Imagine the Possibilities

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[callout_left]“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.”     -Ephesians 3:20,21[/callout_left]

“Imagine the Possibilities” is a non-profit organization that works with children who have disabilities. The website for the organization states the following: “Imagine what is possible…seeing the outer edge of all that we can become and then chasing that dream.. it’s the right of every human being. No matter what the challenge or obstacle, we all deserve the chance to try.”

What did you imagine you would be when you were young? Growing up at 1229 Hill Street, it was “imaging” that transformed my front yard! It was my playground, the place where my imagination transformed that yard into a ball field, an airport, and even a concert stage! I recently traveled back to that place and stopped my car in front of that yard that was my playground during those early years. Somehow, the old place looked smaller than I remembered it. The trees were not as full, the sidewalk was cracked, and boyhood dreaming seemed to give way to the harsher realities of life.

When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he reminded them about who they were in Christ and all they could be in Him. He wanted to expand their horizons, helping them to understand the full magnitude of what Christ could do in their lives. In the second half of Ephesians chapter 3, Paul prays that they would understand the full extent of Christ and His power at work in their lives. He reminds them that the work that Christ wanted to do was “more than they can im-agine”.

God has called you on an amazing journey to follow him. You have answered that call by coming to the Evangeline Booth College. It is the beginning of a journey that will ultimately end when you hear the Master’s well done. What will God do with you along this journey? What do you imagine he will do and where he will take you? When God first spoke to Abram about building a nation, I am sure Abram could only imagine what that would mean. As he looked up at the stars of heaven, could he grasp the magnitude of what God would do? Could he imagine that through his descendants would come the Savior of the world?

This is the place for you to dream big! God is about to do more than you can possibly imagine! Open your heart to all that He has in store for you as you start this amazing journey called Officership.

May you find peace and joy in the God of possibilities as you fulfill His calling on your life.

 

God bless.
Major Ed Lee

Lift the Cross on High

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Dear Cadets,

Welcome to the Evangeline Booth College School for Officer Training. We welcome you and your children. You have been chosen by God to follow Him as Salvation Army Officers and you have responded to the call. We thank God for you. We look forward to working with you and getting to know you.

You will find that in our staff we have a beautiful group of officers who love the Lord, who understand the mission of the Army and who will work with you in helping you develop skills and gain much needed knowledge to serve as officers of the Salvation Army. They are also here to love on you, to admonish, to correct, to council; but above all, to help you become fruitful servants for the Kingdom. We are also blessed with excellent employees. Together with you we form the EBC family.

You have been given a beautiful and powerful Sessional Name: “Disciples of the Cross.” In Mark’s Gospel 8:34 we read: “Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.’”

When the apostle Mark wrote his account of the crucifixion he wrote it during a period of fierce persecution. He wanted Christians to understand that it is costly to be a believer. What Jesus said must be taken seriously. “If any man will be My Disciple, he must take up his cross.” There will be a price in your life that has to be paid. To walk with Christ is to walk the way of rejection and shame and derision and scorn and ridicule.

Yours is a call to Spiritual Warfare. Yours is a call to lift the Cross of Jesus on high so that all men and women may come to Him and be saved. Yours is a call to uphold Kingdom values. Yours is a call to live a life that is counter-cultural. Yours is a call to love the unlovable. Yours is a call to fight for justice. Yours is a call to Holiness.
I have now been serving the Lord as an officer for over twenty-six years. The cost of discipleship is nothing compared to the joy and fulfillment and the glory of obeying the call. There is so much joy and excitement in following Jesus.

We are also delighted to welcome back the “Proclaimers of the Resurrection.” They are a wonderful Session and you will find them very helpful as you navigate through all the intricacies of the training process.

May the Lord richly and abundantly bless your time here at the EBC. Please be teachable and allow the Holy Spirit to work freely in you.

We look forward to two wonderful school years with you and watching the Lord do some amazing things in your life and through you for His glory.

 

Allan Richard Hofer – Major
Principal

Georgia Living

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The Best Burgers in Atlanta

As blessed are we are with the food in the CDR, there are just some days when you need to get off campus, throw diet and exercise to the wind (sorry Kevin) and eat a big, juicy hamburger.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has identified an Atlanta establishment as the “Best Burger in Atlanta”. The food editors of Southern Living Magazine recently gave their seal of approval in granting the Best Burger Award to Ann’s Snack Bar. And two years ago, the Wall Street Journal, crowned the “Ghetto Burger” as the best burger in the country. We share their choice with you as well as a few of our own.

