The First Place E-Newsletter ispublished monthly by First Place.Address all correspondence toFirst Place, 7401 Katy Freeway,Houston, TX 77024-2199.

Telephone . . . (800) 727-5223or (713) 688-6788

Fax . . . . . . . . (713) 688-7282

Web site . . www.firstplace.org

National Director Carole Lewis

Associate Director . Kay Smith

Leadership Training Director . . . . . . . Nancy Taylor

Newsletter . . . Sheila Robbins

June 2003

DDo you feel yourself longing for a much-neededvacation? Every year there is always the hope thatmaybe this will be the one to surpass all others.There

will be no rain, lost luggage, sickness, injuries or delays. As Ireflect on vacations past, it seems that the most memorable arethe ones where one and sometimes all of the above thingshappened.

One year we went camping with another family. We tookalong three friends for each of our three children. After wearrived and set up camp, it proceeded to rain every day wewere there. Each morning, because the tent leaked, sleepingbags had to be taken to the local Laundromat to be washedand dried. At one point, a group of our kids were stranded on the other side of theriver when the bridge overflowed. The entire experience was a disaster at the time,but looking back on it we all have a good laugh.

Another year while camping, our son, John, broke his collarbone while rollingdown a hill inside of an inner tube! Last year in Australia with Beverly Henson, myluggage didn't arrive when we did. Qantas (our airline) was kind enough to give mea temporary "survival kit" until my bags arrived. One of the items in the kit was aknit T-shirt and shorts with the Qantas name on it. Every time I wear the outfit, Ihave fun memories of that particular challenge while traveling.

The point of my vacation stories is that many times the reality of somethingdoesn't live up to the dream.Because of this fact, many of us return from ourvacations more frustrated than when we left home. This month let me share sometruths I have learned regarding vacations.

l I can choose to make every day a vacation. I learned this lesson five years agowhen my husband was diagnosed with cancer. We had always dreamed ofliving around water when we retired. Johnny's diagnosis taught us that weshouldn't put off what we can start doing today. We sold our home in townand moved to Galveston Bay to begin our retirement, even though I am stillworking. I drive 45 miles each way to work, but every minute at home is a

Dear Friends,

Carole LewisNational Director

clewis@firstplace.org

Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdomand is righteousness, and allthese things will be given toyou as well.

FIRST PLACE

Phone:(800) 727-5223(713) 688-6788

Fax:(713) 688-7282

To Place Orders:(800) 446-7735

Fax: (800) 860-3109

www.firstplace.org

FFiirrsstt PPllaaccee FFooccuuss WWeeeekkFFiirrsstt PPllaaccee FFooccuuss WWeeeekk. . .Focusing on Christ's Unlimited Strength

We have two winners. Congratulations to:

Denise Fenner, Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church, Allen, TexasWinning Entry: FOCUS - Focusing on Christ's Unlimited Strength

Linda Dunsmore, Shelby Christian Church, Shelbyville, KYWinning Entry: First Place Focus Week

Denise and Linda will receive an autographed copy of Back On Track, when it is released in July.

(Continued on page 2)

June 2003 Page 2

vacation for me. I have learned to stop andsmell the roses while I still can.

l Some of the best vacations do not cost a lot ofmoney. This is a lesson learned in 1984 whenwe were very broke. Johnny and I wouldoften pack a lunch on Saturday and drive tothe beach. We walked on the beach pickingup seashells along the way.We ate our lunchwatching the waves crash into the shore.When we had no money, we learned that thebest things in life are free. You can't purchasethe beauty of God's creation. It's free andalways available if we just take the time tolook.

l God never takes vacations. Aren't we glad thatGod never takes a vacation from us? He tellsus in Psalm 49:16, "See, I have engraved youon the palms of my hands." God neverwants to get away from us. He never longs toescape our whining and complaining.Because God is God, He always pictures abright future for us, even when in ourperspective, times and circumstances are dark.In Hebrews 13:5 He says, "I will never leaveyou or forsake you."

l Many times I take vacations and never leavehome. I take vacations from housework. Itake vacations from exercise and healthyeating. I take vacations from my quiet timeswith God.

This summer, have the best vacation you haveever experienced, whether you go somewhere orstay home. Take a vacation from frustration,badattitudes, bitterness, regret, guilt, and shame. Goplaces with God you never before dared to go.Proverbs 15:15 says, "All the days of theoppressed are wretched, but the cheerful hearthas a continual feast." Someone once said, "Ourattitude determines our altitude." This summer,soar like never before!

