The Fit Christian Jan/Feb 2012

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PUBLISHER His Work Christian Publishing www.hisworkpub.com EDITOR Angela J. Willard Perez editor@fitchristian.com COLUMNISTS Chris Chapan Kids4Christ Dennis Ellingson The Herb Guy David Luther Through the Bible Spotlight diluther@cox.net Theresa Rowe Shaped by Faith tleerowe@aol.com Angela J. Willard Perez Scripture & Reflection editor@fitchristian.com

CONTRIBUTORS Family Features Chris Hambrecht (Em Doodles) Reverend Fun Chris Chapan ADVERTISING SALES 206.274.8474 ads@fitchristian.com For more info on ad rates visit www.fitchristian.com/advertise.html The Fit Christian Magazine www.fitchristian.com A publication of His Work Christian Publishing (www.hisworkpub.com) U.S.A.

© Copyright 2003-2012 The Fit Christian Magazine. A publication of His Work Christian Publishing.

All Rights Reserved. No part of the magazine may be copied and reprinted without the express written permission from the publisher.

Feel free to print the online edition of this magazine on your personal printer and pass it out at churches, gyms, to your friends and family, co-workers, and anyone else who would enjoy The Fit Christian Magazine. Permission is not given to print and bind the magazine professionally. If you wish to have a professionally printed and bound magazine please contact us or purchase from fitchristian.magcloud.com.

Featured Videos: Our video feeds are updated regularly to bring you how-to and step-by-step videos on cooking, living a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and more. Be sure to check our site weekly for the newest videos.

http://www.fitchristian.com/videos.html

Any views listed in articles or advertisements are not necessarily the views of The Fit Christian Magazine or His Work Christian Publishing or His Work Christian Ministries. The Fit Christian Magazine or His Work Christian Publishing will not be held responsible for any claims against writers, or advertisers in the magazine or on the Web site.

Nothing in the magazine is meant to replace the advice of a health professional. Please contact your health professional before starting any exercise or nutrition program.

To subscribe to the online magazine for free, visit www.fitchristian.com/subscribe.html Print editions are available at www.fitchristian.magcloud.com

On the cover: Bodybuilder Kimberly Cabello is in our Spotlight this issue–be sure to read her interview. Cover photo © Kimberly Cabello All Rights Reserved.

Used with permission.

Web Feeds: We have Web feeds bringing you articles on Food, Home & Lifestyle, and Lawn & Garden on our site. They are updated weekly each Monday morning.

Recipe Search: Search from thousands of recipes and find that perfect recipe for your next family meal.

Coming Soon: U We are developing an App so you can take The FC Mag with you on your mobile device!

UWe are working on a re-design of our Web site to increase your viewing and reading experience.

UWe are implementing a better digital version of our magazine–you’re gonna love it (we do)!

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | i

1 Small Changes for Better Health When it comes to health, making positive lifestyle changes is a goal for many people. But often times no matter how good the intentions, these changes only last a few weeks.

3 Medicare 2012 If you're new to the program or even if you're a seasoned Medicare veteran, here are six things you should know about the program heading into 2012.

5 Know the Glow:

20 Spotlight: Kimberly Cabello

Clues to Childhood Eye Disease Benjamin's pediatrician didn't find anything, but he sent them to a specialist who urged them to come in right away. They were stunned to learn he was legally blind in his left eye.

WRITE4US Contact the editor for details...

Kimberly Cabello is a Christian wife, a homeschooling mother of three, and a small business owner of an in-home holistic dog grooming salon as well as a bodybuilder. She started down the bodybuilding path, but was led away from some aspects of the sport as her spiritual strength grew. Now she is aware of the benefits of both forms of exercise.

Only Online‌ Articles Online: Game-Winning Dips and Healthy Tips Enjoy a game-day party and keep your resolutions on track

Look to the Past for a Healthier Future Following a diet that mimics the eating habits of the hunter-gatherers of the Paleolithic era is the concept behind the Paleo Diet.

Make Breakfast Part of Your New Year's Resolution The Southside of Morocco Smoothie

ii | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

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Departments

8 Kids4Christ Winter Winners Fitness Games | Winter Family Fun | Memory Verse | Word Search and more...

12 Food & Nutrition

22

12

14

11

Keep Resolutions While on the Go | Healthy, Hearty Comfort Food | Reconnect with Your Family Tonight

22 Exercise the Right Way Stay Motivated All Year--Fitness Tips | Choosing the Perfect Running Shoe

26 Spiritual Fitness Through the Bible: "Entering His Courts" | Scripture & Reflection: "Love, Honor & Obey" John 14: 15.

Columns

18 The Herb Guy God's Healing Herbs: Winter Has Come

23 Shaped by Faith

Fitness Events You can stay up-to-date on fitness events in your area by visiting these Web sites: Bodybuilding-Fitness-Figure Upcoming Events http://www.bodybuildbid.com/upcoming.html Natural Bodybuilding, Figure, and Fitness Contests http://www.naturalbodybuildingevents.com/month.html

Pilate's for the Soul Professional Natural Bodybuilding, Figure, and Fitness Competitions http://www.naturalbodybuildingevents.com/ProShows.htm To list your event here for free, email the information to

editor@fitchristian.com

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The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | iii

Greetings in Jesus!

With a new year comes new changes for not only me and my family but also for The Fit Christian magazine.

We have had to make changes, just slight, to the layout in order to adapt better to printing, including lightening the page count in rder to make the print costs lower for those who prefer a printed copy. And with the new layout, some new design changes were implemented. We are tweaking things a little here and there as we go.

To come are even more changes to the Web site, to the electronic format of the magazine, upcoming radio programming, and we even have apps in the making so you can take The FC mobile! And we are going back to bi-monthly issues instead of quarterly.

It’s going to be a great year!

a division of His Work Christian Publishing

Happy Reading!

Well things on the home front have been eventful since the last issue went out–traveling from Alaska to Washington, Arizona and New Mexico then back to Alaska; dealing with strep-throat and pneumonia (at the same time); packing and purging (mainly purging 10 years worth of “stuff”); saying goodbye to friends and family; then moving from Alaska to Florida. Yes, from one extreme in temperature to another–what is God thinking?

With all that going on, I had to forego the winter issue, but I am happy to be settled in our new location and getting back to work.

My eldest son Joshua, youngest son Chris and I all arrived in Key West, Florida one week before Christmas.

It has been a dramatic but absolutely fantastic change. I have been wanting to work full-time in ministry for a few years now and get the training I need to run my own someday, and viola! God has opened the doors to answered prayers in ways that I never imagined. I am so grateful.

It is such a blessing to be here with my boys (two of them anyway) and my fur babies. It is a blessing to walk out into sunshine every day instead of rain. My Vitamin D level is going up already–I can feel it! I’m looking toward to a brighter year (pun intended!).

iv | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

W

hen it comes to health, making positive lifestyle changes is a goal for many people. But often times no matter how good the intentions, these changes only last a few weeks.

Most people know what they need to do to improve their health - taking steps like making smart food choices and being more active. It's figuring out how to do these things and fitting these changes into the daily routine that can present the biggest challenges.

For example, if one goal is to lose Make a Plan To reach your goal, you need a plan. weight, ask yourself these questions to How do you get started? Take these help you shape your plan: steps: - Why haven't I made this change before? Example: I don't have time - Think about what is important to to go to an exercise class or a gym. your health. What are you willing and able to do?

- How can I work around what gets in the way? Example: I can do some- Decide what your goals are. What thing on my own that doesn't take changes do you want to make? much time and is low cost or free.

Choose one goal to work on first.

- Decide what steps will help you - What's my goal? Example: I want to exercise 30 minutes a day, at reach your goal. least 5 days a week.

- Pick one step to try this week.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help lower risk for developing a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes. Losing even 10 to 15 pounds - if you weigh 200 pounds can make a big difference in helping you prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have diabetes, these same changes can help keep your blood glucose and blood pressure on target to reduce your risk for diabetes complications. The National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) wants all Americans to know that learning how to make these positive lifestyle changes begins with making a plan to achieve your goals.

When it comes to better health, making lifestyle changes can be a family affair. For example, half an hour of moderate physical activity could be a fun hike with the kids.

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The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 1

- Here's what I need to get ready: ___________ Example: I need to

The tips below can help you cope:

- What might get in the way of making this change? Example: In bad weather, I won't want to walk outside. I can walk inside instead.

- Here's how I'll reward myself: ____________ Example: If I stick with my plans this week, I'll watch a movie.

It is hard work to make and sustain lifestyle changes. The healthy choice isn't always the easy one, but it is worth it. And with the right plan in place and support from family and friends, you can make healthy changes that will last a lifetime.

made an appointment with her doctor to discuss her family history of diabe-

take walking shoes to work and ask a friend to walk with me.

herself and for her family. So, she

Recognize that you are not alone.

Find time for yourself even when you are busy.

Connect with others–find support from family and friends.

Find balance in your life.

Juggling many roles and responsibilities can leave little time for you.

Ask your health care team for help if you are having difficulty coping with stress and negative feelings.

tes as well as to help her make a plan and set some goals to help her make healthy lifestyle changes.

To manage her weight, Latecia allows herself the foods she loves while controlling the portion she eats of each.

To eat a healthier diet, she fries less of the food she prepares; buys fewer processed foods that are high in fat and calories; and she no longer adds salt to the food she eats. To be more active, she and her family play football, dance, and go for walks together.