Ann’s Snack Bar: Be prepared for a unique experience when you enter the trailer-like shack that Southern Living calls the “Graceland of grills”. Since the now famous Ghetto Burger received national acclaim, Ann’s barstools have become the hottest seats in Atlanta.

When you order the Ghetto Burger, the signature dish at Ann’s Snack Bar, you will receive a hamburger, filling a full-size plastic plate, loaded with two huge beef patties, sautéed onions, bacon, melted cheese, and savory chili. Your burger will be so huge that you will probably want to share it with a friend.

There is no need to be in a hurry when you visit Ann’s so you might want to go during unscheduled time. It is not uncommon to wait over an hour for one of the eight barstools in Ann’s Snack Bar. Once inside, you will keep waiting until Ann takes your order. Ann only cooks two or three burgers at a time and will gruffly snap at you if you interrupt her cooking.

And don’t bother trying to make a reservation because Ann probably won’t even answer the phone. It would also be wise to follow the rules that Ann has posted…don’t talk back and pay with cash. Maybe we should have Ann come to SFOT as a guest instructor! Ann’s Snack Bar is located at 1615 Memorial Drive. Take the Moreland Drive (North) exit, turn right on Memorial. Ann’s is about a mile on the right. The only sign says “Home of the World Famous Ghetto Burger.” You can watch a video of it at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyMo4KFrlyw.

Six Feet Under: Six Feet Under is located across the street from Oakland Cemetery on Memorial Drive, leading you to believe the name originated from the location. However, when you enter the doors you soon discover that this seafood restaurant offers one of the best burgers in Atlanta. A huge, handmade hamburger is cooked to order and dressed with the toppings of choice. It is a true culinary treat and a great way to start the weekend. By the way, they have great seafood too. Six Feet Under recently opened another restaurant at 685 11th Street (Between Northside Dr. & Howell Mill Rd) about 2 miles South of the Howell Mill Wal-Mart.

Cheeseburger in Paradise: When you enter Cheeseburger in Paradise, you are immediately taken from the stresses of life and transported to a tropical paradise complete with the sights and sounds of the Caribbean…the only thing missing is the sand. The signature “Cheeseburger in Paradise” is a thick burger cooked to order, dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and onions. The burger is accompanied by some of the best french fries in the world! When you need to get away from the stresses of the SFOT, Cheeseburger In Paradise is a great escape. Cheeseburger in Paradise is located at 1230 Ashford Crossing in Perimeter Place, just North of Perimeter Mall.

The Harvest Season

When you need a day with family and friends, you might enjoy the following day trips to embrace all that Georgia has to offer during the harvest season.

Cagle’s Dairy Farms: Cagle’s Dairy Farms is a favorite destination for Atlanta residents during the Harvest Season. They offer a number of festive events to celebrate the season including the world’s largest corn maze, hayrides, bonfires, pig races, farm tours, jumpeee pillows (it’s a country thing that we city slickers must experience to appreciate), and haunted hayrides. They also offer Clayton & Estelle’s Country Market, where you can buy the freshest produce of the season.

Cagle Dairy Farms is an udderly cool place to visit. For directions and ticket information, visit their website at www.CaglesDairyFarms.com.

Helen, Georgia: Nestled in the North Georgia Mountains is the quaint German town of Helen, GA. Helen offers a variety of activities for everyone in the family. With specialty shops, recreational centers, fishing, tubing, great restaurants, and exceptional German food, Helen is a great destination. Helen, GA will be celebrating Oktoberfest from September 10 – November 1, 2009. Visit their websites at www.helengeorgia.com or www.helenga.org.Fernbank Museum of Natural History: For a sneak peek and information on special programming, IMAX films and more, visit www.fernbankmuseum.org.

Dahlonega, GA: Dahlonega is a favorite weekend destination for Atlanta residents seeking the serenity of small town life. Dahlonega offers specialty and antique shopping in a historic downtown shopping district. After a day of shopping, weary shoppers can find good ole southern comfort foods at The Smith House where the meals are served family style. For more information visit their website at www.dahlonega.org.

Stone Mountain, GA: Stone Mountain is a great year round destination. Stone Mountain will celebrate the Harvest Season during their 7th Annual Pumpkin Festival, held every weekend (Friday-Sunday) October 2-31, 2010. For more information, visit their website at www.stonemountainpark.com.

