Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Life is a Subhead
"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." --1 John 2:6
Subheads are critical. Ever had to write one? Well, over the years, Eric and I have agonized over our share. For those who may not know, a subhead is that little, tiny sentence under the title of an article, short story, book or manuscript. It's more than the summary sentence and greater than any synopsis. Extract the root of a 10,000-word body of writing and distill it down to one pivotal, all-encompassing core phrase, and there's the subhead. In fact, every one of those 10,000 words -- every paragraph or sidebar -- is subject to it. And above that, it can make the difference between someone reading more or leaving the store. Make no mistake, although it's short and sweet, it's powerful and nothing means more to the author than someone being drawn to the story.
Our lives are subheads in a way. I remember as the fitness editor for magazines, my purpose was to help people shape their bodies, but I wanted my words to help shape souls. I wanted a different subhead. And I'm grateful you're reading it.
The office worker who refuses to gossip, that's a subhead. The cashier at the supermarket who -- after standing on her feet 12 hours -- still asks, "How are you?" and means it, that's a subhead. The second string athlete who out-hustles the starter -- subhead. What's yours? Are you a teacher, lawyer, assistant, stay-at-home mom or dad? Friends, we have the honor and privilege to agonize over our daily subheads, constantly rewriting and revising to get it right. Why? Simple. Someone reading us may choose to turn the page. Our lives are short and sweet, but they're powerful and nothing means more to the Author than someone being drawn to His story.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: As many of you already know, the last thing we want you to be known for is your body. Good health, poor health...it's how we serve God, family and others with our bodies that matters most. How can your heart towards health help write your subhead? Please share your thoughts below.
ALLEVIATE BACK PAIN, BOLSTER CORE STRENGTH
Yesterday, we introduced you to Holy Yoga founder Brooke Boon, her love for the Lord and how her calling has helped people all over the world meet the Lord through movement. Today, we give you the same opportunity with a quick lesson on one of her most foundational poses: downward facing dog. This pose can help to alleviate back pain, bolster core strength and relieve tension in minutes. Brooke breaks it down for you, step-by-step, to help you get it right.
>> Click here to learn the pose.
BE A PART OF THE 2014 PRAYFIT TOUR
2014 is booking up! We are so excited that more and more churches are welcoming our unchanging message; one of stewardship, of faith, of humility, of endurance. The team is actively booking April and May events! Reach out to us at [email protected] for more details. As always, for churches and other non-profit events there is never a speaking fee. Talk to your pastors and leaders. Reach out to us and let's see health as a means of praise, together.
Yes, I'm Still Listening
Working and writing from home, I tend to keep the place filled with music. When I'm reflective, I've been known to go a little old-school (ya know, 90's Christian). If I'm researching, it's classical Beethoven or Tchaikovsky. For me, music just seems to help me focus on the mission at hand. One of the programs I often use is Pandora, a free music service that serves up all my favorites. I can create channels with my favorite genre, artists and songs. Before I know it, I've written volumes.
However, and some of you may be familiar with this, if you listen to Pandora long enough, it goes quiet, completely silent. If I'm consumed by a topic, deep in thought or finishing a paragraph, I may not actually notice it right away. But after a few minutes, when you finally click on it, a simple question appears: Are You Still Listening? That question always makes me pause. I like that it gives me the opportunity to click the button that says, Yes, I'm still listening.
Many of us have the week planned. The necessary routine is pretty much set. But as we schedule excellence each day, let's not forget to plan those precious moments alone with the Lord. We need to take our Bibles, read a passage, talk to Him, and listen to Him. We need to hit our knees and give Him our undivided attention. Because from the moment our little feet hit the floor, our lives are filled with so much noise. Indeed, from social media to social demands, life is a non-stop soundtrack. But in truth, some of it -- much of it -- should really only be background noise for the God-given mission at hand. Through it all, let's be sure to watch and listen for the question. It's a question that's always being asked. And when the moment comes, when the noise finally goes away, just take a deep breath and sigh, close your eyes, smile and say, "Yes, Lord. Yes, I'm still listening."
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: Much like our physical muscle, spiritual muscle can atrophy. Our hearts need to be trained. However, most of the time, silence needs to be planned. Are you having quiet times? Are you being as disciplined about that aspect of life as you are about your workout? Let this week be that kind of week. Who's in?
Team PrayFit Heads to Baylor: PrayFit founders Jimmy and Loretta Peña head to Baylor University later this week. As special guests of faculty, Jimmy and Loretta will be attending the Baylor vs. Oklahoma football game on Thursday night, gratefully watching the action from the President's Box. Jimmy has also been asked to speak to a few classes in both the Health and Human Performance and Religion departments. More details to come, but please be praying for their trip and the his message to students.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Morgan's Apple & Raisin Salad
Song of Songs says, "Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples." This fall recipe from newly-minted PrayFit contributor Kimberlee Bush does just that. Crunchy, crispy, tangy and -- wait for it -- healthy. The best part? This recipe was developed with the input of a four-year-old. True story.
Life is a Subhead
"Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did." --1 John 2:6
Subheads are critical. Ever had to write one? Well, over the years, Eric and I have agonized over our share. For those who may not know, a subhead is that little, tiny sentence under the title of an article, short story, book or manuscript. It's more than the summary sentence and greater than any synopsis. Extract the root of a 10,000-word body of writing and distill it down to one pivotal, all-encompassing core phrase, and there's the subhead. In fact, every one of those 10,000 words -- every paragraph or sidebar -- is subject to it. And above that, it can make the difference between someone reading more or leaving the store. Make no mistake, although it's short and sweet, it's powerful and nothing means more to the author than someone being drawn to the story.
