Celebrate Success in 2010!

Many of us look upon a new year as a time to refocus on what is important in our lives. Often when we look back at our past behaviors, we realize we could have done a better job in making choices that contribute, rather than detract, from a healthy lifestyle. The problem is that it is so difficult to persevere in our pursuit of such a goal. That is where First Place 4 Health can be of assistance. It is a program format that calls for weekly meetings with other adults, who have similar goals. The program that I am facilitating in the coming months uses a new book entitled "Celebrate Success". I took a photo of the cover of the book to help you visualize it.

The back cover of the book has this to say: "CELEBRATE SUCCESS, a new Bible study created for First Place 4 Health, explores what God's Word has to say about celebration and will help you discover ways to celebrate your life's milestones and victories in a way that glorifies God. All too often, it is easy to try to measure success by the world's standards and get caught up in the mindset that you can only celebrate success when you have finally achieved some long-anticipated goal. But for those who strive to live a life pleasing to God, celebrating success can be a daily experience, not just an isolated event. In God's kingdom, celebration is always intended to reaffirm the commitment to a life lived in conformity to God's Word, which always gives reason for celebration regardless of the occasion!" The script goes on to say that the book contains 12 weeks of daily study to help you put Christ in first place, as well as weekly Live It Trackers to document your progress. Also included are Scripture memory cards, a coordinating Scripture memory music CD, and two complete weeks of menu plans with grocery lists, recipes and detailed nutrition information.

I have been a Registered Dietitian for over thirty-five years, yet in all my years of experience with numerous kinds of wellness programs and weight loss systems, none of them have helped me, personally, more than First Place 4 Health. First Place 4 Health helped me create balance in the four core areas of my life---emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. That is why I am such a proponent of the program, and volunteer my time to facilitate First Place 4 Health classes in Mountain Home. Orientation for the "Celebrate Success" session will be Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at 6 PM, in room 1203 of the Christian Life Center, of First Baptist Church, 400 Club Blvd., in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The Orientation provides an overview of how the First Place 4 Health program offers assistance to participants, and gives those who decide to participate an opportunity to enroll in the program, and learn about the written health books and Bible study books that are used during the program. The materials can be purchased at most major bookstores or over the Internet. Persons who do not want to purchase the written material may use a copy of the book available for check-out use at the church. The actual classes for First Place 4 Health will start on Wednesday, January 13, at 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, and will meet consecutively for the next 13 weeks. There is no charge to attend the classes. For more information about the history/development of First Place 4 Health, log onto www.FirstPlace4Health.com or email me at triciaturnerfirstplace@yahoo.com Wouldn't you like to take an expedition in this all-new decade to a healthier lifestyle? Just like the old song made famous years ago by K.C. and the Sunshine Band, let's "CELEBRATE good times", and miles of smiles this year! Tricia

Caroling in the Caverns

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that it wasn't until I saw a program on the Travel Channel last December that I found out about the event called "Caroling in the Caverns". That is because the event has been going on for several years, and I live just about 90 minutes from there. But as soon as I learned about it, I phoned to get a ticket. The person who took my call said the tickets had been sold out for months, and that if I ever wanted to go, I had better get my tickets purchased earlier next time. So I put a note to myself in my calendar back in August, and proceeded to order my ticket (which cost $17) as soon as they went on sale in the early fall. As a coincidence, all of the lessons in my Faithful Friends small group at church this month have been on the topic the quarterly entitled "God's Christmas Songs". So a field trip to hear "God's Christmas Songs" in such a unique setting as an underground cave seemed very appropriate. Although photography or recording was not allowed during the actual program, I was able to get the photos above before it started. The lower photo shows that stringed instruments were included in the music presentation. An instrument that the nearby town of Mountain View is famous for---the mountain dulcimer---was expertly played by local native, and widely recognized dulcimer aficionado, Pam Kirby. Pam is also the leader of the various musicians that shared their voices on the afternoon of December 13 when I was there.

When one first arrives at the Banchard Springs Caverns Visitor's Center (pictured in collage above), there are a variety of activities to occupy your time until boarding the elevators to descend hundreds of feet underground. The theater has an audio-visual presentation telling about how the cave was created and discovered, and also includes beautiful Ozark nature scenes captured by area photographer Jerry Wilcoxen. There is also an excellent exhibit area to view, as well as a gift shop and book store. Plus, on days that a performance is being given, complementary refreshments are served consisting of cookies, hot cider, and candy canes.