Marietta, GA: Historic Marietta Square is a shoppers’ paradise for those who like specialty and antique stores.

Juliette, Georgia: Before the movie, “Fried Green Tomatoes” Juliette, GA was just a speck on the map. But thanks to Hollywood, this small Georgia town found its place on the map and now hosts thousands of tourists each year. Today tourists can visit the location of the filming of “Fried Green Tomatoes” as they explore the set which now houses specialty gift shops. Visitors can even have lunch at the famous “Whistle Stop Café.” And of course, the house specialty is fried green tomatoes. For directions and tourist information, visit their website at juliettega.com.

Pine Mountain, GA: Pine Mountain, GA is the gateway to Calloway Gardens. Calloway Gardens is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of city living. The winding country roads immediately take you to a place of calm and serenity, as the stresses of a busy work week seem to melt away. There is something for everyone at Calloway Gardens. A stocked fishing pond (license required) for the fisherman in the family, a beach with a lake for the sun bathers and swimmers, walking trails for hikers, a golf course for the golfers, a butterfly house for the nature enthusiast, and an array of beautiful gardens for all to enjoy. For more information call 1-800-441-3502 x 1097.

Bank of America offers free admission to some Atlanta area museums on the first weekend of every month. For more information check out their website at http:\museums.bankofamerica.com

The Fine Print

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I find advertisements, in any media form, absolutely fascinating. Great advertisements hit you hard with a powerful, colorful, and exciting message that promises a product or experience you cannot live without. Advertisements are designed to capture our attention in an emotionally charged way – a way that makes us temporarily suspend the critical thinking part of our brain. But that’s not all advertisements deliver. If you look closely or listen carefully to any advertisement, you will always find, the fine print. The fine print, otherwise known as the really small part you can hardly see, tells you what you really need to know.

Until now, many of you have been focused on the colorful and exciting image of Salvation Army officership. Many of you have probably been daydreaming about saving twenty-five souls a week, recording over a thousand people in Sunday School attendance, or even being known as the next Brengle. No doubt, this is exciting stuff! It’s the big picture that keeps you motivated. It’s the big picture that kept you moving through all of the paperwork and preparation it took to get you to The School for Officer Training. Don’t lose your excitement, while you are now faced with the fine print of what you have signed up to do.

In the weeks ahead, you will encounter a lot of fine print about all that you will experience in cadet life. You will hear a lot about rules and regulations. You will be given course syllabi that outline assignments and deadlines. Your daily routines will shift and a multitude of demands will be placed on you. Some days the campus will feel like the largest place in the world, while other days it will feel like you can’t find a moment of solitude without bumping into other cadets. Your energy level might drop considerably and physical fatigue might start to feel like a way of life. Essentially, the fine print of being a cadet will tell you, this lifestyle might require more from you than you thought.

Don’t worry, the fine print of your cadet experience doesn’t have to take away from the excitement and fulfillment of the big picture. The fine print simply highlights that being a cadet demands a lot from you spiritually, physically, emotionally and socially. This means, you have to be sure you are paying attention to how you are doing in each of these four areas at all times. Ignoring any one of these areas of your life has the potential to cause problems for you in other areas.

Balancing our lives among these four areas (spiritual, physical, emotional and social) is the key to achieving an overall positive state of health and wellness. Be sure to check in with yourself daily in each area. Spiritual – Maintain your daily prayer and devotion routines. Continue to stretch yourself spiritually, striving to meet any spiritual goals you may have.
Physical – Keep up with, or get in the habit of, a regular exercise program and watch out for foods and drinks that drain more energy than they give. Although it might be tough, try to establish and maintain a regular sleep/wake pattern.

Emotional – Recognize you are not alone in this major transition. Ask for support and encouragement from other cadets, the staff, and your friends and family back home. Consider getting involved in one of the many cadet-led accountability groups on campus. Social – Take advantage of leisure opportunities including athletics, off-campus shopping trips and movie nights. Try and maintain contact by phone and email with friends and family back home.

Your future as a Salvation Army officer can be everything you thought it would be. By paying attention to the fine print, and working to achieve balance in your life, you will learn that it can also be so much more.

