Seeking God's Will For My Life!

"O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal. If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them." - Psalm 40:5

God works in mysterious ways when we remain faithful to Him.

When we returned from our mission trip to Abangaritos, Costa Rica in June, I prayed to God every day and asked Him to show me what He has planned for my life and where He wanted me to go. At the time, I didn't realize that He had been giving me little signs along the way.

On the evening of July 30 as I was getting ready to leave work, my employer told me that they were letting me go. I was completely shocked. Once I got past the disbelief, I immediately realized that this was the sign I had been praying for each day.

I knew immediately that God had other plans for my life, but I wasn't sure what those plans were. I only knew that I had to remain faithful to Him and seek His will for my life.

I was very worried about our finances when I was let go from my job. Despite filing for unemployment, I knew it would not be enough to pay our bills. The loss of my income meant that we would not be able to pay our mortgage. We would have just enough money from Stacey's paycheck to cover all our other bills.

We had enough money to make the August mortgage payment, but I knew that we would not be able to make any other payments beyond that. I prayed that God would help us get through this difficult time, and He answered my prayer one day when Stacey received an unexpected check from work - it was enough to cover September's mortgage payment.

We should be able to pay October's mortgage as well. I'm not sure what will happen beyond October, but I know that God will provide if we remain faithful to Him.

Since being let go from my job, I have prayed to God every day asking Him to show me His will for my life. I have asked Him to show me the way He wants me to go. I have asked Him to show me His purpose for my life. I have asked Him to open and close doors to help guide me down the path He has laid before me.

I have received an incredible amount of support from family, friends and business contacts regarding various employment opportunities available to me. However, I had made a promise that I would not make a decision until I returned from our second mission trip to Abangaritos, Costa Rica -August 20-24 (I'll write about the return mission trip in a future blog).

Since my return, I have seen what God has planned for me. He has given me this opportunity to pursue a dream I've had for a long time. I have decided to start my own fitness business. This is my passion and it is a way for me to glorify God through the talent and gifts He has given to me.

I will need the help of family and friends to get things moving forward. I'm working on putting together my business plan, getting quotes for liability insurance, filing for LLC or S-corporation status, looking for a potential place to host my facility and much more!

If you have comments, suggestions or advice that may help me, please let me know.

Costa Rica Mission Trip

"Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?" He said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind." This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

- Matthew 22:36-40

I was part of a group of 10 from our church that traveled to Abangaritos, Costa Rica from June 20 - 27. Our mission was to help put a roof on a church currently being built for the approximately 1,500 people living in this remote area on the west coast of Costa Rica.

Although we planned on helping to put on the roof, we knew that there would be opportunities to share our testimonies, witness to people in the community, provide programs for the children and youth as well as attend regular church services.

However, our purpose in Abangaritos went far beyond what we were originally planning to do. It became evident almost immediately that we were there to fulfill God's special plan for Abangaritos that went far beyond what we thought we were there to do.

This was an amazing realization that was fulfilled not only through numerous answered prayers each and every day, but also by the talents and abilities he gave each member of the team to perform any task - no matter how great or how small - on a daily basis.

My eyes and ears were opened and my faith in God was increased each and every day when I was physically able to see, feel, hear, touch and experience God all around us. Seeing prayers answered, no matter how big or small, on a daily basis was incredible!

The fact that some members of the team would get together and talk about something one night and then see those things take place the very next day was a miracle. These answered prayers were not based on "luck" or "random chance" or any other human possibilty - they were only possible through God.

One such example was when we were told (the night before we were going to install the trusses on the church) that we would need at least 15 men in order to complete the task. We knew that there were several men from the church who would not be able to come that day because they had work outside the village.

We had prayed that God would bring us 15 men the next day. During that same prayer, we had also discussed that we wanted opportunities to witness to people in the community.

The very next morning, our team leader and mission leader said that we were going to go out and recruit men from the community to help with the trusses (answered prayer) and that we would witness to people in the process (answered prayer).

While we were recruiting men from the community, we had an opportunity to recruit a man (Liber) who was waiting for the bar to open at 9am. He said he would come and help us immediately (and he was also accepted Christ later that week). We also recruited another man (Wanner - Maria's father) in the community who did not have a job and had a family to support. He also agreed to come with us. One of the members of our team also witnessed to him and his family.

After we went into the community to recruit help, by the time we began we had EXACTLY 15 men (answered prayer). Not only that, but when people had to leave for various reasons, others showed up at the exact same time to keep 15 men consistently throughout the day.