Blessings to you,

Carole LeCarole LewiswisFirst Place National Director

Carole LeCarole Lewiswis(Continued from page 1)

Dear Nancy,

II know that the Lord had me in mind when He gave you thosewords of encouragement. I am approaching the one-year

anniversary of my husband's death; unfortunately, I returned to oldhabits and have been binging for the last few days. My First Placegroup is nearing the end of our first session. I thought this would bea good time to step aside and let someone more worthy take over.Your words are the encouragement I needed to get back up, dustoff, and get going again.

TTerressa Henniganerressa HenniganHillcrest Baptist ChurchJasper, Texas

P.S.: Our group lost 269.25 pounds in the first 12 weeks!

FF irst Place is more of a personal journey than it is a weight lossprogram. If I had joined for the program rather than the

weight loss, I would have been more on track. I suppose weightloss is a type of circumcision though. It is God carving my body outto be something beautiful in His image, as He also carves my soul.

Linda RusseauLinda RusseauSouth Lansing Christian ChurchLansing, Michigan

Dear Nancy,

GG od brought together five leaders, a group of ladies and oneman. From this group we have seen miracles in each life.

Two ladies, who have gone to church all their lives yet were nevertaught to read their Bible, were so blessed by the study

My husband, who had his own law practice for 18 years, hasbeen called into ministry "more" full-time, and is now a pastor at ourchurch. I thank God for using you at First Place to bring to ourchurch a ministry that is blessing many. I also thank God for yourwords of encouragement today. They have helped to "recharge myweak battery."

Since starting First Place, my husband has memorized 221verses. He was inspired by your tape, "The Habit That TransformsLives." He walks around the house and the neighborhood recitingverses. Periodically, he will ask me, "How many verses did that girlsay she has memorized? I'm gonna pass her.” It is truly a riot tolisten to him.

Well, it seems you are having an impact on my husband. Wait aminute, the phone just rang. My husband just called to inform methat he is up to 223 verses.

Sincerely and in His Service,Barb PBarb Petrillo etrillo First Place Group LeaderChrist's Bible Church Pennsauken, New Jersey

First Place MailbagFirst Place Mailbag

Kay SmithAssociate Director

kays@bigcountry.net

Dear First Place Friends,

TTalkin’ With Kalkin’ With Kayay

SS ummer is here and it is vacation time for many ofus.You may even be dreading summer and vacationtime because you do not want to lose the

momentum you have established toward a permanenthealthy lifestyle. Going on vacation does not mean you haveto take a vacation from the healthy lifestyle you have formedin First Place.

I am sure all of you have heard and read the recentheadlines that our government is putting pressure onrestaurants to offer healthy food choices. Not so very longago, going to a restaurant was considered an occasion, anexciting experience saved for celebrations. For most peoplethese days, eating out is neither exotic nor much of an event.In fact, eating out regularly seems to have become a part ofnearly everyone's daily routine. Overextended, time-crunchedAmericans increasingly rely on restaurants and take-outshops, and some kids practically grow up in fast-food outletsor on take-out food.

I have been reading a new book by Michael F. Jacobson,Ph.D. and Jayne G Hurley, RD, from the Center from Sciencein the Public Interest titled RReessttaauurraanntt CCoonnffiiddeennttiiaall(www.restaurantconfidential.org). It is full of great adviceabout eating out and has tremendous statistics. In 1955Americans spent 19 percent of their food dollar on food that was prepared outside the home.Today, that figure is 41 percent and still climbing.That amounts to 29 percent ofour meals purchased outside the home, and 22 percent ofour snacks coming from outside our home. Two hundredand twenty two billion dollars is spent annually atrestaurants; another $117 billion is spent at company andschool cafeterias, stadiums and other venues.There are844,000 eateries in the United States.

USDA surveys find that food eaten outside the home isnutritionally worse than home-cooked food. On an average, itis 20 percent higher in fat, higher in sodium and cholesterol,and at the same time lower in calcium, dietary fiber and iron.The good news about eating out today is, there is reliableinformation for health-conscious consumers to make goodchoices as they enjoy the experience of eating out. Mediapressure, plus public demand, is encouraging restaurants toprovide more healthful options.

I had an email question from a member who wanted toknow how to count an appetizer from Ruby Tuesday. I typedmy usual reply to find this restaurant on the Internet and

check out the nutritional information for this particularfood choice. I have found that nearly every restaurant hasa web site with all the information we need, and was verysurprised to see that Ruby Tuesday does not give thenutritional information.

I believe we have a part to play in the pursuit ofrestaurants serving healthier food choices.We need topatronize restaurants that:

4 Offer a "healthy" or "lite" section on the menu.

4 Allows patrons to make reasonable substitutions, suchas baked potato instead of fries.

4 Make available low-fat versions of foods, such as ham,sausages, hot dogs, milk, etc.

4 Provides fruit and vegetables as side dishes.

4 Lists calorie content next to each item on menus.

4 Provides nutritional information for standard dishes

4 Lowers the prices on salads and fruit, making up forthe loss by small increases in the prices of lesshealthful items.

4 Provides half portions at a lower price.

You may not be able to find restaurants that meet allthese suggestions, but you can make a mental note ofthose who do the best job at meeting these objectives. Itis then our job to be faithful to choose the healthychoices. I believe some good choices have come and gonebecause we ignore the good choices when they areavailable.

