The Signal Vol. VIII
Transcription
The Signal Vol. VIII
Spring 2006 Volume VIII Sexual Purity Living Single with Boundaries Spring Into Health 10 Steps to a new lifestyle Christian Hotspots Take 6 Takes Off Heard From God Lately? CCMtv.org CONTENTS 11 8 President / Founder Damian Cox Editor / Design Coordinator Sheila Cox [email protected] Promotions / Publicity Manager Paula Cox [email protected] Web Design Gary Gogis / Damian Cox Contributors EMI Gospel / Provident Music Group / Take 6 Records / Pearl Freeman / Kimberly Garrison / Patricia Jones 3 4 5 6 7 8 President’s Corner - By Damian Cox Dear CCM Letters & comments Editor’s Note Celebrating Our Readers – By Sheila Cox Introducing a new segment, “Livin’ It!”, featuring the lives of our readers Music & Entertainment (M&E) Farewell to Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers – Courtesy of EMI Gospel M&E From Backstreet Boy to Christian Soloist – Courtesy of Provident Music Group M&E Take 6 Takes Off – Courtesy of Take 6 Records Dynamic singing group makes a comeback Have You Heard from 10 Profile Me Lately? – CCM Special Where to go for direction It’s Our Mission: To provide a media platform for the purpose of presenting innovative, Christian programming and wholesome entertainment for the advancement of the Kingdom of God. Cross Culture Media P.O. Box 68127 Indianapolis, IN 46268 Toll free: 877-MY-CCMTV www.CCMtv.org Out & About – CCM Special 11 Feature What some Christians are up to 14 Livin’ It! Sexual Purity By Pearl Freeman From a young adult’s standpoint 14 & Wellness (H&W) 16 Health Spring Into Fitness By Kimberly Garrison 18 H&W Bring On the Flavor Healthy recipes from Patricia Jones The Signal Spring 2006 2 18 P r e s i d e n t‘ s C o r n e r CCMtv.org CCM Friends and Partners: Greetings! I must start by expressing how blessed and humbled I am to be a part of CCM. I pray often that I do everything God would have me to do for this ministry. The day and time we live in makes it such a joy to do God’s work. Amazing things are happening today with ministries all over the world. Although tests and trials come, and seem to only intensify with ministry, I still look forward to being used by God personally and corporately, as I’m noticing more than ever how people are eagerly seeking outlets for inspiration and food that will quench their spirits. At Cross Culture Media, we are passionate about building a media platform with a reputation of presenting and distributing innovative, Christian programming and wholesome entertainment with excellence. Since the conception of CCM in 2003, I have been engrossed in the media industry. It is more evident to me that quality media exists that fits our criteria; however, oftentimes, many people are not exposed to it. Our 1st annual “Impact the World” filmmaker award recently closed the application process. We are now reviewing film submissions and hope to announce the winner of the $500 award in the summer of 2006. Applicants represent various ages and cultures from all over the world. I look forward to the growth of CCM and, especially with the filmmaker award in the future. I encourage those who were unable to participate this year to submit their submission for the next CCM “Impact the World” filmmaker award. Moving in faith, Damian Cox President, CCM The Signal Spring 2006 3 Submit all comments to: [email protected] DEAR CCM: The abortion article from last edition of The Signal regarding The Crisis Pregnancy Center was very good. I liked the way the information was given in a question & answer forum, giving insight from someone who has lived it and in turn was offering help to others. I appreciate the light it shed on the lies that surround this issue. So many unborn babies die because pregnant women/girls believe lies told that what is growing inside them is not life but "tissue". If they would only stop long enough and look at life from God's point- of-view as Creator, the truth would not be hard to see. Tissue that is the beginning of life is not dead; it "grows" into another human being. So to say that the beginning of a baby is "tissue" is only partly true. This half truth leaves out the fact that this tissue is the beginnings of a "growing", living human being. Satan tells "half" truths for the purpose of deceiving. This half truth has easily been sold to women/girls who have been trained by our society to freely indulge in sex but to run from the responsibilities it can bring. Therefore, they believe what they want to believe and, do not investigate the validity of such statements. But then, unfortunately, the truth of the matter ascends heavily on ill-informed mothers after aborting as they suffer with guilt, depression, anxiety, etc. I suppose my reply reveals some frustrations. I can't deny it. My frustrations are not so much toward the deceived mothers as it is toward the medical field because they know the truth. Thank you CICPC for keeping the truth of God alive. ---New Mexico Reader, age 54 Dear Reader: Thank you for your response to the “Abortion-Minded?” article from our last edition. In addition to your