Latecia's Story: Making Healthy Changes as a Family, Not only is Latecia making those One Step at a Time

changes for herself, she's making sure her family - especially her kids - take

"When I decided to lose weight, my first those changes to heart in order to prestep was to get active," said Latecia vent the family history of diabetes from Turner, who is working to prevent type continuing in future generations.

When you are ready to create a plan for

2 diabetes by managing her weight. "I making changes in your life, visit made a plan to walk with my mother, to Watch a video of Latecia telling her NDEP's Diabetes HealthSense get out and play football with my story, in her own words, at (www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/HealthSe daughters, and to take regular bike rides www.YourDiabetesInfo.org/HealthSense. nse). You also can order or download with my husband." free resources to help you manage or

The U.S. Department of Health and

prevent diabetes by visiting the NDEP Because Latecia's mother has type 2 Human Services' National Diabetes Edwebsite at www.YourDiabetesInfo.org. diabetes, Latecia and her daughters ucation Program is jointly sponsored by have a greater risk of developing the the National Institutes of Health (NIH) disease. To prevent the disease, they are and the Centers for Disease Control and If you are living with a chronic disease working as a family to make lifestyle Prevention (CDC) with the support of Coping With Your Feelings

such as diabetes, it's common to feel changes.

more than 200 partner organizations.

overwhelmed, sad, or angry. If you are at risk for type 2 diabetes, you may also Latecia decided that managing her be struggling with taking steps to pre- weight, eating healthy, and becoming vent or delay the onset of the disease.

2 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

Courtesy Family Features:

more active were important goals for

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Photo courtesy of Getty Images

If you're new to the program or even if you're a seasoned Medicare veteran, here are six things you should know about the program heading into 2012.

M

edicare is different this year because of health care reform, and if you're not aware of how this important program has changed, pay attention.

depending on the service), after applicable premiums and deductibles.

Original Medicare also has no limits on the amount you could pay out of your own pocket for covered medical services each year. And, original Medicare does not cover the cost of most prescription drugs.

New and existing benefits to help Be aware of you fill in Medicare's gaps deductibles, People concerned about some of the co-insurance, gaps in original Medicare have the opout-of-pocket tion to enroll in insurance products reglimits and prescription drug costs ulated by the government but provided

If you're new to Medicare it's important to know that both parts of Original Medicare (A and B) have deductibles.

And, the Part A deductibles are not tied to a calendar year like they are with traditional health insurance. Instead, The Medicare program can be confusthey're tied to a 90-day benefit period, ing because of its many different parts, with some exceptions. supplemental coverage options and specific Medicare enrollment periods for The Medicare Part B benefit also indifferent products. All of these nuances cludes coinsurance after you meet your can make Medicare hard to understand deductible. With coinsurance, Medicare for new enrollees as well as for those pays a percentage of each bill and you who have been on the program for a pay the rest (between 20 and 45 percent, number of years.

by private companies. These are products designed specifically to fill some of the different gaps in Medicare. They include: Ÿ Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans, which cover the cost of most prescription drugs.

New Benefit: In 2012 part D recipients get a 14 percent discount on the cost of generic drugs when they reach Medicare's coverage gap, or "donut hole," on top of the 50 percent discount they got last year on

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The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 3

the cost of brand name drugs when they reach the donut hole. Ÿ Medicare Supplement plans, which cover portions of the deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs not covered by original Medicare. Ÿ Medicare Advantage plans, which bundle together the Part D drug benefit with some additional coverage for deductibles, coinsurance and out-of-pocket costs. New Benefit: Starting in 2011, health care reform requires all Medicare Advantage plans to have a maximum limit of $6,700 on how much a customer can pay out of their own pocket for medical services, excluding the cost of prescription drugs.

cation could be declined based on a The Affordable Care Act, (health care reform) requires a star rating system to review of your medical history. be used for Medicare Advantage plans, But, if you want to switch from a Sup- beginning in 2012. Plans get a rating of plement plan to an Advantage plan, the 1 to 5, with a 5 star rating equating to an AEP is a good time to make that switch. "Excellent Performance," and a 1 star rating equating to a "Poor Performance."

It's critical to compare drug covAccording to the Kaiser Family Founerage every year

PlanPrescriber.com, an Internet company that allows people to compare Medicare plans side-by-side and research benefits, drug prices and different coverage options, looked at 25,000 user sessions on its Website during the 2011 AEP (between November 15, 2010 and December 31, 2010). Customers entered their zip code, their existing Medicare prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage drug plan, and the names, dosages and frequency of any prescripEach type of supplemental coverage has tion drugs they were taking, if any. different guidelines for when you can enroll, change and cancel your cover- The site's prescription drug plan comage. parison tool found that, on average, a

dation, out of 523 plans nationwide in 2011, only three received an overall rating of 5, and seventy-four received an overall rating 4 or 4.5 stars.

Heading into 2012 the hope is that more plans will achieve this high 5 star rating.

If you're lucky enough to have access to a 5 star plan, consider it as an option for your coverage. One benefit of a 5 star plan is that you can enroll at any time, even outside of Medicare's annual enrollment period.

Make way for baby boomers qualifying for "Original Medicare" at user could save over $500 per year - age 65

There are new Medicare annual over $40 per month - by reviewing their This year, baby boomers begin turning enrollment dates options and changing their prescription 65, which means more people will be Most beneficiaries can change a Medicare Advantage plan or stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan once per year during Medicare's annual enrollment period (AEP). The dates for AEP changed this year, and run from October 15 to December 7 in 2011.

drug plan.

enrolling in the basic benefit than ever before, putting more stress and time But, averages don't tell the full story. In constraints on enrollment experts. a recent news article, a MarketWatch reporter compared the cost differences That, plus the new dates, means people for a single drug in one Georgia zip who wait until the last minute could be code and found that annual expenses putting themselves at risk. It's a good could range from $2,661 to $9,032, de- idea to make a plan and review your pending on which Medicare Advantage coverage for 2012 early. plan is chosen. If you want to review and research the different Medicare A great place to review and research the products available in your zip code, different Medicare products available in www.planprescriber.com is a great your zip code is place to start. www.planprescriber.com.

Medicare Supplement plans have an initial enrollment period, which occurs in the first 6 months after you enroll in Medicare Part B and are 65 or older.

During that time, you can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan and not be declined. But, if you try to enroll after the initial enrollment period, your appli- Get star power in 2012

See Medicare p7 4 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

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When Megan Webber downloaded family photos off her digital camera, she found the usual problems that need touching up some were too dark, some were a little grainy, and some needed a little redeye removal. Some of the pictures of her 5-year-old son, Benjamin, had a golden glow in his left eye.

Clues to childhood eye diseases could be hiding in plain sight

"Benjamin has always had a freckle in his left eye," said Megan, "so I thought the flash was just a difference due to the coloring of his eye and ignored it - I even did red-eye correction to remove it from photos." But when her sister noticed that same glow in some family vacation pictures she had taken, she gave Megan a concerned call.

"She said it was probably nothing. But she had seen on a television show that this could be a sign of a tumor in the eye and recommended I have him seen," said Megan.

Benjamin's pediatrician didn't find anything, but he sent them to a specialist who urged them to come in right away.

They were stunned to learn he was legally blind in his left eye.

"He'd never bumped into walls or rubbed his eyes - he'd even just passed the paddle eye test in the doctor's office," said Megan. "His left eye could not see a letter E the size of a full computer screen eight feet away."

Benjamin wears a patch one hour a day to help strengthen his eye.

Scans of his eye showed a white mass, which had been causing the reflection in the photograph. After testing and a tense few days, they discovered that Benjamin had Coats' Disease, a life-

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The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 5

Benjamin with his father Brian Webber in The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles

"We are amazed that something so simple, just the glow in a photo, was all that was needed to spot this disease," she said. "If there is a way through our family's experience we are able to get the message out about the glow, we are anxious to do so. We've created a campaign to raise awareness."

Photo courtesy of Getty Images and Know the Glow

A vision to help other children Megan said that she doesn't want any more parents to miss the signs of potentially life-threatening eye diseases.

sign before doctors will. Every child has had this screening process - all it takes is for parents to open up the photo album."

The Know the Glow campaign is com- The Web site, www. KnowTheGlow long disease that can damage the eye to bining the efforts of concerned individ- .org, has information on the diseases the point where eye removal is neces- uals, corporations and physicians who that can be indicated by the glow. "Had sary. are pioneers in the field of pediatric I known about the glow earlier, Dr. Lee could have saved more of Ben's vision," diseases of the eye.

Fortunately, Benjamin's problem was said Megan. "Knowing what it felt like caught early enough for treatment.

"I can't tell you how many kids come in to possibly face a fatal outcome and with advanced eye diseases; it's a trage- knowing that I ignored such a huge red "While Benjamin has had three eye sur- dy," said Dr. Tom Lee, director of the flag that was right there in front of me, geries, we were very lucky to have Retina Institute in The Vision Center at I don't want another parent to have to caught his disease in time," said Megan. Children's Hospital Los Angeles. "Par- suffer through that or another child to "Had it been more advanced Ben could ents don't realize they are an important needlessly lose their sight or their eyes have immediately lost his eye. We are part of the diagnosis. They will see this due to a lack of awareness of the glow!" so grateful to Dr. Tom Lee and the doctors at The Vision Center at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. Without Know the Facts the work that they do so many families Ÿ 1 in 80 children are at risk of getting The Glow. would not have access to the quality and Ÿ 80 percent of childhood blindness is preventable. caliber of care that is provided there."