First Place has taught us that not only our weight, butalso our health is affected by poor food choices. Chooseyour eating out choices carefully as you enjoy yourvacation this summer. Make sure you do not pay twice foryour eating out experiences; first with your wallet andlater with your health.

May God Bless You On Your Vacation,

KKay Smithay SmithAssociate Director

June 2003 Page 3

FFIRSTIRST PPLACELACE CCONFERENCEONFERENCEFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

735 Park Street v Charlottesville, VA 22902

September 19-20, 2003September 19-20, 2003

M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R S !

The FIRST PLACE CONFERENCEFIRST PLACE CONFERENCEis a national event, conducted over a two-day period. It includes:

v Seminars v Training for beginning leadersv Special musicv Testimonies and praisesv A First Place lunch on Saturday

This event would be beneficial to a person new toFirst Place, to one who has been in the program forany length of time, or to anyone seeking a morebalanced life.

HOTEL ACCOMMODAHOTEL ACCOMMODATIONSTIONSRefer to “First Place Conference” when making reservations.

FFAIRFIELD INN (BY MARRIOTT)AIRFIELD INN (BY MARRIOTT)577 Branchlands Blvd. | Charlottesville, VA 22901434-964-9411Rooms: 40 rooms reserved—$75.00 per room l Complimentary Continental Breakfastl Fitness/Exercise Privileges at a nearby gym with room keyl 10 rooms also reserved for Saturday night,

if you plan to stay overl Rooms blocked are available until August 31

SLEEP INN (BRAND NEW)SLEEP INN (BRAND NEW)1181 5th Street, Ext D | Charlottesville, VA 22902434-244-9969(Ask for Mary Pat Kloenne when making reservations)Rooms: Starting at $70 for regular room | $80-$85 for suitel Indoor swimming pooll Free Continental Breakfastl Exercise and Weight Rooml 40 rooms blockedl Rooms may be available for Saturday nightl Rooms blocked are available until August 19

HAMPTHAMPTON INNON INN2035 India Road | Charlottesville, VA 22901434-978-7888Rooms: $77 Single Occupancy | $84 Double Occupancy l Free deluxe breakfast barl Fitness/Exercise privileges at nearby gym with room keyl 40 rooms reservedl 10 rooms also reserved for Saturday night,

if you plan to stay overl Rooms blocked are available until August 19

DOUBLETREE HOTELDOUBLETREE HOTEL990 Hilton Heights Road | Charlottesville, VA 22901434-973-2121Rooms: $89 per nightl Fitness center on sitel Indoor and Outdoor Heated Poolsl Free Airport Shuttlel 30 rooms blockedl Rooms blocked are available until September 1

Cost: $45 per person or $35 each for groups of 10 or more!

Send registration and payment to:

EEMILMILYY MMOODYOODYFirst Baptist Church735 Park StreetCharlottesville, VA 22902

Registration Deadline: September 5

FFOROR ADDITIONALADDITIONAL INFORMAINFORMATIONTIONOROR QUESTIONSQUESTIONS, , CALLCALL

EEMILMILYY MMOODYOODY AATT 434-296-6195434-296-6195

June 2003 Page 4

FFIRSTIRST PPLACELACE CCONFERENCEONFERENCEFIRST BAPTIST CHURCHFIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

735 Park Street v Charlottesville, VA 22902

September 19-20, 2003September 19-20, 2003Cost: $45 per person or $35 each for groups of 10 or more!

M A R K Y O U R C A L E N D A R S !

Deadline for all registrations: September 5, 2003

REGISTRATION FORMName: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________________________________________________________

State/Province: ______________________________________________________________________________

Country:____________________________________________________________________________________

Zip/Postal Code: ____________________________________________________________________________

Day Phone Number: __________________________________________________________________________

Fax Number: ________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: ______________________________________________________________________________

Church: ____________________________________________________________________________________

How many in your group?__________ Please include check or money order with each registration form.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Is this your first time to attend a First Place Conference? q Yes q No

q As a member? q As a Leader? How did you hear about First Place?

q Church q T.V., Radio, Newspaper, Magazine q On the Internet

q E-Newsletter q Friend or Colleague q Other___________________________

SEND REGISTRATION & PAYMENT TO: EEMILMILYY MMOODYOODYFirst Baptist Church735 Park StreetCharlottesville, VA 22902

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR QUESTIONS, CALL EMILY MOODY AT 434-296-6195.

