Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
TOTAL LOSS
December 14, 2010Read: Psalm 139 "For you formed my inward parts." --Psalm 139:13
"My frame was not hidden from you." --Psalm 139:15
As a little boy, I spent many a summer day sweeping floors and washing cars at my dad's body shop. I felt right at home amidst the bondo dust and paint fumes, even though I could often be found asleep in dad's office. But while I didn't pursue the family business, little did I know that the body shop was a great place to learn about grace.
Each day, customers would come in to either pick up their cars or schedule a drop off, but then there were those who came in just for an estimate. They'd wrecked their car or truck, and all they wanted to know was whether their vehicle still had value. Sometimes dad would have to tell them it was totaled; their car wasn't worth anything. A total loss meant the insurance company wouldn't touch it, and they'd have to pay for it all by themselves.
We've all wrecked our lives in one way or another, but even a total loss is no match for the cross. What the world gives no value, He gives grace.
--J.P.
MALL FAT? Don't let holiday shopping derail your healthy-living goals
"It’s the heart of the holiday shopping season: Malls are flooded, parking lots are jam-packed, and your inbox is overflowing with e-coupons," says Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, PrayFit's resident healthy-eating expert. "Whether you’re hitting up the food court or doing your shopping online, keep these tips in mind."
Don’t…
...munch on free samples. The calories can add up fast.
...shop hungry. Eat a sensible meal before you head out to the store or sit at the computer.
...swig liquid calories. Large sodas and full-fat peppermint lattes can have as many calories as a meal.
...go overboard on holiday goodies. Just because you can buy a 10-pound bar of chocolate shaped like a Christmas tree doesn’t mean that you should.
Do…
...resist the wafting smells from the pretzel and cookie stands. Save those calories for holiday parties.
...pack power snacks. Granola bars, fresh fruit, peanut butter crackers, and trail mix are good options.
...keep your mouth occupied. If you find yourself mindlessly snacking, chew sugarless gum or sip on a calorie-free drink.
...wash your hands before you eat, especially after a day of shopping.
>> For more healthy holiday tips, visit Dana's Healthy Eats blog on the Food Network.
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.
EMPTY AND READY
October 1, 2010Read: 1 Chronicles 29
"Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name." --1 Chronicles 29:13
He wipes the sweat from his brow as he sweeps an empty body shop. Every few seconds, his eyes rise to see if any customers had stumbled in, but none do. His wife takes care of the office, the phones, and the plant on the window sill. "Please Lord, bring us a customer." They'd poured out their life's savings. So as he continues to sweep a spotless floor, she straightens the OPEN FOR BUSINESS sign on the front window. It's a good shop. Empty and ready.
Yesterday, we at PrayFit got some news that reminded me of that story. It seems that Eric, myself and our wives are sweeping our own empty body shop, whispering to the Lord to see things through. You know, it's when we empty ourselves that the Lord does His work. But if we're full of ourselves or anything else, we leave no room for Him.
So Lord, we give you all that we do and say. We love you and we thank you in advance for what you will do in the days, weeks and months ahead. We're empty and ready.
(Oh, and thank you for sending a customer to my mom and dad so many years ago. In many ways, because you filled their empty shop, I can fill up this page with your good word.)
Have a blessed weekend everyone. In Jesus' name, we train.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT: WEEK IN REVIEW
WORKOUT: 10-minute full body blast
NEWS: How does obesity affect women differently than men?
TIP: How mastering your bodyweight can bring new progress
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TOTAL LOSS
July 26, 2010Read: Psalm 139 "For you formed my inward parts." --Psalm 139:13
"My frame was not hidden from you." --Psalm 139:15
As a little boy, I spent many a summer day sweeping floors and washing cars at my dad's body shop. I felt right at home amidst the bondo dust and paint fumes -- even though I could often be found asleep in dad's office. But while I didn't pursue the family business, little did I know that the body shop was a great place to learn about grace.
Each day, customers would come in to either pick up their cars or schedule a drop off, but then there were those who came in just for an estimate. They'd wrecked their car or truck, and all they wanted to know was what it would it take to make it good as new. And whether the damage was their own fault or caused by someone else, sometimes dad would have to tell them it was totaled; their car wasn't worth anything. A total loss meant the insurance company wouldn't touch it, and they'd have to pay for it all by themselves.
We've all wrecked our lives in one way or another, but a total loss is no match for the cross. What the world gives no value, He gives grace.
--J.P.
PRAYFIT WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Abs
Got 15 minutes? Try this at-home abdominal blitz before you hit the road. Do each exercise to failure before moving on to the next without resting in between. Take a one minute rest only after all the exercises have been performed.
Reverse Crunch Standard Crunch Double Crunch Plank --Rest and repeat as many times in 15 minutes
>> We start the workout with the reverse crunch which targets the lower abs, since for many of us, the lower abs are our weakest part of the midsection. However, because we're working with just bodyweight, feel free to mix the order up as you see fit. And if you try this workout along with other bodyparts, make sure to do this after your other bodypart moves. Reason being, you want your abs/core fresh to stabilize your body throughout a typical workout. Then you can move on to work your abs and train to fatigue.