Toward the end of the day when more people were needed to help finish putting up the last truss and help with clean up, there were 20 men. This was just one small example of how God answered prayers and fulfilled his plan through us and the people of Abangaritos.

Despite the incredible things we did each and every day, I always told our team members during our nightly debriefing session that I was completely satisifed with what I was doing but that I didn't know my purpose for being there.

I knew God had called each one of us on this mission trip for a reason. Throughout the week, I saw others fulfill their purpose. But I didn't know what mine was. But I was still happy, excited and content with each and every day that took place.

Throughout the week, I played with the children and participated in several of the children's programs. There was one little five-year-old girl that caught my eye early in the week. Her name was Maria and there was something about her that just filled my heart.

Throughout the week, Maria and I began to form a strong bond, but I didn't know why or what it meant. I was just drawn to her because of her beautiful smile, the sparkle in her eyes, her childlike innocence and joyful attitude.

On Thursday night after one of the children's programs, Stacey and I decided to give Maria a gift. We gave her a small necklace with a cross that we had picked up in Italy when we married two years ago. Her mother said that she would teach Maria how to take care of it so she would have it forever. Maria also gave Stacey a beaded bracelet that I took and wore the next day.

This is when I realized that my purpose for coming to Abangaritos was because of Maria, but I didn't know why. Friday was our free day and it was also the day we were going to pack up and head back to San Jose to prepare for our flight back home on Saturday.

During lunch, I felt compelled to write Maria a letter and have it translated to Spanish so I could read it to her before we left that afternoon.

In my letter, I said to Maria (this is a short summary):

"Maria, God called us to Abangaritos to fulfill his plan. He brought each of us here with a specific purpose, and I believe my purpose is you. I have come to love you as a father loves a daughter. I don't know if God will bring me back to Abangaritos or if he will bring you to America, but I know I will see you again - even if it's in heaven. I will never forget you, and I will pray for you and your family constantly. I know that God has many plans for you. Stay diligent in your bible studies and prayer. I will always love you. - Nate"

In addition to the letter, I had found one last stuffed animal from a huge box of stuffed animals that ProGifts had donated (THANK YOU AMY AND PROGIFTS!) that didn't get handed out the day before to all the children.

This particular stuffed animal was a teddy bear that I noticed before we had even left for Costa Rica. It was a beautiful white teddy bear that I really liked and wanted to keep. But I knew that it would be best to give it to a child.

The fact that this particular teddy bear was the only one left the night before we were going to leave was a sign from God. As this was the stuffed animal that I ended up giving to Maria the next day when I read her my letter!

When we were heading out of town and we saw Maria and her family, she was waving to me and had gifts for me. I ran out of the van and grabbed her and hugged her and told her that I loved her and thanked her for making me the gifts.Maria made me a picture frame with her photo, her name, a message that says "Jesus loves me" and little hearts and crosses. She had also made me a cross that said "Christ" on it and had her name. She also gave Stacey another bracelet when we told her that I had taken the one she had given to us the night before. In addition to those wonderful gifts, she had a letter for me.

I had read her my letter. I was crying so much because I still wasn't sure what my true purpose was and because I loved her and wanted to stay with her. I thought that maybe God wanted me to take her home with me. Maybe that was my purpose - as I came to love Maria as if she was mine. And I would have eagerly taken her with me.

Her mom told us that Maria was up all night crying and even when she fell asleep, she was still sobbing all night long. She asked her mom to write down the words she would speak because she was too upset to write a letter to me.

Her two-page letter was definitely an answered prayer for me, and it went like this (very short summary):

"I didn't go to school today even though I had a test because I was too sad that you were leaving. I have come to love you both as if you were my second family. I asked my mother and father if they loved me and they said yes. I asked this because if they said no, I would have gone to live with you. But they need me and love me and I must take care of them here. I love you Nate and Stacey (she spelled our first and last names perfectly - and no one knew our last name - another miracle). When you have a child, and you will have a child, I want you to name her Jaqueline Maria so that you will never forget me. I love you and will love you always."

The reason that Maria's letter was an answered prayer was two-fold: First, it let me know that I was not to adopt or take Maria home with me despite the fact that I wanted to so badly. Second, for those that don't know, I have never wanted to have children of my own. This has been a huge problem in my relationship with Stacey, as she has always wanted children.

Meeting Maria and reading her letter fulfilled my purpose of going on this mission trip. God used Maria to open my heart and let me know that I could love a child that much. God wanted me to experience that so I would realize that he wants me to have a child - a little girl whom we will one day name Maria Jaqueline.

