HEAR MY VOICE

January 6, 2011Read: John 10

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow." --John 10:27

By now you've undoubtedly heard about the homeless man with the golden voice. Remarkable story. Ten years homeless, cardboard sign in hand, Ted begged for money, for food -- and to be heard. "If they would only listen to me," he probably thought. He even wrote it down. But the days passed as often as the cars. "See me, hear me." Finally, someone did. Ted's world will never be the same.

Reminds me of another homeless wanderer with something to say to anyone willing to listen. He had his message written down too. Only, when someone stopped to listen, He ended up changing their world.

Have you heard His voice?

--J.P.

PRAYFIT GOES NATIONAL

Hundreds of website entries, countless hours of prayer and over two years of toil come to fruition today (Thursday, Jan. 6) with the official, nationwide debut of "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and Stronger Faith in 28 Days" (Regal Books). The book features two, 28-day devotionals, daily exercise prescriptions, meal plans, healthy living tips and more that can benefit readers of all ages and fitness levels -- regardless of where they are on their walk. It is only through the support of the PrayFit community that this day is finally upon us. Thank you and blessings!

>> To pick up a copy for yourself or a friend, visit Barnes & Noble or Amazon today!

Supporters for PrayFit are weighing in...

“Jimmy Pena is one of the most knowledgeable fitness writers I know. He’s one of our nation’s leading fitness resources. Respect.”

–LL Cool J, entertainer

“This exciting devotional will enable you to live out the Scripture which says to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength! (Mark 12:30 NIV)’” -Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers, 2010 American League Most Valuable Player

“Not only is Jimmy Pena one of my best friends, but whenever I want to get dialed-in for a role or photo shoot, he’s my only call. And I love starting my day at PrayFit.com, building spiritual and physical muscle. A one-of-a-kind concept from the best in the business.”

–Mario Lopez, host, EXTRA

“PrayFit is my daily dose of inspiration — both physically and spiritually — from my favorite fitness guru, Jimmy Pena. He is so well versed in faith and fitness that there’s no one else I’d rather have in my corner.”

–Rachel Cannon, actress and yoga instructor

“Being a big believer in Jesus Christ, PrayFit gets me on track to start my day of in the right direction.  In boxing there is no room for error. You have to be not only be physically prepared but spiritually strong as well.”

–Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 3-Time Boxing World Champion

“PrayFit focuses on the importance of a balanced life – a life committed to both physical and spiritual nourishment. One that flourishes when faith and fitness intersect.”

–Curtis Martin, 5-time NFL Pro Bowler

THANKFUL...NO MATTER WHAT

November 24, 2010Read: 1 Thessalonians 5

"In all things, give thanks." --1 Thessalonians 5:18

The bible is pretty clear when it comes to being thankful: we should be, no matter what. But if you're like me, it's easy to be thankful when times are good. But what about during the storms of life? What then?

Well, thankfully, God is as worthy of our thanks in rough water as He is when our seas are calm. Our circumstances might change, but He doesn't; no matter what. So, even though we might not be praying, "Thank you God for this storm", we can pray, "Lord, if not for this storm, I wouldn't be looking to you for shelter."

So tomorrow, before we eat with friends and family or watch a good game and doze on the couch, we simply want to say, "Thanks for being God, no matter what."

--J.P.

PRAYFIT 101: REST TO PROGRESS

A great many of you that we hear from on PrayFit are hardcore trainers -- people who workout hard four or more times per week. That is fantastic but if you've started to notice that you're a little slower, a little weaker and a little more fatigued than usual, or that your once-meteoric progress has come to a screeching halt, you may be a victim of overtraining.

Overtraining is a very real syndrome that comes as a result of training too often or too intensely -- or both -- and it can wreak havoc on your fitness goals. When you start to notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, take a look at your training regimen. Have you been pushing yourself a bit too hard? Well, as difficult a pill as this may be to swallow, the only prescription for overtraining -- the only thing that will get you back on track -- is rest. Take a few days off from workouts completely or scale your workouts back in frequency and intensity for several days or up to a few weeks. At the end of this "cooling off" period, you should be able to dive right back in with renewed energy, strength and enthusiasm. Training hard is great -- but as with all things, moderation is the key.

>> HELP PRAYFIT BECOME A BESTSELLER! As many of you know, "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days" from Regal Books, is due to start shipping to mailboxes December 6. And in the month of January, you can find us on display tables at Barnes & Noble. With your help, we believe that "PrayFit" has the muscle to be a bestseller. So pick up a copy or order a few for gifts -- help us spread the gospel of faith and fitness as we approach 2011! A portion of each book sold will go to support mission trips abroad.