The Signal Vol. XII

Summer 2007 Edition
Volume XII
Life Coach
Valorie
Burton
Tips on
Confidence
Boosting
Christian Comedy:
Kerri Pomarolli, Ron
McGehee & Akintunde
Th e
Bi g g e s t
Lo se r
How He Became a
Winner
Third Day’s
New Release
A Tribute to Tammy Faye
7
CCMtv.org
CONTENTS
15
15
9
3
President / Founder
Damian Cox
VP / Editor / Design
Coordinator
Sheila Cox
sheila@crossculturemedia.org
Promotions / Publicity Manager
Paula Cox
pcox@crossculturemedia.org
Field Reporter
Richard Cox
rcox@crossculturemedia.org
Web Design
Gary Gogis
Contributors
The Christian Post / Innerman
Sound Music Ministries / Third
Day / Rhonda Boudreaux /
Trenmedia / L&S Management /
Pure Publicity / Kimberly Garrison
/ Dr. Kip Johnson / Family First
CCMtv.org Now
Showing on:
Cross Culture Media
P.O. Box 68127
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Toll free: 877-MY-CCMTV
www.CCMtv.org
4
President’s Corner Cross Culture Media Update – By Damian
Cox, CCM President
Editor’s Note What’s Inside – By Sheila Cox, Editor
5
7
CCM News Informative news – Courtesy of The Christian Post
9
Music & Entertainment Third Day Releases New CD – Courtesy
of Third Day
11
Music & Entertainment Tyrone Powell – By Innerman Sound
Music Ministries; Interview – By Sheila Cox, Editor
Up Close Husband & Wife Comedy Team – Courtesy of Rhonda
Boudreaux
13
Profile Gospel Comedian, Akintunde – Courtesy of Trenmedia
15
Profile Tribute to Tammy Faye Bakker Messner – Courtesy of
L&S Management
16
Profile The Ultimate Confidence Booster; Author& Life Coach,
Valorie Burton – Courtesy of Pure Publicity
17
Health & Wellness How the Biggest Loser Became a Winner – By
Kimberly Garrison, Philadelphia News Writer & Fitness Trainer
19
Health & Wellness Hydration and Your Health – By Dr. Kip
Johnson, Author & Speaker
20
Family The Five Love Languages – Courtesy of Family First
16
20
11
The Signal
Summer 2007
2
President‘s Corner
CCMtv.org
Greetings CCM Friends and Partners!
If you are no stranger to Cross Culture, then you may have noticed how
much we’ve grown since the organization’s inception in 2005. God is
doing some awesome things through CCM, and many lives across the
globe are being touched. We are literally “Impacting the World” through
media.
Cross Culture’s radio show, a newly created dimension to CCM, is well
underway. Also, you are currently reading our 12th edition of THE
SIGNAL, CCM’s quarterly magazine. A collection of our video interviews
are documented on our online program UP CLOSE which allows the
audience the opportunity to get up close and personal with very
interesting individuals.
Our developing YouTube page, www.youtube.com/crossculturemedia, is
growing constantly. Our intent is to make it a respected portal for
family-friendly and inspirational media within the YouTube community.
The diversity of media that Cross Culture offers makes it a simple find
and experience; something tailor-made to fit your preferred media
Damian Cox,
CCM President
experience. I even find myself sifting though all that CCM has to offer,
checking out the variety of programming.
I must confess that I have a special place in my heart for films. Not just any films, films that portray faith,
hope and love, and ultimately convey purpose and empowerment. Films that portray not just the evangelistic
qualities of the Gospel, but, also, the everyday lives of people both Christians, and non-Christian and the
choices they make both good and bad. This is why, in 2005, I felt led to start a filmmaker contest available to
Independent Filmmakers who share this same passion for film. In 2006, we had our first winning film
announced, Kaibigan - “My Friend”, by Jonah A. Lim from Dumaguete City, Philippines. This second year of
the filmmaker contest is going great. The call for entries is closed, and we are currently in the review process.
The success of this contest is obvious through growth in number of quality submissions and from positive
feedback from the first year of the award contest. Look for the announcement of the 2007 Impact the World
Filmmaker contest winners in the 4th quarter, fall issue of THE SIGNAL.
It is truly a humbling experience to lead an organization such as this. I ask that all of you would keep me, my
family, and the CCM Team in your prayers. CCM is a non-profit organization funded by the people through
donations. I encourage your financial support as well. If you feel like you would like to help make a difference
in today’s media climate, supporting an organization like Cross Culture Media will allow you to do so. Please
consider becoming a CCM Partner by visiting CCM’s website www.CCMtv.org.