June 2003 Page 5

Leadership TLeadership Trrainingaining

Nancy TaylorLeadership Training Director

ntaylor@firstplace.org

A Respite for Leaders

JJ une conjures up in our minds a longing to go onan extended vacation.The school year is over forour children; Mother's Day has come and gone,

and graduation celebrations are all but a memory as weface a long, hot summer. After all of the activity of May, avacation is just what we need!

Knowing that the topic for our June newsletter was"vacation," I looked to the dictionary for inspiration. As Iflipped through the pages of my dictionary, I stumbled onthe definition for vacation. The word vacation is derivedfrom a Latin word meaning freedom. The dictionary wenton to explain that a synonym for vacation is respite.Respite means an interval of rest or relief; a period oftemporary delay. A vacation then, is a temporary delay orfreedom from a usual responsibility.

As I pondered thisinformation, a FirstPlace memory versepopped into my head:1 Corinthians 6:12,"Everything ispermissible for me,but not everything isbeneficial. Everythingis permissible for me,but I will not bemastered byanything." On avacation we feel thatwe have the freedomto take a rest from allof life, including the disciplines that we have establishedin our lives as a result of First Place. Have you ever heardthe saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater?" Although we have the freedom to rest from manyof our daily tasks and duties while on vacation, we stillmust not throw all the discipline out with the other non-essentials of life.

Two years ago I went on a vacation in Arizona.Actually,I went to Arizona to watch my daughter compete in abasketball tournament, but took vacation time from workto attend. I looked forward to sleeping in, lying out bythe swimming pool and eating out all my meals, which

meant I wouldn't have to cook! You see, I was free fromthe dailyness of an alarm clock waking me up, fromcooking meals each day, and from going to an office towork. However, I knew that if I allowed this vacationmindset to take over everything in my life, I would paylater for my mismanaged vacation. How did I take avacation and still maintain my physical and spiritualdisciplines? I decided to pretend I was going to a healthspa for my vacation. Each day I would visit their workoutroom and as I walked on the treadmill, I reviewed my

memory verses. As Ilay by the pool, I hadmy devotions andwhen I went out toeat, my goal was tomake wise and healthychoices. I even read ahealth/fitness bookduring the vacation tomotivate myself tomake wise choicesphysically.

There is an acrosticthat may help you andyour members to stayon track even though

you are on vacation. It helped me in Arizona and I pray itwill help you wherever you decide to vacation this June.

The vacationing leader who takes a true First Placevacation will come back to their members refueled,refocused, and ready to lead again. Remember that thevacation is a short rest from your leadership and not along retirement from the vital role of leading others toplace Christ first in every part of their life - even duringvacation!

Here’s to a Healthy Vacation!

Nancy TNancy Tayloraylor

June 2003 Page 6

HoHow to haw to havve a Fire a First Place st Place VVacaacation:tion:VV alue your freedom and use it wisely!

AA llow yourself to really rest.

CC ontinue to grow spiritually and physically.

AA sk God to join you on your vacation!TT ake time for yourself - exercise, study, and rest.II magine yourself at a health spa even when staying at the Comfort Inn.

OO rder from the light selections when eating out.

NN ourish your mind, body, soul, and spirit each day of vacation.

Testimonies, photographs, recipes and letters are allwelcomed for consideration. Address all correspondenceto: First Place | 7401 Katy Freeway | Houston, TX 77024or e-mail to: srobbins@houston.rr.com.

Leadership Tip Leadership Tip

The summer is often a time when people want to take a breakfrom First Place. However, I recently talked with many leaders

who say that their members want to continue to meet through thesummer months. Leaders often feel they need a break. If yourmembers want to continue to meet, I have some ideas that may helpyou, the leader, feel that you are taking a vacation from leadership.Sometimes, just doing some things differently during the summersession will bring freshness and energy to your leadership. Here aresome ideas for making it through your summer session:

l Have members volunteer to share each week about whatthey learned from a specific day of the Bible study. Assignthis to the members a week in advance so they will beprepared.

l Have a "taste-it" each week. The first day of class, havethe members sign up to bring a prepared First Placerecipe for the group to just have a taste. This provides a"snack" for each class time and a way for the members tobe involved in the leadership.

l Plan a meal for one meeting. Ask the members to bringthe ingredients to class, and then actually prepare themeal during class. Sandwiches or salads work best forthis activity. Use menus and recipes from the First PlaceBible Study book.

l Have members use their prayer journals when they go onvacation. Have them write in it like a travel journal, notingthings they did to stay on track and ways they recoveredfrom a lapse. Ask members to share from their journalwhen they return from vacation.

l If you find that the members in the class have children orgrandchildren who play baseball during the summer orwho are in a swim league, take a field trip to see themplay ball or swim. Use this as a teaching moment,pointing out possible healthy choices at the concessionstand, or ways to pack a snack and carry it along to theevent.

l Use the First Place devotional, Today is the First Day, inplace of one of the Bible studies or use it as the scripturereading commitment for the summer.

