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

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ROAD. WARRIOR.

November 3, 2011Read: Matthew 26

"Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, 'My father if it's possible, let this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.'" --Matthew 26:39

Getting ready to run a marathon is no easy task. From the packing and planning, to some unpacking and repacking, it becomes quite the endeavor. Work before work. And while I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent PrayFit at the 2011 New York City Marathon, I have one thing on my mind...one solitary vision and mission, and the reason I'm up for the fight: getting home. Even before I leave, I find that I'm already homesick and still in my living room.

I wonder if Jesus ever got homesick. I mean, if anyone had the right to miss where they were from, He did. But something kept him going. Someone kept him away. That something? Helplessness. That someone? You and me. Divine irony: Because he traveled, we'll get home.

--J.P.

Final Thought: Isn't He Amazing? He's not only leading the way, but he's been in our shoes. How else could we put one foot in front of the other?

NYC MARATHON FUN FACT

Whether you're an avid runner or not, it's hard to wrap your head around the feat: 26.2 miles. Consecutively. On foot. Yet over 40,000 distance running enthusiasts, including our own Jimmy Pena, will rumble through the streets of New York this weekend with that goal in mind. Most start at the sound of the gun simply hoping to finish. But for the world's elite marathoners, this weekend is about winning.

And while leads change plenty over 26.2 miles, the winner is often decided in the last mile or two. Rarely, however, is it decided in the final few meters. In 2005, Kenyan runner Paul Tergat out-kicked reigning champ Hendrick Ramaala of South Africa down the stretch to cross the tape first -- by one second. The thrilling finish was the closest in the history of the NYC Marathon, with Tergat posting a time of 2:09:29.90 to Ramaala's 2:09:30.22. Over 26 miles and victory came down to a second.

WHAT GIVES YOU STRENGTH?

November 2, 2010Read: Isaiah 40

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak." --Isaiah 40:29

I recently received some incredible shirts from my friend Alex who owns FUERZA, a San Diego-based clothing company. I think I've worn something with FUERZA on it every day this week. But to me, even better than the logo and the quality of clothing is their motto: "What gives you strength?" I've thought of that question for days.

Years ago, a younger and much stronger version of this balding writer would lay down on the bench or step into the squat rack like a warrior looking for a fight. With chalk flying, the belt so tight I couldn't breath, and spotters yelling all sorts of "encouragement", I'd whisper to myself these very words: "I'm saved. I'm loved. I can conquer this weight. Up and down, let's go. Let it build."

Some guys got mad when they trained, others tried to remember bad times to get motivated. But I just seemed strongest whenever I was able to blend faith with fear. That combination lit a fire inside my heart so hot that no amount of weight was too heavy for me (at least not too heavy to try).

Years later, I might not see the chalk fly anymore, but I do feel the weight of the world at times. The only thing missing is a warrior's attitude. So if I'm not whispering, "I'm saved. I'm loved, I can conquer this day", what am I thinking? When was the last time you asked yourself the same?

--J.P.

PRAYFIT RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Cheesy rice In need of some healthy fat and carbs? This week's recipe is just for you

Cheesy Rice Serves 6

Ingredients: 1 cup brown rice, dry 2 cups water 2 tablespoons canola oil 2 packets Latin spice mix seasoning (Goya Sazon recommended) 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 teaspoon red chili sauce (such as Sriracha Chili Sauce) ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 ½ cups frozen green peas ½ cup low fat shredded cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons chopped green onion 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions: In a 3-quart saucepan or dutch oven, combine rice and water. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat and simmer until rice is tender (about 30-35 minutes). In a small bowl combine canola oil, spice mix, lemon juice, chili sauce and salt; stir to combine and set aside. When the rice is cooked, add peas, canola oil mixture and cheese. Stir well to combine. Add green onion and cilantro, toss gently and serve.

Nutrition Info (per 2/3 cup serving): Calories: 189 Fat: 6 grams Saturated Fat: 1 gram Protein: 6 grams Carbohydrate: 27 grams Sodium: 95 milligrams Cholesterol: 2 milligrams Fiber: 2 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.