Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Care in the Corners
The Bible says, "We all have different gifts each of which came because of the grace God gave us." (Romans 12:6) I can just see Michelangelo painting his chapel when I read that verse. It's well-docuented that if you were to ask Michelangelo about his gifts, he would tell you that he could taste the stone cutter's tools in the milk of his wet nurse. He knew what he was born to do. The last couple of days, we've looked at our unique, God-given gifts. Some of you even took the time to think about your specific lists. And despite our vast differences -- as if it were a mystery the other foot would fall -- we do have one amazing similarity. You can see it in every mirror. It rings in every ear. Do you know what it is? Between the singers among us, the writers, brick layers and those with the gift of hospitality, sales, law or manufacturing is a divine thread of commonality. The one trait all of us have is: choice. And I must say, choice becomes us all.
When Michelangelo was asked why he took so much time on painting the corners of the Sistine Chapel even though nobody would see them, he famously answered, "God will." Choice.
"Why does the earth spin? For Him. Why do you have talents and abilities? For Him. Everything and everyone exists to reveal His glory. Including you." -Max Lucado
It's no Sistine Chapel, and it won't summon sightseeing tours a hundred years from now, but when it comes to this little website, I take each word extremely seriously. Loretta will attest that not one word gets to you until it really gets to me. It's what I was born to do. And make no mistake, when it comes to the stewardship of the gift of health - our little corner of God's chapel on earth - we have a choice.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Can you think of one of your gifts that you cherish with Michelangelo-like care? Even if nobody sees? If so, don't doubt for a second that it doesn't fill God's pride jar to watch you care for it in humility. After all, He made it especially for you to enjoy. And it's His delight that matters.
THE MESSAGE, DELIVERED
Jimmy Peña's message of health as a means of praise is being well-received by congregations around the country. His storytelling approach to how a healthy body can strengthen the body of Christ and inspire abundant living is a message you don't want to miss. For speaking appearances, ministry assistance, media inquiries, write us at [email protected]. Share this information with pastors, elders and influencers with the knowledge that there is never a speaking fee for churches!
What's My Line?
What do I do well? Ever asked yourself that question? Yesterday, when I encouraged you to begin jotting down your unique qualities and strengths, what made the list? If, for instance, you dislike running, I doubt wind sprints came in at No. 1. But if you love cooking, I'm betting that "recipe-creator extraordinaire" may be front and center. If so, what time's dinner? In one of my favorite movies, A Few Good Men, Jack Nicholson gives one of his best performances. And in a behind-the-scenes look at the filming of it, cast members recall the first time they all sat around reading the script together. Everyone was simply reading and going about the business until it was Jack's turn. In character, holding nothing back, Jack delivered the line as if the camera was in his face. Witnesses say the room immediately sat up in its collective seat and rehearsal took on new meaning from that day forward.
Max Lucado once wrote, "Nobody else has been given your lines. The Author of the human drama has entrusted your part to you alone. Live your life, or it won't be lived."
Friends, what do you well? What do I do well? Answer: Our life. Nobody does our life like us. And those qualities of yours, your gift of giving, your ability to memorize, your high endurance, your heart for the homeless, your mind for math, your quick wit...those are the things that God used to form your role. And the world around you -- kids, friends, parents, teachers, spouses, bosses, staff -- they need you to speak your lines like you mean them.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: The world will sit up in its collective seat when believers speak their lines. And when in comes to health, it's no different. When the Pastor tells a church to consider physical stewardship, we sit up. When a fitness-minded believer says full armor isn't half naked, we sit up. Our lives, our lines, our roles have to be lived. Nobody else can. Nobody else will. God is life's Casting Director, the world is His stage and our parts are ours to make a big deal about Him. Ask yourself, "What's my line?" and live it.
NOW RECRUITING FELLOW SOLDIERS: I'm not just the founder of PrayFit, I'm a customer. Here I am in our latest t-shirt in the "I Fought" series. Neat, huh? Ladies, if your husband or boyfriend would want to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with me, the shirts are awesome and I could use some company. Fight with me. Cool reminders of the spiritual and physical goals of life. And pardon the low-res image, but Ms. Josey took this pic. Please don't disappoint her or blame her. She has no thumbs.