As you can tell by the way the audience is dressed in the photo collage above, the temperature was very comfortable. Since I tend to get cold easily, I had an extra coat, scarf, ear muffs, and gloves---none of which I needed. In addition, plastic seat cushions are provided to each attendee as you enter the elevator, so that you will not be sitting directly on a damp bench. I was pleased to see that the area where the audience sits is wheel-chair accessible, so one does not have to be a hiker-type to participate. In keeping with the tradition of strolling carolers, the performers would move to various locations distant from the audience so that we could appreciate the remarkable acoustics in the space. If any of this appeals to you, you'll be thankful to hear that you will not have to wait until December of 2010 to experience it. Due to its popularity, special performances have been scheduled for February 13-14, to celebrate St. Valentine's Day; also, for March 13-14, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Only 400 tickets are available for each weekend, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Contact the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce at 870-269-8068 or visit www.yourplaceinthemountains.com to order tickets online.

The video at the Visitor's Center Theater talked about creatures that live in the dark. Likewise, the story of Christmas is about creatures who were living in the dark. But the verses in Luke 1:78-79 shows us God's remedy for such an existence : "Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." I pray that you will experience miles of "light filled" smiles this Christmas season and throughout the year! Tricia

Group Expedition to Branson

There are many good reasons for traveling in a group, and one of them is that, instead of there being 50 vehicles on the highway, all going to the same destination----there is just one vehicle that carries 50 people! This travel is made especially enjoyable if the vehicle is a luxury motorcoach, such as the one used by First Baptist Church of Mountain Home recently. The photo above also shows another reason for going by motorcoach---the fun and fellowship one can have while being part of a group, who all have the same goal in mind---an enjoyable time visiting with old friends and getting to know new ones!

The Mountain Home group had a delicious lunch in the balcony dining area of the Hughes Brothers Theater in Branson, and then were treated to a delightful Christmas show put on by the talented band of brothers, known simply as SIX. Their show is a "must see" on your next trip to Branson! Following the SIX show, the group headed over to the Hard Luck Cafe for an early supper, with just enough time left to stroll through the huge Christmas store at the Grand Village. As you can see, there was a representative of St. Nickolas strolling the area, despite the bitter cold (as evidenced by the frozen fountain shown in lower part of collage above).

Next the group drove to the somewhat-new-to-Branson theater called "Sight and Sound". The original Sight and Sound Theater has been operating for years in Pennsylvania, but many people in the Ozarks are just now visiting it for the first time. The photo above shows the FBC expeditioners eagerly awaiting the show to begin in their comfortable seats near the main stage of the enormous space. The vastness of the theater is needed considering what comes meandering down the aisles during the performance---beautiful, full size horses; gigantic camels; braying donkeys; and bah-bahing sheep!!

The photo above shows the Christmas tree in the main lobby, that is completely encircled by delicate angels, twinkling lights, and shiny ribbon. After the show was over, I realized those angels decorating the tree were just a preview to what we would experience during the presentation inside the theater, called "The Miracle of Christmas". In my lifetime, I have seen dozens of dramatizations of the Christmas story, as told in the Bible New Testament book of Luke. However, none of these past dramas have so vividly captured all my senses in illustrating Luke 2:13-14, as did the spectacular scene I saw above, beside, and before me that night. The verse says: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared, with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." It was definitely one of those moments that gives you goosebumps! I hope you will take the time in the days ahead to not only see a Christmas program with little children acting out the parts, but also treat yourself to the experience of "The Miracle of Christmas" at Sight and Sound Theater in Branson (http://www.sight-sound.com/) Wishing you miles of angelic smiles this Christmas! Tricia

The China Expedition!

