Success Stories Beverly Cody

I had begun the habits of the program, and it didn’t bother me to track my food or to plan exercise anymore.

There I was—50+ pounds overweight again.  At least, this time it was only 50, not 80 or 90.   A couple started First Place 4 Health at our church and I signed up. This time was a bit different because my husband, Charles, could come. 

It was great the first two weeks. I couldn’t wait to weigh in. That was my good/ bad meter.  Then when the new wore off and I had to be weighed at the beginning of class, I cringed every time.  When they began to talk about calories and food choices, it gave me a sick feeling.  All I heard were things I did in the past that didn’t work

Charles and I never wrote down our food or learned the memory verse.  The only thing we managed to do was the Bible study, which I now realize is what we needed. The Bible study was the common denominator that brought us closer together.   This lasted a few weeks, when our leaders had an unexpected move and class was cut short.  The leader left “me” the material to lead the remainder of the session. 

Life went on for a while without FP4H. I was now over forty and needed to get busy.  So I mentioned to our associate pastor I might want to start another class. Charles agreed to be my co- leader, even if it meant he was only there for moral support. A couple of months went by and I didn’t hear a word. Just as I was beginning to think I would get out of this obligation, he called. 

God knew before I knew that I belonged there.  He knew if I was not leading the class, I would find a way out.  God did the same with Charles.   I told him up front I would not do this without him, and he loved me enough to come to every class.  The best part of this journey with God and this class is that I now have a closer relationship with my husband of twenty five years.  

It’s interesting how when you are in the “process”, you miss the small accomplishments and goals. I had begun the habits of the program, and it didn’t bother me to track my food or to plan exercise anymore.  I looked forward to it.  How quickly a year passes.  I had soon dropped the fifty pounds.   This past year, I participated in two 5k runs and loved it.  I’m now looking forward to running a 10K.

Before starting FP4H, I didn’t know how to maintain.  Did you know there is a whole article on “maintaining” in the material?  I never saw that section before. I was always on my way up or on my way down.   I told my friend I was little apprehensive with the thought of maintaining.  She quickly reminded me I was already doing it.   God had brought me there, and it was so easy.  I can say now, “I’m a maintainer!”   Yes, there are days that I get off track, but it takes a lot less time to get back on track.  Praise God! 

I have watched our church friends, close friends, and even our daughter, Kelly, lose weight.  In this past year, they have shed approximately 250 pounds.  Even Charles, after some reluctance, has lost more than 30 pounds and is still working on his goal of 45.  I have seen him go from a church goer to a God doer.