HAVE A GREAT FIRST PLACE SUMMER SESSIONAND BY ALL MEANS HAVE FUN!

Nancy Nancy TTaaylorylorntaylor@firstplace.org

June 2003 Page 7

AREA LEADER MEETINGJune 14First Southern Baptist ChurchOverland Park, KS10:30 AM - 1:00 PM

RSVP: Joe Ann Winkler, mjaw14@kc.rr.com or 913-262-6173

Visit www.firstplace.org for schedule.

FIRST PLACE RALLYJune 18, 20037:00-9:00 PMScottsdale Bible ChurchScottsdale, AZContact:Pat Sutton, gsutn@cox.net or 480-585-5277Kathy Attwood, kattwood1@cox.net or 480-945-7076Marty Kertesz, mii98@aol.com or 480-596-5691

Carole Lewis, National Director, will be the guestspeaker.

FIRST PLACE CONFERENCESeptember 19-20First Baptist Church735 Park StreetCharlottesville, VA 22902

Contact: Emily Moody at 434-296-6195

FIRST PLACE FOCUS WEEK. . .Focusing on Christ's Unlimited StrengthOctober 9-16Round Top RetreatRound Top, TexasContact: Stephanie Cheves at 800-727-5223, Ext. 402

$575(includes $100 non-refundable deposit withregistration)

$625—Includes airport shuttle(includes $100 non-refundable deposit withregistration)

Registration deadline and full payment due 9/15/03

COMING ECOMING EVENTSVENTS

BeBev’s Fv’s Footnotesootnotes

Beverly HensonCertified Personal TrainerBevh1952@bellsouth.net

Vacation DestinationMatthew 11:28: "Come to me and I will give you restall of you who work so hard beneath a heavy yoke."

SS ummer is here; the children are out of school,and it is time to make plans for summervacation. There are many questions and plans

to make. Where will you go? What will you take? Whathotel will you use, and how long will you stay? Myfavorite vacation destination is Gulf Shores,Alabama.Before I began my journey with First Place, I canremember very well how I planned my entire vacationaround food. Gulf Shores,Alabama has great seafoodrestaurants. I would have my entire week of food plannedbefore I arrived. In fact, food was the highlight of theentire week. I can remember how it would thrill me todrive into town and see new restaurants. Rather thanchange my plans, I would add extra meals to my day. Afterall, I was on vacation and I deserved it. I would just go ona diet the next Monday when I returned home. Afterlosing 147-1/2 pounds through First Place, my idea ofvacation plans did a 360-degree turn. I wasn't aware ofhow things had changed inside of me until the First PlaceConference in Aiken, South Carolina. I remember therevelation as I was driving into town. Rather than lookingfor what kind of restaurants they had in that fine southerntown, my heart did a flip-flop when I saw that right nextto our motel was a nice city running/walking track. Igave glory to the Lord and built an altar right there indowntown Aiken. From then on I planned and packeddifferently for each trip.

Make plans to stay on track before you leave town foryour vacation destination. When you return home, youwill truly have found a refuge and a resting place in thearms of Jesus. Vacations are to be a time of rest andrecovery to renew the mind, spirit, and body. If youchoose to take a healthy vacation, you will feel totallyrewarded, recovered, and revived, with a smile in yourheart and a grin on your face.

TRIP TRIP TIPS:TIPS:

44 Always ask if the motel or hotel has a workoutroom.

44 Check to see if the motel or hotel has ahealthy breakfast buffet.

44 Be sure to take your workout shoes.

44 B.Y.O. F. (bring your own fruit).

44 Bring shoes for walking on the beach. Powerwalking on sand can blister your feet.

44 Plan to stay on track. There is no vacationfrom a lifestyle change.

44 Look around to see what other fun fitnessoptions are available at your vacation site, i.e.,swimming, biking, kayaking, water slides, orany type of moving activity.

44 When dining out, always ask, don't assume—baked-steamed-grilled?

44 Don't forget to drink water.

44 DON'T FORGET THE SUNSCREEN foroutdoor activitiesA healthy vacation=a healthy destination!

BeBevverly Hensonerly Henson

June 2003 Page 8

Hints & PinchesHints & Pinches

Scott WilsonFirst Place Food Consultant

firstplacechef@hotmail.com

Take a Vacation from the Kitchen HeatMicrowave Cooking Part 2

Scott Wilson is a certified executive chef with the American Culinary Federation. If youhave any questions regarding food preparation, you may write him at 7075 Red FoxLane, Cumming, GA 30040.