When you saw the title of this post, I hope that the thought at least crossed your mind, that you were going to read about a recent trip I took to China. Although I do not want to rule out that possibility for a future blog post, this entry is actually about an expedition my China (aka "dinnerware" ) took. The expedition consisted of carefully packed China plates and glasses that made the trip into the big city of Mountain Home, where they were met by hundreds of other place settings, also on a "China Expedition". What could have caused this mass migration of such fragile cargo to the Christian Life Center of the First Baptist Church ? Why, it was none other than the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ ---born 2009 years ago! Dozens of FBC members hosted tables of eight people for the Sixth Annual Summit Ministry Christmas Banquet. Max Pyron leads the Summit Ministry, and although this Christmas event has been going on for several years (under the very capable direction of committee chairperson Wilma Jackson), this was my first time to attend or host a table. I arrived after most of the tables were set up, so that I could get an idea of how things were done. The first photo collage shows examples of just four of the tables, each with their own charming decorating theme.

Lest you think that only a woman could assume the responsibility of decorating a table, I included photos in the second collage of a beautiful table decorated by Warren Haley (lower right photo). It is worth noting, that it was a table decorated by a man, that was the ONLY table that also had the chairs decked out in festive attire! (top photo) Considering the banquet took place on the floor of the CLC basketball court, the area looked quite appealing (lower left photo)!

The top photo of the third collage shows the folks sitting at my table: Ken, Susan, Roy, Mary, Marcia, and Jerry. My dietitian/nurse friend, Susan, took the photo of me in the lower left; then she is shown in lower right photo, along with Mary and Marcia.

Just as each table at the banquet had a centerpiece that was the focal point of everything else on the table, so, too, the Bible is clear about what should be the centerpiece and focal point of our lives as Christians. In fact, one of the many verses that teach this principle is the "mission statement and name origin" for First Place 4 Health, for which I am a proponent. The verse is Matthew 6:33 "Seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That is an especially good priority to remember as we scurry around with the numerous holiday activities of December. To find out how you can be a part of the true "reason for the season", check out www.myfbcmh.com Miles of smiles! Tricia

Reflections Expedition

The occasion behind the "Reflections Expedition" was the annual luncheon of the North Arkansas College Foundation for scholarship donors and recipients, held in Harrison, Arkansas, at the college's downtown location, called "The Durand Center". I was attending to represent scholarships in the name of my late father, Joe F. Keeling, and my late husband, Dr. Fred C. Turner. As attendees gather in the banquet room, a large wall screen in the room is telling a brief synopsis of the life of the donor who is be remembered. "Remembering" is one definition of the word "reflection", and that is just what all of us did, as we looked back on the lives of those being honored. However, as I was taking some photographs of the Durand Center to put with this posting, I recalled, with a smile. another definition of the word "reflection". The lower part of the photo above, is the half-block section of the Durand Center that is directly adjacent to its location on Main Street (or "The Four Lane" as us local old-timers refer to it). Whenever my husband and I would ride our motorcycle through Harrison, I noticed we always went through downtown, instead of taking the bypass. Fred very logically explained to me the reason why---the downtown route took us by that long stretch of reflective windows, where he could look with pride at how well he had polished all the chrome on the Harley, as well as the profile of the couple on the motorcycle. After he told me that, we got to where we waved at the window when we went by, so we could practice the "secret sign" one motorcycle rider gives to another that they pass on the highway. Bikers "in the know" always wave with a hand below the waist, and NEVER above the waist! (This is just a little tidbit I will share with you, that the bike salesman won't tell you.)

In addition to getting to meet the recipient of the Dr. Fred C. Turner Scholarship, Mrs. Jamie Cheek, (pictured in lower left photo), I was delighted to be seated at the same table with long-time friends, Dr. Robert Langston, and his charming wife, Frankie (They are pictured in the lower right photo with the Langston Scholarship recipient, Ms. Kayla Frederick). Since I had not visited with them in years, we "reflected" on lots of things from the past. I recalled a time I introduced Dr. Langston to someone as the doctor who delivered my son. He very humbly responded that all he did was "catch" the 8 lb. 8 oz. bundle of joy, as the infant made his entrance into the world. As I reflected upon how I originally met Frankie Langston, it gave me the opportunity to thank her for making a personal visit to my home in the first weeks after Grover was born, to encourage our family to not delay in returning to regular church service attendance. She assured me that as a Registered Nurse, with years of experience in taking care of infants in the First Baptist Church nursery, our treasured little baby would be in good hands. And she was right! In fact, he was in much more capable hands under her care, than under mine!