Benjamin is doing well, and is a happy, thriving first-grader. "He wears protective Nike shatterproof glasses which the other kids think are pretty cool," said Megan. "The glasses are primarily to keep his unaffected eye safe, for without that eye he would be blind."

6 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

Ÿ 80 percent of Retinoblastoma and Coats' Disease cases are diagnosed initially by a parent through a photograph. Ÿ The Glow is an indicator of 15 eye diseases and cancers. Ÿ In some cases, The Glow can lead to the removal of the eye, blindness, and, in extreme cases, death.

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Disorders Related to the Glow

ly to a pediatric ophthalmologist for

Abnormalities perceived through the red diagnosis and treatment. reflex test can indicate several types of diseases, such as:

Retinoblastoma

Medicare cont…

2012 Medicare annual enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2011.

Retinoblastoma (reh-tin-oh-blast-oma)

New to Medicare?

1. Amblyopia

is a malignant cancer of early childhood

2. Cataract

that arises from immature retinal cells in

3. Choroidal

one or both eyes. Retinoblastoma can

4. Coats' Disease

start growing at any time before birth up

Many people who are new to Medicare may have to deal with the complexity of the program. Here are some basics:

5. Congenital Cataract

until about 3 years of age. Occasionally,

6. Coloboma

it is not detected until ages 7 or 8.

7. Norrie's Disease 8. PHPV

Coats' Disease

9. Refractive Error

Coats' disease is a rare eye disorder

10. Retinal Detachment

involving abnormal development of the

11. Retinal Dysplasia

blood vessels of the retina, which line

12. Retinopathy

of

Prematurity the interior chamber of the eye. As vari-

(ROP)

ous components of blood leak into the

13. Retinoblastoma

retina, fluid accumulates under the reti-

14. Strabismus

na. The result may be loss of vision,

15. Toxocariasis

particularly central vision, and detach-

16. Trauma

ment of the retina from other layers of the eye.

If you believe you have seen a glow, you should obtain a referral immediate-

Source: Know the Glow (Family Features)

Scan this code with your smartphone to watch a video with more of Benjamin's story, or visit http://bit.ly/EyeGlow.

Text GLOW to 90999 to donate $10.

Ÿ Medicare is comprised of four major programs: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Medicare Part A and Part B are often referred to as "Original Medicare."

There are also Medicare Supplement plans, which are designed as an alternative to Part C to fill gaps in Parts A and B. v Generally speaking, Part A covers in-patient hospitalization while Part B covers outpatient services and other medical care. v Part C denotes the "Medicare Advantage" program where private insurance companies deliver Medicare Part A, Part B and in most cases - Part D benefits to plan enrollees. v Part D is the Medicare prescription drug benefit that provides insurance coverage for medications. v Your circumstances determine when you can enroll in or change Part D and C plans.

Courtesy Family Features

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The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 7

Winter Winners Winter is a great time to think about getting or staying in shape. This is a series of games that can be played in a gym and the focus is on Winter fun! So instead of grabbing for the fruitcake try some fitness fun!

Warm-ups and Cool Down Roll and Say Hello!

Materials: Ball Children take turns greeting each other by rolling a ball. One child takes the ball and says Hello (child’s name) says something that they like about winter/ Christmas and then roll the ball to another child in the circle. The catcher then says good morning to someone else and rolls the ball to him. Make sure that everyone has had a turn. Ask which children have not had a turn by putting their thumb up. The game is completed when everyone has had a turn.

Winter Cross Country Limbo Materials: Stick such a pool noodle Have the teacher hold the stick at a comfortable height about waist high. Ask children to line up one side and find a way to under the stick without bumping it. Each time through, lower the stick a bit. Children will have a find a way to get low and go under.

© 2012

Chris C

hapan

for Th

e Fit C hristian

Have partners place a piece of crumbled up newspaper or snowflake on the floor. Ask the partners to pick up the paper using the body parts called out the teacher such as elbow-toelbow, foot-to-foot, knee-to-knee, forearm to elbow, foot and elbow, knee and elbow, forehead and back of hand, toe, and finger.

Imaginary Shoes Have kids act out what they would do if they were in particular fall shoes. Some shoes ideas can be ice skates, snowshoes, skis, shoes, and boots such as a cowboy, astronaut, and child in the snow.

Twelve Days of Fitness Students will act out the following fitness song. On the first day of fitness, my teacher gave to me.

12 Jumping Jacks 10 Knee Lifts 8 Jogs in Place 6 Kicks to the front 4 Jump ropes 2 Scissors

11 Raise the roofs 9 Side Stretches 7 Jabs and Punches 5 Hula Hoops 3 Muscle Poses 1 Stork Stand

Red Snowflake, Green Snowflake, Brown Snowflake, Yellow Snowflake

Hunt the Snowflake Materials: snowflake The players form a circle on the floor and one person is chosen to be “IT.” “IT” is in the middle of the circle and closes his eyes until the game begins. The other players pass a snowflake or another small object back and forth in the circle behind their backs. The object of the game is to have “IT” find out who has the snowflake. If the guess is right, the person with the snowflake becomes “IT.” This game teaches children to be quick, agile, and aware of their surroundings.

Two lines are established at opposite ends of the playing area.

One line is the goal line; the other is the starting line. One player is "“IT”" and stands on the goal line and closes his eyes.

When he calls “green snowflake,” players move toward him.

When he calls "red snowflake," he opens his eyes and all of the players must stop moving. Yellow snowflake means walk slow and brown means sprint. Any player who is caught in motion must return to the starting line. Players can continue moving if any color other than "red snowflake" is called. The suspense of the game occurs as the players wonder what color will be called and if they are free to move. The first player to

Anytime Games

reach the goal wins. The last one to reach the goal is “IT” for Snowflake Relief Materials: paper or fabric snowflake or such as a newspaper 8 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

the next game.

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Snowman, May I? This is similar to Mother May I? There is a goal line and a starting line, and the player who is "Snowman" stands at the goal line. The "Snowman" addresses one player at a time to "Take one giant step" or "Take 5 baby steps" or "Skip three steps,” etc. That player must remember to say, "Snowman, May I?" and wait for permission before he can advance. If the player forgets to ask permission first, he must return to the starting line. The Snowman then addresses another player on the line and continues until one player finally reaches the goal line. That player then becomes the "Snowman.” Listening and following directions is important in this game.

Drop the Snowflake Materials: Snowflake One player is designated “IT” and gets the handkerchief. The other players form a circle by holding hands. “IT” walks slowly around the outside of the circle and puts the snowflake behind one person. The person must chase “IT” and try to tag him before “IT” runs around the circle once and gets back to the person’s place. Alertness and using direction are great skills taught in this game.

Active Games Snowflake Collection Day Materials: hula-hoop and leaves and newspapers Put a hula-hoop in each corner of your play area. Have equal numbers of Snowflakes in each hula-hoop. Divide the kids into teams.

Each team stands by 'their' hula-hoop. This is their yard!

Instruct them to begin to throw their snowflakes in the other members’ yard. Each group has to empty their hula-hoop by carrying the snowflakes one per trip to another team's yard (hula-hoop). The snowflakes have to be put into the other team's yard. Tossing is acceptable if the beanbag lands in the hoop, if not they have to retrieve it from the fallen area and put it in the hula-hoop. Make sure team members watch where they are going, to avoid accidents running into the other team.

Count the number of snowflakes in each hoop at the end of the game. The team with the fewest snowflakes wins.

Snowman Tag “Snowman” chases players within a certain area. Tagged players are “frozen” but can be unfrozen if tagged by a free player. The game ends when all players are frozen. The last one frozen becomes “Snowman” for the next round.

Snowflake Toss Materials: Plastic leaves or plastic eggs Students are lined up opposite one another in teams of two partners each. The partners stand about 5-10 feet apart depending on tossing skills. One plastic snowflake or plastic egg is provided per team. Students toss the snowflake back and forth, trying not to drop it. After each successful catch, the students take one step back, creating a greater challenge. Each time the leaves drops, they move one step closer. The team that successfully throws the snowflake the farthest wins.

Green Egg Balance Materials: Spoon and plastic egg for each team Students are lined up in single file. The first student is given a plastic green egg which he or she will balance on a spoon. A cone is placed approximately 10 feet away from the front of the line. The student places the green egg on the spoon and tries to balance it while running to the cone and back. When the student returns to the line, he/she gives the spoon and green egg to the next person in line and returns to the end of the line. The team that finishes first wins.

Snowman in the Middle A student is chosen to play the Snowman. He sits on a stool.

The other players move around the Snowman and tell him he cannot catch them. The Snowman tries to catch them without leaving his stool. The first one tagged is the next Snowman.

This game also teaches alertness, agility, and self-control.

Snowman Says One player is the leader and orders the other players to make motions such as "Snowman says, thumbs up" or "Snowman says, hands on your head.” The leader also makes all of these motions. If he omits "Snowman says," however, and just orders "Thumbs up," the players must not make the motion.

Anyone who does so is out of the game. The winner is the player who remains in the game the longest. This game shows the importance of following and listening to specific directions.