LL ast month you graduated from Microwave Cooking101, and this month we will take it a little furtherwith some actual tips for cooking proteins and

vegetables.

ChickenChicken works quite well in the microwave whenfollowing some basic rules. If you are cooking with thebone in, use some liquid; if you are cooking a bonelesspiece, cover it with plastic wrap. Two medium breasts withthe bones in, steamed with about 1/4 cup of broth andseasoned on a round plate, will cook in about 5-1/2 to 6-1/2minutes at 70% power, while 2 (4-ounce each) breasts,covered tightly with plastic wrap, will cook in about 3-1/2 to4-1/2 minutes at 70% power.

FishFish works even better! When cooking with the skinon, be sure to cut the fish filet across the skin so it doesn'tcurl up. When cooking filets that have narrow ends, be sureto fold over the thin tips to prevent overcooking. Whensteaming on a tightly covered plate just large enough to holdthe fish, a one-inch boneless steak cooks in about 3 minutes,as will most one-inch thick filets.

EggsEggs are very temperamental and should never becooked in the shell unless you are fond of cleaning up amess! Yolks must be pricked once or twice with a sharpknife or they will burst as well. Slightly beaten eggs cookwell if cooked for short amounts (30-40 seconds) of time at50% power.

Beef and PorkBeef and Pork do not do well in traditionalmicrowaves. However, meat dishes such as casseroles,meatloaf, stews, and soups can be cooked and reheatedsuccessfully.

VVegetablesegetables are best when cooked in the microwave,losing fewer of their vitamins and nutrients. Slow cookingvegetables, those that are dense in structure, should bearranged on the outside of the cooking plate, while fastcooking vegetables, those that are leafy and not as dense,should be cooked on the center of the plate. When cookingvegetables with a small amount of broth or water, it onlytakes about 3-4 minutes on high.

SeasoningsSeasonings such as salt and pepper should be usedsparingly; while fresh garlic loses its bite with prolongedmicrowave cooking. Both salt and pepper seem to intensifywhen cooked in the microwave. Rule of thumb is to useabout 1/4 to 1/2 as much as usually needed. Garlic, on theother hand, becomes softer and sweeter. If you like thepungent taste of garlic, add it towards the end of cooking.

HerbsHerbs also intensify when cooked in the microwave.Use fewer herbs when dried and more when they are fresh;better yet, add them later in the cooking process to ensurethe best flavor.

Finally, you will need a selection of microwaveablecontainers.A good start is to have some Pyrex and/orCorningware dishes of various sizes, and when using plasticcontainers, make sure they are labeled as microwave safe.

ScotScott Wilsont Wilson

June 2003 Page 9

Serves 4

In a small bowl combine the reduced-fat mayonnaise with thegreen onion and cheese. Divide and spread evenly over fishfilets. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and garnish with paprika. Placeeach filet on a dish and cover with waxed paper or plastic wrap.Microwave on high for 2-3 minutes or until fish flakes easily.

Exchanges: 3 meats, 1/2 fat

Fish Parmesan

1-1/2 pounds fish filets (tilapia,orange roughy, flounder)

1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise3 tablespoons minced green

onion

3 tablespoons freshly gratedParmesan cheese

1 tablespoon Italian breadcrumbs

Paprika

JuneJuneRecipes Recipes

Serves 4

In a shallow 2-quart microwave safe casserole add the slicedonion, zucchini, squash, mushrooms, Italian seasoning andpepper, toss with the olive oil. Cover with a sheet of waxedpaper or plastic wrap and microwave on high for 4 minutes.Remove, toss and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or untilcrisp -tender or desired doneness. Add tomato and Parmesancheese and heat for 1-2 minutes more.

Exchanges: 2 vegetables, 1/2 fat

Italian Vegetable Toss

1 small onion, halved andthinly sliced

2 medium zucchini, cut in halflengthwise and cut into1/2-inch disks

2 medium yellow squash, cutin half lengthwise and cutinto 1/2-inch disks

1/2 cup sliced mushrooms

1 teaspoon dried ItalianSeasoning

1/4 teaspoon black pepper2 teaspoons olive oil1 medium tomato, cut into

quarters1 tablespoon fresh grated

Parmesan cheese

June 2003 Page 10

Serves 4

Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and combine with pineapplechunks in 9-inch square glass baking dish. Combine pineapplejuice, water, marmalade, cornstarch, ketchup, soy sauce andvinegar in 2 cup microwave safe glass measuring cup and mixwell to blend. Microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, or untilmixture thickens, stirring once during cooking. Pour overchicken and pineapple in baking dish. Cover with microwavesafe waxed paper. Microwave on high for 4-7 minutes or untilchicken is no longer pink in center, turning dish once duringcooking time. Sprinkle grapes over chicken and microwave onhigh for 1 more minute. Let stand 3 minutes before serving.

