We Can Take It

"We are well able to conquer it." --Numbers 13:30

Read: Numbers 13

Of the twelve spies to survey the promised land, the Bible says that only two came back positive that they'd be victorious with God's help. Two dream chasers. Two true believers. When everyone else was negative, these two were wide-eyed and hopeful. We can take it, they said. (You know how I am with a good theme.) Well, this week we're going to take a look at Joshua and Caleb and what it meant for them to stay faithful and true to what God had called them to do. Their story of courage is both spiritual and physical and one that I know we'll be able to apply to our daily lives. I hope you don't miss a day.

Speaking of chasing a dream, I'd like to show you something special. You'll recall way back in early January my #OneWord? Well, over the last few months, Loretta and I have been in discussions about something God placed on our hearts: A PrayFit Conference. An event that celebrates health with speakers, experts, preachers, an expo, food and music. A place where grace meets health and where faith and fitness collide. I'm too excited not to share this. We have approved the logo and have decided upon the city and month: Los Angeles in September will host PrayFit RISE.

I can't articulate what it means for me to be able to show you this logo. Suffice it to say that when God puts a dream in your heart, you fight for it. Thank you for the inspiration, Joshua and Caleb. Oh how we want to apply your kind of faith and courage in our lives. We can take it.

Have a good week, dreamers.

--Jimmy Peña

HEALTHY MOTIVATIONS FOR THE WEEK

Ahhh, Mondays. The good news is that each Monday can mark a renewal of health -- a time when we can recommit to eating better and moving more. Let's focus on the good news with these quick tips to keep us on the right path.

1 FOCUS ON DOING...MORE What's your activity of choice? Walking? Swimming laps? Dance? Lifting weights? Riding your bike? All good choices. But don't let yourself slip into the same old routine this week. Focus on doing a bit more to challenge your body. Go a little farther or a little faster. Take that extra lap or ride that extra mile. Add 1-2 reps to each set with the same weight, or add a few pounds to the bar. As Jimmy always reminds us, "The body will only change to the level at which we stress it." This week, add a little "stress" and watch your body respond in kind.

2 FOCUS ON FOOD TYPES Most of us fall into two camps when it comes to nutrition: counting calories or not caring about calories at all. Neither group is really right, but neither is really wrong either. Instead of focusing on quantity this week, shift your focus to quality. Getting a healthy mix of protein, carbs and healthy fats at each meal and snack will be far more valuable in the long run. Studies show that a balanced, 33-33-33 macronutrient (protein, carbs and fat) ratio can yield more positive health markers than other types of "diets." It also keeps you feeling fuller and provides plenty of activity for "doing more" this week (see tip No. 1).

3 FOCUS ON YOUR "WHY" The PrayFit team has been a part of a lot of "how to" when it comes to fitness. "The how is easy," Jimmy says. "The how can only take you so far. It's the why that is going to keep you that way." In other words, ask yourself each day why you are making an effort for better health. It could be your spouse, your friends or coworkers. It could be something as simple as the promise of walking your daughter down the aisle. Or maybe it's your recognition in the importance of better stewardship of the body you've been gifted. Whatever the case, remind yourself of your "why" each day -- set yourself a reminder, hang a Post-It, jot it in your journal or, if you're feeling bold, share it with us here.

THE PRICE OF HEAVEN

May 31, 2011Read: 1 Corinthians 7

"You were bought with a price." --1 Corinthians 7:23

Yesterday on Memorial Day, my wife and I found our way to an outdoor mall. And as is typical of me, when she decides to go inside a shop, I stand at the outer marker. It's almost like a Field of Dreams moment with Kevin Costner, where if the kid steps off the field, he can't go back. Yeah, that's me at malls.

So there I was, window shopping, shielding the glare from my eyes as I stood close to the glass. Curious, I looked up and saw that everything in the store was 25 bucks. Each item as different as the next was of equal value; each could be bought with one price.

You know, all of us are equal in God's eyes, and we have no idea what all Heaven has in store. But we do know that it was bought with one price.  And since something already paid for is a gift, all we have to do is receive it. Window shopping at the outer marker won't cut it -- yet one step of faith will make all our field of dreams come true.

--J.P.

HOW'S YOUR TRAINING JOURNAL? Add a splash of accountability to your training

If you're new to PrayFit, please get used to us talking about logging workouts and tracking progress. One of our core values is the idea of progression. Simply put, the body will change according to the level at which you stress it. And one of the basic and yet most critical ways to determine progress is to "keep score" by keeping a journal of performance.

No matter what you choose to do to keep fit -- run, bike, swim, lift, etc. -- start tracking how well your workouts are going so you can improve upon or augment your training from one week to the next. We have forums for you to use or you can use a simple diary, but by all means, jot it all down.

>> CLICK HERE TO START A PRAYFIT WORKOUT JOURNAL

Featured Journals:

PrayFit El Paso: Group accountability in Texas

MelodyCurtis: PrayFit newbie ready to start

Lindsey: Weeks in, seeing progress

>> CLICK HERE FOR SOME TIPS FROM THE FOUNDER ON GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DAILY PRAYFIT VISITS.

THE PRICE OF HEAVEN

July 29, 2010Read: 1 Corinthians "You were bought with a price." --1 Corinthians 7:23

A few days ago, my wife and I made our way to the mall. And as is typical of me, when she decides to go inside a shop, I stand at the outer marker. It's almost like a Field of Dreams moment with Kevin Costner, where if the kid steps off the field, he can't go back. Yeah, that's me at malls.

So there I was, window shopping, shielding the glare from my eyes as I stood close to the glass. Curious, I looked up and saw that everything in the store was ten bucks. Each item as different as the next was of equal value; each could be bought with one price.

You know, all of us are equal in God's eyes, and we have no idea what all Heaven has in store. But we do know that it was bought with one price.  And since something already paid for is a gift, all we have to do is receive it. Window shopping at the outer marker won't cut it -- yet one step of faith will make all our field of dreams come true.

--J.P.

HOW'S YOUR TRAINING JOURNAL? Add a splash of accountability to your training

If you're new to PrayFit, please get used to us talking about logging workouts and tracking progress. One of our core values is the idea of progression. Simply put, the body will change according to the level at which you stress it. And one of the basic and yet most critical ways to determine progress is to "keep score" by keeping a journal of performance.

No matter what you choose to do to keep fit -- run, bike, swim, lift, etc. -- start tracking how well your workouts are going so you can improve upon or augment your training from one week to the next. We have forums for you to use or you can use a simple diary, but by all means, jot it all down.

>> CLICK HERE TO START A PRAYFIT WORKOUT JOURNAL.

(Not signed up for the forums yet? Click here.)

>> CLICK HERE FOR SOME TIPS FROM THE FOUNDER ON GETTING THE MOST OUT OF YOUR DAILY PRAYFIT VISITS.