reply, the purpose of this article was to expose the myths & fallacies of abortion by letting others know that people make mistakes and to show how God forgives & loves them through it all. Submit all comments to: [email protected] The Signal Spring 2006 --- Cross Culture Media 4 CCMtv.org Celebrating Our Readers Everyone has a story. Everyone is unique. Everyone can make a difference in the lives of those around them. Just sit back and listen to an elder adult from time-to-time. There’s where we can realize how rich a person’s life is by listening to stories involving many years of history, accomplishments and learned lessons. Everyone has a story! This in turn is why CCM searched out a way to showcase the everyday lives of those around us. Allow me to introduce “Livin’ It!”, a new segment in The Signal which features life stories & wisdom from our readers. Why do we usually wait to celebrate life after someone passes away? I say, let’s celebrate life now! Why not give each other praise while we’re still able to appreciate it? If you have an interesting story, or even an average one with purpose, but never have had the opportunity to tell it, now’s your chance to share! God definitely uses His children in unique ways. We’re all gifted in some way! Our vast array of talents & life experiences are used together in the specific manner God has entrusted us with. They’re not given for us to keep to ourselves, but to pass on for the benefit of others. I recently heard someone state: “The more we value & use our God-given talents, the more beautiful we become.” Everyone has beauty and “Livin’ It!” is used to provide a platform for such beauty that may not always be recognized in our daily lives. In this edition of The Signal, we’re featuring a young lady studying in college to become a writer. She shares her dating experience with real world explanations and also provides simple solutions to the many challenges single adults face on a daily basis. Please enjoy this first segment of “Livin’ It!”, but remember to ask yourself, “What is it in my life that could be used as inspiration for others?”, or “How can I make a difference by sharing a part of who I am?” Let’s celebrate your life together by celebrating the story God wants to tell others through YOU! Providing a media platform for the purpose of presenting innovative, Christian programming and wholesome entertainment for the advancement of the Kingdom of God www.CrossCultureMedia.org “Catch the Vision – Impact the World” --- SHEILA COX, Editor The Signal Spring 2006 5 CCMtv.org Music & Entertainment DONALD & The Tri-City Singers LAWRENCE BID FAREWELL With the awe-inspiring release of “Finale”, Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers bid farewell. “The Tri-City Singers’ ‘Finale’ leaves a lasting impression. The production was solid, the singers were on-point, and the direction of Donald Lawrence truly enhanced this powerful ministry. ‘Finale’ couldn’t have had better guest vocalists ranging from Daryl Coley to Karen Clark-Sheard and many others…An unforgettable worship Experience! ” – Damian Cox, President, Cross Culture Media The Stellar Award-winning choir’s “Finale” includes a Collector’s Limited Edition box set that incorporates: 2 CD’s, 2 DVD’s, a 12 page booklet of lyrics and liner notes written by Lawrence highlighting this historic occasion, as well as, two exclusive bonus audio tracks. Recorded in November 2005, “Finale”, captures one of the most important choirs in gospel music history, and brings to a resounding close a glowing chapter that ultimately opens the door to even more possibilities. The Signal Spring 2006 6 CCMtv.org Backstreet Boys’ Brian Littrell Releases Debut Christian Album B rian Littrell, one of pop’s most recognized and bestselling artists, released this Spring his debut Christian-market album, Welcome Home. In conjunction with Jive Records, the Reunion Records project arrived on the heels of last summer’s No. 1 Christian radio single, Littrell’s remake of “In Christ Alone”, a Dove-nominated track off WOW #1s. The first single from Welcome Home is its title track. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a little boy singing in church in Lexington, Kentucky,” said Littrell, who grew up singing in various youth choirs at Port Memorial Baptist Church. With Welcome Home, “I hope to encourage people to stand up for what they believe.” Terry Hemmings, President and CEO of Provident Music Group, called Littrell’s signing – three years in the making – “one of the most unique partnerships ever to happen in Christian music.” Hemmings continued, “Throughout the course of making the deal, I got to know Brian as a forthright, sincere person of God. This is what Brian was built to do. His enthusiasm for the record just oozes out of him.” Produced by Billy Mann (Jessica Simpson, Ricky Martin); Dan Muckala (Backstreet Boys, Mandy Moore); and the production team of Mark Kibble and Dave Thomas (Take 6, Mariah Carey, CeCe Winans), Welcome Home reveals Littrell’s heart and plants a stake in the ground recognizing his source of greatest hope. A