References: Fit 4 Fun Fitness http://worknotes.com/IL/Chicago/Fit4 FunKidsFitness/index.html

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 9

Winter Mashup

Alaska cocoa cold December February frosty

10 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

fun January presidents snow snowflake winter

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Kid-Friendly Projects Fuel Winter Family Fun

C

older temperatures mean more indoor time, making it a challenge to find activities that will keep kids happy and engaged. The good news for parents is that even common household items can create hours of fun time. These child-friendly arts and crafts projects will allow you to spend quality, memorable time with your family this winter season with things you already have around the house.

Cheery Snowman Skill Level: Intermediate | Prep Time: 2 hours | Dry Time: 30 minutes

Materials: 1 Standard pack (500-count) of Q-tips cotton swabs 3 Styrofoam balls; 1 large, 1 medium, 1 small, (no smaller than 2 inches in diameter) 1 brown pipe cleaner 1 sheet wax paper 1 Popsicle stick or floral stake Child-safe scissors Arts and Crafts Ideas household tips at www.qtips.com. Or, Child-safe, non-toxic black paint With the most soft cotton at the tip*, share your own tips or craft ideas at Child-safe, non-toxic orange paint Q-tips cotton swabs are gentle and safe www.Facebook.com/qtips.

for baby care and pet care; great for cleaning nooks and crannies in the house and Have an adult cut the bottom off the larg- *From the end of the stick to the top of the for fixing makeup mishaps. They can also est Styrofoam ball, so the piece can lay swab. be used in a variety of craft projects. Use flat upon a table or surface. them to: Using a Popsicle stick or floral stake, - Replace expensive paint brushes. stack all three Styrofoam balls from largPerfectly-sized for children's small est at the bottom, to smallest at the top to hands, you can use a different cotton form one standing figure. swab for each color and simply toss when finished.

- Apply glue to small areas on models and crafts. Use one tip to apply the glue and the other to remove any excess glue before it dries.

- Carve detailed designs into pottery. Moisten the tool to put the finishing touches on sculptures.

- Touch-up hard-to-reach areas on freshly painted model airplanes and cars - or even dollhouses.

Fold and twist 5 cotton swabs in half; dip 9 halves into the black paint and 1 into the orange paint. Lay flat on wax paper to dry.

Cut pipe cleaner in half; insert into sides of middle Styrofoam ball as arms.

Begin folding cotton swabs; insert into foam balls until completely covered.

Insert black cotton swabs into top ball for coal eyes and mouth. Insert orange cotton Have fun with your family making this swab as the carrot nose. adorable snowman that's simple for children to create with a little help from mom Find step-by-step photos for this project, additional kid-friendly crafting ideas and or dad.

Source: Q-Tips (Family Features)

Š The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 11

Year after year, saving money and eating healthier rank high on the list of New Year's resolutions, but as many know all too well, busy schedules can make it hard to keep these resolutions up.

and calories and reduce waste."

For additional recipes, lunchtime tips, coupon offerings and more, visit Facebook.com/Glad.

"Pretty Delicious" author and "Top Spicy Tequila Lime Chef" alum Candice Kumai has partShrimp Salad nered with The Glad Products Company Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cookto create delicious recipes that help ing Time: 5 minutes | Serves: 4 bring healthy food out of the kitchen, and in turn, help to save you both the For the shrimp cost and calories associated with eating 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil lunch out.

1 ½

garlic clove, minced teaspoon ground cumin Pinch red pepper flakes 1 pound medium shrimp, deveined 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila Salt, to taste 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Chef Kumai's recipes are inspired by Glad To Go reusable lunch and snack containers, which feature a detachable 1.5-ounce "To Go" cup that snaps into the lid - allowing you to confidently transport foods that you haven't been able to before. Just imagine - no more dressing leak disasters when bringing a For the salad salad to work.

4 ½ "Now there's no excuse for us to break ½ our New Year's resolutions," says Ku1

cups dark, leafy mixed greens cup roasted red peppers, sliced thin cup black beans, drained and rinsed avocado, sliced thin

mai. "My recipes are not only healthy, delicious, convenient meal time op- For the dressing tions, but they fit into our everyday ½ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt lives while helping to save money, time 3 tablespoons high-quality tequila

12 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

1 1 2

tablespoon grated lime zest teaspoon hot sauce tablespoons fresh lime juice Pinch of sea salt to taste

Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot, add chopped garlic and cook for about 1 minute. Add cumin and red pepper flakes, and let flavors blend together.

Add shrimp and toss. Carefully add tequila and cook until alcohol burns off.

Season with salt, and add dried chipotle powder. Once shrimp are cooked, add chopped cilantro, toss and put aside on a plate.

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Toss mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add in roasted red peppers and black beans. In medium bowl, whisk all of the dressing ingredients together and alter to desired taste by adding additional hot sauce and salt. Top with avocado slices and sautéed shrimp.

Whisk honey, mustard, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar and sea salt together to create dressing.

Place greens in large salad bowl; toss in candied walnuts. Serve with two fig halves on top of each salad with a blue cheese wedge.

Roasted Fig and Blue Cheese Salad

Spinach Salad with Walnuts, Strawberries and Goat Cheese

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minPrep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 4 utes | Serves: 4

For the figs 2 cups fresh black mission figs, sliced in half 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 teaspoon honey ¼ teaspoon sea salt

For the salad

For the salad ½ cup blue cheese, cut into elegant wedges or thin slices 6 cups mixed salad greens with arugula ½ cup candied walnuts Sea salt to taste

For the dressing

½ cup walnuts 4 cups fresh spinach, stems trimmed 8 large strawberries, hulled and thinly sliced ¼ cup crumbled goat cheese

3 2 ¼ ¼

tablespoons honey tablespoons Dijon mustard cup balsamic vinegar teaspoon sea salt

Heat the oven to 375°F. For the dressing 3 2 ¼ ¼

tablespoons honey tablespoons Dijon mustard cup balsamic vinegar teaspoon sea salt

Place walnuts on rimmed baking sheet and bake until fragrant and toasted, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

To roast figs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Toss spinach with strawberries in a Remove stems off end of each fig, then large bowl. slice fig in half. Roast for approximately 30 minutes or until a bit golden In small bowl, whisk together honey, brown. Remove and cool slightly. mustard, vinegar and salt. Sprinkle walnuts on top of spinach and strawberries In small mixing bowl, mix 2 tablemix. Serve sprinkled with goat cheese, spoons balsamic vinegar, olive oil and with remaining dressing on the side. honey. Add figs and toss to coat evenly.

Marinate for 5 to 10 minutes.

Source: Glad (Family Features) © The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 13

D

uring the short days and cold nights of winter, many of us crave comfort foods. Unfortunately, the rich dishes we usually think of tend to be low in nutrition and packed with fat and calories. Well, take heart. It's possible to enjoy satisfying dishes that are tasty, hearty and nutritious.

Dry peas, lentils and chickpeas (garbanzo beans), all part of the legume family, are one way to make comfort foods more healthful.

These ingredients pack a nutritional punch while adding flavor to recipes: just one cup of dry peas, lentils or chickpeas gives you more than half the recommended daily dosage of fiber and up to 18 grams of protein. They also contain little to no fat, making them a healthy meat alternative.

Chef Tracy O'Grady, from Willow Restaurant in Arlington, Va., knows how to make the most of these versatile ingredients. "You may already love lentil soup," she says.

14 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

"But lentils have a wide range of uses, and are a great addition to hearty fare like enchiladas, veggie burgers - even chocolate cake."

And while chickpeas are best known as the key ingredient in hummus, they also appear in richtasting foods like Willow's Chickpea Fries (see O'Grady's recipe).

For more recipes and information from the USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council, visit www.pea-lentil.com.

Willow's Chickpea Fries Serves: 8 (6 per person)

2½ cups water 1 garlic clove, minced fine 2 cups whole milk 2 teaspoons kosher salt ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika 3 cups chickpea flour; reserve 1 cup for dusting 1 cup cooked chickpeas, roughly chopped 2 cups Parmesan cheese, finely grated ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 gallon canola oil

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Tips for cooking dry peas, lentils and chickpeas § Dry peas and lentils don't require soaking. Soak dried chickpeas in cold water for 12 hours before cooking (or you can buy pre-cooked, canned chickpeas). § Spread dry peas and lentils in a single layer on a baking sheet. Check for and discard any debris. Rinse under cold water. § To cook lentils, use 1 1/2 cups of water to 1 cup of lentils. Bring water to boil and add lentils. Boil for 2 or 3 minutes and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until tender.

Green or brown lentils take approximately 30 minutes and red lentils about 8 to 10 minutes.

Place water, garlic, milk, salt, cayenne and paprika in a non-reactive sauce pot and heat until it boils. Lower heat to gentle simmer and whisk in chickpea flour. Whisk just until smooth and then use a high heat spatula to finish the process. Cook mixture for about 5 minutes, constantly stirring to make sure there is no scorching.

Once flour is nearly cooked, fold in chopped chickpeas, Parmesan cheese and extra virgin olive oil. Stir until well incorporated and hot. This should take about 3 additional minutes.

Place in a plastic wrap lined 10 x 12-inch tray. Cover with plastic wrap

and push down so it is even. Chill for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator or until completely chilled. After well chilled, turn the chickpea mold onto a cutting board. Cut fries 12 times in 1-inch pieces and then cut each strip into 4 pieces, forming 48 pieces.

Mix all dry ingredients together in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine buttermilk, melted butter, olive oil and egg yolks. In third bowl, whip egg whites until soft peaks form.