Confirming the Call

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CHARLES WELSEY wrote these words: ‘To serve the present age, my calling to fulfil, O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will!’ (SASB 472, verse 2).
Great words – yet sometimes difficult to live up to.
Why do some officers feel unfulfilled? Why does this lack of fulfillment sometimes lead to resignation? Could it be they have lost their sense of ‘calling’? If so, how might they get it back?
Scripture is filled with spectacular examples of God calling individuals to full-time service: think of Abraham, Moses, David, Samuel, the 12 disciples and Paul. For many of us, however, our calling probably came from a sense (inspired by the Holy Spirit) that officership was God’s plan for our life.
My call to ministry took place at a Territorial Bible and Leadership Institute when I was 14 years old. I had seen a play entitled Portrait of a Prophet, about the life of Samuel Logan Brengle, and at the end I sensed God’s voice saying, ‘This is what I want for you.’ To which I responded, ‘All that I am is yours, to do your will.’ From that point I never looked back.
However, it’s not enough just to ‘hear a call’ – there also needs to be confirmation that the message is from God and not some personal notion. Our candidates process is helpful, but Scripture can also point us in the right direction. As I read 1 Timothy 3, four aspects come to mind that can assist here: passion, competency, outcomes and confirmation.
Passion
We’ve probably all heard testimonies that began, ‘I believe God called me to be an officer, but it’s the last thing in the world I would ever want to do.’ This may be said because people don’t feel capable or worthy, because they think this type of ministry is beneath their potential, or perhaps because they lack positive role models to inspire them to consider such a commitment.
Whatever the case, those who lack passion for ministry yet choose it for their life’s work are likely to be miserable, and may not last long.
1 Timothy 3:1 says, ‘Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone
sets his heart on being an overseer desires a noble task.’ Here the word ‘overseer’ is speaking of a church official. Some translations use the word ‘bishop’; in our context we would use the word ‘officer’. Interestingly, the word ‘desire’ here is the same as that for ‘passion’.
It’s not enough just to ‘hear a call’. We also need confirmation that the message is from God
We could rewrite this verse to say: ‘Here is an irrefutable saying that you can count on regarding God’s calling on your life: if you eagerly seek by setting your heart on being an officer, your passion for this ministry is an excellent and noble task.’

You might like to reflect on the following:
• What about ministry excites you?
• If you have lost the excitement, what would it take to get it back?
• What does it take to be a positive role model that will inspire others to think about the possibility of officership?

Competency
In addition to having the ‘want to’, taking up a calling requires meeting certain criteria. 1 Timothy 3 points out some necessary abilities and attributes. Verse 2 speaks about character: ‘Now the overseer is to be above reproach.’ It also mentions self-control, respectability and being hospitable. Then there is the ability to teach. Other Scriptures would extend this to include tasks such
as preaching, counseling and pastoral care. Verse 4 mentions the importance of being able ‘to manage’. Specifically it is talking about the family, however other readings point to the importance of managing and leading one’s flock. ‘But wait!’ you say. What about the disciples Jesus called? They did not seem all that competent when they started. This is true. They were, however, ready and willing to be trained. Verse 6 amplifies this thought when it says: ‘He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited and fall under the same judgement as the devil.’
Competency to serve is an important step in being able to fulfill one’s calling. The book TransforMissional Coaching, by Steve Ogne and Tim Roehl, poses some helpful questions for reflection here:
• What leadership gifts or abilities do you need to develop to fulfill your calling or current assignment?
• How would you describe your current abilities in this area?
• What options do you have to develop your leadership?
• What will you do to develop your leadership?

Outcomes

Another indicator of one’s calling is outcomes. A scriptural term often used is ‘fruitful’. In other words, are you making a difference?
Demonstration of one’s effectiveness is important. Verse 10 reads: ‘They must first be tested; and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.’ Is there ever an end to being tested and having to produce? Not for those who are called.

One of the more troubling passages regarding the lack of positive outcomes is found in the parable Jesus told in Luke 13:6-9: ‘A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he went to look for fruit on it but did not find any.’

‘So he said to the man who took care of the vineyard, “For three years now I’ve been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and haven’t found any. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?”
Affirmation is a key ingredient for one’s calling “Sir,” the man replied, “leave it alone for one more year, and I’ll dig around it and fertilise it. If it bears fruit next year, fine! If not, then cut it down.”

My prayer is, ‘Lord keep me in tune with your plans as I take part in building your Kingdom.’

For reflection:
• How and when has your call to ministry been assured by circumstances or results?