straight-ahead pop record, lyrically the project illuminates God’s unequivocal love for The Signal humanity and outlines the possibilities for life when people dedicate themselves to a higher calling. “I’ve been writing Christian music for a long time,” Littrell said, “and now I have the opportunity to share some of those songs with others. I’m a family guy making music for the family. This really is like a dream come true.” Plans are coming together for Littrell to support Welcome Home at select Christian music festivals this summer. Brian Littrell is widely-known as the 13-year member of the legendary pop group, Backstreet Boys. He has contributed to worldwide sales in excess of 75 million records and has amassed legions of fans around the globe. Last summer, Backstreet Boys released “Never Gone”, their first studio album in five years. Brian lives in Atlanta with his wife Leighanne and their three-year-old, Baylee. Littrell will continue to perform with Backstreet Boys and looks forward to sharing his solo album with fans. Source: Provident Music Group Spring 2006 7 CCMtv.org TAKE 6 B eing patently original with a timeless musical artistry can only define one group – Take 6. Take 3 parts Gospel + 1 part Jazz + 1 dash of Pop + 1 touch of R&B = 6 parts of soulful harmony. Take 6’s new album “Feels Good” ingeniously blends all these genres in a delicious, spirit-soaring feast of sound. With the release of their much-anticipated album, “Feels Good”, Take 6 returns to their rich musical heritage bringing the listener along for one of their most uplifting, funky and inspirational joy rides to date. “Feels Good” makes you feel just that – good. With a staggering eighteen Grammy-Award nominations, Take 6 is the most nominated Gospel, Jazz, Pop and R&B artists in Grammy history. Yet, along with their solid 10 Grammy wins, 10 Dove Awards, one Soul Train Award and two NAACP Image Award nominations already on their mantel, Take 6 have set yet another challenge for themselves. The group has recently launched Take 6 Records, and is now capitalizing on, not only their 20 years of collective experience in the creative side of music, but also, by taking a more proactive role in the business of music. Member Alvin Chea says, “This was a natural progression for us. Traditional record companies want to lock you into a particular category. If you are slightly askew of that, they really don’t know what to do with you. We decided to take the reigns on this project and in our careers so we could position our projects in the marketplace by how we felt led.” In the music industry, Take 6 is so universally recognized as simply being “the best”, that they have virtually owned Downbeat Magazine’s readers’ poll, having won “Favorite Jazz Vocal Group” 9 consecutive years. In spite of this, Mark Kibble states, “It is important for us to continually challenge ourselves musically in order to keep our music and creative spirit fresh.” The Signal Spring 2006 8 CCMtv.org = Take 6 has received some of their highest praise from the music industry’s icons. Mega producer and longtime collaborator, Quincy Jones, has described Take 6 as “The baddest vocal cats on the planet.” In their stellar career, they have been honored to perform with numerous music legends including: Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, David Foster, Al Jarreau, Stevie Wonder, Denyce Graves, The Yellowjackets and Wynton Marsalis among a host of others. The Take 6 style has also reached today’s pop culture. Their musical style and tight harmonies have influenced pop groups from Boyz II Men and Backstreet Boys to *NSYNC. As wonderful as these honors and accolades are, Take 6 is still committed to using their music as a ministry. Claude McKnight (founding member) beams, “I’m immensely proud of the fact we have had only one personal change in the group which was founded 20 years ago. It is very much a testament to our commitment to one another and spreading the gospel through our music”. Take 6 consists of members: Alvin Chea, Cedric Dent, Claude McKnight, David Thomas, Joel Kibble and Mark Kibble. Courtesy of Take 6 Records The Signal Spring 2006 9 CCMtv.org Profile Have you heard from ME lately? W e ask God for direction & guidance in our life, but do we take enough time to stop and hear His answers? How will we know what His will is for our lives unless we spend time in two-way conversation? I just don’t know what direction to go in with my life. I’m so confused. A – “If you need wisdom – if you want to know what God wants you to do – ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask Him, be sure that you really expect Him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” 1 How can I forgive others after they’ve wronged me? A – “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of malicious behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” 2 So many times I offend my spouse when I quickly respond to his/her complaints. What can I do? A – “My dear brothers and sisters, be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Your anger can 1 never make things