Exchanges: 3-1/2 meats, 1/2 fruit

Sweet and Sour Microwave Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chickenbreasts (about 1 poundtotal)

1 8-oz. can pineapple chunks,drained, reserving juice

1/4-cup water2 tablespoons all-fruit orange

marmalade 1 tablespoon cornstarch1 tablespoon ketchup2 teaspoons reduced-sodium

soy sauce2 teaspoons cider vinegar1 cup halved green grapes

These recipes were contribThese recipes were contributed buted by y FirFirst Place memberst Place members:s:

VVegegetabetable Medlele MedleyyServes 4 (1 cup servings)

1 can Rotel Tomatoes2 yellow squash (sliced)2 sliced zucchini1/2 head of cabbage1 eggplant, cubedSliced mushrooms (amount doesn't matter)

Put in pot and simmer until vegetables are tender. Great side-dish.

ExcExchanghanges per seres per serving:ving: 1 veg1 vegetabetablele

Submitted by:Brent Blanchard

TTurkeurkey Ency EnchiladashiladasServes 12

12 flour tortillas2 cups diced cooked turkey (or chicken)1 (8 oz.) package low-fat cream cheese, softened2 cups reduced-fat shredded Cheddar cheese2 cups salsa

Spray baking pan with cooking spray and preheat oven to 325degrees. In medium sized mixing bowl, mix together softenedcream cheese, diced turkey, 1 cup salsa, and 1 cup shreddedCheddar cheese. Spread 2 heaping tablespoons of filling ontoflour tortilla, roll up, and place in baking dish. When all tortillasare filled and placed in baking dish, cover enchiladas with theremaining 1 cup salsa and 1 cup shredded cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and enchiladas are heatedthrough.

ExcExchanghanges fes for 1 encor 1 enchilada:hilada: 1 meat,1 meat, 1 bread,1 bread,1 milk,1 milk, 2 fat2 fat

Submitted by:Karin Glenn-MillerAshbury United Methodist ChurchWichita, Kansas

We had a dinner at church and I made these low fat turkeyenchiladas and everyone seemed to enjoy them.

Testimonies, photographs, recipes and letters are allwelcomed for consideration. Address all correspondenceto: First Place | 7401 Katy Freeway | Houston, TX 77024 ore-mail to: srobbins@houston.rr.com.

First Place First Place Success StorySuccess Story

Testimonies, photographs, recipes and letters are allwelcomed for consideration. Address all correspondenceto: First Place | 7401 Katy Freeway | Houston, TX 77024or e-mail to: srobbins@houston.rr.com.

My name is Peggy Smith, and I attend Central ParkwayChurch of God in Cincinnati, Ohio. I want to tell you about myexperiences in First Place and what God has done in my life.

To give you a little background, I started First Place in March2001 at 285 pounds. I had lost 21 pounds the previous summerthrough another Christian weight loss program, so my highestweight was 306 (picture). I knew I couldn't continue gainingweight and that I had to find a way that would allow me to losethe weight permanently. Like so many others, I've been on somany weight loss programs during my life, only to gain the weightback, plus more. I tried another Christian program and lost the21 pounds, but it wasn't what I was looking for. I knew I neededhealthy meals and exercise, along with the spiritual side of aprogram. Roshelle Martin, our pastor's wife, heard about FirstPlace at a book fair. So, with help from Janet Kirkhart, theregional First Place networking leader in Ohio, and some of theladies at my church, we started a class. We are now in the sixthsession and I have lost 100 pounds.

While I was in Janet's class, one of the First Place leaderstalked about exercise and how important it was to permanentweight loss. That's when I decided on a physical goal to ride abicycle again. I had not been on a bike since I was a teenager.Last summer I spent many hours riding my bike on a nearby biketrail, and I LOVED IT! For the previous year, I had been workingout at a fitness center, doing treadmill, bike, strength machines,free weights, and I really got into it. I even got into an aerobicsclass! So through God's help, I was really getting physically fit.

On Memorial Day 2002, I rode my bike and did my first 3 miles, and was absolutely terrified of hurting myself. At thetime, I didn't realize what else was happening. The next day, Iwoke up around 4:30 in the morning and my heart was beatingfunny. I eventually found myself in the emergency room withAtrial Fibrillation. After another episode later in the year, I foundmyself seeing a cardiologist who schedule an angiogram. Theday after the angiogram, I had open-heart surgery!The angiogram showed that an artery was 90%blocked, but just below the blockage was ananeurysm, and it would have burst within a yearand I would have died.