Yet another "reflection" I had as I was taking photographs for the blog, was remembering some significant events that took place at the Seville Hotel, located directly across the street from the Durand Center. Not only did I attend numerous social events there in high school, but it was the location of my "debut" speaking in front of a group, outside of a classroom. A local civic organization asked me to come speak at their luncheon meeting in the hotel, to tell them about a trip to Italy, that my father and I took whenever I was a sophomore in high school. I had a slide projector with slides from our trip, and told with excitement about all the incredible sights we saw on our trip. (I credit that trip to Italy with my father as the source of my "Expedition Fever" that has been an ongoing "infection" throughout my life!) Finally, an extremely joyous occasion took place at the Seville Hotel, in August, 1992, when we celebrated the 60th Anniversary of my mother and dad, there---surrounded by friends and family who had come to wish them well. As I was taking the photographs, I noticed a young family posing for photographs in front of the historic building, just as others before them have done for generations. I am very thankful for the recent renovation of the Hotel Seville property, and would definitely recommend that you visit it soon, and often!

The last photo collage shows several different views of the Durand Center, whose architecture I have admired, since its original construction as The Security Bank. I am thankful that is has been "re purposed" for use by North Arkansas College. Because of my history with the college, it pleases me to see it do well. I was living in Harrison when the college first started, and was even a Nutrition Instructor there at one time. But my sister is the one with the most history at Northark. In fact, the 2003 College Graduation Program included her photograph, and a tribute that started with these words: "For the first time in the history of North Arkansas College, an employee will receive the Board of Trustees Award. Frankie Bellora, who is retiring this year as administrative assistant to the president, is being honored for her 29 years of service to Northark." I am very honored to be known as "Frankie's sister" at the college! All this flood of memories that the Foundation Luncheon brought up, reminded me of the verse that helped me deal with the sudden death of my husband. It is the verse that changed my attitude of sorrow and self-pity, to an attitude of gratitude. Philippians 1:3 says "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." This is the time of year for giving thanks, so I hope you will reflect on whose memory you will thank God for. Wishing you "Miles of REFLECTIVE Smiles"!! Tricia

MH MARATHON FOR KENYA - 2009

Today was the Sixth Annual Mountain Home Marathon for Kenya ( www.mountainhomemarathon.com ). This great community in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas continues to draw runners from all over the country, as they run (or walk) for the very worthwhile cause of helping the children of Katito and Kiserian in Kenya, Africa. The amount of money raised over the past six years is almost $100,000!!! The license plates of vehicles I saw in the parking lot this morning included California, Arizona, Nevada, Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Kansas, Tennessee, Iowa, Georgia, and Ohio!

As a First Place 4 Health leader, I was delighted to see so many First Place 4 Health members and alums, either participating in the walk/run themselves, or serving as a volunteer in some capacity to make the event run smoothly. In fact, Race Director Laurie Kasinger is herself a First Place 4 Health alum. During one of the First Place classes, she shared with the group that one of the reasons she envisioned this event several years ago, was because she loved running, and she wanted to put her love for running into serving God somehow. Since the Bible tells us that when we are serving others, we are, in fact, serving God---then this event is definitely fulfilling the purpose for which she intended it. Hundreds of children in Africa have benefited from the resources generated through the Mountain Home Marathon for Kenya. The World Vision humanitarian service organization is the arm of outreach that turns money raised in Mountain Home, Arkansas, to tangible benefits in the distant land of Kenya.

You have probably heard stories about athletes who have certain rituals that they feel they must do in conjunction with their particular competition, and I am no exception. The ritual (perhaps "cherished tradition" would be a better term) is having my photo made with my pastor, Dr. David Johnson, and his lovely wife Roxanne. The photo collage shows our mug shots over the last several years (note also the various colors of our official event T-shirts). The 2009 photo is the one in the upper right hand corner of the collage below:

It takes LOTS of volunteers to put on an event of this magnitude, and some of them are shown in this collage: Registration workers, medical personnel, sound/music guys, volunteer food preparers/food servers, volunteer massage therapists, finish line time keepers, and, of course, the Race Director, Laurie Kasinger. She is shown in center photograph, along with Master of Ceremonies, Dr. David Johnson. There were also dozens of volunteers out along the many miles of Baxter County traversed by the full marathon participants, although they are not pictured here. Then there are the faithful sponsors who provide so much financial support: Regional Family Medical Center, Cardiovascular Group, North Arkansas Medical Associates, Mountain Home Real Estate, Baxter County Regional Hospital, First Baptist Church /MH, and Arkansas State University/MH. A big THANK YOU to all! All these people are illustrations of Hebrews 12:1 that says "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." Marathon Miles of Smiles! Tricia