Thanks so much for your time. Also consider staying connected to everything “Cross Culture” has to offer by
subscribing to CCM Updates on the CCMtv.org homepage.
Be blessed,
Cross Culture Media
“Catch the Vision - Impact the World”
Damian Cox
CCM Founder and President
The Signal Summer 2007
3
Visit the CCM Store this week!!
Crossculturemedia.org OR CCMTV.org
Go to crossculturemedia.org or CCMTV.org to find these and more
D
EAR
Friends &
Partners:
You know, they say laughter is medicine to the soul.
Actually, when was the last time you had a gut-wrenching laugh
where all your lady-like and gentlemanly qualities went out the
window? Well, if you can actually remember the time; didn’t
you feel less stressed and overall healthier afterward? Kerri
Pomarolli, Ron McGehee & Akintunde are sure to put a smile on
your face through their humor and poignant messages in this
quarter’s edition of The Signal.
Additionally, Life Coach, Valorie Burton, offers a quiz
from her recent book to help determine your confidence level.
We also take the time to remember someone who
dedicated her life to the service of the Lord, Tammy Faye
Bakker Messner. She helped to build three of the largest
Christian networks in the world. Please join us in remembering
her life of sacrifice.
Sheila Cox
“Catch the
Vision. Impact
the World”
Editor,The Signal
The Signal
Summer 2007
4
CCMtv.org
CCM News
Over 16,000 College Students Called to Spark
Spiritual Revolution
Over 16,000 college students from around the world
are on the verge of a “spiritual revolution” in Busan,
Korea.
Leaders of Campus Crusade for Christ International
(CCCI), one of the world’s largest Christian ministries,
are targeting campuses across the globe for world
evangelization. And the agents for a global missionary
movement are college students.
“It’s like a revolution’s going to happen – a spiritual
revolution, by looking at you,” said Dr. Joon Gon Kim,
founder of Korea Campus Crusade for Christ (KCCC),
through a translator. He was speaking to students from
127 countries who packed the BEXCO Convention
Center during the opening of CM2007 (Campus
Mission).
(Photo: Campus Crusade for Christ / Aaron Ku)
www.christianpost.com
The Ultimate Gift on DVD August 21st from Fox Faith
Life is how you live it…not how you spend it.
James Garner, Brian Dennehy, Drew Fuller and Academy Award nominee,
Abigail Breslin, star in the inspirational drama –
THE ULTIMATE GIFT
Upon his wealthy grandfather’s death, a young man is presented with an
unlikely inheritance taking him on a journey of self-discovery that will
change him forever in the heartwarming family drama The Ultimate Gift.
Based on the best-selling book that started a worldwide phenomenon.
Experience the entertaining yet emotional journey.
Winner of the Heartland Film Festival’s Crystal Heart Award
Senators, Pro-Family Activists Rally Against ‘Disturbing’ T.V.
Trends
U.S. lawmakers and pro-family advocates met on Tuesday to address
the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation
on the violence children are exposed to on television.
During the hearing, the representatives urged for more governmental
control on what networks can play, and explained the detrimental effects
that violence and sexual scenes can have on growing kids.
(Photo: AP / Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
www.christianpost.com
The Signal Summer 2007
5
CCMtv.org
Check out Cross Culture’s
YouTube page now!
Looking for wholesome entertainment? Check out Cross Culture
on YouTube – a portal for inspirational, family-friendly media.
Here is where diversity, inspiration and entertainment meet at
your fingertips.
C
M’’ss YYoouuTTuubbee PPaaggee..
CM
CC
wC
Clliicckk hheerree ttoo vviieew
BET LAUNCHES SEARCH FOR
AMERICA’S NEXT BIG GOSPEL STAR
Auditions Seek Undiscovered Singers for New Fall Series
SUNDAY BEST
AUGUST 4, 2007 –– LOS ANGELES, CA - 9:00 am PT
The Renaissance Montura Hotel
9620 Airport Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045
**Call backs with celebrity judges August 5
\
AUGUST 11, 2007 –ATLANTA, GA – 9:00 am ET
Renaissance Atlanta Hotel – Downtown
590 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308
**Call backs with celebrity judges August 12
\
AUGUST 18, 2007 - CHICAGO, IL – 9:00 a.m. CT
Hyatt Regency McCormick Place
2233 South Martin L. King Drive Chicago, IL 60616
**Call backs with celebrity judges August 19
SUNDAY BEST is scheduled to premiere Tuesday, October 2 at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
For more information, visit BET.com or call 888-PSALMS-95.
Music & Entertainment
CCMtv.org
TYRONE POWELL
Leader, Musician, Entrepreneur
I
N
N
E
R
M
A
N
S
O
U
N
D
One of the most sought after, respected and requested worship
leaders around.
