Contributed by Cecil Lambert
Associate Pastor, Church On The Rock
Full article published in the The People's Paper

On August 25th, 2014 I began the transformation of my life. I was very slowly robbed of the many enjoyments that I once had earlier in my youth and young adult years. I was in great shape in my teens and early adulthood.

I always lived in a "cycle" of gaining weight in the winter months (20-30lbs), then I would lose weight in the summer (15-20lbs). The problem is, I did not really consider that I was slowly gaining weight consistently every year for the past 20 years or so.

Last summer, I came to a crossroads when a good friend challenged me that my being overweight might become a "barrier" to others. I had stated publicly that last year I was going to "transform" before the congregation to whom I was preaching. Only thing is, I had not followed through with that promise by taking action. Months had passed by with no progress -- when my friend gave me that challenging word.

I realized that I had to be honest with myself... After all, being a Pastor and serving in the ministry trying to lead others into freedom was my vocation and calling, yet I had let this area of my life fall into such a state of bondage. That morning I prayed a simple asked for help to be freed...

Many of the "key" things that have led to my miraculous and successful transformation were simple everyday living disciplines. For example: I don't eat after 7:00pm at night. I "listen" to my body telling me it's time to eat. I cut out some foods that I knew were unhealthy, such as all soda pop and lots of sugar filled processed foods. I also joined the Alaska Club Gym in September 2014, 3 weeks after starting TLT Bible Study.

My wife and I work out four to five days a week. Much of our workout happens at the gym, and we also take bike rides and hikes throughout the year as weather permits. Having a workout partner for accountability has been another strong key to my success. Both my wife and I have experienced wonderful health benefits from an active and healthy life style that now includes regularly working out and taking care of our bodies.

Our children have also been extremely blessed by the benefits of a healthy life style and belonging to the gym. My transformation is really not as much about what I've lost (145lbs), but it is truly about what I've gained...freedom to enjoy life, to live life, and to really serve others and see them set free and healthy as well.