Live It Articles October 2001

As I watched the first tower of the World Trade Center crumble, my prayer was, "Oh, Lord let these people know you." My very next thought was, "Am I doing everything I can to tell people about Jesus Christ?" I thank God for the opportunity I am given through First Place to share the plan of salvation.

As I was writing this article, I received an e-mail from Peggy Follrod in Ohio, stating: "The commitment to sharing Christ and the First Place goals are so evident by every video, article, etc., the First Place staff releases. Thanks!"

I believe evangelism is the key to why God has blessed this program for more than 20 years. Share His good news! The past few days have been shocking, but the words Jesus spoke in John have given me such comfort, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

Most of us are well into our fall session of using the new First Place materials, and all are being blessed. I am so proud of each you. Change is not always easy and price increases are even worse. I have received many wonderful messages, much like this one from Terry Cranfill in North Carolina. I answered a question about why the Member's Guide is not sold separately, and this is an excerpt from Terry's reply to me: "I totally understand the reasons behind First Place wanting to keep the cost down. You all have taken many questions concerning the price, and have handled the issue with grace. Our group also grumbled, but our leadership team reminded them that there are always costss to something that you believe in and know will bring success. If I did not know that the program worked and that God directly inspired it, I would also have a problem with the cost. God in his infinite wisdom proves to me time and time again that if I give Him First Place, He will take control."

We are still trying to work out the kinks and many of you have sent messages pointing out some tiny mistakes. An example is: On our list of snacks, we have tomato listed as a fruit! I found this very odd since First Place has always considered tomato a vegetable, but there is that perennial question: Is the tomato really fruit or vegetable? I finally found the answer in some of my recent study. Botanically speaking, the tomato is a fruit, a pulpy plant product that contains seeds. Legally, it's a vegetable, no joke! In 1893, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the tomato is a vegetable; therefore, it is subject to import tax. The U.S. growers won their case by arguing that the tomato is eaten more like a vegetable with the main meal and not like fruits, as dessert. First Place will continue to "be legal" and count tomatoes as a vegetable.

Nutritionally, the tomato is an excellent source of vitamin C (one medium tomato provides 40% of the Daily Value) and is a good source of vitamin A (20% DV). It is rich in lycopene, a carotenoid. One study shows that eating seven or more servings of tomatoes a week, a person is 60 percent less likely to develop colon, rectal and stomach cancers than those who eat two or less servings per week. Latest studies suggest that tomatoes may aid in vision and lung function. It is best not to refrigerate whole raw tomatoes because it ruins their flavor and texture. Green tomatoes compare in nutrients to a red tomato except they do not have the same carotenoid punch.

Processed tomatoes, (canned, sauce, ketchup) contain even more lycopen because cooking breaks down cell walls, releasing and concentrating carotenoids. When we eat a small amount of fat with tomatoes, the fat enables lycopene to be better absorbed. Maybe we should declare October, "Eat More Tomatoes Month."

Please continue to pray for wisdom, healing, and the peace of John 14:27 for our nation, and especially for the leaders of our great nation.

God's Blessings to each of you,

Kay Smith
First Place Associate Director


Kay is the associate national director of First Place and has been on the First Place staff since 1987.

Kay is a popular speaker at retreats, seminars, Conferences, FOCUS Weeks and Workshops across the country. Kay is the First Place food exchange expert and writes a monthly article in the First Place E-Newsletter on nutrition. She also was a contributing writer to the Today Is the First Day devotional book. Her delightful personality and love for people endears her to everyone she meets, and they quickly become her new best friend.

Kay and her husband, Joe, live in Roscoe, TX. They have two children and five grandchildren. Two of the young grandchildren are making a name for themselves on the golf circuit. Two of the young grandchildren are making a name for themselves on the golf circuit, and the three oldest grandsons are all involved in numerous sporting events, which Kay and Joe attend as often as possible.