Courtesy of Innerman Sound Music Ministries
K
nown for his dynamic, inspiring and anointed music ministry, Tyrone is quickly becoming
one of the most sought after, respected and requested worship leaders around the country
and abroad.
Tyrone Powell is ignited with a deep passion to fulfill God’s purpose for his life
and the lives of those he comes in contact with. His driving force is to portray integrity and
the honesty in worship through his daily walk. Wherever he ministers, Tyrone exudes,
encourages and heartens his listeners to intensify their relationship with God and begin
their divine mission and destiny with Christ.
In 1999, he released his first CD project entitled “Relationship Project” which went
on to win the JPFOLKS “Album of the Year Award” and in the coming year he was
nominated and won the “Best New Artist – East Coast Region Award” given by 3Fold Music
Group held in Baltimore, Maryland. As God began to open doors for him, he was asked to
write the entire musical score for the stage play “Girl God’s Gonna Love You Anyhow”
which opened at the historical Lincoln Theater in Washington, D.C. In addition to all of
these
these God-provided opportunities, he has also
had the privilege of sharing the stage with many
of today’s gospel and praise and worship greats
such as: Helen Baylor, Daryl Coley, Richard
Smallwood and John P. Kee. In 2002, he also
appeared on the legendary Bobby Jones Gospel
Program which airs on BET.
Besides being the founder of several
ministries, Tyrone is known and respected as a
savvy and wise entrepreneur, including, but not
limited to Innerman Sound Productions Inc., and
the newly formed recording label, Innerman
Sound Music Ministries; a non-profit organization
founded in 1999 considered by many a triple
threat ministry; combining music, Worship leader
development and praise and worship training
seminars.
Powell founded
several ministries,
including
Innerman Sound
Productions Inc.,
Innerman Sound
Music Ministries &
TP Ministries.
Cross Culture Media talks to
Tyrone By Sheila Cox, Cross Culture Media
CCM: Who would you say God has created you to be?
Tyrone: I believe God created me to be a messenger of hope,
restoration and truth and a channel or vessel for his will and
purpose to flow through. Simply put, to be a blessing.
continued
The Signal
Summer 2007
7
CCMtv.org
Music & Entertainment
CCM:
I see you have your own Music Production Company – Innerman Sound
Productions. Tell us about the business and your motivation to initiate this venture?
Tyrone: Innerman Sound is a music production company that I started in 1997; it was
I
N
S
I
D
E
initially birthed as a place where people who didn’t have the record company budgets
could come and get a quality sound and great music production and not have to sell their
homes to pay for it. Since then, we have grown into our 4,000 sq. ft. facility located in the
heart of Spotsylvania, Virginia. We offer everything from full CD projects to music jingles
to live concert and video recording.
.
CCM: What was one of your most moving public worship experiences?
Tyrone: My most moving public worship experience is when I see African Americans,
Whites and other ethnicities enter the same room to praise and worship God at the same
time with the same heart and the same focus.
.
O
U
T
CCM: You are in your seventh year of helping the homeless. Where did you get your
inspiration?
Tyrone: My Inspiration came from my childhood. As a child I watched my mother go
without certain things….we were not homeless but the burdens my mother had to carry
were hard to watch as a child. As a child you are helpless when it comes to those things.
I didn’t have all the luxuries that the other children I grew up with had but my mother did
her very best to make sure I was clean and that I had
something. When I look at where God has brought me from
and I look at a homeless person it makes me think that...
this could have been me… kljihoihiohihiohiohiohiiohohioho
CCM: Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Tyrone: I enjoy spending time with my family…traveling,
Powell
meeting new people…
produced
Inside Out
by writing
CCM: Tell us about your new CD release, Inside Out.
songs from his
personal
Tyrone: Inside Out is a collection of songs that I wrote
experiences.
to encourage the believer as well as the non-believer to
put their hope in God and to live and dream again. This collection of songs is what I call
Life-songs; I wrote these songs from my personal experiences so I wanted to be as
transparent as I could.
CCM: What are some of the upcoming events on your agenda for the rest of this year?
Tyrone: I’ve been blessed to be a part of a 15 church music festival to be held at Six
For booking info & to
hear Tyrone’s music, go
to tyronepowell.com. For
music production, go to
innermansound.com or
call 540.907.7206.
Flags America in Upper Marlboro, MD on September 1st. 2007. 15 churches partnered
together to put this event on.