right in God’s sight…If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are just fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless.” 3 I’m very strong at times, but other times I find it hard to not do the sinful things I like to do. Help! A – “If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin. But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can’t stand up against it. When you are tempted, He will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it.” 4 What should I do when I don’t feel like being around other people? A – “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to our Christian brothers and sisters…Share each other’s troubles and problems, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” 5 James 1:5, 6; 2 Eph. 4:31, 32 ; 3 James 1:19, 20, 26; 4 I Cor. 10: 12, 13; 5 Gal. 6:10, 2 – New Living Bible The Signal Spring 2006 10 CCMtv.org Feature 3 Degrees Christian Night Club We Out & About Looking for Something to Do? Take a look at how some Christians are enjoying fun, leisure time. The Signal asked several Christians what they like to do on their free time. Many said they enjoy going to movies, sharing a meal with friends, and participating in ministry events. However, others mentioned the lack of options for Christians in their hometown. They ask, “Why can’t we find anywhere to go that offers clean comedy?” or they have said, “I would love to find a place that offers Christian music in a leisure environment.” Cross Culture set out to find a few of the places these people have been looking for. Spring 2006 11 CCMtv.org Pastor Nancy gave us insight on where the passion comes from. “Our main purpose is to present the gospel in a way that makes it accessible to anyone. We try to create an environment that is non-threatening. “There are people on hand to pray with others. When you walk in, you won’t find a Bible, but instead will find people who are willing and ready to share their faith.” Pastor Nancy reflecting said, “We don’t shrink back from ministering Jesus Christ by not upholding a biblical standard. We’ve always been non-alcoholic, smoke-free and encourage the bands to testify.” “The Children” perform at Club 3 Degrees. Others who have been featured are: Six Pence, Kirk Franklin, Third Day, Karen Clark Sheard & many more. “Over the last 17 years we have prayed with over 6,000 people and have received hundreds of testimonies.” “We also provide a place for Christians to go. A gentleman wrote a letter saying that the Union was the only place he could go to be in a Christian setting when he was in college, and now he’s actually in a church band.” The staff of Club 3 Degrees understands that running an operation of such magnitude doesn’t come easy. “Some Christian clubs have ended up selling alcohol and bringing in secular things to pay the bills. Many have opened up and closed, also.” Club 3 Degrees holds a casual church service every Sunday night with worship music & a message. Minneapolis, MN – Club 3 Degrees – a three-level, 18,000 square foot facility offers state-of-the-art sound and lighting with a 1,700 person capacity. The club features local and national Christian artists and DJ’s every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night. “Being under the umbrella of a very large church helps. Living Word Church has funded and underwritten our cost. You need finances, commitment & resources for backing. If it wasn’t for Living Word Church, we wouldn’t exist.” www.club3degrees.com In it’s beginning stages, Pastor Nancy Aleksuk saw 3 Degrees in a vision from God, when amazingly, at the same time, her pastor was looking to take Christian bands into another building to expand their ministry. He was looking to provide more opportunities for people who would not step foot into a church. They found an old bar whose owner had become a Christian and secured the building. In 1989, the club was called New Union, then they moved into a 2nd facility and on to its current location downtown in the nightclub/bar district. Ever since this last move, Club 3 Degrees has received overwhelming national publicity from television, radio & print media. Newsweek wrote a fabulous article & the Today Show featured them in a segment. Rolling Stone even called 3 Degrees “the sleekest, most pristine night club the Twin Cities has to offer”. The Signal Spring 2006 “We try to create an environment that is non-threatening.” Pastors Steve & Nancy Aleksuk, Living Word Church 12 CCMtv.org SOW RIGHT PRODUCTIONS Indianapolis, IN – Sow Right Productions – Cross Culture Media chatted with Co-owners, Chris & Trease Sears regarding their production company & brand new venue, The Lighthouse. Q Tell us about the vision of Sow Right Productions A – The vision came from wanting to have Christian entertainment and wanting to provide something for Christians to be able to come out to and enjoy themselves at an affordable cost. At one event, we brought in Karen Clark Sheard & a group called Ramiyah and had a raffle drawing for a car. Sowright Productions’ New Years’ Eve event at the Madame CJ Walker Ballroom Q In the