER 2017 PAGE SIX

Winter Workouts ~ Sherry Leggett

As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease. Genesis 8:22

I step outside before dawn to be dazzled by the diamond-dusted world lit up by our lamppost in the front yard. It’s amazing...the quiet hush of the snowflakes falling. The snow is a shimmering blanket undisturbed until my fresh footprints look like stitches on a quilt. On winter mornings like this, I’m glad I left my comfort zone to catch a glimpse of this majestic sight. Many studies show that just taking an invigorating outdoor walk for 20 minutes can improve mood, self-esteem, and wellbeing. Physically, you burn more calories keeping your core temperature elevated in the cold, plus adding resistance when marching in the snow. Often, winter is a snowplow block to our exercise routine, but here are three ways to enjoy the gift of winter’s beauty and natural benefits! In Northern Ohio, there is a saying, “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing.” Layering is the key to staying warm. For cold weather, the base layer is usually a technical fabric shirt and tights under your pants (technical fabrics will sweat, whereas cotton will rapidly cool when wet). Next, the insulating layer provides warmth with clothing such as fleece, a wool shirt, or vest. The outer layer is usually wind-proof or water-resistant to protect you from the cold and/or weather elements. Don’t forget your hat to insulate your head and retain heat, gloves or mittens, and a scarf or neck gaiter. When “walking in a winter wonderland,” proper footwear is important. Try hiking boots, trail running shoes, or walking shoes with a thick—but not heavy—sole to provide good traction and keep you safe on icy patches. In various winter weather, I’ve worn inexpensive traction enhancers, i.e., “yak-tracs” that stretch over my running shoes. These come in a variety of brands and formats. Also, make sure there is room in your winter shoes for a thick pair of socks or sometimes two pairs. If your shoes aren’t waterproof, seal them with a water sealer before heading out. Finally, SAFELY enjoy your outdoor winter exercise with these tips!

Shorten strides to help with balance and stability. You can use walking sticks or Nordic poles to help with this. Assume all wet, dark areas on pavements are slippery and icy, and proceed with extra caution. Plan a route on

sidewalks, park trails, bike paths, or high school tracks that draw few cars. First off, heed the warning to check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise routine. Essential hydration during cooler temperatures is ultra-important. Drink 8-10 ounces of water for every 15 minutes

of cooler weather exercise. Luminate. With limited daylight, make sure you wear reflective, florescent gear. I once had a driver of a car stop

me while I was running, to let me know she was appreciative that she could see me blocks away from my head to toes.

Your friends should be invited! The companionship will help motivate you and help you persevere with your exercise routine in winter’s splendor!

Sherry Leggett Sherry Leggett’s love of Health and Wellness permeates through her whole life: spiritually, as a First Place 4 Health leader at her church and physically, through her career as a Health and Wellness manager, the wife and mom of a physically active family, and her hobby--triathlons. As well as holding degrees in Sport Medicine and Sport Management, Sherry is certified by the American Council on Exercise as a Personal Trainer and Lifestyle & Weight Management Coach. You can read more active devotions written by Sherry on her blog Trimom4Him.wordpress.com.

UpcomingEvents

Upcoming Events

Online Classes Classes Starting in January Online New Mexico Wellness Workshop January 13, 2018 Albuquerque, NM Webinar: Finding Freedom in Your Sneakers January 15, 2018 Online with Mary Ward Fun & Fitness 4 Life Weekend January 19-21, 2018 Northeast, MD Mississippi Wellness Workshop January 20, 2018 Wiggins, MS Texas Coastal Area Wellness Workshop January 27, 2018 Palacios, TX Arkansas Wellness Workshop February 24, 2018 Searcy, AR

Southern States Wellness Workshop March 10, 2018 Hartsville, SC Hawaii Wellness Workshop March 24, 2018 Waikoloa, HI Minnesota Wellness Workshop April 14, 2018 Hopkins, MN Restore: Experiencing Freedom from Food Strongholds April 15-17, 2018 Northeast, MD Texas Wellness Workshop April 21, 2018 Nacogdoches, TX Idaho Wellness Workshop April 21, 2018 Twin Falls, ID Summit 2018 July 27-28, 2018 Wakefield, MA

Interested in hosting a FP4H event in your area? Contact Helen Baratta at helen.baratta@fp4h.com to learn more.

Cost: $10.99 Visit www.firstplace4health.com to purchase. Purchase does not include the Be Free study.

NEW! Leader resource materials to support the new Bible Study Be Free written by Gari Meacham are now available in the online store. Once purchased, you will receive an email with downloadable links on the next business day.

Resources Included:

Be Free Session Outline with fundamental aspects of the program, organized in chronological order. Each week’s homework, Wellness Spot Light, and Wellness Challenge align with the Be Free Bible Study to be used by the leader.

Be Free Schedule listing the Weekly Agenda, Wellness Spotlight, Wellness Challenge, and Homework to be shared with your group members.

