Finish Strong

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever." --Psalm 73:26

Read: Psalm 73

Well? Was a week at the beach? On Monday we opened with "A Strong Life" and that begged the question, "What does a strong life look like?" And since we know that the good Lord is always on watch, our little friend that we found on the road was a good reminder that He knows about and cares about our little predicaments. And when God finds us, we become a strong community with those he places in our path, our neighborhood, our church. If you missed any of our entries this week, you can click the links here or scroll our archives and we hope they bless your life. Your comments this week had all of us at PrayFit nodding our heads and with chills to boot.

Speaking of giving us chills, your stories and testimonies that we're collecting are absolutely wonderful. We are in awe. If you missed our plea, we want to know that if you have a faith and fitness testimony you want to share. If the answer is "YES," we want to read it. Please e-mail the team at [email protected] and tell us how God has moved in your life in the area of health. Perhaps you're healing from an infirmity. Maybe His grace alone has seen you through struggles; your faith in God has catapulted you to an abundant, healthy life!

Or on the flip-side, maybe you're more modest because you're trying to honor Him. Perhaps you haven't given enough time to the Lord with too much emphasis on your body, and now He's helped you find balance. Whoever you are and whatever your story, send it to us. In 300 words or less, share it. Each month, we plan on sharing some of your stories with the PrayFit nation. Your testimony may help change someone's life. If you're healthy in body and strong in spirit, we want to know.

A good week. A strong week. Soak up today's chapter and verse. Say the verse out loud. Go ahead. He is our strength, amen? What better way to end a week. We hope you have a good, restful weekend and we'll see you right back here on Monday. Healthy in body and spirit.

--Team PrayFit

SCHEDULE A FAITH & FITNESS WEEKEND FOR YOUR CHURCH!

Jimmy Peña's message of "Life is not about the body, but health is a means of praise" is being well-received by congregations around the country. His story-telling 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].

Think or Swim

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." --Proverbs 3:5

Read: Proverbs 3

Armed with new floaties, towels and toys, we made our way to the condo pool for the second time this summer. My preschoolers clamored for the water, wiggling with impatience as I slathered them with sunscreen. Excited to join the pool-step floaty gang, they splashed and played with toys while their feet remained planted on the ground. My four-year-old rejected my requests for her to swim in my arms afraid that, despite massive bundles of air around her arms, chest and back and my ability to carry her, she would sink.

When she finally worked up the courage to trust me, or was just sick of being confined to the steps, she jumped from the deck into my arms. I was so happy to have her with me that I poured kisses on her face and exclaimed, "I love you so much!" She grinned with pride and I slowly toured her around the pool. Gradually, I released my grip on her until she was floating in the pool on her own, something she hadn't thought possible. She spent the next joyful hour in the pool exploring the depths, the sides and the ladder, and never stopped smiling.

What is it that keeps you and me on the "steps?" The Lord wants to gather us up in his arms, rain love on us and show us the amazing feats we're capable of –- if only we would trust him.

--Kristi Valentini

When not kissing boo-boos or playing dolls with her two little beauties, Kristi Valentini can be found writing parenting and lifestyle articles for the Huffington Post, Milkshake Kids and Momtastic, and sharing her mothering shortcuts at her own site, MommyCribNotes.com. RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Angelo Family French Toast

French toast -- we'll say it -- is a breakfast delicacy. There may be a special place in heaven where thick, egg-battered slices of perfectly prepared French toast are served at every meal. Unfortunately, here on Earth, it is an indulgence best had occasionally...until now. This recipe, prepared by PrayFit contributing nutritionist Dana Angelo White, is a healthier alternative to this breakfast favorite.

Serves 4

Ingredients: 3 large eggs ¾ cup lowfat (1%) milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus more to taste 8 slices multi-grain bread 4 teaspoon unsalted butter Canola oil cooking spray 100% maple syrup 2 cups fresh seasonal fruit

Directions: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla and cinnamon; set aside. Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, spray with nonstick spray. Melt 1 tsp butter in skillet. Dip 2 slices of bread into milk mixture, making sure both sides are well coated. Place bread in skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown (sprinkle with additional cinnamon, if desired). Repeat with remaining slices of bread. Transfer to a warm oven until ready to serve. Top with maple syrup -- sugar-free if carbs are a concern -- and fruit.

Nutrition info per serving: Calories: 414 Total Fat: 11 grams Saturated Fat: 4 grams Total Carbohydrate: 64 grams Protein: 15 grams Sodium:  473 milligrams Cholesterol: 171 milligrams Fiber: 5 grams

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer, and nutrition and fitness consultant for international food companies, restaurants and marketing firm. Dana is also the nutrition advisor to The Food Network.

>> NEW! Now, you can easily view past installments of the PrayFit Daily by visiting our new archives. Using this new feature, you can now categorically access years' worth of faith and fitness information and inspiration.