NO OTHER WORD FOR GRACE

October 27, 2011Read: Romans 6

"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our lord." --Romans 6:23

Before high-tech ventilation systems, coal miners used to send a caged canary down into the mine to help detect dangerous and lethal fumes. As long as the canary kept singing, the coast was clear. Silence however meant danger and the nearest way out.

We don't have canaries leading us each day, but we do have the Holy Spirit. We hear His warning and sense his guidance. It's when we disregard Him that we end up in the dark, in deep trouble or in dire need of an exit.

But thankfully, God never lets go of us. Our fall will never exceed His grasp. Like Mom used to sing, "There's no other word for grace, but amazing."

Lord, we love you. Thank you for your daily, amazing grace. And thank you for your Spirit that leads us and guides us. Where would we be without you? Amen.

--J.P.

P.S Lord, be with my mom right now. Please heal her; protect her. Whisper to her that I love her. Amen. And if you want us and others to pray specifically for your mom, just let us know in the comments below. Just say, "My Mom" and we will.

EGGS FOR MUSCLE How did the incredible egg earn its nickname?

Many of you may think that eggs are just a simple breakfast food — something that’s been on your plate every morning since you can remember. But it is so much more, particularly if you’re looking to gain muscle, says Jim Stoppani, PhD, co-author of “PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days”(Regal Books). Researchers found that subjects who ate three whole eggs per day gained twice as much muscle in 12 weeks as those who only had one egg per day.

EGG FACTS: One whole egg contains 72 calories, 6 grams of protein, 0 grams of carbohydrate and 5 grams of fat. But don’t worry — about 80% of that fat is monounsaturated and saturated fat, which actually aids in the muscle-building process.

Source: www.jimstoppani.com

TEMP HOUSING

May 16, 2011Read: 2 Corinthians 4

"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, and what is unseen is eternal." --2 Corinthians 4:18

During a recent book tour and business trip, I spent a couple weeks with an important client who was gracious to put me up in a very nice condo for my visit. But, despite my short stay, anyone who knows me knows I don't travel well, and the more like home I can make things, the better. So Loretta sent me with my favorite movies, books, my pillow...basically, anything from home I could fit in my carry-on, I took.

But no matter how much I tried, that condo still felt foreign. Despite what I dressed it up with, it was nothing more than temp housing. Nonetheless, I kept it as clean as possible during my stay simply because of the client I represented.

You know, there's a reason why this world feels foreign, and these bodies like temp housing: they are. But because of who we represent, the best we can do is take care of them during our short stay. We'll be home soon enough.

--J.P.

WORKOUT OF THE WEEK: Push-Ups and Planks

If you're short on time, but long on enthusiasm, today's workout will meet both needs. No equipment required -- all you need is some open space and 5-10 minutes. Even if you had other plans for the day's workout, indulge us and give it a try anyway.

Plyo Push-Up: Akin to a normal push-up, this version requires you to have your hands leave the ground on each rep. The plyo push-up stimulates and innervates the fast-twitch fibers (the ones most responsible for tight, toned muscles). Upon failure -- the point at which you can no longer continue with good form -- go right into the...

Standard Push-Up: Do as many as you can. The push-up works the chest, front shoulders and triceps, not to mention your core musculature. Upon failure move right into a...

Straight-arm Plank: Basically, you're in the start of a push-up position with your arms straight, palms pressing into the floor, back straight and abs tight. Hold that position for as long as possible. When your arms begin to shake and fail, lower yourself to your elbows and begin the...

Standard Plank: Hold that position above the floor until failure. Like the straight-arm version, the plank works the innermost core muscles (transverse abdominis), the muscles that support your spine and ultimately your entire body.

After a brief rest, repeat that sequence. Chart your reps (or total time) for each exercise and strive to do better the next time you try this workout.

>> PRAYFIT IN PRINT: Looking for a great way to get your faith and health back on track? “PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and a Stronger Faith in 28 Days” includes two 28-day, at-home workout programs, detailed meal plans and daily inspiration to nourish your faith. Find out what Tyler Perry, LL Cool J, Mario Lopez and so many more are talking about!

>> SHARE: Help us get others on board with this whole “faith and fitness” thing. Use the “Recommend,” “Tweet,” “E-Mail” and “Share” buttons at the top of each day’s entry to get your social network in the know about PrayFit. Also, you can “like” us, “follow” us or “watch” us by clicking the Facebook, Twitter and YouTube icons at the bottom of each page.

HEAR MY VOICE

January 6, 2011Read: John 10

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow." --John 10:27

By now you've undoubtedly heard about the homeless man with the golden voice. Remarkable story. Ten years homeless, cardboard sign in hand, Ted begged for money, for food -- and to be heard. "If they would only listen to me," he probably thought. He even wrote it down. But the days passed as often as the cars. "See me, hear me." Finally, someone did. Ted's world will never be the same.

Reminds me of another homeless wanderer with something to say to anyone willing to listen. He had his message written down too. Only, when someone stopped to listen, He ended up changing their world.

Have you heard His voice?

--J.P.

PRAYFIT GOES NATIONAL

Hundreds of website entries, countless hours of prayer and over two years of toil come to fruition today (Thursday, Jan. 6) with the official, nationwide debut of "PrayFit: Your Guide to a Healthy Body and Stronger Faith in 28 Days" (Regal Books). The book features two, 28-day devotionals, daily exercise prescriptions, meal plans, healthy living tips and more that can benefit readers of all ages and fitness levels -- regardless of where they are on their walk. It is only through the support of the PrayFit community that this day is finally upon us. Thank you and blessings!

>> To pick up a copy for yourself or a friend, visit Barnes & Noble or Amazon today!

Supporters for PrayFit are weighing in...

“Jimmy Pena is one of the most knowledgeable fitness writers I know. He’s one of our nation’s leading fitness resources. Respect.”

–LL Cool J, entertainer

“This exciting devotional will enable you to live out the Scripture which says to ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength! (Mark 12:30 NIV)’” -Josh Hamilton, Texas Rangers, 2010 American League Most Valuable Player

“Not only is Jimmy Pena one of my best friends, but whenever I want to get dialed-in for a role or photo shoot, he’s my only call. And I love starting my day at PrayFit.com, building spiritual and physical muscle. A one-of-a-kind concept from the best in the business.”

–Mario Lopez, host, EXTRA

“PrayFit is my daily dose of inspiration — both physically and spiritually — from my favorite fitness guru, Jimmy Pena. He is so well versed in faith and fitness that there’s no one else I’d rather have in my corner.”

–Rachel Cannon, actress and yoga instructor

“Being a big believer in Jesus Christ, PrayFit gets me on track to start my day of in the right direction.  In boxing there is no room for error. You have to be not only be physically prepared but spiritually strong as well.”

–Robert “The Ghost” Guerrero, 3-Time Boxing World Champion

“PrayFit focuses on the importance of a balanced life – a life committed to both physical and spiritual nourishment. One that flourishes when faith and fitness intersect.”

–Curtis Martin, 5-time NFL Pro Bowler