Since 2009
THE PRAYFIT DEVOTION
Misfits Seldom Do
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." --1 Corinthians 1:27
Read: 1 Corinthians 1
If he were your neighbor, you'd move. If choosing teams, he'd be the one last picked. Without a doubt, on the island of misfits he'd be king. But he didn't care. More bold than beautiful, John knew the act to follow was really the act to follow. So he used whatever God gave him to get his message across to a world in need.
Friends, our bodies are merely tools. In the end, they simply get us from life's A to B. But our short trip was so important that Jesus made His. So this week, let's add how we eat and exercise to the list of strange ways God makes Himself known to those around us. Will you be popular? Maybe not. Regarded or rewarded? It's doubtful. But then again, the only attention that's really important is the attention you're paying to the body God designed for you. So go ahead. Be the last one standing. In a world that disregards the body as a means of praise, you'll be in good company when you don't fit in. Misfits seldom do.
--Jimmy Peña
THE POWER OF THE JOURNAL
Keeping a consistent workout journal is one of the best ways to keep yourself accountable. Here are some of the key things to note in your daily journal:
1 Exercises, sets and reps: Consider this the workout blueprint. Jotting all this down is a good way to ensure that your workouts have structure and that you have a clear plan of what work there is to get done each day.
2 Weight used: Whether it's your own bodyweight or a heavy barbell, keeping track of the resistance you're using serves as a mental note to consistently add more. Whether your trying to add muscle or just get stronger, gradual increases in weight are crucial.
3 Rest periods: How long did you take between sets? The shorter the rest periods, the more intense the workout. If you are lifting heavier, then longer rest periods may be helpful. In either case, keep a careful eye on the clock between sets.
4 Intensity techniques: Did you use drop sets today? Did you have your spotter help you through a few forced reps? Knowing which intensity techniques you're using to make your workouts more challenging will help you continue making gains. Knowing when and how often you're pushing it will also help you keep from overtraining.
>> What else do you keep track of in your journal? Let us know in the comments below, or on the PrayFit forums today.
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THE ACT TO FOLLOW
June 22, 2011Read: Luke 3
“…one is coming who is more powerful than I, and I’m not worthy to untie his sandal straps.” –Luke 3:16
Sitting in a music studio recently, I had the unique privilege of listening to a young, talented band who opens the show for another very popular group of musicians. Their task is simple: set the stage and prepare the audience for the main attraction. You know, something tells me John the Baptist would understand their job. It’s a role he played until the day he died.
Sitting there listening to them, I got to thinking about John; what he said, how he acted. But I think of all his many traits, his best quality was knowing it wasn’t his show; that the act to follow was really the act to follow.
Yes indeed, John showed us that our primary job is to invite a crowd, pull back the curtain and get out of the way.
–J.P.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Arugula Pesto
Enliven your pasta repertoire with this healthier summer sauce from PrayFit and Food Network contributor Dana Angelo White
Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients: 3 cups fresh arugula 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts Juice and zest of a lemon 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/2 teaspoon each kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Combine arugula, garlic, pine nuts, lemon juice, zest, salt and pepper in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Pulse until smooth. With the machine on, slowly pour in olive oil. Blend until smooth. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to one week.
Nutrition Info (per tablespoon):
Calories: 76 Total Fat: 8 grams Saturated Fat: 1 gram Total Carbohydrate: 1 gram Protein: 0 gram Sodium: 36 milligrams Cholesterol: 0 milligrams Fiber: 0 grams