McMinnville Seventh-day Adventist Church

Facebook

Happy New Year!

Woohoo – 2012 is here! It just doesn't seem possible. So, it's time for a new resolution. Why don't we choose a novel one this time. What do you think about, say, weight loss? OK, I'm just kidding, about the novel part, that is.

My 2011 New Year’s resolution was to lose 25 pounds using the NEWSTART program. How did I do? Well, I lost 26 pounds – NOT! OK, I 'fess up; I didn't lose the 25 pounds.

Hold it! Don't throw out the NEWSTART program and don't throw out this newsletter (or me ;-). Keep reading, because this is your time to shine.

But first, just what did I accomplish in 2011 with this NEWSTART thing? Was it really worth the effort? Actually, that is just what I was going to ask you.

In 2011, I lost over half of the 25 pounds, dropped two dress sizes, and conquered my nemesis of an intemperate Christmas-through-New-Year's week, all while increasing my energy, mobility, and my wardrobe. By following the NEWSTART program, I lost weight, feel healthier, and perform much more efficiently from day to day – all just by changing a few simple lifestyle patterns.

It isn’t 25 pounds, but I'm am pretty OK with the above progress.

So, is NEWSTART worth the effort? I'd say a resounding “YES.” Since I didn't try to change everything in one week, I barely noticed the effort. Yet, I feel so much better, and it felt like Christmas getting back in all those neglected clothes aging in the closet. Yes, I love NEWSTART and can honestly say that NEWSTART is a natural lifestyle for me now – the real goal of 2011.

Let's do a quick review:

N is for Nutrition – eat at least twice the fruits and veggies (by weight) as meat and grains combined

E is for Exercise – exercise, beginning slowly to avoid pain, for 10 minutes a day and work up to half an hour or more

W is for Water – drink eight glasses of water a day before adding other beverages, and avoid caffeine

S is for Sunshine – spend at least 20 minutes a day, three days a week, outside with bare arms (or take a Vitamin D supplement if you live above the 45th parallel)

T is for Temperance – use self-control in all areas of life and drink fresh fruit of the vine instead of aged

A is for Air – breathe deep, open windows, and spend time outside in fresh air

R is for Rest – determine your optimum hours of sleep and schedule at least one-third of that before midnight; do a home sleep apnea study, following up with your doctor if you have breathing pauses.

T is for Trust – keep Jesus first, cast your cares upon Him, and let Him care for you

The NEWSTART result feels like a little bit of heaven on earth, like a new birth; but more importantly, NEWSTART prepares us for the real heaven. What more can one do to prepare for eternity, except maybe share the NEWSTART program with others?

Now before we choose a resolution for 2012, I'd love to hear from you about last year. Just what did you accomplish with NEWSTART? Was it really worth the effort?

I want to hear from you – about the failures that taught you to succeed and your best successes in 2011. Write or call me at cindybuell@aol.com or (503) 714-4137 and share what you learned and how it helped you. I’d love to share your stories in this newsletter to encourage all of us throughout 2012!

So what about a 2012 New Year's Resolution? I have already accomplished my goal of making NEWSTART a part of my life. I will keep that going. In 2012, I resolve to put forth my best effort in hastening Jesus' coming, and if we all keep up our NEWSTART, we are going to look really good in that robe of light!

May God bless your New Year – and don’t forget to write or call me!

- Cindy Buell