I BELIEVE GOD CREATED ME TO BE A MESSENGER OF HOPE,
RESTORATION AND TRUTH AND A…VESSEL FOR HIS WILL…
The Signal
Summer 2007
8
Third Day
New CD Release…
Music & Entertainment
CCMtv.org
Third Day
Courtesy of Third Day
Chronology, Volume 2
In stores August 7th
In stores August 7th
“With the release
of Chronology
Volume One and
Two, we’re
looking back and
celebrating those
experiences that
formed who we
are today.”
The Year of Third Day continues with the unveiling of the highly anticipated
Chronology, Volume Two (2001-2006) CD/DVD on August 7. This installment of the
Chronology brand delivers 18 audio tracks of the band’s biggest hits along with new,
live recordings from its biggest tour dates including the record setting “Wherever
You Are” tour. In addition to award winning audio, the DVD portion offers highenergy video footage,
bootleg performances, home-movie clips and in-depth
documentary chronicling the past 10 years of music, ministry and life on the road
with one of rock’s hardest working and most celebrated bands. The last five years of
Third Day’s history offers insight to the milestones and turning points of a band born
in a garage in Atlanta that quickly became one of the most respected and well-known
names in the world.
Chronology, Volume 1
Recently released CD featuring rare, previously-unreleased video and audio, this
exclusive collection includes early video of Mac Powell and Mark Lee Performing at
their home church, band commentary on music videos, brand new recordings of
classic songs “My Hope Is You” and “Thief.” Chronology, Volume One’s CD/DVD
combo showcases the first five years of Third Day in a way you will not see or hear
anywhere else.
Taking cues from the pop-culture presentation of Mystery Science Theater 3000,
Chronology, Volume One’s DVD will feature the band silhouetted against their videos,
commenting on performances, specific shots, who wore what and why, and so much
more. It peels back the behind-the-scenes curtain on videos such as “Consuming
Fire,” “You Make Me Mad,” “Your Love Oh Lord” and two versions of “Cry Out To
Jesus.” (CD/DVD tracks listed below.)
Includes 17 Audio Tracks and 19 Video Clips. This Collection is a must for every
Third Day Fan!
Together with the August release of Chronology, Volume Two (2001-2006), which
will feature a full ten-year video documentary on the band, these new projects will
give both longtime fans and new listeners a look at the humble beginning, yet
meteoric rise of the Atlanta-based five-piece rock group.
“With the release of Chronology Volume One and Two, we’re looking back and
celebrating those experiences that formed who we are today, says Mac Powell, the
band’s lead singer. “The commentary and bootleg videos are hilarious. I mean, I don’t
have any facial hair and my voice is a whole octave higher,” he quips.
Tai Anderson adds, “These projects were a lot of fun to pull together. I’d forgotten
how many different ‘looks’ we actually went through! What was really fun though,
was rerecording and remixing the songs that our fans made hits. We’ll always be
grateful to them for allowing us to do what we love doing.”
The Signal
Summer 2007
10
Up Close
CCMtv.org
Husband &
COMEDIANs
wife
Kerri Pomarolli & Ron McGehee make a perfect
match as they take on the world with a comedy that
brings laughs, yet teaches lessons.
Courtesy of Rhonda Boudreaux
S
haring pregnancy stories, praying
with friends and taking a break from
the hustle and bustle of touring and
acting are not uncommon for
Christian comedians Ron McGehee
and Kerri Pomarolli. But when they
were invited to take a short
“Babymoon” at the now famous B & B
Chateau La Rue in Fallbrook, CA to
shoot an episode of Tori and Dean;
Inn Love they saw the opportunity of
not only relaxing for a couple of days
but hanging out with new mother
Tori Spelling and husband Dean
McDermott. McGehee and Pomarolli
were chosen because of their
comedic talents and because they are
expecting a baby in mid October.
Spelling giving Pomarolli pregnancy
tips
and
McDermott
advising
McGehee, it’s sure to be an episode
you won’t want to miss.
Both McGehee and Pomarolli have
become renowned for their clean
stand up comedy and many television
appearances and know how to speak
the language and communicate the
gospel subtlety to a secular audience.
In the past few years secular media
has given Christian voices, McGehee
and Pomarolli feel it their calling to
take every opportunity allowed to
share their faith using their gift of
comedy.
Tori and Dean; Inn Love airs on the Oxygen Network Tuesday nights @
9:30 PM CT. McGehee and Pomarolli’s segment is expected to air late
summer
07. Watch for
updates at
www.kerripom.com and
www.funnyron.com or check local listings @ www.oxygen.com/innlove.
McGehee and Pomarolli recently shot more episodes for their reality show
“I Love Kerri”. Be sure to check it out @ www.ilovekerri.tv.
The Signal
Summer 2007
11
CCMtv.org
Husband & Wife Comedians cont.