past you’ve sponsored events in venues throughout the city, but now you have your own venue which is called The Lighthouse. Tell us about that. A – The Lighthouse is actually a club – it’s a gospel club. It’s not a nightclub but a lightclub because as Christians we are of the light and not of the dark. Basically, God gave me a vision that said I want a place for Christians to come in and be themselves. I experienced some hardships & troubles in secular clubs and wanted to develop something positive, so God put it in me to develop something for Christians. The club environment [at The Lighthouse] is just a standard club. There are pool tables, dancing, nonalcoholic cash bar, entertainment, live artists, jazz bands and things of this nature. “Viktory”, Christian Hip Hop artist gives his props at The Lighthouse. Q So, would you say that you’ve had to educate people on this type of concept? What would you say to someone who is a skeptic? A – Yes. I would tell that person, basically, that they would have to come out and enjoy themselves. You have to be free in your Christianity. God did not call us to just stay in our houses, read our Bibles and be locked up. He did call us to still live our normal lives and if you want to go out and enjoy yourselves. You can do that. “We want to bring people out of the Q What are some of the plans you have for the future? negative club A – Renting it out…We have lots of artists that are coming & plays that will be going on. We plan to have a book club as well environment.” that will meet about twice a month. We also want to do a lot with the youth to show them they don’t have to act like the world. We have to be the better example. Continued on page 15 Chris & Trease Sears, Co-Owners The Signal Spring 2006 13 L i v i n’ I t ! CCMtv.org Sexual Purity From the stance of a young, Christian adult in a relationship M Too many useless “How To” guides ost women in this world have at least come across a “How To” article in the pages of a magazine. Some women stop in their tracks to pick up the latest scoop, and some flip right on through, disregarding the “How To” traps. I was one of those stop and get the scoop women. By Pearl Freeman However, most of the time it was some cheesy article such as “How to get a Good Man”, “How to Keep a to Conquer Sexual Purity”. Now, I’m only 19 and I know that there are women with way more experience Good Man” than me on this topic. However, I want to give this information from a stance of a young, Christian and “How to female, adult who is in a relationship. Conquering sexual purity in a secular world is a task to be reckoned with. Temptations from every side can easily get you off track; but there are ways to not get thrown off completely. First of all, being a woman of God, the first guide you should consult is your Bible! I know. I know, the Bible is long, yes, but it’s the best way to get accurate information regarding the way you should live your life. I think I can break it down for all the ladies who just cannot find it or understand it. Make a Good Man Love You”. I could go on for decades listing the ample amount of ridiculous titles for these famous “How To” guides. The biggest problem with “How To” guides is that they, unfortunately, neglect to tell you why you should do certain things. So, I want to break the trend and give “How To” guides a new name! Now, no offense to those who still like to read these articles, but when has there ever been a life changing “How To” article such as “How to Be and Stay Pure”? Maybe you could find it in a informative Christian book or even in a Christian magazine, but dare not try to find this in a secular magazine with a half naked woman on the front of it! So what is society trying to say? Pure is only for the believers and if you’re not a believer, why bother being pure? I feel that is the statement they are trying to portray. I stopped reading the “How To” portions of magazines and decided to make up my own - “How The Signal “How to Conquer Sexual Purity and Why You Should!” 1. We all know the little rules that our mothers most likely drilled into our heads, and if you don’t know, I’m going to tell you just in case you need to start at this point. No “intense” kissing, no taking off clothes, don’t be in bedrooms with lights off...Hold on! Don’t even be in bedrooms, period!! There’s no need to be alone; stay in social settings. No backseats of cars, and dark parking lots. I guess that covers a few, but if any more pop into your mind, don’t do it! Spring 2006 Now for the not so young adults...You may 14 CCMtv.org have your own place. Why...why, would you have him over, or vice versa, if you aren’t going to do anything? You can GO OUT to the movies; you can GO OUT to eat...no excuses. Okay, enough of the obvious things, now on to the big stuff! Sexual purity does not just include restraining from sexual intercourse! Surprise! Sexual purity is also keeping your mind pure of filth. For example, if you and your boyfriend are committed in a relationship and you both are choosing to abstain from sexual impurity, why would you allow