The "Rake or Ride" Expedition

After my plans fell through to go kayaking on the Buffalo River today due to logistical problems, I knew that since I had promised myself I would get outside and absorb some of that much needed Vitamin D-supplying sunshine, the only other alternative seemed to be raking the leaves screaming for attention throughout my yard. I got out the rakes, but found it to be more fun riding them around the yard like a stick horse, than actually raking up the leaves! AHA! I remembered! The website for the kayak outfitter also had a section on horseback riding. That was it----I could "ride" instead of "rake"!

After phoning them to make a reservation, and using Mapquest to tell me how long my drive to get there would be, I kissed the rakes good bye, saluted the piles of leaves in my yard, and headed for Wild Bill's Outfitters (www.wildbillsoutfitter.com), just a few miles south of Yellville, at the intersection of Highway 14 South and Highway 268 East. The place is a modern-day version of the old-fashioned general store, with everything from gas to groceries, a cafe, clean restrooms, Ozark-made souvenirs, and you can even take the deer you just killed there, to not only show it off to your buddies, but Wild Bill's is an official wildlife check station. Upon arrival, the courteous gentleman behind the counter ("Bo"), handed me the mandatory liability release form, which reminds you that you might never return from this adventure, and then asks for the name of your next of kin. And of course, those horseback riding release forms always ask how much experience you have had at riding horses. I pondered: "Should I put down that I got my Girl Scout badge in horsemanship when I was in elementary school?" No, I decided, that was not as impressive as my real crowning achievement in horsemanship---surviving the two day trail ride to the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and then back up again! Now THAT was notable. But then I remembered when I told my Grand Canyon tale to the wrangler of a horseback ride I took along the beaches of Honduras, the guy said"Yeah, dozens of my customers say they have ridden in the Grand Canyon." So much for bragging about that! But then there was that trail ride in Yosemite National Park---that was the only ride I have been on that required helmets---and rightly so! After it was over, I described it as rock climbing on the back of a horse, rather than a trail ride. It was incredibly challenging for me as a rider---not to mention what it must have been like for the horse! I have learned it is best to understate your experience, rather than overstate it, so I ended up not mentioning any of my previous escapades on the back of a horse. When I got outside to the corral, the trail boss for the day (her name was Kathy, or "Kat" as her friends call her) already had the horses saddled up and ready to go. She has several years of experience leading trail rides at Wild Bill's, and had the congenial, easy-going personality such a job requires. She introduced me to my horse for the afternoon, a lovely trooper named "Major".

The top photo above shows the typical terrain we rode through---dense hardwood forests on seldom traveled back roads. The great thing about riding in the Ozarks this time of year is that the leaves are off the trees, so you can better see the actual lay of the land. Also, since we had had a couple of hard freezes, the activity of pesky ticks and chiggers is down. The lower left photo shows Kat, and the other rider of our trio--a young lady named Julia. The lower right photo shows Kat and Julia on their horses at the edge of a tall bluff overlooking a deep canyon with a tributary of the Buffalo at the bottom. Notice the horse ears in the foreground of the photo. That is my horse and we stayed back several yards from the edge of the bluff. The reason being, I had seen the drop-off of the bluff as we approached it, and all I could think of was my First Place 4 Health memory verse that says: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" (Psalm 20:7) Since I had only met my horse named Major thirty minutes ago, I definitely did not trust him to stay away from the edge of the bluff! So, I opted out of that photo opportunity. We will just have to imagine how beautiful it was!

Besides, before starting my trail ride, I had made the short drive from Wild Bill's to Buffalo Point, and taken the photo of the gorgeous Buffalo River, that you can see above in the top of the collage. Kat took the photo of me that is shown below, when we reached the very scenic spot called Water Creek, that was at the midpoint of our ride. Seeing these pretty flowing bodies of water, makes me not feel so resentful toward the all those gloomy days of rain we had last month. The sunshine of today, and the opportunity to get out and enjoy God's great outdoors, has more than made up for it. HAPPY TRAILS! Tricia