“He [Ron] tours
is in Christian bookstores
nationally and a monthly
column
“Report
From
A
Hollywood God Girl” in The
Chronicle
Christian
Newspapers. Pomarolli continues to
hone her craft by working the
comedy club circuit and has
become one of the most
sought
after
Christian
comedians
and
tours
extensively throughout the U.S.
and Canada.
throughout the
U.S. performing
stand up and
speaking…bringing
his life lessons and
hilarious multi
cultural humor…”
Ron McGehee has headlined at such
venues as the World Famous Improv
Comedy Clubs and The Comedy
Store.
He
recently
filmed
a
commercial for the international
transportation company DHL that is
airing nationally. McGehee has made
a number of guest television
appearances including NBC’s “Last
Comic Standing 2”, Comedy Central,
ABC Family, TBN and TLN and has
also written for The Late, Late Show
with Craig Kilborn, The Carson Daily
Show, and Jimmy Kimmel. He tours
throughout the U.S. performing stand
up and speaking at churches and
colleges bringing his life lessons and
hilarious multi cultural humor to
audiences nationally. He is also busy
as a screenwriter and contributing
writer in many magazines. You can
also read his national syndicated
column “Headline Humor” in The
Chronicle Christian Newspapers.
Kerri
Pomarolli
is
also
an
accomplished
actress,
published
author and veteran of television with
credits that include 27 appearances
on The Tonight Show, Comedy
Central, recurring roles on Port
Charles and Young and the Restless,
and Lifetime Network. She has been a
popular guest on many TV shows on
Fox, TBN, CBN, The Total Living
Network, ABC, ABC Family Network,
The Joni Show, CNN Headline News
Showbiz Tonight, Hallmark Channel
and many others. Pomarolli writes
her own bi monthly advice column
“Confessions”
in
the
national
magazine Radiant, Co-writer with Ron
McGehee new advice column in
Positive
Reactions
magazine,
contributing writer for the new
national
magazine
“Hope
For
Women”, writer for Cornerstone
Connection, writing articles for the
Teen magazine Brio, is a contributing
writer in Flint Wainess’ new book "It’s
Not Me It’s You”, co-writer with
author Matthew Paul Turner on new
book to be released in Fall 2007 by
Nav Press, and is part of a new book
“Relevant Nation 50 Revolutionaries
Under 40” in stores now published by
Relevant Press. Her book, If I Am
Waiting On God, Then What Am I
Doing In A Christian Chatroom?;
Confessions Of A Do It Yourself Single
The Signal
Summer 2007
12
McGehee and Pomarolli star in
“I Love Kerri”, produced by
Eastgate Productions. I Love
Kerri
demonstrates
both
Pomarolli
and
McGehee’s
comedic ability to interact as
they take on the task of home
improvement. As you will see,
their complete lack of skills is
down right comical. I Love Kerri
premiered on Sky Angel Two
June 23, 2007.
ilovekerri.tv
….
CHECK OUT KERRI & RON’S
EXLUSIVE
INTERVIEW
WITH
CROSS CULTURE MEDIA ON
“THE RICHARD COX SHOW “.
CLICK HERE TO
INTERVIEW.
LISTEN TO
CCMtv.org
do you feel…
Alone
UNLOVED
UNCERTAIN ABOUT LIFE?
The key to truly
understanding
the meaning of
life is by
knowing God
through a
relationship
with his son,
Jesus Christ.
CLICK TO FIND OUT HOW YOU
CAN HAVE THAT RELATIONSHIP.
In Loving Memory…
Tammy Faye Bakker Messner was born in International Falls, Minnesota,
the eldest of eight children. She attended North Central Bible College in
Minneapolis. She was the mother of Tammy Sue Chapman and Jamie
Charles Bakker, and the grandmother of James and Jonathon.
Tammy helped build the three largest Christian television networks in
the world:
•
March 7, 1942
– July 20, 2007
“When I leave this earth,
because I love the Lord,
I’m going STRAIGHT TO
HEAVEN!”
“I genuinely love you, and I
genuinely care and I
genuinely want to see you
in Heaven some day.”
“I want you to find peace.”
“I want you to find joy.”
•
CBN (The Christian Broadcasting Network) with Pat Robertson.
Tammy worked for Pat for nine years.
TBN (The Trinity Broadcasting Network) with Paul & Jan Crouch.
•
PTL – Jim and Tammy Bakker. In its last year in existence, six
million people visited the theme park Heritage USA.
Tammy has spent over 25 years in television. She was the host of
her own show, “Tammy Faye’s House Party.” In 1996, she was the
co-host of the syndicated “Jim J. and Tammy Faye Show” with JM J.