him to arouse you and vice versa? Think about it! If you are followers of Christ, you should be be aware that Matthew 26:41 says, “Watch and pray so that . “Watch and pray so that you will not fall you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” Why should we not fall into temptation, you ask? Well, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit, and we are to keep them pure. (I Corinthians 6:19, 20) 2. Praying, oh the power of prayer! Just like in Matthew; it into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.” says pray so that you will not fall into temptation. My boyfriend and I pray regularly, which is a key to a Christcentered relationship. Not only should we pray for what we want or what we need, we should also pray for what we want God to sustain us from! “Ask and it shall be given, do not ask you shall not receive.” Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Now if your true desire is a relationship of Matthew 26:41 purity and you stay obedient and trust in God’s Word and honestly delight yourself in Him, He will give it to you! 3. 2 Corinthians 10:5, “We demolish arguments and every Continued from page 13 (Out & About) Q Right now on Friday nights you have Christian comedians come in after recording live on the radio. Is that right? A – Yes, they’re on AM1310 in the mornings. After that, they come to the club in the evenings and perform. Q Anything else you’d like to share? A – We have been doing this since 1998 with parties. It’s a hard mission to change the mindsets of those in the city. We want it to be a ministry to change people’s mentalities. We’re also targeting the unsaved and want [the Lighthouse] to be a place where souls can be saved & lives changed. We want to bring people out of the negative club environment and use this as an avenue to do many things for the Kingdom of God. The world has it, so why can’t we? www.sowrightpro.com, 317-716-5736 Many other Christian Coffeehouses & gathering places exist all across the country such as in: Atlanta, GA (clubjubilee.com), Brownsburg, IN, New York, NY, Florham Park, NJ, etc. The list continues. Check out an internet search engine for more info. Also, write to CCM if you have an event or venue of interest - [email protected]. The Signal pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” This applies in every area of our life....to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”. If we say that Jesus is our Lord & our Savior, He must be so over every aspect. We cannot pick and choose when to obey Him. So many times we rationalize, making excuses for things we want to do without seeking out accurate guidance on the right thing to do, especially in the area of sexuality. So many people think they have no kind of control over this area of their life. However, if this were true, how do they expect to have that same control once they become married? God’s principles are the same yesterday & today. He gives us these “rules” for a reason...because He loves us and wants us to live purposefully. Afterall, we are commanded to praise and to glorify Him, and any time we live in sin, it takes us further away from Him. James 4:4 “...Anyone who chooses to be friends with the world becomes an enemy with God.” So, please consider this writing encouragement from someone who is not perfect, but who is striving to be obedient through the grace of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Peace to you all! Spring 2006 15 CCMtv.org Health&Wellness Spring… Into Health By Kimberly Garrison T he springtime is the perfect time to recommit to new beginnings. For as long as there is breath, there is life and with life comes the ever-present opportunity to re-invent and re-invest in ourselves. It is never too late to change our lives and turn over a new leaf. Once spring arrives many people begin thinking about their health and fitness once again and vow to literally spring into action. If that sounds like you, then look no further. Follow the following 10 key strategies for achieving success in weight loss, exercise and health and live your best life ever. 1 Winning at Losing It’s been well documented by many experts that those most successful at permanent weight loss combine sensible eating with a consistent exercise plan. Winning at losing can be summed up with five simple words therefore: Eat less and exercise more. 2 Do Your Homework Preparation is key. Those who fail to plan – plan to fail. It really is true. You won’t be successful unless you do the planning work. 3 Schedule It Schedule your workouts and food shopping in you planner like other important engagements. Also, maintain a nutrition and exercise log so you can monitor your success. 