Having my purpose fulfilled at the end of the week gave me such great peace. Although I was completely happy and satisfied in all that we did during the week, I knew there was more. I was also blessed to be able to see each day unfold before it actually happen.

This is a gift from God, and one that I was glad to experience. Throughout the week, there were things that I knew needed to be done or said. And each day, those things took place through members of the team. It didn't matter what it was. If there was something that I felt in my heart that needed to be done, I saw it happen through others on the mission trip.

Each day, I saw God work all around us. I saw him answer prayers. I saw what it was like to come to love people in the name of God just as he commanded. I saw a church roof get put on and a community come together. I saw just how much I could come to love a child. I saw my faith grow in leaps and bounds.

Being in Abangaritos, Costa Rica was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced through God. The lack of distractions and the closeness to God was truly incredible. Words cannot even begin to describe everything that took place and everything we saw.

I pray that God brings me back to Abangaritos. Not only to see the people that we met and help further his plan, but also so I can see Maria again. She changed my life forever, and I praise God for what he did.

Things Don't Always Go As Planned...

"You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail."

- Proverbs 19:21

I apologize for not posting as regularly as I had hoped the last few months. I have been extremely busy and haven't had the time to sit down and write blogs as frequently as I would like.

In my last blog, I talked about the TRX Suspension Trainer and how I planned on setting up my next phase of training using the TRX and weight training several days each week.

Unfortunately, that didn't work out as originally planned. After my first week into the new training schedule, I tore some ligaments in my left ankle playing ultimate frisbee.

A visit to the Emergency Care Center and follow-up visits with an orthopaedist confirmed the injury and the slow recovery time. I wore an airboot for almost a week and a half and then transitioned to an ankle brace while also icing it several times each day for the first two weeks (It's still sore and I have a limited range of motion - I've been trying to strengthen it ever since).

During the following week, I was only able to use the TRX a few times. The TRX worked great during this time, as I was still able to perform a full-body workout to keep in shape (I was even able to perform TRX lunges, squats and one-legged squats!). But I was unable to lift weights until a week later when I combined some weight training with more TRX workouts.

However, my training took a back seat the week after that as I flew to Abangaritos, Costa Rica as part of a one-week mission trip with our church (I'll write about this in my next blog).

When we returned from Costa Rica, I was going to write a new training program to help get me back on track. In the process of writing a new program and having meetings after work, I did not train that week as well.

That lead to a two-week period of no training as well as the previous six weeks of on and off training for reasons listed above. Also, it was during Memorial Day week that I had food poisoning causing me to miss a week of training - that was the beginning of when things didn't go as I had planned.

In the past six weeks, my training has not gone as planned despite my best efforts. I'm a very organized, disciplined and routined person, so when things don't go the way I want, it throws me off.

But I believe there may have been a reason for that, as God was trying to show me that no matter what plans I make, he is always in control. I think God was using my workouts as a way to grab my attention for several reasons.

I think he wanted me to see that I can adjust to changes in my routine whether it's due to illness, injury, low energy or for something much bigger - like completing his work in Costa Rica!

If you're like me and things don't go as planned, just remember that God is in control and that you can adjust to whatever it is that comes your way as long as you continue to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

And yes, things are back on track for me this week. I started my next phase of training - Accelerated Muscular Development - and it is going great! I'll talk more about this in a future blog as well.

Confused by Nutrition? Read This!

Then God said, "Look! I have given you every seed-bearing plant throughout the earth and all the fruit trees for your food."

- Genesis 1:29

I apologize for not posting recently. The last two months have been extremely busy for a variety of reasons, and I haven't had the time to post regularly.

Today, I want to simplify nutrition. I know there is a lot of misinformation available when it comes to nutrition. Although I've tried to give simple tips in previous blogs about nutrition, it still doesn't seem to be helping.

I know that there is no "one-size-fits-all" diet plan, but these are fairly general recommendations that can be easily tailored to fit you, your metabolism, your lifestyle, etc.

It amazes me that despite the amount of information available on the internet about nutrition, almost everyone I come in contact with is still confused or mislead by outdated information, practices and recommendations.

Not to mention that they roll their eyes at me when I give them recommendations that go against what they've been taught or led to believe.

Here are 10 simple tips to keep in mind (you'll notice many similarities to John Berardi's 7 Habits of Highly Effective Nutritional Programs). These tips can be applied to any situation (restaurant, party, fast food, etc.) and it will help you with your nutrition, health and fitness goals.

As an added bonus, I'm going to provide many links to other blogs I've written or articles that explain things even better and more in-depth than I can!