>> Click here to browse all the new merchandise offerings from PrayFit!
Heal The Wound, Leave The Scar
Yesterday on Twitter, one of my favorite authors, Reverend Scotty Smith, had such a neat question for us. He said, "In the new heaven/new earth, I want to sing like Steve Perry, love like Mother Teresa and paint like Makoto Fugimura. You?" I spent the better part of the afternoon trying to fashion my response. "Dance like Fred Astaire," made my list. So did "Tell a good story like Max Lucado" and "Look like Rob Lowe." Hey, it's Heaven! And while Loretta and I laughed together, I began to wonder what guys like Paul, John, or a battered Job will be doing in eternity. Right? I mean, the Bible is full of men and women who endured life -- individuals who really lived and have the scars to prove it.Reminds me of the old song that said, "Heal the wound, but leave the scar. A reminder of how merciful you are."
Friends, I don't think for a second Paul will ever forget being blind. Or John his loneliness. Or Job, those boils. Each of them built altars with the broken pieces of their lives and worshiped. May that be our week's perspective. Let's stay on our knees, remember His mercy, bathe in grace, and let the dream of Heaven be the reason we work so hard for a healthy lifestyle on earth.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Okay, I know you're dying to answer with me. What say you to Scotty's question?
TOMORROW WE HIT BOOKSTORES! One more day guys!!! Your local bookstores are being filled with our newest book, The PrayFit Diet. We are so overjoyed. Thank you if you've already ordered yours. And if you get yours, please send us a pic and we'll share it on Facebook and Twitter. And we know from your messages and posts that many of you shop on Amazon, so here's the link where you can buy yours. Thank you for supporting our little ministry and for helping tomorrow's book launch. You're so good to us. If you write us a review on one of the major book vendor sites, we'd love to share it with the community, so send us yours by clicking here.
Grace In Numbers
"But he gives us more grace." --James 4:6
Max Lucado once wrote, "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." I thought of that quote yesterday while going through the vast number of prayer requests; each name was mentioned out loud and every need lifted by all of us at PrayFit, not to mention a countless number of all of you that went through them. Thank you for your prayer support. Grace in numbers.
Speaking of, how many of you reading this today are hearing the voice of grace? You eat right, get your exercise in, take your vitamins. But there's something that's been missing. Something more important. Something...deeper. A show of hands of those that have taken care of the body, but you hear God knocking on the door of your heart, letting you know He misses His time with you. Or maybe the voice inside is urging you to improve your relationship with your spouse, someone at work, or "that" neighbor. Until now, you've shrugged it off. You've done the math and you can't figure out why bother. Besides, the mirror still agrees with you, the money isn't bad, and you suppose that "If that neighbor wants to talk to me -- then, well -- they can come talk to me." But that's what grace is. It's the solution to our toughest equations.
I know sometimes the math of life just doesn't add up. We scratch our heads. We multiply our hurts and subtract our days. We feel divided, because it's not always easy to forgive, or cope, or strive, or to be modest, or patient, or try harder, or quieter. But the longer I live, the sweeter the proof is that when you carry the One, grace always solves for why.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: What is the voice of grace urging you to change? Your health? Bible study time? Other? Remember, if the Lord is urging us, He gives us the power to pull it off.
****IMPORTANT SITE UPDATE****: This is an early notice and we'll mention it again tomorrow that the site will be down next week for some maintenance and an important upgrade. We're getting ready to unveil something for you, and the much smarter ones among us need the site to work their magic. So you'll forgive the interruption but I'm confident you'll be pleased with what you see when we're through. Of course, you can still come back on a daily basis to read, listen to or watch years' worth of content! Sound good? Thanks guys. Happy Thursday.