4 Shop the Periphery Shop the sides of the market. Stay out of those aisles. The more you shop between the aisles the more trouble you’ll get in. All the good stuff is on the perimeter. Load up your buggy with produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, low-fat dairy, lean meats, and fish. The Signal Spring 2006 16 5 Eat Out Less Prepare the majority of your meals in advance at home. Statistics show you’ll likely eat upwards of 40% more when dining out. Besides, who wouldn’t want a leaner waist and a fatter wallet? “Your body is designed for movement … 6 Exercise is King Would you consider leaving your home without brushing your teeth or combing your hair? Probably not, but how many days, weeks, or months have you neglected your most significant asset – you? Your body is designed for movement and daily exercise is good for the body, mind, and the soul. 7 Mix Up the Exercise They say variety is the spice of life, and when it comes to exercise, it’s absolutely true. Be sure to approach the exercise habit comprehensively. You’ll want to do cardio to work the heart, strength training for building and strengthening muscles, stretching to maintain and increase flexibility, as well, you’ll need to work on your balance. 8 Nutrition is Queen “You are what you eat. One minute on the lips, a lifetime on the hips,” may sound cliché but no truer words were spoken. If there’s one thing we absolutely have control over, it is what we eat. Every day, make it a habit to eat whole foods like leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. 9 Just say “No” to Excess Fat! Cook and choose foods that are grilled, baked, broiled, or steamed. Avoid eating all fried foods. 10 Nix the Salt and Sugar Avoid eating white flour products, candy, cakes, cookies, and most commercial snack foods. Cakes, cookies, candy, and snack foods make poor fashion accessories. Kimberly Garrison, who specializes in women’s fitness, is certified by both the American Aerobic Association International/International Sports Medicine Association and American Fitness Professionals & Associates; she is also a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and IDEA. www.1on1ultimatefitness.com The Signal Spring 2006 17 CCMtv.org CCMtv.org Bring On the Flavor! Allow Your Health To Indulge… Registered Dietitian, Patricia Jones, graduated from Indiana State University in 1987, is currently pursuing a Masters in Health Administration, and resides as the Food Service Director for JEWEL Educational Services. She’s utilizing her gifts to bless others through the authoring of her book, “Nourishment for the Body and Soul”, which features a collection of recipes to cleanse the body naturally – no additives, no preservatives, no refined sugars. Originally written to be used during a “Daniel’s Fast” (Psalm 139:13-19), Cross Culture Media found her book to be a wonderful, healthy alternative to the norm. Let’s take a look at some of her insight and recipes. Fruit Smoothie ½ cup frozen strawberries 1 large banana ½ cup crushed pineapple ½ cup apple juice ½ cup grape juice Combine all ingredients in a blender. Pulse until some of ingredients are crushed. Blend on high until smooth. Many people have an inner desire for better health, but for whatever reason, they cannot discipline themselves to avoid junk food and other unhealthy foods. The physical health you seek from God may be more than an answer to prayer. Your physical health may be linked to any of the following factors: 1. Your testimony commitment – statement of faith to God 2. Your level of spiritual commitment – constant prayer 3. Your time commitment 4. Your food choices I get my passion for healthy eating from watching my father live with Diabetes Mellitus Type 1. Because of bad eating habits, I watched him have a major stroke, suffer with seizures and have an above the knee amputation. It became important to me, at that time, to eat right and to work out on a consistent basis because of witnessing this situation. People do not realize how much food has an affect on our bodies, and how unhealthy food creates many of the illnesses we suffer as a result of bad food choices. The recipes in my book, “Nourishment for the Body and Soul” will cause natural cleaning and good, healthy habits. Enjoy and receive the manifestations of God. To Purchase “Nourishment for the Body and Soul”, contact Patricia Jones at 317-507-3154 or write [email protected] The Signal Spring 2006 Seven Vegetable Chili 4 tbsp. olive oil 1 medium red onion, coarsely chopped 1 tsp. minced garlic 3 cups canned (14.5 oz) pinto beans, rinsed & drained 1 medium sweet potato, diced 3 cups fresh or frozen whole kernel corn 1 can (35 oz) whole tomatoes 3 cups cauliflower 1 cup bell pepper 3 cups carrots 1 cup vegetable broth 3 tbsp. cumin 3 tbsp. chili powder 2 tbsp. tomato paste 2 tsp. paprika 2 tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper ¼ cup cilantro, chopped Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, until the onion is softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Add remaining oil to the pan, along with beans, cauliflower, sweet potato, bell pepper, carrots, corn, tomatoes, broth, cumin, chili powder, tomato paste, paprika, salt and cayenne pepper, and stir until well combined. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are just tender, about 10 minutes. For more tender vegetables, cook the chili for another 20 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the cilantro. Serves 10 to 12. 18