1. Eat Protein with Every Meal. Protein is needed for many processes within the body including building muscle. Muscle is the only thing that is metabolically active in the body. The only way to burn fat is to build muscle and protein will help you do that when you also use a proper resistance training program.

Also, protein has a higher thermic effect than carbs or fat. This means that by eating protein, it increases your metabolism. I recommend .8 - 1 gram of protein per pound of bodyweight for most people. No, this is not harmful and it's not hard to do. Remember, a 3-ounce serving of meat typically has 18-24 grams of protein. Also, see this article that talks about some protein myths that just won't go away.

Choose from the following: Lean red meat (grass fed is best), chicken, fish, venison, buffalo, ostrich, pork, eggs (organic is best), cottage cheese and protein powder.

2. Eat Vegetables and/or Fruit with Every Meal. I shouldn't need to explain this one. Vegetables and fruits are real power foods that contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals along with fiber and many other things science has only begun to discover (although God designed and created these things for us already knowing how good it was!).

Yet, if you listen to some people, they'll tell you that carrots will make you fat because they are listed on the high-end of the glycemic index. I won't get into this as it should be common sense that carrots are going to be healthier and better for you than pasta. But you can read more about the glycemic index and the more important glycemic load in this article by Dr. Jonny Bowden - HERE.

Choose from the following: Any type of green vegetable (broccoli, spinach, green beans, aspargus, brussel sprouts, green peppers, etc.) tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, carrots, Romaine lettuce, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes and other brightly colored, high-fiber vegetables (it's best to limit potatoes and corn).

The best types of fruit include berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries), apples, peaches, cantaloupe, oranges and other citrus fruits and low-sugar fruits (it's best to limit grapes, bananas and pineapple).

3. Eat Healthy Fats with Every Meal. It amazes me that so many people still fear the word "fat" or think that by eating fat (even saturated fat) it will cause them to automatically become fat. Yes, you should definitely avoid anything with trans fat, but you need fat in order for your body to work properly.

In fact, as I mentioned in a previous blog, when you restrict something your body does the opposite. So if you restrict your fat intake, your body will hold onto fat. But if you eat plenty of healthy fats, your body will help you lose fat!

Choose from the following: Extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil (great for cooking at high temperatures), salmon and other fatty fish, avocados, raw nuts (walnuts, almonds, etc.), flaxseed and healthy fats from eggs, lean meats (especially grass fed and organic), butter, etc.

4. Raw Milk, Cheese and Greek Yogurt. If you're going to drink milk, I highly recommend that at the very least you stick to organic milk. However, it would be best to switch to raw or raw but pasteurized milk as I've spoken about in a previous blog.

Cheese in moderate amounts is also good for snacks and to spice up various dishes - just be careful of the amount being used and don't buy reduced fat versions as mentioned in the aforementioned blog. Greek yogurt is a great Power Food and I highly recommend it over other types of yogurt. It's higher in protein, lower in carbs, low in lactose, is creamy and works great as a snack or in various recipes.

5. Drink Water Throughout the Day. Water is the best thing you can drink on a daily basis. Our bodies are made up of approximately 70 percent water, and the more water you consume the better hydrated you will be and the more efficiently your body will function. Water is needed for virtually every metabolic process in the body. It helps flush wastes and toxins out. It helps keep joints lubricated and skin fresh and moist. And it helps prevent bloat.

A good recommendation is to drink half your bodyweight in ounces each day. If you weigh 150lbs, you should drink at least 75 ounces of water each day. You'll need to drink more if you live in a hot climate or if you are exercising. Stay away from calorie-containing drinks such as soda, various coffee drinks, fruit juice, milk, etc.

6. Eat 4-6 Meals Per Day and Eat Every 2-3 Hours. Eating more frequently helps to elevate your metabolism, it keeps you from getting hungry and making bad choices, and it helps limit how much you eat during each meal.

7. Consume Starchy Carbohydrates During Breakfast or Post-Workout Only. In order for your body to utilize starchy carbohydrates properly and not store them as fat, the two best times to consume them are for breakfast and after an intense workout as part of a post-workout meal. These are the two times during the day when your body will refill your body's glycogen levels rather than storing the carbs in your fat cells.

Despite what the Food Pyramid may suggest, you DO NOT need anywhere near the amount of servings suggested unless you are a high-level endurance athlete participating in marathons or the Tour de France. The majority of people do not get nearly enough exercise to warrant the amount of starchy carbohydrates that are typically recommended. Not only that, but you can get the amount of carbohydrates your body needs from vegetables and fruits. Also, here's a good blog I posted about Carbohydrates and Fat Loss.