Live It Plan Guide for Often, Occasional and Seldom foods. A one-page resource for the Live It Plan, used in conjunction with the Member Guide and Live It Tracker to be shared with your member.

Be Free Support Videos o Video 1: Welcome to Be Free o Video 2: If I love Jesus, why do I keep choosing food? o Video 3: Obedience isn’t a curse o Video 4: Time to Celebrate

Recipes

Veggie Dip

2 large sweet red peppers 1 large zucchini 1 medium onion 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese Assorted crackers or fresh vegetables Preheat oven to 425°. Cut vegetables into 1-inch pieces. Place in a baking pan coated with cooking spray; toss with oil, salt and pepper. Roast 25-30 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally. Cool completely. Place vegetables and cream cheese in a food processor; process until blended. Transfer to a bowl; refrigerate, covered, until serving. Serve with crackers. 20 servings (2 tablespoons each). Substitutions – 1 cup frozen broccoli for zucchini (defrosted) and/or 1 avocado for cream cheese. Nutrition Information: 44 calories, 3g fat, 8mg cholesterol, 110mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate, 1g fiber, 2g protein. Live It Tracker: 1/2 cup vegetable, 1/2 tsp. fat

Ravioli & Vegetable Soup

Spinach Frittata with Sweet Potato Crust

Cooking spray 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1 teaspoon canola oil 1/2 cup sliced onion 1 (5-oz.) bag fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup 1% low-fat milk 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper 4 large eggs 2 large egg whites 1.5 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Layer sweet potatoes in slightly overlapping concentric circles on bottom and up sides of plate. Coat potatoes with cooking spray. Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until potatoes are slightly tender. Place pan on a wire rack. Increase oven temperature to 375°F. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add oil and onion; sauté 3 minutes. Add spinach; sauté 3 minutes. Remove from heat; cool. Combine milk and next 5 ingredients (through egg whites) in a medium bowl; stir with a whisk. Arrange spinach mixture in crust; pour egg mixture over spinach. Sprinkle with feta. Bake at 375°F for 35 minutes or until egg mixture is set. Let stand 5 minutes; cut into 8 wedges.

Nutritional Information: 104 Calories; 4g Fat (38.7% calories from fat); 6g Protein; 10g Carbohydrate; 1g Dietary Fiber; 111mg Cholesterol; 182mg Sodium . Live It Tracker: 1/2-oz eq. Grain, 1/2 oz-eq Meat, 1/2 cup Vegetable, 1/2 tsp. fat.

Hearty Vegetable and Beef Stew

Oatmeal, Chocolate Chip & Pecan Cookies

Caramel Corn

24 cups air-popped corn 1 cup brown sugar ¼ cup whipped butter 1/3 cup light corn syrup ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking soda Prepare popcorn and place in a heavy, clean, brown paper bag (your grocery store will be happy to give you one). Mix brown sugar, margarine, corn syrup, and salt in a deep microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high power for two minutes. Stir and then microwave another two minutes. Stir in soda. Pour syrup over popcorn and shake. Microwave the bag on high power for 1½ minutes. Shake the bag and microwave another 1½ minutes. Pour caramel corn on a baking sheet to cool. Store in an air-tight container. NUTRITION PER TWO CUP SERVING: 155 calories; 3g fat (17.8% calories from fat); 2g protein; 31g carbohydrates; 2g dietary fiber; 7mg cholesterol; 184mg sodium. LIVE IT TRACKER: 1 oz-eq Grain, 1/2 tsp. fat

Albuquerque, NM

Paradise hills united Methodist

Your best life

Please join us for a day of faith, fun, food and fitness!

As the new year begins, renew your hope in the Lord, gain strength to resist temptations that arise in your life, and return to a life of healthy eating and exercise.

Special guest speakers Diana Fessler First Place 4 Health Networking Leader – New Mexico

Diana has been a certified Lay Speaker/Lay Servant for 30 years and currently serves as the pastor’s assistant for worship. In 2008, she introduced First Place 4 Health and began the process of losing weight. She has maintained a total weight loss of 115 lbs. since 2010.

.

Marie Rascoe First Place 4 Health Networking Leader – Colorado & Nevada

Marie has been in FP4H since 1991 and has served as a local leader since the second session her church offered back in Shreveport, Louisiana. Upon completion

of her Master’s Degree, she and her husband moved to Colorado. She introduced First Place 4 Health to her church there and has continued to lead a class. Marie

has maintained her weight loss of 40 pounds for over twenty-five years.

Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd., NW, Albuquerque,

NM. Register online at www.FirstPlace4Health.com. For more information contact Diane Fessler at diana.fessler93@aol.com or (505) 379-5556

*Price goes up to $30 after 12/31/17.

COST: $25*

(Lunch Included)

Wellness Workshop January 13th

11:30 AM – 2:00 PM