The Silent Symbol

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another." --John 13:35

Read: John 13

Fingers crossed. Early Christians, in order to avoid persecution when they prayed in public, as well as to quietly identify themselves with other believers, would cross their fingers. Can you imagine if the only way you and I could share our faith was in such a way? Or even more unbelievable, by making that quiet gesture our predecessors risked their very lives.

What in my life says believer? If I couldn't say a word, what in my life would be that silent symbol, alerting another Jesus-follower that I am one of them? What about in yours?

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been doing a lot of radio, hoping more and more churches would invite us to speak or that listeners would look to find our new DVD. And the most common question I get from radio hosts isn't about the DVD itself. No, they routinely ask me why Christians are known to be unhealthy. That question always makes me pause. Is that how we're identified by the rest of the world? By risking our lives through neglect? Is that our silent symbol?

I hope not...fingers crossed.

--Jimmy Peña

Question: Realizing that God only sees the heart, how is our approach to health a way to witness? Can someone be too far involved with how they look that they actually hurt their witness? We think so too. Also, shouldn't we be known for something other than things physical? Like our love for one another? Our giving and serving? Share your thoughts with us below.

ENERGY SYSTEMS 101

Your body is relying on three energy systems to replenish ATP, or adenosine triphosphate (the energy within our cells) to accomplish any task. The systems -- creatine phosphate (CP), anaerobic glycolysis (AG) and oxidative metabolism (OM) -- literally get us through the day. Basically, the sum of all three systems work simultaneously to supply the energy needs of any activity (athletic or otherwise) we choose to perform.

And while each system is constantly at work, the kind of activity will determine the relative contribution of each energy system. If you’re in the middle of a long run, for instance, you’re relying predominantly on oxidative metabolism. But if you’re shooting for a grueling set of squats or 40-yard dash, you're relying heavily on the CP system.

So mix it up. Have fun. Compete with yourself to improve day in and day out.

>> Looking for more fitness wisdom? Visit our fitness page by clicking here.

I Am One Of Them

In the third century, St. Cyprian wrote to a friend named Donatus: "This seems a cheerful world, Donatus, when I view it from this fair garden under the shadow of these vines. But if I climbed some great mountain and looked out over the wide lands, you know very well what I would see; brigands on the high road, pirates on the seas, in the amphitheaters men murdered to please the applauding crowds, under all roofs misery and selfishness. It really is a bad world, Donatus, an incredibly bad world.

Yet, in the midst of it, I have found a quiet and holy people. They have discovered a joy which is a thousand times better than any pleasure of this sinful life. They are despised and persecuted, but they care not. They have overcome the world. These people, Donatus, are the Christians...and I am one of them."

(Max Lucado study bible; Gordon Macdonald, Forging a Realworld Faith)

I paste that quote because the subject of being quiet and holy has been on my mind lately; quiet as it pertains to humility of health as well as service. In reading the books of Thessalonians and James, I've noticed some common themes, a few of which we're going to dive into next week. But make no mistake, our health can have an eternal impact. Not in the way it looks so much, but in how we use it to serve others. Paul urges us to "lead a quiet life, and to work with your own hands," while James says, "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also."

Folks, we are in this place right now to put this body to use for God's kingdom. If we make too much of its reflection, we're vain. If we sit idle and don't put it to work, we waste it. But in a time where health is disregarded as a means of praise, there is a quiet and holy people. They have overcome the world. These people are the Christians, and I am one of them. So are you. Can you think of any higher compliment?

--Jimmy Peña

RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Green Herb Hummus

Ten minutes to tasty with this fresh, fiber- and protein-rich recipe from PrayFit contributing dietitian Dana Angelo White.

>> RECIPE - VIDEO

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian and is currently a nutrition expert for the Food Network, and has worked as a media spokesperson for Cooking Light Magazine. She has appeared on Good Day Street Talk, Food Network.com, Access Hollywood and GMA Health. Visit her at Dana White Nutrition. You can also visit her blog for more recipes at

http://www.foodnetwork.com/green-herb-hummus/video/index.html

The Silent Symbol

"By this all men will know that you are my disciples, that you love one another." --John 13:35

Read: John 13

Fingers crossed. Early Christians, in order to avoid persecution when they prayed in public, as well as to quietly identify themselves with other believers, would cross their fingers. Can you imagine if the only way you and I could share our faith was in such a way? Or even more unbelievable, by making that quiet gesture our predecessors risked their very lives.

What in my life says believer? If I couldn't say a word, what in my life would be that silent symbol, alerting another Jesus-follower that I am one of them? What about in yours?

Over the course of the last few weeks, I've been doing a lot of radio, hoping more and more churches would invite us to speak or that listeners would look to find our new DVD. And the most common question I get from radio hosts isn't about the DVD itself. No, they routinely ask me why Christians are known to be unhealthy. That question always makes me pause. Is that how we're identified by the rest of the world? By risking our lives through neglect? Is that our silent symbol?

I hope not...fingers crossed.

--Jimmy Peña

Question: Realizing that God only sees the heart, how is our approach to health a way to witness? Can someone be too far involved with how they look that they actually hurt their witness? We think so too. Also, shouldn't we be known for something other than things physical? Like our love for one another? Our giving and serving? Share your thoughts with us below.