The surgery is my best praise report. Duringthis time, God reminded me of my favorite scripture,"I can do all things through Christ who strengthensme." My recovery has been fantastic. I spent aweek in the hospital. My first exercise outside ofthe hospital was to walk two laps around the diningroom table! I've worked my way up from that andI'm doing half-an-hour a day of cardio 5 or 6 times aweek now, plus strength machines three times a week.

God is so good! He gave me warning signs, and He alsogave me enough wisdom to go to the doctors. I could see in mymind that God was holding me in His hands, protecting me,comforting me, caring for me. He is AWESOME!! I cannot giveHim enough praise.

I praise Him for leading me to First Place. My spiritual life hasincreased SO much by keeping the commitments: the BibleStudies, the scripture reading and the memory verses. All ofthese have brought me SO much closer to God than I haveEVER been in my life. Recently, one of the Bible study verseswas, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Malachi 3:7) Myencouragement to you is that if you will do your part, God will doHis. And then just be sure to give Him the praise. He is worthy!

BELOW: Peggy Smithbefore First Place, at306 pounds.

AT RIGHT: Peggytoday.

PPegeggy Smithgy SmithCentral Parkway Church of GodCincinnati, Ohio

June 2003 Page 11

Testimonies, photographs, recipes and letters are allwelcomed for consideration. Address all correspondenceto: First Place | 7401 Katy Freeway | Houston, TX 77024or e-mail to: srobbins@houston.rr.com.

June 2003 Page 12

First Place First Place Success StorySuccess Story

MM y name is Sue Bruce and I attend First Place at Prayerof Faith World Outreach Church in Oklahoma City,

Oklahoma.

Over the past 16 years I’ve tried many weight-loss plans tolose weight: Weight Watchers, Phen-Fen, many fad diets andyes, I even threw in exercise. Weight loss continued to be a rollercoaster—gain, lose, gain, lose, on and on. For about five yearsI’ve been mostly a couch potato—sedentary—no exercise at all. Idid lots of eating out, and had lots of sweets, breads and fats. Inever had a meal without dessert. I knew what I needed to do; Ijust didn’t do anything about it. I had no motivation.

Charlet, a lady at our church, decided to start a First Placeclass. My daughter and I decided to do the program together andsupport Charlet’s efforts. The Bible study was a big drawing cardfor us.

I have found that First Place is much more than a weight lossprogram. It’s learning to follow God’s World. By putting Christ firstin my life, I’ve learned to be more obedient. In being obedient,my body is healthier and my mind focused on God. I amhonoring Him with my body through Bible study and prayer.

I am now in shape, exercising regularly, which I’ve donebefore. But this time, it’s not just for me, it’s also to be obedient toGod’s will. I look and feel good! I can wear clothes that I haven’tbeen able to wear in years.

I’m happier and more confident. Through the Bible study andscripture reading, I’ve gained more knowledge and I feel soalive through His word. I’m more at peace in every way. Myfocus is on Christ and off of me. I’m closer to God and strivingto be in His will and devote more of my time and energy to Him.I am more knowledgeable about the Bible and use the versesoften.

I am at my goal weight and my plans are to continue withthe group. This First Place group is so encouraging andsupportive. If we are patient and remain committed to ourgoals, are faithful to attend meetings, God will help me to reachmy goal. I can do all things through Christ who gives mestrength.

Sue BruceSue BrucePrayer of Faith World Outreach CenterOklahoma City, Oklahoma

ABOVE: Sue Brucereached her goal weight onSeptember 30, 2002 andweighed 149-1/2 pounds.

AT LEFT: Sue at 170pounds on March 25, 2003.

FOCUS Week

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Registration Deadline and Full PaymentDue September 15, 2003

Refund Policy -- If First Place cancels FOCUS Week, a fullrefund will be given. All other requests for refunds must bereceived in writing by September 15, 2003. Upon receipt ofrequest, the refund will be granted, minus the $100 non-refundable deposit.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS AND MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

Round Top Retreat. . .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

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June 2003 Page 13

. . . Focusing on Christ’s Unlimited Strength

October 9-16, 2003Round Top Retreat v Round Top,Texas

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Round Top Retreat v Round Top,Texas

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Registration Deadline: September 15, 2003Full Payment Due: September 15, 2003

Refund Policy -- If First Place cancels FOCUSWeek, a full refund will be given. All other requestsfor refunds must be received in writing by September15, 2003. Upon receipt of request, the refund will begranted, minus the $100 non-refundable deposit.

No refunds will be given after September 15

Limited to First 60 Registrations

Includes Airport Shuttle

June 2003 Page 14