Fold dry ingredients into buttermilk mixture gently (do not over mix or pancakes will be tough). Let batter stand for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, gently fold half of the egg whites into batter, then fold remaining egg whites in.

Heat canola oil in a large stainless steel fry pot to 350°F. Dust fries with remaining chickpea flour and fry in 4 batches until hot and golden brown.

Drain in paper towels to remove excess oil. Serve immediately with Orange Preserved Lemon Dipping Sauce.

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat until moderately hot. Add in a Orange Preserved Lemon Dip- pinch of butter and spoon a heaping tablespoon batter into pan. Cook each ping Sauce pancake until golden brown; flip; cook Makes: About 1 cup 2 oranges, juiced and zested with a for another minute or two and keep microplane zester warm.

2 preserved lemons juiced, the peel minced fine* To serve, place two chickpea pancakes 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar on individual plates and spoon ragu ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil (recipe follows) on top.

Kosher salt to taste

*If preserved lemons are unavailable, can be substituted with 2 fresh lemons, juiced and zested.

Chickpea, Shrimp and Caper Ragu Serves: 6

Savory Chickpea Pancakes

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely sliced 1 cup cooked chickpeas 8 ounces chickpea flour (about 2 cups) 2 tablespoons capers 2 teaspoons baking powder Peel of ½ a preserved lemon 2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 teaspoon espelette or smoked paprika 1 teaspoon sugar ½ cup water, plus more if needed 1 3/4 cup buttermilk 18 peeled and deveined shrimp 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted Kosher salt, to taste 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 2 egg yolks, beaten 3 egg whites, whipped to soft peaks Zest of one lemon; use a microplane Heat large stainless steel pan until moderately hot. Add olive oil and sliced zester Additional butter to cook the pan- garlic. Once garlic starts to soften and cakes Makes: 36 2 ½ -inch pancakes

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 15

just brown, add chickpeas and cook for 1/8 cup, plus 2 tablespoons extra virgin Place remaining red lentils on a shalolive oil about 2 minutes. low tray and roll goat cheese slices in 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar lentils until coated. Place lentil slices Kosher salt, to taste Add capers, lemon peel, espelette/smoked into a baking pan.

Cracked black pepper, to taste paprika and water. Bring to a boil, then 9 ounces goat cheese, sliced into 6 2add butter. Reduce heat and add shrimp; For vinaigrette, combine, grapefruit inch slices stew gently until just cooked, about 4 ½ ruby red grapefruit, peeled and seed- juice, lime juice, and 1/8 cup extra minutes. If water evaporates too quickly, ed and remaining juice squeezed into a virgin olive oil and whisk until emuladd a little more. Season with salt to taste. bowl sified. Add grapefruit segments; season with salt to taste.

1 lime, juiced

Red Lentil Crusted Goat Cheese with Three Lentil Salad and Ruby Red Grapefruit Vinaigrette

Combine the three varieties of lentils in a glass or Pyrex bowl, reserving 1/4 cup of red lentils to crust the goat cheese.

Serves: 6 Add Broccolini, endive, 2 tablespoons cup cooked red lentils, al dente extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, cup brown lentils, cooked salt and pepper and mix well. Set aside cup green lentils, cooked for ½ hour to 1 hour to allow flavors to spears Broccolini, cooked and roughly meld.

1 1 1 5 chopped 1 head endive, sliced

16 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

Just before serving, heat goat cheese slices for 3 to 5 minutes in a 350°F oven until warm, but not melting apart. Distribute lentils onto six plates, place goat cheese slices on lentils and drizzle with vinaigrette.

Source: USA Dry Pea & Lentil Council Family Features

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Reconnect with Your Family Tonight kids like, such as Weaver Chicken Nuggets, which are high in protein, and have zero transfat," says Petrosky.

She recommends keeping it simple and serving chicken nuggets alongside a big salad and usy schedules leave families some fresh bread from the bakery. with little time to spend together, especially during the Spice it up. Petrosky recommends rework and school week. But reconnect- visiting your pantry or spice drawer to ing can be simple if you think outside avoid extra trips to the grocery store. the box.

"With simple ingredients such as rosemary, garlic, oregano or coriander, you Professional chef, author and mother- can quickly transform your family's of-two, Maureen Petrosky understands favorite meals into an array of dinner that spending quality time with your options. Get everyone involved in meal loved ones can be a challenge, especial- prep and use this time as an opportunity ly when you're working to get a nutri- to catch up with one another." tious meal on the table each night. "But Whip up delicious dips. "Use ingrediby adding a little creativity to your day ents already in your kitchen and let - from play time to meal prep - you'll your little ones do the whisking," says quickly find that reconnecting won't Petrosky. Whisk a 1/2 cup mayonnaise, have to be yet another task on your list, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 1 crushed garlic it'll be part of your daily routine," says clove, 1/4 teaspoon crushed oregano, Petrosky.

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon ground Use these meal and family activity black pepper together. Refrigerate for ideas from Petrosky to spend less time one hour, and then serve as a dipping in the kitchen, and more time having sauce with Weaver Chicken Nuggets fun as a family. and baby carrots.

Host Fiesta Fridays. Create a festive Dine in together. "Just because you Santa Fe sauce using 2-1/3 cups thick don't have time to create a meal from and chunky salsa, 1-2/3 cups ranch scratch, doesn't mean you can't put dressing and 1 tablespoon fresh lime something on the table that's whole- juice. Ask your kids to drizzle the sauce some and delicious. Choose foods your

B

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over chicken nuggets, shredded lettuce, diced cilantro, cheese and tortilla chips.

Kid-friendly Activities for Any Night of the Week Go camping indoors. Between soccer and piano lessons, as well as birthday parties, it can be difficult for families to plan a weekend away. Petrosky and her family camp in instead. The rule: no lights, phones or computers from dusk to dawn. She recommends draping the couch and chairs with sheets for a makeshift tent. "Put your sleeping bags on the floor, grab your flashlights, and share your best ghost stories."

Start a dance party. A great way to have some fun with your family is to get everyone dancing. Turn off the TV and turn on some good tunes. Make homemade trophies and prizes to give to the winners. Create special categories for best moves, best spins, most creative, most enthusiastic and silliest dancer.

Turn chore time into an a-maze-ing race. In ten minutes, you can create an indoor maze, complete with clues to take your family on an at-home adventure. Incorporate simple chores like putting away laundry, cleaning under the bed, or setting the table. The final reward can be their favorite dinner or an extra bedtime story.

For more ideas for wholesome, quick and easy meals, visit www.WeaverChicken.com, or like Weaver Chicken on Facebook.

Source: Tyson Weaver Chicken Nuggets Family Features The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 17

By Dennis Ellingson for The Fit Christian

Winter Has Come Winter has descended, and for me, like an unwelcome guest. This boy of spring and summer can hardly wait for more sunlight, higher temperatures, new buds, leaves and flowers. And not much of a growing season either right now, at least not one to be seen. But there is hope everywhere, whether it’s a new seed catalog in the mail, and evergreen that stands out against the brown and gray of winter or a few fresh sprigs of plant life standing firm against the cold and the wind. There is hope.

Many of us at this time of year are S.A.D. or bothered by Seasonal Affective Disorder, where the loss of sunlight puts us in a funk or depression. I say ‘us’ because I am effected this way. I have found ways to combat it like making sure that I take advantage of all the day light hours I can get. A long walk on the sunny side of the street, during mid day seems to help. Get out and enjoy the fresh air and the sun, if it is shining. I let it shine full face on me so I can absorb some Vitamin D. One of a number of herbs that helps with this is Kava Kava. This is a tropical plant of the South Seas that is now cultivated in many places because of its popularity as mood lifter. This flowering shrub with oblong leaves was named the intoxicating pepper by explorer Captain James Cook when he came upon it.

People use it for muscle spasms and the pain that goes with it. It is touted as a safer alternative to painkillers like aspirin and other over the counter pain meds.

Some people have used it as an alternative for prescribed drugs such as Prozac and Valium.

This is a powerful herb that must be used correctly so if you are considering Kava Kava, best to check with a health care provider who is very familiar with it.

You can gather your own. This is a evergreen so it is a little easier to find in the winter because its dark green leaves stand out against the dullness of winter. This is as simple of a foraging as you can get.

Collect a few branches, remove the leaves, wash and then let naturally dry and within a few days you have leaves that are ready for the kitchen. You can also use the leaves for tea. Just steep them in near boiling water for ten minutes.

Some people find that the tea gives a warming and calming effect.

There are ways to beat S.A.D., perhaps just knowing that this too – old man winter – will pass. We remember that Jesus is the True Light that shines in us, He lifts our spirits with a greater hope than any- I [enjoy] Christmas for many, many reathing else on this planet can. sons but one of them is that it falls after the beginning of the winter equinox.

As you are discovering, I have really Okay, so why, you are wondering. The enjoyed foraging these last few years. days begin to grow longer, the sun wins!

And there are foraging opportunities dur- It can also be a reminder to us, as this old ing the winter. If you live in where the world seems to slip into a greater spiritual Sugar Maple, Red Maple or Broad-leafed and moral darkness, that one fine day.

Maples grow, then this is a time to con- Jesus Christ wins! “But for you who resider tapping for Maple Syrup. Have you vere My Name, the Sun of Righteousness seen the price on this stuff in the store? will rise with healing in its wings” MalaWow. A good reason to learn to do this chi 4:2, yourself.