Bullock.
She has made guest appearances on a number of television show,
including Larry King Live, Sally Jessy Raphael, Good Morning
America, CBS Chicago, CBS This Morning, CBS’ “Where Are They
Now?”, John and Leeza, Caryl and Marilyn, The Drew Carey Show,
Roseanne, Tom Snyder, Prime Time, and many others.
Tammy was listed in the “Outstanding Young Women of America.”
Tammy has recorded over 25 singing albums.
She was the author of two best-selling books, “I Gotta Be Me” and
“Run Towards The Roar”. She recently completed her
autobiography, “Tammy: Telling It My Way”, published by Random
House.
Tammy was a minister of the gospel and ministered in churches
around the nation.
At the time of her death, she was working on another television
show,…
Tammy resided in Charlotte, North Carolina with her husband Roe
Messner, her two little puppies, Muffin and Tuppijns, and a cat
named Tinkerbell.
CCMtv.org
Profile
The
Ultimate
Confidence
Courtesy of Pure Publicity
Booster!
What causes people to bury dreams, avoid
difficult situations and dig into debt trying to
keep up with the Jones’? Author, Speaker and
Life Strategist, Valorie Burton surveyed 1,300
adults and found that a lack of confidence is
the common culprit.
Most people complain that a lack of
time or money is what keeps them from living
their best life. After surveying hundreds of
people, Professional Certified Coach (PCC),
Valorie Burton, discovered the biggest barrier
to achieving goals isn’t time or money, but a
lack of confidence. “Confidence is situational.
A person may be assertive at work, yet feel
powerless
to
speak
up
in
personal
relationships,” says Burton, author of the new
book Why Not You? 28 Days to Build
Authentic Confidence (Waterbrook/Random
House).
Practical,
truthful
and
engaging,
Valorie Burton has helped thousands find the
courage, clarity and tools to make meaningful
changes in every area of their lives. She has
appeared in and on CNN, the Los Angeles
Times,
INStyle,
Family.
Potter’s
Self, Essence, Psychology Today,
The 700 Club and Focus on the
She is former co-host of The
Touch with T.D. Jakes and served as
the on-air life
(NBC/Dallas).
strategist
for
KXAS-TV
The Signal
Valorie Burton, Life
Coach, is based in the
Washington, DC area.
Her other books include
Listen to Your Life,
What’s Really Holding
You Back? And Rich
Mind, Rich Rewards.
For more info., visit
www.valorieburton.com.
Here are a few statements from her confidence quiz
in Why Not You? To help in determining if you have
a confidence issue to be addressed:
CONFIDENCE QUIZ
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
I can walk into a room full of strangers and introduce
myself, be friendly and comfortable.
Fear does not stop me from asking for what I want.
If I purchase something that proves faulty, I can return it
to the store that has an unfriendly refund policy and ask
for – and receive – a refund.
If I make a mistake, I never try to cover it up or make
excuses in order to make myself look good. I am
comfortable with being imperfect.
I have (or am moving towards) exactly what I want in my
life. I have not settled in any way.
I am financially confident and have proven myself to be a
good steward of money.
I can walk into a dinner party and feel confident in how I
look. I do not size up other attendees and compare my
looks, clothes, jewelry, etc. with theirs.
Summer 2007
16
CCMtv.org
Health&Wellness
How the Biggest
Loser Became a
Winner
By Kimberly Garrison
E
rik Chopin talks about dropping more than
200 pounds and getting his diabetes under
control.
ERIK CHOPIN, 37, a Long Island, N.Y.
delicatessen owner and family man, once carried
more than 400 pounds on his 6-foot frame.
The extreme weight was obvious, but what
Erik didn’t know was that he also had high blood
pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Not to
mention a body mass index of 55, a far cry from
the recommended range of 18.5 to 24.9.
Erik was just about to go under the knife
for bariatric surgery when he was selected by
lottery to be on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” last
season. Not in a million years had he thought he’d
be one of the lucky winners out of more than
250,000 “Loser” hopefuls.
“The show was, Plan A, to do it diet and
exercise,” he called recently. “It was not realistic,
but I knew this could save my life.”
Now a svelte 215 pounds, Erik continues
to inspire others with his message to increase
awareness about type II diabetes and other health
issues.
Erik also is spokesperson for the national
educational campaign “Diabetes & You: Step It Up
to Get it Down”
(stepitupdiabetes.com).
Recently, he took the
time to share his
story with me.
months to a year, I did not weigh myself at all. I
had gone up to 407. I was always concerned, but I
was not doing anything about it.