BRING PRAYFIT TO YOUR TOWN
Sometimes, it's just a family that needs recalibrating in the areas of faith and fitness. But sometimes, it's your church family that could use a tune-up. Congregations across the country have welcomed Jimmy and his message of health as a means of praise, using it as a way to kick off a revival of sorts...and your town could be next. Contact us at [email protected] to schedule a visit from the PrayFit team! As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
Your Top Three
"In everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." --1 Thessalonians 5:18
Do you like lists? I love lists. My wife and I can be on our daily walk, and all I have to say to her is, "Give me your top three" and she knows I'm asking her to name me the three people she would love to have over for dinner. Without hesitation, Dr. Charles Stanley, Jimmy Fallon and Savannah Guthrie are scooting their chairs under our table. We've done things like that for years. And don't get me started about New Year's resolutions. We've saved every list of resolutions for 18 years. Not only that, we witness, sign and ratify them. (I wish I were kidding). What can I say? I love lists. Especially thankful ones.
Do you have one? A list of things so far this year of which you're the most thankful? Could be your relationship with the Lord, or a new job, or maybe your health has improved. Take a minute to think of, or better yet, jot some things down. Use our comment section if you'd be so bold. What are you the most thankful for as we start a new week? Give me your top three.
--Jimmy Peña
P.S. In case you were wondering about my top three for dinner: Max Lucado, Brian Williams, and of course, Derek Jeter. Let's eat.
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Dumbbell Complex
Dumbbells are some of the best fitness equipment ever invented. Simple and effective, dumbbells can help you to recruit additional muscle by forcing your body to activate stabilizers to balance your body during exercise. They can also be used to develop tremendous strength and to burn tons of fat. Dumbbells are just plain good for ya. One way to put them to work for you is via complex training, which calls for you to use the same set of dumbbells for multiple exercises. Click below for more detail on complex training and a head-to-toe workout to get you started.
Grace Solves for Why
"But he gives us more grace." --James 4:6
Max Lucado once wrote, "Grace is the voice that calls us to change and then gives us the power to pull it off." I thought of that last week as my doctor cleared me to start healing on the inside. See, my 14-day check-up was all about wound care -- no MRIs, no CT scans, no surveying his deeper work. He just wanted to make sure that both the scar across my stomach and the one on my back were healing as planned. And as Eric shared with you last week, all looks good. Now it's time to take really good care of what we can't see.
How many of you reading this today are doing just that? You eat right, get your exercise in, take your vitamins. But there's something that's been missing. Something more important. Something...deeper. A show of hands of those that have taken care of the body, but you hear God knocking on the door of your heart, letting you know He misses His time with you. Or maybe the voice inside is urging you to improve your relationship with your spouse, someone at work, or "that" neighbor. Until now, you've shrugged it off. You've done the math and you can't figure out why. Besides, the mirror agrees with you, the money isn't bad, and you suppose, "If that neighbor wants to talk to me -- then, well -- they can come talk to me." But that's what grace is. It's the solution to our toughest equations.
I know sometimes the math of life just doesn't add up. We scratch our heads. We multiply our hurts and subtract our days. We feel divided, because it's not always easy to forgive, or cope, or strive, or to be modest, or patient. But the longer I live, the sweeter the proof is that when you carry the One, grace always solves for why.
--Jimmy Peña
GRACE WEEK This week is all about grace and how our health fits inside its all-encompassing arc. Do you have any questions? Give us your thoughts or post a question and it might make tomorrow's entry. Thanks everyone. Have a great, great week!
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Scrambled Legs Tough leg workouts help you improve overall body composition because you are training the largest muscles in your body. And the more muscle you're breaking down, the more recovery needs to take place, the more calories you burn. Strong legs beget strong backs and stronger cores and keep you prepared for everything in life from the stairs at work to running around with the kids in the yard. Here's a routine that you can incorporate to challenge those legs this week.
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.
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
Pope Francis
"But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." --Matthew 20:26
Read: Matthew 20
You don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the election of a new Pope. Before he was named, I joined leaders in praying for whoever it was to be, as well as for the 1.2 billion people who will look to him for leadership and guidance. And like many of you, as the moment came close, I could feel the anticipation as the name was read.