In addition, many people are allergic to gluten which is found in grains and other products. Not only that, but most people are healthier and lose more weight on a lower carb diet (less than 40% from carbs).

Choose from the following: Raw oats, sweet potatoes and yams, Quinoa, couscous, whole-wheat pasta (limit it to 2 ounces), brown or whole-grain rice and real bread (Ezekiel bread).

8. Avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and Trans Fat. HFCS is the evil it's been made out to be despite some clever PR tactics that you may have seen on TV. Here's a good article for more information - Thank You for Guzzling Corn Syrup.

Trans fat is the one type of fat that you should avoid at all costs. No amount of trans fat is good for you. Despite the claims seen on many boxed and packaged foods that say "no trans fat" - they do not have to legally list that the item contains trans fat if it's .5 grams or less. Don't be fooled by man-made, pre-packaged and commercialized products. Your best bet is to avoid anything that comes in a box or has a list of ingredients that you cannot pronounce.

9. The 90 Percent Rule. Dr. John Berardi is attributed with the 90 percent rule. If you want to make changes in your body composition, it requires that you adhere to a proper nutritional plan 90 percent of the time. Anything less, and you won't meet your goals.

This means that if you eat an average of five meals per day, seven days per week for a total of 35 meals. In order to stay 90 percent compliant, you can skip or mess up (have a cheat meal) only 3.5 times each week. Think about it next time you reach for some dessert or decide to eat some fried, greasy fast food rather than something healthy and nutritionally balanced.

10. Look to the Bible. If you're still confused as to what to eat, then look no further than the bible which lists many of the foods God has provided to us that have numerous benefits. An excellent book I would recommend reading is What the Bible Says About Healthy Living.

There, you will find many of the same things I tell people on a daily basis when it comes to the foods you should be eating (which I've already listed). But if you want to know God's perfect design and the many benefits of those foods which scientists are just now realizing, then check out that book!

There it is. A list of 10 tips that should help set you straight when it comes to nutrition. I know I haven't covered everything in this blog, but I hope that you will use these tips to make changes in your life.

As always, if you have questions or comments, feel free to post them below.

Back on Track!

"Before long, the jailer put Joseph in charge of all the other prisoners and over everything that happened in that prison. The chief jailer had no more worries after that, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him, making everything run smoothly and successfully."- Genesis 39:22-23

I apologize that I haven't posted a blog since the beginning of November. I was extremely busy during the entire fall and throughout the holidays. I was also sick four different times between the beginning of November through the first week of January.

Luckily, I'm finally healthy and am working toward making regular blog posts once again. During the last few months, I've been busy with my own training but also with thoughts on what I want to accomplish in the next few years. I am currently working toward a personal training certification through the International Youth Conditioning Association (IYCA), as I have an interest in working with today's youth to help them improve their self-confidence while living a healthy lifestyle and avoiding illnesses like diabetes and obesity.

I will also work toward another general personal training certification with the American Council on Exercise (ACE) later this year or early next year to give me the basic information I need to work with various populations. Both of these certifications will help me in my quest to own my own fitness-based business and be able to train others.

I have also spent the last few months reading a variety of nutrition, fitness and business-related books that will help me when I make the jump toward opening my own business. And, of course, I've been praying about it (but not as much as I should!).

I still have various ideas of what I want to do, but I will need to make sure that it's something God truly wants me to do. With more prayer and bible study, I should be able to get the answers I need in order to find a way I can minster to others through my passion for health and fitness.

In the meantime, I'll continue to post useful information on my blog several times each week to help you with your health and fitness goals.

God bless!

Book Recommendation: What the Bible Says About Healthy Living!

"Wisdom is more valuable than gold and crystal. It cannot be purchased with jewels mounted in fine gold." - Job 28:17

I recently finished reading "What the Bible Says About Healthy Living" by Rex Russell. This is a fantastic book that shows us what to eat and how to live a healthy life according to God's plan.I highly recommend picking up a copy of this book as it goes into very good detail about the various foods God has recommended that we eat. It's amazing to see how perfectly God designed our food and what effect it has on the body.

The book covers three main principles that are important for a healthy life according to God's plan for us:

1. Eat only the food God has created.
2. Eat only the food God has created in its most natural state before it has been altered by man.
3. Do not become addicted to any food.

Principle one is fairly easy to figure out on your own as it pertains to all the natural, whole food God has created for us to eat. This includes vegetables, fruits, lean meats (from cattle, chicken, fish), beans and other legumes, raw nuts, olive oil and other natural foods.