So, I went to weight-loss clinic. I was really
depressed about it. I gave it a few weeks and then
decided to opt for weight-loss surgery. I was
going to have lap-band surgery and the surgery
B Ki for
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G 14.
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mentioned the casting call.
Q - Wow, that’s amazing. Talk about divine
intervention. So, would you say the show was a
major turning point in your life?
Erik - Yes! The show was a plan A. I knew it was
not realistic [that he would be chosen], but I knew
this could save my life. I knew I could do it with
diet and exercise. I just needed help.
Q – How old were you when you were diagnosed
with type II diabetes?
Erik - Actually, I was diagnosed with diabetes on
the show and on camera.
Q – Gee, that must have been a shock. However,
you were able to reverse your condition with the
skills you acquired from the show, right?
Erik - Yes, my diabetes is under control. I didn’t
go on any medications. Things were under control
after I lost the first 50 to 60 pounds and exercised
regularly. Now I work with Step It Up and spread
the message to go see your doctor.
I didn’t know I had it. I didn’t want to hear about
what they were
going to tell me
about my obesity.
If I had gone to the
doctor, I could
have done something about it.
There are no
symptoms.
After
Q - When did
Q–
So, what’s
you first realize you
had a weight problem?
Erik – Always had
your
the
type II
preAmericans?
message to
thousands of
diabetic or
diabetic
one. It came to peak
Just months before I
went on the show. For six
Before
The Signal Summer 2007
17
CCMtv.org
Health&Wellness
How the Biggest Loser Became a Winner cont.
Erik - Go to your doctor. Find out about your
Erik - I was on the Blue Team with [trainer] Bob
health. Get your blood work done.
Harper. I was on 2,000 calories a day. I was not
told specifically what to eat; I had to log calories
in a journal. Took out sugar and fat, white flour.
Oatmeal was a typical breakfast, or egg white and
low-sodium ham, with whole-grain bread and no
butter.
Lunch might be tuna with low-fat mayo or
crackers and Laughing Cow cheese. Dinner might
be fish, chicken or steak with vegetables, minus
the carbs.
Q – Was the money [he won $250,000] the No. 1
motivating factor for your success?
Erik - It was a combination of things. My health,
I initially got in that line that was five blocks
[long] because I wanted to look good. I want to
buy the clothes that are in fashion. I wanted to be
able to take a snapshot with my family. I have two
little girls at home and a wife I love. I want to be
there to walk my girls down the aisle.
Q – Erik, that’s beautiful. How much did you
actually lose?
Erik - I lost 214 pounds in eight months. I lost
124 on the ranch and 93 at home. I broke all the
“Biggest Loser” records for weight lost and
percentage lost.
Q – Have you been able to maintain?
Erik - Yes, I have, I went down to 193 pounds in
the show but currently stay around 215. My waist
went from a 54 to a 34. I’ve put on some muscle,
too, and went from an XXXXXL to a Large.
Q – What was your exercise routine like at the
ranch?
Erik - Every day, get up and do cardio on our
own, before the trainer arrived, for one hour. The
trainer would arrive around 11a.m. We would
work three hours with the trainer. After dinner, we
would do another hour of cardio. In all, about five
hours a day.
Q – Whew! Talk about working it out. Now what’s
your routine like?
Erik - Now I do an hour of cardio and I’m done. I
also meet with a trainer three to four times a week
to tone up. I like working with the trainer. I love
the results.
Q – What was your diet like on the show?
Q – How was being on the show affected your
family?
Erik - Prior to the show, my wife said, “You’re
going to get thin, and I’m going to be the fat wife
at home. I’m joining a gym.” She lost 40 pounds
while I was on the show, then lost 20 more. She
went from a size 18 to a size 10. She’s the real
hero. She was juggling the business, running the
house, managing the girls and still managed to
get to the gym.
Q – That’s wonderful. What else changed in your
life?
Erik - The show has completely changed my life.
For one, I learned about my health. It has changed
me to want to work with other people. To help
them get to the doctors. I want to help. Send me
an e-mail [exhopin@optonline.net]. I know how
helpless and hopeless they feel.*
Kimberly Garrison is a certified personal trainer
and owner of One on One Ultimate Fitness in
Philadelphia (www.1on1ultimatefitness.com).
Email her at Kimberly@1on1ultimatefitness.com.
Her column appears each Thursday in Yo! Chat
with her on her Daily News weblog, the
Girlfriends’
Locker
Room,
at
www.girlfriendslockerroom.com. Her new podcast,
“Philly Fitness and Health,” is available for
download every Thursday at www.philly.com.
