Setting My Mind - A Reflection for the Weak

Recently, I have been contemplating the importance of what we "set" our minds on...In God's Word in Colossians 3:2, the Lord commands, "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." Why do you think God says this is important? How is it relevant to us in our day to day lives?

According to Webster, to set means: the act or action of settling; intent, determined, persistent; a state of psychological preparedness to an anticipated stimulus or situation. Wow. Did you know those three very small letters possessed so much meaning? Neither did I.

It is so easy to allow our emotions, feelings and mood dictate our decisions...this couldn't be more true than when we are in pain. At that precise moment I can't think of anything other than getting the "heck out there"! I don't like feelings of despair, loneliness, hurt, confusion, and brokenness...I really don't know of any human being who does. These experiences can leave us feeling battered and bruised. More so if our decisions at those moments of pain are ones that are contrary to God and His ways of love and peace. (Let me interject that this is not referring to issues of personal self-respect and taking a stand. Sometimes putting necessary boundaries around us is important.) Temptation to give in to these moments are difficult enough to resist the first time and second time. But what about that third and fourth time? It can go on and on until we are worn down. That is unless we set our minds.

Beth Moore in her study on Esther comments that Satan knows that even the strong can grow weak, but also states the opposite is true: even the weak grow strong if we set our minds to it! How many times did you hear your parents say, "you can do anything you set your mind to"? We can purpose to respond out of our mind-set rather than our mood. We can't depend on a positive mood or disposition to help us make Godly decisions. You and I both can contest that the times we live our lives like this are the times life is most uncertain as we are tossed around like a wave upon the sea.

We all can learn to be stronger and live with the intention of setting our mind on what God reveals about us, others and life in general. In His Word, He gives us all the hope and power to renew our minds and live a transformed life. In addition to knowing His Word, part of the process also involves staying with the pain, feeling it - then taking it before God to determine His purpose in it. The natural phenomenon of a open and receptive heart is the change and transformation of His healing touch.

I am forever grateful and thankful that my God loves me enough to pursue me with this lesson...left to myself, I often get it wrong. Left to myself I look in the wrong places when I feel insecure or needy. He wants me to live victoriously in this area of my life. He wants you to, also. He also wants us to experience a life full of His beauty and full of the glory of His presence. Something that is never changing and consistent. Our God is all beautiful and glorious!

I encourage you to take time to be with God, in His Word, in His presence...set your minds on Him - His teachings; His precepts; His commands; His desires; His will. He will guard your minds and hearts, and give you strength to make wise choices and decisions that bring life and not death to your spirit.

"And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise to God." Philippians 1:9-11

Grateful Heart

This journey that I am on has been quite the experience! Not only am I learning to think and respond (yes, I believe this is called communication) in a more deliberate way to our Lord and to others in my life, I am also learning about the not so related but important venues of communication. I am learning about...blogs...

So my "reflection" for this week is my thankfulness for one person in particular - Holly Smith. Holly has worked tirelessly with me to put my ideas and thoughts into a creative format for you and others to access in learning more about Yahweh Yoga. This blog is the work of her creative juices and her enduring patience. Where would I have been without Holly? Thank you, Holly! (Holly will soon be launching her own graphic and design company. If you need help in web, blog or business design contact her at chrishollysmith@msn.com.)

Along side Holly is her friend, Patty - a wonderful woman, whom I have never talked with nor met. But Patty colaborated with Holly on colors and layout. Thank you, Patty! You are a dear sweet soul.

And then there is Heather. Another wonderful selfless woman, who is also Holly's friend (I am happy that Holly has friends like these!) I also do not personally know Heather, but am forever grateful. The beautiful mountain range is a photograph from Heather's personal collection. The quite stream photo is also Heather's photography. She is gifted in seeing the beauty around her and capturing it through her camera's eye. Thank you, Heather, for sharing your photos that express exactly what I feel Reflections is all about.

And I want to thank my daughter, Sadie. Sadie is another creative soul, who gave me her honest and open opinions concerning my ideas. Her critical eye was essential to the final design of this blog. Thank you, Sadie.

I will continue to reflect on God's goodness in my life this weekend - and especially reflect on my husband's homecoming tomorrow! I have missed him so!

Our blessings are abundant if we open our eyes to them. I hope you will open your eyes to all that is around you, and reflect, too, on our Mighty God.

With Joy,
Pamela

Class Descriptions

Morning Stretch:
Class begins with a gentle awakening of the body with warm up stretching, followed by arm and abdominal work. Coming onto the hands and knees attention is given for stretching the legs and side body. While on the feet sun salutations and warrior series are practiced. Finishing on the floor with gentle back bends and spinal twists. The session ends with the most important pose, Savasana or resting pose. Recommended for all levels.

Gentle Journey:
Similar flows as “Morning Stretch”, but poses are held for a longer period of time to increase strength. A reflective break-a-sweat practice designed to de-stress and tone mind, body, soul. Focus is given to strength building and learning balance. Great for beginners and students of all ages and fitness levels.

Faithful Flow:
A peaceful intermediate level practice to get you sweating and centered. Balancing poses like Tree, Crane and Warrior Three are added. To assist with balancing poses, breathing techniques or Pranayamas will be introduced. This class leaves you energized and ready to take on the day. Recommended for those looking for a challenge.

Rest and Restore:
Set in a darkened room this class is an excellent way to unwind after a long day. Receive the same benefits that come from the Morning Stretch and Gentle Journey classes, but at a slower, more relaxed pace. Recommended for all levels looking for a restorative experience.

Benefits of Yoga Practice

* Intimate connection with God
* Greater self-acceptance
* Peace of mind
* Greater strength, better balance, more stamina, and increased flexibility
* Joints are lubricated, muscles, tendons, and ligaments are toned and strengthened
* Spine and abdominal muscles are strengthened together, allowing the body to sit and stand tall without discomfort – improving posture
* Toxins are flushed, glands are stimulated, increased circulation feeds oxygen to each cell, and body functions will improve
* Lung capacity grows, stress and toxins are released with proper breathing
* Functions of the mind are sharpened
* More restful sleep
* Immune functions strengthened

What is Hatha Yoga?

“Hatha” is a type of yoga. It includes any yoga that is physical.

“Ha” means sun in Sanskrit (an ancient language no longer in existence), and “tha” means moon. “Yoga” means union, to yoke, or to join. Hatha yoga is the practice of bring about the union of opposites. We become aware of our opposites (side to side, front and back, top and bottom, long and short, and left to right).

Through the physical practice of yoga poses, breath control, and flowing posture routines, we can learn balance and deep relaxation. Webster's dictionary states that yoga is "a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control & well-being."

In Hatha yoga, the body is awakened, and the mind is trained to be still. Yoga does not bring about peace but teaches us to be quiet to experience the peace that comes from God.