If you are fortunate to live out west then California Bay, or also known as Oregon Myrtle, is something to consider.

More than likely, on your spice shelf is an old tin of Bay Leaves. This is a great These days, when carefully prepared, the seasoning that does much for flavoring of dried root is said to help with insomnia, your favorite meat dish or stew. But the nervousness, anxiousness and the blues.

18 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

ones on your kitchen shelf have probably lost their potency.

Be sure to join Dennis Ellingson on Facebook as The Herb Guy, where I post daily, informational, inspirational, and entertaining thoughts on all the plants God has given us.

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Kimberly Cabello is a Christian wife, a homeschooling mother of three, and a small business owner of an in-home holistic dog grooming salon as well as a bodybuilder. She started down the bodybuilding path, but was led away from some aspects of the sport as her spiritual strength grew. Now she is aware of the benefits of both forms of exercise.

When I picked up his weights and curled a pretty hefty amount, I decided to challenge myself to see how much I could lift!

It was addicting.

FC:

FC:

fitness nate?

When did your

Wh

origi- at provided the KC: I was an athlete foundation of your for as long as I can refaith? member … I was a runner, both a sprinter and a KC: I had forged a relationship distance competitor be- with my God long ago as a small ginning at the age of sev- child; however, I was never interested en … At the age of in our church. My mom met a woman at thirteen I began English work who would later change the path Hunt Seat horseback rid- of our lives. I began attending an evaning with a friend of mine. gelical Bible study with Mom and her I started competing and new friend. It was there I met Jesus “for loving it. I purchased my real” and turned my life over to him at own horse in 1989 and twelve years of age. had my own trainers. I continued to compete in FC: When did you get interested in hunt seat, jumping, and strength training?

Dressage tests. I also had begun “fooling around” KC: In high school, I met a boy who with my dad’s weight set. shared every interest I held to ... With He had one of those old him, I shifted from weight training to sets with plastic weights bodybuilding, the “real deal,” when I that were filled with sand. was seventeen years old … Through him I also gained insight into IFBB competition when he and other men I 20 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

interest

knew entered the scene in the mid 1990’s.

FC: What did this insight reveal to you about the bodybuilding world?

KC: When you consider all that goes into competing, you must decide what is of greater importance: your body and being on top in the IFBB world, or your faith in a God who tells us to put the flesh aside. Bodybuilding is hard enough, but when you couple it with obsessive workouts and analyzing your body every time you pass a mirror, it no longer honors God and His temple, but honors the temple itself.

Many women, when they get serious about their bodybuilding, tend to be drawn into competition because they see themselves in a new light … It is easy to get sucked into competing and

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receiving the “high” one gets when they win a physique class. It is addicting, that feeling of approval and popularity, that is … Similarly, I have seen women reject their faith when they suddenly have a male following. Photo shoots wearing next to nothing and posing in an extreme fashion that screams sexuality gives women a feeling of power.

And women have learned to master the technique of gaining power over men, even Christian men … We women in Christ must take great care to not become a snare to our brothers.

FC: Having a long background in fitness and training, you continued to work in the field?

KC: In 1993, I had become a personal fitness trainer at a local fitness club during college. At first I disliked the job, but God told me to stay. I quickly became known as the toughest female trainer at the gym and began picking up many clients, filling my schedule to full-time. This is also where I found myself pushed to compete in local IFBB shows, but my heart and my faith kept warning me not to enter the scene.

When I had worked at the gym for more than a year, a new employee joined the staff, a male trainer whom I quickly learned to dislike immensely. Clearly

he was not a Christian, and clearly he took an interest in me. When I had learned that he had been introduced to Christ in college, I used the opportunity to witness. He did become a Christian, and in 1996 … he became my husband!

FC: What changes did your mar-

Kimberly with her husband Lew.

riage bring?

workout to get the best and fastest reI continued bodybuilding and sults. I lift as heavy as I am able (witheven trained while pregnant with our out causing injury) doing three to four first son who was born in 1998. I began different exercises for four sets each of working on my nutrition degree and 10-12 repetition per set per each major became pregnant with our second son in muscle group. I generally work with 1999. He was born to us at home in weights four to five days per week with 2000 in our new house. cardio thrown in when I have time. Sundays have always been my rest days. My FC: Were you competing or just workouts are never the same as the more strength training in the methods used they vary, the better the results. I do keep my body fat percentage low, but by competitors? within a healthy range. † KC: Although I was not competing, I

KC:

was bodybuilding using the same methFor more information on Kimberly visit ods used by competitors. I was not; http://healthforgod.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/ welcome/ however, dieting down to a dangerously low body fat percentage to get the “shredded” look. Because I had surrendered my life to Christ, I also surrendered my flesh … Every bodybuilder uses the same basic principle: lift a heavy enough total weight to cause an eventual muscular fatigue following a four to five set exercise (8-12 repetitions) on one major muscle group at a time; hit that same major muscle with three to five different exercises. I employ the same technique; however, every bodybuilder tailors or customizes their Kimberly and her son Andrew in the dog grooming salon.

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 21

Stay Motivated All Year with These Easy Fitness Tips In 2012,

millions of people will make a vow to lose weight or start a fitness plan, but many will lose the motivation it takes to sustain a fit and active lifestyle within just a few weeks.

With the right tools and support though, finding motivation to stay fit can be a snap.

Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Father, New York Times Best-Selling Author, and “Extra” TV host Mario Lopez finds his motivation to stay fit using the techniques of his personal trainer, Jimmy Peña. Now, Peña wants to help people keep their fitness vows using the same techniques by offering these simple tips to maintain motivation all year long:

22 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

your exercise activities – whether you’re running or jogging a route, walking a path, biking, swimming or weight training – to push yourself a little farther each week.

Grab a Partner – “You can improve exercise performance by having a partner who pushes you to your limits. But if you prefer to workout solo, the built-in audio trainer in the new MOTOACTV from Motorola can provide motivation. It’s like having a personal trainer right in your ear,” says Peña.

The new device tracks fitness stats including time, distance, heart rate and even calories burned. Then, upload your workout to www.motoactv.com to analyze the performance data tracked by the device – and challenge your friends to beat your latest stats. “A little competition can be a big motivator,” explains Peña.

Mix it Up – It’s important to make a fitness schedule and stick to it, but that doesn’t mean doing the same routine over and over. To stay motivated, try changing your workout. From walking to running to cycling, you can always find a new activity to challenge yourself – and you can bring MOTOACTV with you. Sweat-proof and rain-resistant, this device also features a scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass display. You can wear it on your wrist, clip it to your shirt, or purchase a mount to attach it to your bike during an outdoor ride, making it easy to change up your activities to keep you interested (sold separately).

Turn Up the Volume – “Music is key for most of my clients.

When they’re running out of steam, the right song can help put them on track to meet their fitness goals,” says Peña. Creating playlists of different music that keeps you motivated for different types of activities can really help keep you going. Remember to refresh playlists, as you can quickly tire of the same music.

“MOTOACTV is a personal trainer and a DJ all at the same time,” says Lopez. “It tracks all the data I need – from pace, heart rate, Start Small – If you haven’t distance, miles logged, and it plays all my favorite music. It even been active in a long time, don’t knows the music I perform to best, which I have never seen stress your muscles by doing too before.” much too fast. Start slowly by taking the stairs or squeezing in a In addition, users can stay tangle-free, since the device allows you 20-minute jog on your lunch to enjoy a completely wireless workout via stereo Bluetooth enbreak. abled headphones, sold separately.

Build Up Endurance – Track your For more information on the new MOTOACTV from Motorola, progress and continue to build upon visit www.motoactv.com.

Source: MOTOACTV © The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Pilate's for the Soul Health advocacy groups are becoming increasingly concerned with over stimulation and high stress levels associated with lifestyles and behaviors in Americans. Other medical researchers say 85 % of Americans suffer with some sort of back pain. Rather than focus on some of the causes of these dilemmas, some of which are obvious, I want to offer a solution which has given me personal peace and relief from the discomfort of back pain.

It is these dilemmas which help me appreciate the transforming peace of a spirit led Pilates class. I teach, and have taught, a variety of different fitness classes in my career, but no class compares to Pilates. Pilates is a series of stretching and strengthening exercises developed after World War II by Joseph Pilates. Pilates called his method, Contrology, which refers to the way his method, encourages the use of the mind to control the muscles.

Scrawny and sickly as a youth, the photographic results of his method are astounding. Using the mind to control our muscles reminds me of the way we can meditate on God’s word and then put His Word into practice by flexing our spiritual muscles. Both take focus and discipline to reach the next level. With the mind focused on our muscles, the daily dilemmas are forgotten and the

© 2012 Theresa Rowe for The Fit Christian

soul can celebrate peace with God. Pilates requires concentration and focus because the body is moving through precise ranges of motion.

This is when we learn to turn the dial and listen to God as He moves us from one exercise to another. The special thing about Pilates exercise is it caters to the novice and the advanced. A knowledgeable, experienced instructor will teach each person how to perform each exercise and help them feel comfortable in the class. The instructor will demonstrate modifications to gently guide the novice to the next level.