Confirmation
One of the great joys in my life is to watch my grandsons grow up. One of them, William, had been working on a task for a few months. After successfully completing it he ran into the living room where I was busy reading a book. He pulled on my sleeve and in a loud voice said, ‘Grandpa, Grandpa!’ After finally getting my attention he cried out, ‘I DID IT!’
Affirmation is not only important for children, it is a key ingredient for one’s calling. As a candidate you received recommendations to enter the training college from local officers, your corps officers, divisional leaders, the Territorial Candidates Board and ultimately the territorial commander. This process continues throughout officer service. With regard to our calling, the statement we are each looking for is: ‘We believe you can do it!’

1 Timothy 3 is once again helpful. Verse 7 tells us we ‘must also have a good reputation’, and verse 8 says we are able to be ‘worthy of respect’.

For reflection:
• How and when has your call to ministry been affirmed by your leaders and from those to whom you minister?

FINALLY, what can we do to keep our calling fresh – to ‘serve the present age, my calling to fulfil’, as Wesley wrote? 2 Timothy 1:6 says: ‘For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God.’

Several helpful thoughts come from this verse:
• Remind yourself of your initial calling and where it has brought you.
• ‘Fan into flame’ your passion, abilities, fruitfulness and constructive interaction with those you serve, serve with, and who serve you.
• Continually acknowledge that your calling is a ‘gift from God’.
Remember – if God has called you, he is able to see you through!
Article taken from The Officer, May 2010
and written by Paul Fleeman, Principal
CFOT Central Territory

Lost In Tradition

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In 2003 there was a movie released called “Lost in Translation.” The plot involved the unlikely meeting of two lost, lonely American souls in Tokyo and the development of their friendship as they try to understand their surroundings and a language they do not understand. Their confusion, frustration and anxiety could be likened to your first days on campus. We have our own lingo here, a schedule that looks like a Skittles rainbow, rules and expectations left and right…….it can be a bit overwhelming. You may feel “Lost in Transition.”

Transition; the movement or passage from one position, state, or subject to another is an inevitable part of life. Moving your family from one place to another is a huge transition and you may feel overcome with all the changes taking place. Your children might be exhibiting behaviors you haven’t seen in awhile (regressing) or acting out in ways that are not usual for them. As a parent you may feel helpless about what to do.

Let me reassure you, everything that you and your family are feeling is NORMAL, whether it’s going well or you feel like its falling apart. Your challenge in these coming weeks is to help your family adjust in healthy ways. This is the first of many moves in your life and it is possible to maintain normalcy and happiness when everything around you is different and changing.
I am a “child of the regiment” which means I am an officer’s child. I grew up in a 15 passenger van helping with tavern runs (we don’t do these any more so, you know how old I am), sorting Christmas gifts, leading songs in the Holiness Meeting………and I felt like I had a very normal childhood. Sure, I had friends who thought I lived at the Thrift Store and had parents who worked for an airline (weird uniforms), but I grew up with a very real sense that our family mattered to my parents and to God. To this day I am amazed and thankful at how well my parents accomplished that. This summer I asked them what their magic formula was and they laughed at me. Of course, they followed up with lots of good advice that can be summed up in the following suggestions for being “Found in Transition.”

1. Remember that your time here is a “season” in your family’s life. Your two years here at “1032” will be like no other. You will make many significant memories here. The schedule may present some unique challenges to the time you spend together as a family. Have a positive outlook with your children encouraging them to see what unique blessings God has in store for them here. Create special memories as a family; outings, family night at home, devotions, etc.. You know your kids best. Play to their strengths and consider that you may have to be creative to meet your family’s needs. When days are difficult, hang on to each other and remember this too shall pass.

2. Enjoy the blessing of community. Living, eating, studying, learning, and serving together is a very unique element of EBC life. Your family may dive right in to this social circle with ease and energy. Some of you might feel overwhelmed and, at times, suffocated. Don’t feel guilty if you want to have a night at home with no interruptions. Put a “stop” sign on your door and close out the rest of the world. If you love having your door wide open (literally) with kids in and out, go for it. Establish what your boundaries are as a family and make sure everyone knows why and how to communicate that to others. Your kids might need some help doing this, but if you think about it ahead of time and anticipate what you know will work best for you, it can help to curtail stress.