The Signal Summer 2007
18
CCMtv.org
Health&Wellness
HYDRATION
and Your Health
A Note from Dr. Kip
Hydrogen+Hydrogen+Oxygen. This simple molecule has unique
properties that set it apart from any other chemical compound in the
universe. Did you know that water comprises approximately seventy
percent of the earth’s surface? Our bodies are more than sixty-five
percent water. In fact, ninety-nine percent of the chemical reactions in
the body involve water. H2O is essential to life.
Every day, adults lose two to three quarts of water. Active children can
lose up to two quarts of this life-giving fluid. Unfortunately, most of us
pay little attention to the importance and value of water to our health.
We take this vital substance very much for granted. We tend to grab a
soda or some coffee when we feel thirsty—not realizing that fluids with
caffeine, alcohol, or sugar can actually dehydrate rather than rehydrating our bodies. As we become more and more dehydrated, the
body begins to suffer consequences such as fatigue, irritability, muscle
cramps, and many others. Ongoing dehydration will cause actual
disease as the body struggles to maintain itself with insufficient water.
You see, no storage system for water exists in the body. It is distributed
for function or excreted, but never stored. Therefore, we must
constantly take in enough water to meet our body’s needs. Think about
the way we take in oxygen—it is ongoing. If we hold our breath for just
a few seconds, our bodies quickly remind us to breathe out and in
again. Our intense oxygen hunger loudly demands an immediate supply.
Our bodies don’t signal us as loudly when we need water. We can also
override the signal easily. And as we ignore the signal repeatedly over a
long period of time, we tend to become less and less sensitive to it.
Rather than keeping ourselves properly hydrated, we usually wait until
we are extremely thirsty or dry-mouthed before we remember to drink.
Dr. Kip Johnson,
entrepreneur,
author & speaker
“Dehydration can
be reversed very
quickly. And it’s so
easy to start.”
So, how much water do our bodies need to function properly? Studies
show that the average person should consume about half an ounce of
water per pound of body weight every single day. So if you weigh two
hundred pounds, try to drink approximately one hundred ounces of
water daily. Don’t be intimidated by the amount—work up to it,
adding a little more water each day.
Here’s the good news: Dehydration can be reversed very quickly.
And it’s so easy to start. Drink water. Drink often. Drink every
time you think about it. Drink a little bit every hour. Drink a
glass of water before a meal and several glasses while you eat.
Drink before and after you exercise. Carry water with you and
drink whenever and wherever you can. Make hydration a habit.
Dr. Kip Johnson
www.thinergetics.com
The Signal Summer 2007
19
with focus on
nutrition &
supplements
Family
CCMtv.org
The Five Love
Languages
By: Family First Staff
Problems occur when spouses do not recognize each
other’s love language and attempt to show love in ways
that are less meaningful to the other spouse. For
example, consider if your spouse has the love language of
What are yours and your
spouse’s love languages?
D
o you know what “love languages” are? In his
book, The Five Love Languages: How to Express
Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, Dr. Gary
Chapman says a love language is how someone
wants to be shown love because it satisfies a
deep-seated need.
According to Dr. Chapman, the five love languages are
Quality Time, Words of Affirmation, Gifts, Acts of
Service and Physical Touch.
A love
language is
how
someone
wants to be
shown love
because it
satisfies a
deep-seated
need.
Quality Time refers to spending time together as a
couple. People who have this as their love language feel
loved when they are taken out on special dates, when
their spouse clears the calendar for them, or when the
television is turned off in order to have a conversation.
Acts of Service, but you assume they would rather have
gifts. They might be appreciative of your presents, but your
love would be more obvious to them if you helped them
around the house. To them, a cleaned house means more
than a box of candy.
Others prefer Words of Affirmation as a way to be
shown love. Telling your spouse how you appreciate
them, encouraging them, and general words of praise
and acceptance all show your love.
If Gifts is your spouse’s love language, then you need
to understand that for them, gifts are not simply
material objects – they are expressions of your love.
If your spouse’s love language is Acts of Service, they
will appreciate your help more than anything. Give them
a night off from cooking or other household chores.
Repair that leaky faucet. Help them with the yard work.
Prepare them a nice lunch to take to work.
So, find out what your spouse’s love language is and show
them love in the ways that they can best understand.
This article is based on the book, The Five Love Languages:
How to Express Heartfelt Commitment to Your Mate, by Dr.
Gary Chapman. To order this book, go to www.CCMtv.org
(The Cross Culture Media Store).
Copyright by Family First. All rights reserved. Used by
permission. www.familyfirst.net.
Show them love in ways
Some people prefer Physical Touch as their love
that they best can
language. A simple touch on the arm, hug or backrub
will convey your love for them.
understand.
The Signal
Summer 2007 20
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Summer 2007
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