Principle two gets tricky because many of the foods that we think are good for us have been altered by man in some way. Bread, rice and pasta may seem healthy and natural, but most of those products are highly processed and no longer resemble the original form that they were designed to be. The idea behind principle two is to only eat organic food as much as possible.

Principle three can be one that is hard to avoid. Many people are addicted to sweet or salty foods, fast food, alcohol or even foods that are good for us. So it is important not to worship any food or become addicted to it in any way.

I'm going to start a new series on my blog that discusses many of the things listed in the book including the topic of milk, meat, vitamins and more. I feel that many people have been led astray when it comes to eating healthy and nutritious foods.

In fact, I read an article in yesterday's paper that encouraged the consumption of white bread because it is fortified with folate and vitamins. If someone were to follow that horrible advice, they may find themselves justifying that it's okay to eat food that wasn't created by God and that is heavily processed and detrimental to the body in the long run.

I hope to clear up many misconceptions as we discuss a variety of topics related to food and how to live a healthy life. In the meantime, be sure to pick up a copy of the book. It's loaded with excellent information that will make a huge impact on your life.

Emmanuel Moody - Christian Athlete

"If you plan to do evil, you will be lost; if you plan to do good, you will receive unfailing love and faithfulness." - Proverbs 14:22

Emmanuel Moody, a 6-foot, 210-pound running back from Coppell, Texas, transferred from the University of Southern California to the University of Florida last year. Moving from the hustle and bustle of city life in Los Angeles to Gainesville has given Emmanuel more time to himself.

He spends that time praying and practicing his faith as a devout Christian who one day wants to become a minister. Emmanuel even prays during practice. When he was asked what the difference is this year compared to his freshman season at Southern Cal in 2006, he didn't mention football plays.

"This season my focus is more on God," Emmanuel said. "If I'm not spiritually right, then I won't play football to the best of my ability. He's the one who gives me strength. He's the one that gives me comfort. Sometimes at practice I'll look to Him and start praying. That's the difference beween this season and all the other seasons is that He's really captured my heart. The Holy Spirit is the one that guides me."

Emmanuel is a great role model and exemplifies what being a Christian is truly about. And he has his priorities in order (God comes first and he lives the life of a Christian).

"My mind isn't always on football. It's on other things, like God. He definitely comes first. Football just falls into place," Emmanuel said.

Now that's the type of athlete that we should be able to look up to as a role model. Emmanuel doesn't take anything for granted and knows that God has blessed him with his abilities. In return for his faith in God and living the life of a devout Christian, God will in turn bless him in many ways.

We need more courageous and faithful Christians like Emmanuel Moody (and Tim Tebow) to step forward and spread the faith and encourage others to put God first and give thanks to Him and all that He does for us.

Emmanuel also has the advantage of being in the spotlight because he is a member of the Florida Gators football team. He has the chance to witness to so many others including other members of the football team, the coaches and staff and thousands of fans and supporters.

If that isn't a blessing, then I don't know what is!

Save Money On Groceries!

"He gives food to every living thing. His faithful love endures forever." - Psalm 136:25

With the increase in the price of food, grocery shopping can be extremely costly these days. Here are a few tips to slash your entire grocery bill by 50, even 60 percent.

• Get It For Less - Shop the sales and stock up on what you use a lot. If your local grocery store offers buy 1 get 1 free deals or 50% off, load up on items that you use often. Some shoppers only buy what is on sale. They let the sale rotations dictate their purchases and rack up consistent savings of 50 percent or more. This also helps provide variety to your diet by purchasing and eating different foods each week.
• Buy In Bulk - Shopping at Sam's, Costco and BJ's allows you to purchase food in bulk such as 6-pound bags of chicken breasts, 10-pound packages of ground beef, 18-packs of eggs, larger quantities of cheese and produce, etc. Many times, buying in bulk costs less money and lasts longer.
• Embrace The Store Brand - Most of the time, the store brand tastes just as good if not better than name brands. This applies to meats, dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese, cottage cheese), eggs, natural peanut butter, etc. There are many healthy store-brand items that cost far less than name-brand foods, and they're good for you!
• Add An Ethnic Market To Your Lineup - Spices, produce and other staples are often much cheaper. Not to mention that you can experiment with new foods and spices with many health benefits.
• Think Outside The Box - Need milk? Check Walgreens, the corner convenience store, the gas mini-mart or a local farmer's market (a great place for produce and raw milk). All these places often beat supermarket prices. It means an extra stop, but if you combine this with another errand in the same area, you won't be spending more on gas.
• Use Coupons - Matching a coupon with items on sale can help you save big! To get even more for your buck, do it at stores that double the coupon.
• Plan Strategically - If possible, extend the time between trips. This may be difficult if you eat a lot of fresh food, but if you can stretch your shopping to 1o days instead of seven or less, you reduce your daily expenses.