3. Keep Jesus at the center of your home. This is an obvious one, but in the busyness of our days we will be tempted let our family time with Jesus go. It’s too easy to make excuses and Satan will
use our lack of time in God’s Word to get in the middle of our God-ordained families and calling. The more chaotic family structure is, the weaker and more ineffectual our families become and the more Satan has control of our lives. Schedule family time in the Word. Mom and Dad, it’s not going to work without you writing it down in a place where everyone sees it and has to be accountable.
This also shows your children how important your family’s relationship is to Jesus. Spend this time in ways that are appropriate for the ages and spiritual needs of your children. Then sit back and see what God does for you!

Welcome to your new home. We are very glad you’re here. Remember that “God, who makes everything work together, will work (in your family) the most excellent harmonies.” Philippians 4:9 MSG.

Let’s Get Physical…

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Let’s Get Physical…

by Kevin Chamlee

Physical Health and Wellness
In 2005 the United States spent about $507 billion on the war on terrorism, and the price tag by 2015 will be about $808 billion. Sounds like a lot of money, so let us compare this to the price tag of healthcare in the U.S. The United States spent $2 trillion on healthcare in 2005, and by 2015 it is expected to rise to $4 trillion. By then, for every $5 that consumers spend, $1 will go to paying for healthcare costs.
The deadly triad of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, makes up 75% of the cost of healthcare in America. The bottom line is if we as a nation do not change the way we manage our “health,” then healthcare as we know it will become unaffordable for individuals and corporations. By developing a healthy lifestyle and becoming more physically active, we as a nation will be able to bring these astronomical costs down.

Developing a Healthy Lifestyle
The importance of lifestyle on health and longevity is clearly illustrated. People who are physically active and live healthy lifestyles are biologically younger by 10 years than those who don’t. It all starts with getting the right amount of sleep, which is between 6 and 8 hours a night. The next step to a healthy lifestyle is eating breakfast. By consuming calories in the morning, an individual will be able to jump start their metabolism and increase their cognitive functioning. By the way, a cup of “Joe” doesn’t count as breakfast. Please try not to skip breakfast; even if you don’t have the best options, just eat something.

Another way to develop a healthy lifestyle is by keeping your Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30. A BMI above 30 increases the risk of heart disease by 70 % and the chances for cancer by 40%. When wondering how much weight you should lose, a great rule of thumb is to lose 10% of your totalbody weight.

Parking further out when going to the grocery store will allow for more activity during the day. Usually, people end up stressing out trying to get the front parking space. During lunch break many people are waiting in line to receive their lunch. Here is an idea: why don’t you just take ten minutes and walk on the treadmill? By doing this you will allow the line to die down, and doing physical activity prior to eating will suppress your appetite.

Becoming more Physically Active
What is the definition of physical activity? Physical activity is body movement that develops and maintains physical fitness and overall health. The three components of physical activity are aerobic activity, resistance training, and flexibility exercises. Examples of these are walking, weight-lifting, and stretching, respectively.

Everyone should strive for at least 90 minutes a week of aerobic activity, which could include playing with your children. Research has shown that just 90 minutes a week can lower cholesterol, drop blood pressure, and prevent heart attacks. For those individuals who would like to lose 10% of their body weight, 150 minutes a week would be more appropriate. The bottom line is the more calories burned and the fewer calories consumed, the quicker the fat will diminish.

Along with aerobic activity, think about including some type of resistance training into the weekly exercise regiment. A good rule of thumb to follow in regard to weight training is never exercise the same muscle group back to back. For instance, an individual should work the chest muscles one day then the next day exercise the back muscles.
Last but not least, let’s look at flexibility. Stretching should be done prior to and after both of the aforementioned activities. Stretching will help warm-up the muscles and allow for more range-of-motion. Time is a commodity that is in short supply, so if a priority must be placed on cardiovascular (aerobic) activity or resistance training, then aerobic activity would take priority because it will yield more calories burned.

Conclusion
The amount of calories that we intake is the key to fighting the war on obesity. We generally “put away” more calories than we burn off through daily activity and exercise. A survey taken by International Food Information Council Foundation has found that 44% of those surveyed didn’t balance what they ate with the amount of calories they burned during the day. Our Christian lives are all about balance. William Booth said, “Go for souls and go for the worst.” Even if we successfully achieve a clear mind, clean heart, and balanced schedule, we can sabotage our opportunity to be all God intends for us because of ill-health resulting from poor choices. When that happens, we are unable to be used by God and “Go for souls.”