The Gospel of Peace

"..and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace." --Ephesians 6:15

Read: Ephesians 6

We've all been fitted for shoes at one time or another, and if you're flat-footed like me, you know immediately whether a shoe is gonna work or not. As kids, it was important for them to measure our feet with that little foot-measuring thing, remember? But it wasn't until your mom or dad found your big toe and you walked around a little that you and everyone else had a peace about them. A peace? Well, walk with me.

Consider the athlete. Most major sports -- from baseball, basketball to football -- have shoes that fit the game. It's simple, right? The athlete needs to be sure-footed for the surface. Sure-footed. At peace. Think of a golfer swinging a club on slick wet grass or a sprinter getting into the blocks. There's a peace in knowing you're firmly planted.

Consider Paul. When he described the full armor of God, he didn't forget the feet. In biblical times, Roman sandals had thick spikes on the soles to ensure that the warrior was grounded, anchored, and less likely to slip. It's no wonder Paul urged for our feet to be "fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace."

Wow. Athletes wear the shoe that best meets the needs of their sport. Ancient warriors dressed for battle. Amazing to think that for every believer, one shoe fits. So let's just consider God fitting His children with the gospel of peace. Peace...from head to (big) toe.

--Jimmy Peña

NUTRITION OVERHAUL IN 8 EASY STEPS

Eight steps. Finding your body's ideal weight is that easy. No miracle pills, no back-breaking deprivation -- cleaner, more sensible eating can be boiled down to these easy strategies.

>> 8 WAYS TO EAT BETTER...FOREVER

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GUARDIAN OF YOUR HEALTH

August 4, 2011Read: Philippians 4

"And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." --Philippians 4:7

We are capable defenders. We put locks on our doors at home and security systems in our cars. We spam proof our e-mails and put passwords on our phones. We stand at the gates of the most important elements in life.

But when it comes to health, we're much less protective. Although we're armed with knowledge, that guard is fast asleep outside our door. We've offered diabetes, heart disease, and obesity the keys to their favorite rooms as they check in, and we validate with shortened lives and lost limbs.

But folks, we are capable defenders. When God said to honor our bodies, we became guardians of health. Our eternity is His responsibility; we can't earn it. Fortunately for us, He put us in charge of something that requires our effort.

--J.P.

DID YOU KNOW? >> For the first time in history, the overweight outnumber the malnourished. (Source: "Sugar Nation" by Jeff O'Connell)

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PEACE IN KNOWING

October 27, 2010Read: Romans 8

“No, in all these things we’ve been made more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” --Romans 8:37

Loretta and I don’t watch a lot of TV, but we have our share of shows, one of our favorites being The Apprentice. A couple months ago, we watched the season finale with millions of other devoted viewers. But unlike most weeks, Loretta sat uncharacteristically calm throughout the show. I, on the other hand, shifted in my seat and talked to the television. After almost two hours of nail-biting suspense, I began to be more intrigued with Loretta’s demeanor than I was Donald’s decision. Then it hit me. She checked the internet. She already knew who won.

So with about 10 minutes left in the show, I curiously asked, “Babe…um, so who won?” She got the biggest grin. She explained she just couldn’t stand the suspense, but because she knew the outcome, she was able to relax and enjoy the show.

As believers, the reality is, we’re Heaven bound. I say we do less shifting in our seats and be more like Loretta; enjoying the show of life as those who know who wins in the end.

–J.P.

5 WAYS TO SURVIVE THE HALLOWEEN SUGAR BINGE Avoid doing too much damage with these tips from PrayFit nutritionist Dana Angelo White

1. Say No To Super Sticky Taffy, gummies and other sticky candies can cement themselves to your teeth. This combo of stiff and sticky can damage teeth, cause cavities, and ruin orthodontic work, turning them into an expensive dental bill instead of a one-night treat.

2. Pass On Powdery Messes Sticks and packets filled with colored powders are tremendously popular with kids (and some adults!). They’re nothing but mouthfuls of colored sugar, which makes them among the worst for teeth — the tiny particles get into every nook and cranny! And you’ve got to wonder: are all those neon-colored artificial colors safe?

3. Forget About Full Sizes An average full-size candy bar will set you back 300 calories. “Fun size” bars come in closer to 80 calories per piece. Stick to mini bars and packages for built-in portion control.

4. Ditch the Dare-Devil Candy Excessively hot, sour, or bizarre-flavored candies (earwax-flavored jelly beans, anyone?) are more trick than treat. These types of extreme candies can be dangerous for the mouth, throat, stomach and digestive system.

5. Super-Sized Chewies Those super-sized gumballs, hard candies and gummies are notorious choking hazards. We suggest making them scarce, particularly if you have children.

Since giving out apples to trick-or-treaters will never be popular, try some of these healthier options: Chocolate or yogurt covered raisins Cocoa-dusted almonds Trail mix with chocolate chips (For the older kids) Sugar-free bubble gum

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. Get the rest of her spook-tacular tips here.