Pilates also allows the freedom to perform the exercises on a mat using your own body weight, or with the aid of various props, such as a; stability ball, small weighted ball, stretch bands, Pilates circle, foam rollers and Pilates equipment. For me, I love being barefoot while teaching on a thicker mat. I

love the freedom of bare feet; it reminds me of being a child again and the importance of maintaining a child-like faith in my Heavenly Father. I must continually reprogram my mind to stop over analyzing everything and simply

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 23

trust God. Exercising shoeless reminds the deep torso muscles which are imme of this very thing, in a unique Pi- portant in alleviating and preventing lates’ sort of way. Hey, it works for me! back pain. Many of my students have been referred by physicians to help Each Pilates exercise is performed with them in dealing with persistent back increased attention to proper breathing pain. In turn, those same students find and abdominal control. I remind the relief and continue coming to class after students to breathe deeply and to bring the pain subsides. Dealing with pain for the naval to their spines as they prepare a long time not only separates us from their bodies for a head to toe challenge. our work, it can steal our joy. With We stay connected to God through our God’s Word as the focus of the class we spirit as we roll up on the mat and deal with the physical and spiritual stretch our body over our legs while damages done. Our Pilates class is not being mindful of reaching out beyond only beneficial to the body; it is sooththe limitations we have set for our- ing to the soul. selves.

A typical Pilates workout would include Knowing God is stretching with us, we a number of exercises performed in can be assured that nothing is impossi- repetitions of ten for each exercise. If ble. God is our vine and we are His you were to ask some of my students branches. His word tells us that, “those how many repetitions we do in each who remain in me, and I in them, will class they would tell you with exaggerproduce much fruit. For apart from me ated facial expressions “it’s a lot more you can do nothing.” Practicing Pilates than ten!” The thing is, everyone must has brought me closer to Christ, while listen to their body and decide how moving me beyond the place of pain many sets they are capable of doing. I and emotional discomfort. He is my tell new Pilates students to start with ten shade in the deserts of this world. Tak- repetitions then rest and relax in God’s ing time to be still in His presence, arms while waiting for the rest of the while exercising, has allowed me to class to finish the second and third sets. stretch spiritually and strengthened my core physically. Resting in His shade, One of the more challenging exercises while going through each exercise, is the roll up on the mat. It is quite shields me from anxious thoughts and difficult to raise the body up from the worldly worries, and helps me enjoy the mat, slowly, one vertebrae at a time. peace of His presence.

The new students will approach me after class admitting their inability to Pilates focuses on the core postural perform the exercise. I explain to the muscles which help keep the body bal- students that most cannot do the exeranced and are essential to providing cise until they have attended ten classes, support for the spine. In particular, Pi- “Give it a little time and you will be lates teach awareness of breath and able to do it too.” It is so rewarding for alignment of the spine, and strengthen me and the student to see them accom-

24 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

plish the act. It is a mountaintop experience seeing their progress knowing God is empowering them to stretch beyond what they believe is their capabilities.

For maximum benefit you should do Pilates at least two or three times per week. Body transformation and postural improvements should be noticeable within ten to twenty sessions. I must warn you, it is habit forming. Once you start, you won’t want to stop. These sessions experiencing God opens new doors of strength and closeness to God. It is the healthy balance of physical and spiritual well being. Pilates helps us slow down and BE in communion with God. In Psalm 46:10 He tells us to “Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

Just because we live in the world doesn’t mean we must live like the world. Stretch with purpose to live your purpose. †

Theresa Rowe is an author of Guidepost’s, “Shaped by Faith, Ten Secrets to Strengthening Your Body and Soul.”

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Shoe wearers come in three basic styles: © 2012 Chris Chapan

R

unning is a terrific sport that defeats stress, increases energy, improves fitness, and burns calories at a high rate. One thing that you cannot cheat yourself in running gear is the type of shoes that you wear. Running with the wrong shoes accounts for 80% of injuries.

Good running shoes provide the first defense against the potential of injury. Here are some tips to keep you on the road and injury free.

First, you need to invest good money in a running shoe. That means that you need to be willing to spend $75.00 and up for good running shoes. You are not paying for fancy extra features but equipment that will help keep your feet free from injury. Large department sports stores take off essential equipment in a brand name shoe such as reflector tape, stability backing, and essential cushion fiber and motion control oftentimes to sell a cheaper name brand shoe.

On the first fit for a shoe, go to a running specialty store. Make sure that the salesperson is a knowledgeable runner. Consultation with a running podiatrist is great help as well. Another suggestion is to try your shoes later on in the day and buy shoes that are half to one size bigger, since your feet can swell that much due to long and difficult runs.

The shoes must have a comfortable first feel that will enable you to use them immediately. Your heel should fit snugly into the end of your shoe. The part of the shoe that wraps around the top of the foot should fit securely but it should not bother or press too tightly on any area of the foot.

Lacing or material should in no way rub or scratch any part of the shoe. This is an indication that this is the wrong kind of shoe for you to wear. Feet at any time in the shoes should not slide in the shoe.

The Normal Foot has an arch that leaves a wet footprint but shows the forefoot and heel that is connected by a broad band. A normal foot lands on the outside of the heel and rolls inward and slightly to absorb shock. Stability shoes are good for this type of runner. A normal foot means you probably are a normal pronator.

are helpful in the shoe selection process.

This will give you the best fit for your running. Be sure to be fitted with both width and size since makers of various brands have different sizes and features.

Even the same brands of shoes can vary in size and fit. Some runners have commented that their feet have grown with running and some women have comment- The Flat Foot has a low arch and leaves ed that pregnancy can add a half a size to a print that looks like the whole sole of the foot. It indicates an overpronated foot. It their foot. is the one that strikes on the outside of the Choose shoes with your larger foot. It is heel and rolls inwards (pronates) excesimportant to take time to shop and try on sively. Over time, a flat foot can cause more than just a few pair of shoes before different types of over-use injuries. Many purchasing them. The minimum you can doctors will recommend orthotics for this expect to spend on trying on shoes is at shoe wearer and motion control or high stability shoes are suggested for this type least thirty to forty-five minutes. of runner. Sixty-five percent of all runSome experts suggest that you rotate ners fit into this category. shoes or it is also helpful to buy two pairs and replace them when you have run 300 to 350 miles. For example if you run 30 miles a week remember that you will need to replace them in 10 weeks or 2 and a half months. This is important for those who are running big races in the coming months. A marathon shoe should have more than 60-70 miles logged into them.

Discussing your history and running goals can be very helpful in choosing the right shoe. Some questions include how long have you been running, what is your weekly mileage, where do you do your running, what is your weight, and current foot conditions such as flat feet, overpronation, or supination? Be sure to allow the salesclerk to watch you run to see if the shoes look like a good fit.

Running shoes should be used only for running. Cross-training shoes are fine for short runs but cause injury if you run long distances. Never dry your shoes with a dryer machine and use newspapers to help keep the shape of your shoe and accelerate drying time if they accidentally get Bringing in your old shoes to show wear, wet. typical socks that you wear and orthotics

The High-Arched Foot leaves a foot print with either a very narrow band nor no band at all between the forefoot and the heel. A curved, highly arched foot is generally supinated or underpronated.

Cushioned or neutral shoes with flexibility are great for this type of runner.

Running is a sport that can be enjoyed over a long lifetime. Spending time in a running store and the willingness to buy a good shoe, will keep you on the trails for life!

References: Burfoot, Amby (2004) Complete book of running. New York: Rodale Choosing the Right Kind of Shoes http://www.runningonline.com/zine/Shoes/161.sht; Galloway, Jeff (2002) Galloway’s book on running.

Bolinas, CA; Shelter How to choose the right kind of shoe http://www.runningonline.com/zine/Shoes/48.sht; How to choose the best running shoes for you http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52167-0-1038,00.html; How to choose running shoes http://www.ehow.com/ehow/ehowPrintable.jsp?id=1 74; How to choose the right shoe http://www.runnersworld.com/article/printer_friendly/ 0,5046,s6-52-167-0-1038,00.html; Some Things to Consider When Buying Running Shoes http://www.runningonline.com/zine/Shoes/120.sht

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 25

Through the Bible © 2012 David Luther

And every wise hearted man among them that wrought the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work made he them. The length of one curtain was twenty and eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits: the curtains were all of one size. And he coupled the five curtains one unto another: and the other five curtains he coupled one unto another. And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling: likewise he made in the uttermost side of another curtain, in the coupling of the second. Fifty loops made he in one curtain, and fifty loops made he in the edge of the curtain which was in the coupling of the second: the loops held one curtain to another. And he made fifty taches of gold, and coupled the curtains one unto another with the taches: so it became one tabernacle. And he made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the tabernacle: eleven curtains he made them.

The length of one curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits was the breadth of one curtain: the eleven curtains were of one size. Exodus 36:8-15 The people have delivered the materials, and now the craftsmen and women produced the parts of the tabernacle.

They were produced per a detailed plan.

26 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

We can visualize this today from the not the flamboyant. Discovering the gift original blueprints. In fact, we can even in others can help you to bring your own dreams to reality. recreate the fixtures fairly well today.

Do It Yourself!

Wouldn’t it be interesting to build even a small replica of this for our lesson?

Perhaps in the scale for children’s lessons in Sunday School. We could even take the materials on a campout for a campfire skit. How much more will this lesson live in our memory than reading or coloring books? At least the Ark of the Covenant is a box of reasonable size:

According to all that the LORD commanded Moses, so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses did look upon all the work, and, behold, they had done it as the LORD had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them. Exodus 39:42-43 Imagine a presentation, in a camp like those of Israel, of this tabernacle of God: Read Exodus 40:1-8

Read Exodus 37:1-9 Special Lessons With some materials from the local lumberyard, one could make an interesting tool for learning. Building the ark would be a lesson for every worker involved. We do not know exactly what type of wood the bible is referring to, but we have many available today. Hard woods come from trees with leafs, and soft woods are from pine type trees. The dark hardwoods can become a beautiful item if we are patient to work it. Someone in your church has the tools and skill to make this a great lesson.