If you watched the coverage, the first thing the experts did was defend his reputation -- who he was, his strengths, what he's done, and why he will make an excellent Pope. And then it hit me...
As chilling and exciting as yesterday was, there will never be more intense anticipation than the day we bow before Jesus. But friends, it won't be His reputation that needs defending, it will be ours. And even if we string together our best moments and grandest days, we won't have anything acceptable. Nothing worthy of Heaven. Not who we are, how we looked, our strengths, or what good we've done. But in divine irony and grace, His reputation will be our defense, as our lives are seen through His blood.
So we want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to our dear Catholic friends. May God bless Pope Francis and give him wisdom and courage. May he teach grace above all. His name was read, and it reminded me that someday ours will be too.
–Jimmy Peña
P.S. You know, of all the traditions the Catholic church has, the use of smoke signals of alerting the world of news (and not modern technology) is one of my favorites. It certainly would be easier to Tweet it or post it on Facebook. Reminds me of something Max Lucado once wrote in the book "God Came Near." He said, "Jesus could have come back as a man in another era when society wasn't so volatile, when religion wasn't so stale, when people would listen better. He could have come back when crosses were out of style."
NUTRITION TIP: Dark Chocolate It may sound like the most counterintuitive performance training advice ever, but having dark chocolate with approximately 70 percent cocoa pre-workout, can actually make your workouts more productive. Click here to learn how.
>> COMMUNITY & FELLOWSHIP: Our family has grown by leaps and bounds in five years. Interact with fellow faith-and-fitness devotees by joining our forums today. Here, you can share successes and struggles, swap recipes, pray for one another or just catch up with like-minded friends. Already a member? Sign in here.
Upside Down
"For by grace you have been saved, through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." --Ephesians 2:8-9
Read: Ephesians 2
Sometimes God allows things to be turned upside down for our own good, amen? I thought of that yesterday while hanging completely upside down on a call to my agent. I wish it were because I was cool, trendy or a serious Batman fan. Well, maybe one of those? But alas, no. See, I have accelerated degenerative disk disease, so an inversion table is a fixture in my home. Of course, Loretta makes me hang around downstairs in my cave. And each day I do everything in my power to help relieve the symptoms of an otherwise irreversible trend. My disks are failing rapidly, and they're unforgiving.
In a recent article with InTouch Magazine, Max Lucado was asked, "Why do you think we miss out on this aspect of grace and try to live for God on our own strength? Max answered by saying, "Grace goes so contrary to everything else in life. Everything else in life is a barter system. We work, so we get paid. We love others; we hope they will love us back. Then we come into a relationship with God with the same idea — that it’s going to be some type of exchange with a merit system. Religion says that if you do good, God will notice you. The Bible says God has already noticed you. He’s loved you and adopted you, and given you a new heart. Now go out and do good. It just really kind of flips everything upside down."
Yeah, grace does that. When everyone and everything is unforgiving, God's grace turns it upside down. I can no sooner turn back the clock on my disks than I can take back yesterday's sin. But Jesus gives grace. Grace great enough to secure my soul forever. And that's why I hang upside down; just in case He gives me another day to share that news.
--Jimmy Peña
Question: Has your life been turned upside down? Financially, emotionally, physically? Let us be an encouragement that no matter what happens, sweet grace never lets go. Share with us how we can be praying for you today.
5 FLU-FIGHTING FOODS This flu season will go down as one of the worst on record, and it's not over yet. Parts of the country are still reeling from the epidemic and thousands more are still likely to get it. The flu can knock you down for days or even weeks, making it that much harder to focus on proper nutrition. But there are certain foods that you can take down that can ease your symptoms and get you back into the game sooner. Read this authoritative list of five flu-fighting foods from PrayFit contributing nutritionist Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC.
DID YOU KNOW? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 22,048 flu cases from September 30 through the end of 2012. By the same time last year, only 849 flu cases had been reported nationwide.