These are just a few tips to help you save money while still being able to enjoy all the good foods God designed for us.

Stay-Healthy Super Foods!

"You must serve only the Lord your God. If you do, I will bless you with food and water, and I will protect you from illness."

- Exodus 23:25

God is truly amazing. He designed our food in a perfect way. It nourishes our bodies and prevents disease and illness. Eating the foods God created for us means less chance of having to use man-made medications and prescriptions that have a slew of harmful side effects.

The right foods can protect against stress, insomnia, obesity, diabetes and more. Here are a few stay-healthy super foods and how they can help you:

Beat Stress With...
Sunflower Seeds - A good source of folate, which helps your body produce a pleasure-inducing brain chemical called dopamine.

Get Energized With...
Almonds or Almond Butter - They help stabilize energy levels thanks to a mix of protein and healthy fat.

Fight Insomnia With...
Yogurt - Calcium-rich foods boost levels of seratonin, a calming hormone that promotes sleep.

Get Glowing Skin With...
Blackberries and Raspberries - Antioxidant-rich berries prevent early signs of aging by fighting off free radicals.

Up Your Odds of Getting Pregnant With...
Walnuts - Having more mono-unsaturated fats (found in walnuts) in lieu of saturated and trans fats may help boost fertility.

Burn Fat Faster With...
Chile Peppers - They've got capsaicin, a compound that may kick-start your metabolism.

Pump Up Your Immune System With...
Cantaloupe - Just one cup gives you more than 100 percent of your daily recommendation for vitamin C.

Combat A Headache With...
Kale - Magnesium-rich greens like kale may help you have fewer migranes by fighting inflammation.

These are just a few examples of foods created by God that have many health benefits. If you read the bible closely, you can find all the foods God recommends that we eat. It's amazing how science has recently reported many of the health benefits of various foods even though they have been in the bible and recommended for thousands of years.

It's also unfortunate that man has altered many of the foods that God created making them less healthy for us to eat.

Remember these three principles:

1. Eat the foods God created for us
2. Eat foods as close to what God created as possible (stay away from altered and man-made foods)
3. Don't become addicted to any food

I'll talk more about this in a future blog, as I'm currently finishing a wonderful book that explains in detail the foods God created, which ones we should eat and why we should follow the three above-mentioned principles.

Florida Gators Charity Challenge!

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." - Ephesians 6:10-12

Stacey and I attended the The University of Florida Gators Charity Challenge on Friday. The strongman competition showed fans how hard they’ve worked this summer and helped raise money for charity.

The Gator team, which usually holds a strongman competition toward the end of every summer, chose to open this year’s competition to the public for the first time while raising money for a good cause.

We saw our favorite players excel in team and individual events such as a tire flip, sled push, Torpedo hold, medicine ball toss and two obstacle courses.

The inaugural UF Football Charity Challenge raised $6,000 for six charities. Six booths set up inside the stadium represented each charity and accepted monetary pledges while the activities occurred on the field. The charities represented included the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, the American Heart Association, the American Cancer Society, the Children’s Miracle Network, the American Diabetes Association and the March of Dimes.

Stacey and I decided to donate to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation as a friend of ours was recently diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer and had a double masectomy just a day before the strongman competition.

We supported and cheered for the Gator team wearing their pink breast cancer awareness shirts. Ironically, the team we picked, led by Gator team captain and offensive lineman Jason Watkins, ended up winning the challenge!

At the end of the competition we even had a chance to snap a couple pictures with Tim Tebow. I only had a brief moment to talk to Tim as he had already spent a lot of time after the competition signing autographs and taking photos.

When I called him over for a photo, I expressed my appreciation of him as a role model and invited him to attend our church if he was ever interested.

As he began to leave, I asked him for another photo, this time with Stacey. I mentioned that she was a big fan and would really appreciate it.

I joked with him that Stacey said she was going to divorce me to marry him (she had joked about that earlier that evening!). He got a good laugh out of that, and I think I embarrassed Stacey just a little.

I wish I had a few more minutes to speak with him, as there have been many things I've wanted to talk to him about regarding God, Christianity, his humility and how his actions have even helped me humble myself (no easy feat!).

I've seen Tim on campus in the past, and I'm sure there will be another chance for me to see him and speak with him.