I would submit that you may want to visit a Messianic Fellowship, a gathering of Jewish Christians to gain understanding of these ceremonies. Such a presentation can bring a lot of understanding to life. Search the web for fellowships in your area:

http://www.mayimhayim.org/ http://www.tikvahbamidbar.org/ http://www.bethyachad.org/ServiceTi mes.php http://www.messianicassociation.org/a Recruiting bout.htm Finding that person is a great lesson in http://www.messianic.com/top/ itself. Great corporations are often led by the most modest unassuming people,

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Again, we can build great lessons with the help of others. Invite your people to learn from the teachings of a fellowship that has an expertise you want to learn.

Or invite a member of your church to teach on their skill or great interests. We are a body of many individuals who can help each other.

The Physical Manifestation I have been writing to Christians who are interested in fitness. This lesson can offer some physical labor in moving lumber and later the articles of the tabernacle. A camping trip can give us physical activity, fresh air, good rest, and fellowship. This time can allow you to share your passion and fitness with others. You can gain from their knowledge and interests as well. Studies show that physical activity stimulates the mind. We are all members of the same body, and we need each other. The encouragement of the Holy Spirit comes through interaction with others who are filled with the same spirit. We have fellowship with the Holy Spirit when we have fellowship with other Christians. This is why we need to attend a church fellowship as well.

The Tabernacle was a place for God to dwell among the people. Christ entered Heaven itself to pardon our sins, not the Holy place of this earthly tabernacle.

We have a High Priest who is without sin, and a tabernacle for all to witness the Holy Spirit working. Our fellowship with other believers is our tabernacle, where God joins us. He occupies the mercy seat even today where two or more saints gather in his name.

Read Exodus 40:34-38

our nation today than steroids. We are losing the workforce of the church to an unnecessary early death. I owe them thanks for delivering me from heart disease. I can testify that gym pains are a lot better than chest pains. I have been amazed already at what they have helped me to accomplish at the age of sixty. I can believe how the bible saints could have lived so long and healthy Again, as in the corporate world, God is with the vigor required to live in their not seeking the proud and boastful. day.

These seek pleasure and lusts and miss the knowledge of the truth entirely. Those modest and gifted workers who They claim a form of godliness, they built the tabernacle just brought their are religious, but they are not his sheep skills to the labor of the church without in spirit and truth. We have seen some boasting. They gathered and did a work of our bodybuilders who claim Jesus as that drew the powerful presence of god their lord, even while offering porno- in their tabernacle. We can see this tographic material for sale on the Internet. day by sharing the skills of fitness, They present the image of strength and teaching, building, and ministry. Dispower formed with drugs that are ille- cover the dreams of others and bring gal, and represent an open rebellion everyone to the work of the tabernacle. against God’s word. Their image of We need each other, and the Holy Spirit health is really made weak by the drugs that each brings to the fellowship. † that actually shorten their lives. They lead young people into their own sin and death. Others worship bodybuilders David Luther is a contract designer approachmore than members of the body of ing retirement due to an economy that has already retired. He discovered great fitness Christ. Men are obsessed with muscle help at the Metroflex gym in Arlington Texas, women, and are led into lust that does but struggles to stay regular at the gym benot lead to real relationships in Christ. tween jobs. With help from "Metroflex Gym’s Down-To-Earth Guide To Your Ideal Body" They worship the creation instead of the he is back in training in Mesa, Arizona. He finds inspiration to manage diet, training, and Creator. They just don’t get it.

We want to experience the power and the glory of God. If he is not real to us, what is the point of our hope, our faith?

Why should we claim a faith if it does not manifest in us in real power? Indeed, we are warned to avoid those people who seem religious but do not know God in his power and truth: Read 2 Timothy 3:1-7

I thank God for these who have found Christ even in this darkness. Bodybuilders have discovered the good technology of health, not just the bad things.

We have some courageous souls representing the Lord in strength sports too.

They are sharing the skills of health with the church. The church needs to rebuild the Temple of the Holy Spirit today. Obesity is a far greater threat to

daily trials in the great examples we interview, and in the scripture of bible studies. These bible studies are also inspiring an application for outreach. "Tabernacle Trails" is a pilot program on Meetup-dot-com balancing physical and spiritual growth. The Arizona wilderness offers an outdoor adventure that may bring the bible to life through hiking and camping. You may contact David at diluther@cox.net.

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

The FC Jan/Feb 2012 | 27

© 2012 Angela J. Willard Perez for The Fit Christian

To Love, Honor and Obey A scripture to help you focus on your Christian life. Meditate and pray on this verse from the Bible and see how it applies to your life, or how you should apply it. Ask the Lord for revelation and understanding on the scriptures and He will grant your request.

“If you love me, show it by doing what I've told you.” John 14: 15 The Message.

You may have heard this scripture more often in the King James version rather than in The Message version, but The Message says it loud and clear. Here is the original: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.” John 14: 15 NKJV.

That’s a very simple directive: if you love me, obey me. What’s not simple, is following it! And I wonder why it is so hard for us to follow, basically one command: to love. According to Matthew 22:37-40, we are simply commanded to love: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind … You shall love your neighbor as yourself….” These two commandments sum up the ten that were given to Moses and the Israelites–thou shalt not, thou shalt not, etc. Jesus fulfilled the law so we are no longer under the law, including the ten commandments; however, Jesus gave us two simple commandments, and by them “hang all the law and the prophets.” By obeying the two commandments to love, we are obeying the ten commandments without even trying.

By loving God and honoring Him, you certainly wouldn’t have any gods before Him; by obeying God and loving others you certainly wouldn’t murder anyone. And on goes the list. By loving God with all our heart, soul and mind, and loving our neighbor as ourselves, we are bringing on world peace, if we could just do it.

One constant thread in my disobedience in loving others, is pride and selfishness. “What about me?” “I want or I [think] I need…” but I have learned, through some very difficult and painful trials, that it is not all about me! It’s all about Jesus!Let me say that again so it gets deep down in your spirit: IT’S ALL ABOUT JESUS! At the end of the day and the end of the world, only one thing matters–our relationship with Christ.

When I feel that thread of selfishness and pride trying to sew its way through what God is asking me to do, I have to take a step back and look at the big picture–SOULS! He wants us to have a relationship with Him, and to show others how much he loves them so He can have a relationship with them as well. How do we show others the love that God has for them by being rude, stingy, greedy, selfish, boastful, or even just downright mean! We can’t. Nor can we always walk in love, at least not without the Author of love living within us, loving through us, and teaching us what real love is all about. And with Him, we can do our best to try and keep trying.

Do we really love God? Then we need to love Him with all our heart, soul and mind and we need to show Him our love by loving others, and without condition. We are not told to love others “if”–no–we are told to love others just as God loves us–imperfectly standing right in the mess we are in, and so we shall love our imperfect, messy neighbor, just as Jesus did.†

Have you shown God love today?

What is this scripture saying to you?

Have you shown God’s love to another today?

Send your comments to editor@fitchristian.com

28 | The FC Jan/Feb 2012

© The Fit Christian Magazine. All Rights Reserved. A Publication of His Work Christian Publishing. www.fitchristian.com

Explosive Pen Pal Ministry Issues Solemn Call Needs People willing to write to Prison Inmates

Matching over 100 Inmates a Month, Remarkable Harvest is Praying Daily for Earnest Laborers to Serve Jesus Christ.

"We send people to nations far away, and that’s good, but there are people right here who need and long to learn about JESUS," says Beth Michael who Co-directs Christian Pen Pals with her husband, Jesse. "There are many prisoners who want and need pen pals to help them find and/or grow in their relationship with JESUS. We can serve Jesus and reach out to someone right from our homes, through letters."

The thriving organization hit the ground running in 1998 when it was founded by the Michaels and Christopher Dunn, an inmate they informally adopted as a son. It has grown in both numbers and credibility and is currently used as a referral by some of the most renowned Christian organizations in America including: The Billy Graham Evangelical Association, Joni & Friends, Stonecroft Ministries, RBC Ministries, and T.D. Jakes Potter’s House.

"We hear from many inmates who are hungry to know Jesus and anxious to have a friend who can support them in helping to provide a second chance in life." The Michaels notes, "Sadly, there is a waiting time of over a year now for the males – the harvest is white, the workers are few; we are praying to the God of the harvest daily."

Christian Pen Pals matches people in prison with Christians who are willing to correspond with them. The ministries growth has exceeded both their expectation and imagination. They are now matching over 100 inmates a month with a caring Christian.

"Lives have been touched and changed, not only the inmates', but those of us on the outside who are sharing with them," explain the Michaels. “We are encouraged by the many wonderful testimonials of God’s mercy and power to change hearts."

According to the Michaels, the only things needed to be a successful pen pal are a willing heart and a pen.

“Could you correspond with one or more, could God use you as a mentor, encourager, teacher, or a friend to someone feeling abandoned?” She adds,“Maybe you could begin a ministry group in your church!!”

For information, to become a pen pal or give a donation, visit their web site www.christian-penpals.com or email the Michaels at Pen Pal Connection at penpals@christian-penpals.com

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