Our lives are subheads in a way. I remember as the fitness editor for magazines, my purpose was to help people shape their bodies, but I wanted my words to help shape souls. I wanted a different subhead. And I'm grateful you're reading it.
The office worker who refuses to gossip, that's a subhead. The cashier at the supermarket who -- after standing on her feet 12 hours -- still asks, "How are you?" and means it, that's a subhead. The second string athlete who out-hustles the starter -- subhead. What's yours? Are you a teacher, lawyer, assistant, stay-at-home mom or dad? Friends, we have the honor and privilege to agonize over our daily subheads, constantly rewriting and revising to get it right. Why? Simple. Someone reading us may choose to turn the page. Our lives are short and sweet, but they're powerful and nothing means more to the Author than someone being drawn to His story.
--Jimmy Peña
For Discussion: As many of you already know, the last thing we want you to be known for is your body. Good health, poor health, it's how we serve God, family and others with our bodies that matters most. How can your health help write your subhead? Are your decisions for an active, abundant life fueling your God-given purpose or do you need to make some adjustments in this area of stewardship? Please share your thoughts below.
FEATURED EXERCISE: THE JUMP SQUAT
Stand with both hands directly in front of you, knees slightly bent with roughly a shoulder-width stance. Keeping your chest up and back flat, squat down until your thighs approach parallel with the floor then explode upward as high as possible, allowing your feet to leave the ground. Land on soft feet with your knees bent and repeat immediately.
>> VIEW MORE EXERCISE DESCRIPTIONS
He Put It In Writing
"Love one another." --John 13:34
Read: John 13
If you couldn't find me yesterday, chances are good that I was busy at the Hallmark store. You know, it's tough to find a card with the right words. Most of them don't even come close to saying what I would actually say. Like many a husband, I waited 'til the last minute to find the one thing that matters most to my wife: the card. (See, today is her birthday).
Sure, I could come home with chocolate, flowers and diamonds, but if I were to forget the card, I may as well have forgotten her name. If I've learned anything after 17 years it's that jewelry may reach her hand, but words find her heart. And her reaction says it all.
Friends, God gave us the world, but He didn't stop there. No, He didn't want the world to be the closest we get to Heaven, so He said exactly what He meant and put it in writing. And what matters most to Him -- our reaction -- well, that says it all.
--Jimmy Peña
P.S. By the way, I never did find the right card yesterday. But as it turns out, they make some that are blank inside... GET IN ON THE DISCUSSION Read, comment or start your own string in our online community
WORKOUT JOURNALS >> Eric Gonzalez: 35-year-old dad getting back on track
>> Momof2darlings: How one mother insists on getting healthier...NOW
FAITH >> Peter Ryan: Desperate and in need of some spiritual guidance
>> Prayer Requests: List your needs, or just pray for others
FITNESS >> Morning Exercise: How do you get motivated for early training?
BECOME A MEMBER: Not yet a member of our forums? Click here to get started.
A LOVE NOTE
August 19, 2011Read: John 13
"Love one another." -- John 13:34
If you can't seem to find me today, chances are good that I'm still at the Hallmark store. Like many a husband, I waited till the last minute to find the one thing that matters most to my wife: a card. (See, today is our anniversary).
Sure, I could come home tonight with chocolate, flowers and diamonds, but if I were to forget the card -- I may as well have forgotten her name. If I've learned anything after 16 years it's that jewelry may reach her hand, but words find her heart. Her reaction says it all.
Friends, God gave us the world, but He didn't stop there. No, He didn't want the world to be the closest we get to Heaven, so He put His love in writing. And what matters most to Him - our reaction - says it all.
--J.P.
WEEK IN REVIEW A short stroll down Memory Lane for the fit and faithful
>> NETWORK: Single clicks to PrayFit's online communities
>> RECIPE: Get quick protein with tuna or chicken salad pockets
>> VITAMINS: What is the most overlooked vitamin in the fight against obesity?
A LOVE NOTE
February 15, 2011Read: John 13
"A new command I give you: Love one another." -- John 13:34
If you looked for me yesterday, you needed only to check the Hallmark store. Like many a husband, I waited to the last moment to find the one thing that matters most to my wife: a card.
Sure, I could come home with chocolate, flowers and diamonds, but if I were to forget the card, I might as well have forgotten her name. See, jewelry reaches her hand, but words find her heart. And her reaction says it all.
God gave, and He could have stopped at the world, but didn't. He put His love in writing. And to Him...our reaction says it all.
--J.P.
KNOW SQUAT
This week's workout -- Legs in 10 -- revolves around various versions of the squat. That's because this multi-joint move, which includes action at your hips, knees and ankles, is central to nearly every activity that we perform on a daily basis both in the gym and out. Done properly, the squat uses a tremendous amount of muscle, meaning that strength gains -- and fat loss -- are sure to follow. Familiarize yourself with the basics of the bodyweight squat to start changing your body from the legs up.
Bodyweight Squat | Focus: Quadriceps, glutes, hamstrings, lower back | (VIDEO)
Stand with your feet about shoulder-width apart, a light bend in your knees and your toes turned out slightly. Keeping your head neutral, abs tight and torso erect, bend at the knees and hips to slowly lower your body as if you were going to sit down in a chair. Pause when your legs reach a 90-degree angle, then forcefully drive through your heels, extending at your hips and knees until you arrive at the standing position.