Election Day Prayer
With today being election day, we have no higher calling than to stop and ask the Lord for His blessing. Together with close to 50,000 others, we join hands and circle around Max Lucado as he prays for the country:
Dear Heavenly Father,
You have given us this promise: ”...if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
So, we pray to you. We turn from evil and look to you, our God. Please:
Unite us
Strengthen us
Appoint and anoint our next president
In the name of Christ we pray,
Amen
SNACK SWAP: PITA CHIPS AND PRETZELS
Snack foods don't have to be unhealthy. Use this healthy substitution to limit
Pita chips are only a marginally better choice than potato chips because they have a bit less fat, but you usually get a similar amount of calories per portion. Unless they’re made from 100% whole-grain pita bread, it’s just another source of refined grains, which during processing have been stripped of many of the nutrients that you would get from whole grains, such as vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber.
The same goes for pretzels –- yes, these are a low-fat food, but they’re usually made from refined flour.
Better bet: 100% whole-grain pita chips or pretzels made from 100% whole wheat. Even better, use zucchini or celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber slices, or carrot chips (look for them by the bagged salads in the supermarket) to scoop up your salsa or hummus.
Emily Ann Miller, MPH, RD is a registered dietitian and works at a Washington, DC-based independent, nonprofit science organization, where her work is currently focused on environmental and policy solutions to obesity prevention. She also speaks to groups about health and nutrition and provides nutrition education to patients at a free medical clinic that serves low-income, uninsured adults in the Washington, DC area. You can view more of Emily’s nutrition tips and updates by following her on Twitter, @EmilyAMillerRD.
HONOR TO CHOOSE
March 14, 2011 "Any injustice in this life is offset by the honor of choosing our destiny in the next."
-- Max Lucado
Workout of the Week: 10-Minute Triceps
The triceps. This muscle group, critical for every upper body pushing movement, represents some 2/3 of the mass in your upper arm. Men who want bigger arms sometimes mistakenly overtrain their biceps but it's the out-of-sight, out-of-mind triceps that need the attention. For women, the back of the arm can be a "trouble" area -- a place where more bodyfat is stored and muscle tone can be tougher to hold on to. This short workout will help both genders provide this area with a mini-makeover worth its weight in tanktops.
You must train the triceps from three different angles to make sure that all three triceps heads are targeted. To keep the workout challenging, the pace is kept high, as you move from exercise to exercise with no rest.
The first exercise is the two-hand overhead extension which targets the long head. You will move immediately into a two-hand kickback, keeping both elbows high to target the middle head of the triceps. Finish the mini-circuit with close-grip push-ups to completely exhaust the back of the arms, this final move emphasizng the outer "horseshoe" portion of the triceps. Rest a couple of minutes and repeat. (Note: if you don't have dumbbells, you can use elastic bands or even soup cans.)
Overhead triceps extension - 12-15 repetitions Two-arm kickback - 12-15 repetitions Close-grip push-up - To failure (if necessary, do modified push-ups from the knees)
Triceps Trivia: Even when referring to one arm, always refer to the muscle as triceps. In fact, "tricep" is not a word.
DEFAULT REACTION
February 7, 2011 Quote of the Week
"Can you imagine a life without fear? What if faith, not fear, was your default reaction to threats?" --Max Lucado
WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Toes to Head
The surest way to exact positive change in your body is to incorporate resistance training. The good news is that you don't need access to a weight room to get a good workout. By using your own bodyweight, you can get a full-body session that will build strength, add muscle and burn bodyfat. The bonus? It'll just take a few minutes.
This 10-minute routine works your body from your legs up! Rest only as long as it takes to get into position for the next move. Once you get through the routine, repeat it if you have time...and the energy.
Jog in place: 1 minute Bodyweight squats: 1 minute Jump squat: To failure Wall squat: 1 minute hold Push-ups (standard or modified from knees): To failure Straight-arm plank: To failure
[exercise in focus]
Straight-arm plank | Target: Core The straight-arm plank is basically holding the top portion of a push-up. Hold the position as long as possible, keeping your abs, lower back and glutes tight. Within the context of this workout -- following push-ups and squats -- this move is incredibly difficult.