Tim is an incredible role model and exemplifies what being a Christian is truly about. He has a passion for children (he chose the Children's Miracle Network as his team's charity for the strongman competition) and has been on many mission trips to various countries.

He was brought up in a good Christian home and taught Biblical values and beliefs. Tim is very humble and Christ-like. He has his priorities in order (1. God, 2. Family, 3. School, 4. Football) and has been blessed by God in so many incredible ways.

He is an ambassador for Christ, and I can see that God will use him for many special things beyond football.


Read more about the Strongman competition here - Click me!

Giving God Thanks!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His love is eternal."

- Psalm 136:1

Kerron Clement is headed for the Olympics in the 400-meter intermediate hurdles after finishing second during the Olympic Trials on June 30.

Kerron struggled growing up in Trinidad. Despite poverty and having to work hard for every meal he ate, he was blessed with the God-given talent of speed. He has used his talent to set records while at the University of Florida and at various events.

And although he is now financially stable thanks to a sponsorship from Nike, Kerron has never failed to thank God for his ability and the opportunities bestowed upon him.

"I'm financially stable. I’m just happy at this point in my life. I came from having nothing, so I’ve just been thankful to God that he blessed me with opportunity and he gave me favor with man," Clement said. "Every single time I cross the line I say 'Thank God,' because he made it possible."

When was the last time you thanked God for what he has given you?


See the article about Kerron Clement here - Click me!

Do You Believe In God?

"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

- Ephesians 1:7

More than 90 percent of Americans believe in God and more than half pray at least once a day, according to a recent poll taking an in-depth look at Americans' religious beliefs.

The poll, by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, also found that nearly three-fourths of Americans believe in heaven as a place where people who have led good lives will be eternally rewarded. If you are a Christian, you know that good works and "living a good life" will not get you into heaven, but they are a part of our commandment to others (love your neighbor, serve others, etc.).

Almost 60% believe in hell, where people who have led bad lives and die without repenting are eternally punished, the poll found. Give thanks to Jesus for dying for our sins and blessing us with his grace so that we can have eternal life at his side.

Majorities also believe that angels and demons are at work in the world and that miracles occur today as they did in ancient times. "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." - 1 Peter 5:8.

This is the organization's second report that is based on one of the largest polls of Americans' religious beliefs ever conducted, with more than 36,000 adults interviewed.

The first report released in February took a broad look at the American religious landscape, while this report dives deeply into the faith and politics of religious, and non-religious, Americans.

On the political side, for example, it found, among Jews who pray daily, 36% are politically conservative - more than twice as many as those who pray less often.

- Story originally reported in The Washington Post

Bryan Clay - Christian Athlete!

"Therefore, I remind you to keep ablaze the gift of God that is in you through the laying on of my hands." - 2 Timothy 1:6

Bryan Clay is a great example of a Christian Athlete. His faith in God has helped him change his life for the better, and he has become an outstanding athlete. He will be competing in the Summer Olympics in the Decathlon, one of the hardest sports of all since it combines a blend of speed, strength, explosive power, endurance, skill and more to be successful.

What is remarkable about Bryan (besides his physical abilities and talents - an obvious gift from God) is his faith as a devout Christian and how he has used his talents, abilities and faith to help and encourage others through speaking engagements and his foundation.

If you want to be an example of a Christian Athlete, then look to Bryan as a role model. I also encourage you to check out Bryan's web site where you can read more about him and watch his videos. Be sure to post some words of encouragement on his site and pray for him so that he will continue to do God's work while staying healthy as he competes in the Summer Olympics.

Faith Healing!

"May they understand that You, Lord, bring health and healing and will reveal to them an abundance of peace and truth...."

- Jeremiah 33:6

Recent research suggests that religion offers health benefits including longer life spans.

Some have attributed this to the healing benefits of prayer and faith in God. Others believe it's because people of faith enjoy supportive, healthful lifestyles. If you're a Christian, you know it's due to both of those things and more!

Some statistics:

• 83: The life expectancy of people who frequently attended religious services; for infrequent attendees, the estimate was 75.
• 70%: The percentage of churches that provide healthcare services to their communities, according to a survey of 6,000 congregations.
• 40-60%: The percentage of hospital patients who want their doctors to pray with them.

Faith in God, prayer, living a healthy lifestyle as God intended and surrounding yourself with strong social support from other Christians is an important part of living a long and healthy life.

Exercise and a proper diet are important to our physical needs. Faith in God, a strong support system and prayer are important to our spiritual, emotional and physical needs.

Have you prayed today?