ENERGY SYSTEMS 101

Your body is relying on three energy systems to replenish ATP, or adenosine triphosphate (the energy within our cells) to accomplish any task. The systems -- creatine phosphate (CP), anaerobic glycolysis (AG) and oxidative metabolism (OM) -- literally get us through the day. Basically, the sum of all three systems work simultaneously to supply the energy needs of any activity (athletic or otherwise) we choose to perform.

And while each system is constantly at work, the kind of activity will determine the relative contribution of each energy system. If you’re in the middle of a long run, for instance, you’re relying predominantly on oxidative metabolism. But if you’re shooting for a grueling set of squats or 40-yard dash, you're relying heavily on the CP system.

So mix it up. Have fun. Compete with yourself to improve day in and day out.

>> Looking for more fitness wisdom? Visit our fitness page by clicking here.

THE CLOSER

March 23, 2011Read: Matthew 24

"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father." -- Matthew 24:36

With baseball season approaching, we thought we'd warm everyone up for our favorite time of year by talking about the closer. For those who don't know, the closer is someone who specializes in sealing the deal. See, in baseball you play until the game is over. Not the case in other sports. Take basketball for instance. There's a minute left, you're up five points and rather than drive to the basket, you run out the clock. In football, you take a knee. Soccer, hockey -- you name it. Most major sports have a way to play it safe.

I think we all have the tendency to play it safe on occasion. As Christians, we can get into a mindset of "I'm saved, I can coast, I think I'll run out the clock today." But days can turn into weeks and weeks, years. Which reminds me, in baseball, there is no clock. You don't know how long a life -- I mean -- a game can last. Thus, the need for a closer. Someone who does his best work at the end.

Recently I read that Billy Graham hopes to preach one more time before the Lord takes him home. Even though he struggles to stand, Billy still wants the ball. Talk about a closer.

Now, granted, we're no Billy Grahams, you or I. Nobody's waiting to hear our last words. Or are they? The fact that we're reading this sentence means we're still in the game and the ball is in our hands. So stay warm. We just never know when we'll be needed to take the hill.

--J.P.

5 WAYS TO GET MORE SALMON

Tired of chicken breasts? Add some heart-healthy salmon into your weeknight meal plan. Here are five easy ways to prepare this healthy and sustainable, omega-3-packed fish.

Smoked Prepared smoked salmon is a great alternative when you don’t have time to cook. Wrap around asparagus stalks for a fancy but effortless appetizer or along with a salad for a light meal.

Poached Cooking salmon in a bath of wine, water and spices infuses it with flavor while keeping it tender and flaky. It keeps the calories low, too!

Grilled Thread chunks of skinless salmon onto skewers and grill for dinner in minutes. Sprinkle with a spice rub to add big flavor without marinating.

Wrapped Wrap salmon fillets in foil packets with lemon and fresh herbs for quick cooking and easy clean up.

Seared Finely chop fresh salmon in the food processor for a tasty burger. Flavor it up with sweet pineapple and spicy chili pepper then give a quick sear in a nonstick skillet.

Tell us your favorite recipe and it just might make our next book, PrayFit Family, due out this fall. Leave your recipe in the comments section below.

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition.

WHAT PLAN B?

August 11, 2010Read: Joshua 1

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." --Joshua 1:9

Chances are good that you've heard the expression, "Burn the boats!" They say Cortez was the first to make that announcement when he arrived in the new world. Upon reaching land, setting the ships ablaze sent a message to his men and his enemies that retreat never was an option -- that whatever the odds, a fight was coming.

Do you believe Christians should be the example of honesty in the workplace? Of course. Would you also agree that Christians should be best at showing love to neighbors? Without a doubt. So why are we so reluctant to take a stand on the subject of better health? Shouldn't Christians be the most health conscious people on earth? Some might argue, "Well, Jimmy, the Lord looks at the heart." True, but doesn't that mean it's the effort that matters? And to be honest, not caring for the body that carries the soul just might be a heart issue after all.

So if this is an uncomfortable subject, mark it down. Because this will become an increasingly sensitive topic the bigger and bigger we get. But I believe it's the church's responsibility to lead the fight. A fight that we are losing. Where's Cortez when you need him?

Lord, we love you. Help us as believers become better stewards of our bodies. Help us learn to make better choices in what we eat and what we do. Help us commit to taking care of ourselves, not only so we can serve you better, but to be examples for the rest of the world. Amen.

--J.P.

FIT IT IN A few things to ask yourself as you work toward your healthiest body ever

1. In what ways are you making positive change in the area of food choices?
2. How have you been able to modify your meals to accommodate your goals?
3. What are some ways that you're not winning the battle? Any specific struggles?
4. What time of day is the most convenient for you to train? Are you making it a habit to fill that time with exercise?
5. What's most important to you, eating right or exercising? If you could only do one, which would you do?

DID YOU KNOW?: Eating late at night won't automatically make you fat. If you have not exceeded your recommended daily caloric intake and you've kept your daily expenditure high, eating right before bed will not cause weight gain.

PRAYER REQUESTS: First and foremost, we are a community of believers. Stop in here to make your prayer requests or just read up and pray for others.