Unwind this Summer - With Yoga

Summer is almost here! Or at least I think it is. Our spring time here in the Rockies has been cold and wet. We need the moisture, and after knowing the tragedies other staes are experiencing through natural disasters, I am not going to complain at all about our minor weather inconveniences. 

Please remember in your prayers, all of those who have suffered great loss.

I want to invite you to take advantage of yoga opportunites this summer; join us for a wonderful series - Experiencing Your Gifts, taught by my dear friend (and experienced teacher), Sarah Hogan and myself.  Call 719.385.7920 to register by June 13.

Or share a Saturday morning rise and shine with me here at my home studio.

There will also be yoga hikes - opportunities to celebrate life in God's creation, while breathing in the surrounding beauty. All the details are below.


Questions? Please call me. 719.352.9272.

Take the time this summer to really unwind. Connect with God, with friends and family, with self. Seek gratitude and enjoy the gifts and blessings God has given. And be sure to share your joy with others.

Shalom,

Pamela

"At times, each of us needs to withdraw from the cares which will not withdraw from us." ~ Maya Angelou


    
Summer Yoga - June 14 thru July 21

      Six Week Series: $40 - or $10 for drop-n per class

**Tuesdays - June 14, 21, 28 and July 5, 12, 19

4:45 PM, Chapel Hills Church
2023 Parliament Dr., Co Springs

**Thursdays - June 16, 23, 30 and July 7, 14, 21

8:30 AM, Westside Community Center
Old CO City, 1628 W. Bijou Street

10:30 AM, Westside Community Center
Old CO City / Senior Chair Class

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**Saturdays - June 11, 25 and July 9 and 23

9 AM, Reflections Yoga Studio
7630 Clovis Way, Blk Forest
Four week series: $30 - or $10 for drop-n per class

**Summer Yoga Hikes - Stay Tuned for Dates

The Beginning

Everyone has a story. A personal and intimate story. A beginning where for some there is a conscience acknowledgment of a Supreme Being. Acknowledging a touch so tender, that there is no question of its source. The touch from the God of the universe.

If anyone knows me well, they know I am hopelessly sentimental. I love remembering the past - mostly good. But I don't mind reminiscing about the bad as well. You see, both are part of my travels and both have shaped me into the person I am.

It is only February, and there is still the entire year before us to seek God's purpose in each of our lives, and to then submit to the refining process of becoming more and more like our sweet Jesus. Newness and fresh starts are abundate for each of us. There is hope!

My prayer is that we are all wise enough to take the first step and trust God. It is never too late.

Helpful Hints for Your Holidays

I believe that with the busy seasons right at our door step, we are all guilty of rushing in without much thought to self-care and wellness. We have a pumpkin to carve; a turkey to bake; a tree to decorate and gifts to buy. Who has time to take care of themselves?

I am afraid that if we don't heed some of the helpful hints listed below, we will all struggle with sleepless nights, irritable days, and lack the patience to get through the holidays. Stress not only robs us of our health, but also robs us the joy we can experience as we share these meaningful holidays with our friends and loved ones.

So, please, slow down. Be good to yourself so that in turn you can be good to others. Enjoy the blessings that God is showering down on you...and smile.

To Lessen (A)Effects of Stress in Your Life:

1. Start your day with breakfast
2. Eat smaller meals every 3-4 hours
3. Eat more fiber, fresh fruits, and vegetables
4. Drink water
5. Watch caffeine intake (especially in the afternoon)
6. Splash water on your face when feeling fatigued
7. Vent feelings in a journal or with a friend
8. Turn on some of your favorite tunes
9. Let go of grudges
10. Dress for success
11. Energize your spirit
12. Take belly breaths
13. De-clutter your home (or at least a corner)
14. Do something good for another person
15. Cut back on TV and computer time (especially after 8 pm)
16. Skip alcohol; or avoid 2-3 hours prior to bed time
17. Exercise
18. Get a restorative rest
19. Read inspirational books, quotes, passages, scripture
20. PRACTICE YOGA

Come Alive

It is Spring... flowers are budding, trees are leafing out...the grass is greener. Enjoy life - God given life. There is nothing like a fresh beginning. He is life and the beginning of life. Our life will take flight with His guidance and hope. Remember to wait with expectation to hear His voice. He will guide you on your journey...on your way. Shalom.

Time for Love

It is February 17th today, and much of this new year for me has been spent in deep contemplation. I have been thinking about life, about death, about purpose, about relationships, and mostly about love.

I see love as our foundational principle of understanding. If I want to have a transparent and authentic relationship with my God and others - I need to have love. I need to open up my being to let God's love pour in....I struggle because now that I am desiring a healthier heart and way of thought, receiving love and expressing love hasn't been natural. A strange comment from one who has been epitomized as the self-less giver and one who loves the most. Some times I can't connect what is in my mind with what is in my heart. This is a new way of thinking for me, and I believe it is God's way.

In these recent times, I have come to realize that most of my expressions of love and caring were driven out of wrong motives. I didn't see this at the time, but I know now, that some how I felt validated and important if I could give. I wanted to feel good about who I was, and giving seemed to fill that need. It doesn't bring me any joy in admitting this. Our own hearts are something we can't even know truthfully at times. If my motivation is for my self-worth, then I don't really have love.

So now I come before my Lord and Savior, stripped of my self assurance and pride. I am an empty vessel asking Him to fill me with His love. In time I will begin to see myself complete in Him and loving myself in the way God wants me to. The beauty of it all is that then I can love others as I am meant to love others. After all, God IS love.

Jimmy Dodd, our visiting pastor and friend, told us Sunday, that in I Corinthians 13, if we apply these words to our behavior and but not apply these words to our hearts first, we have missed the message. I have missed the message. I hope you have not. But if you have, like me, there is still another day, another opportunity, to relate to God's word in the Person of Jesus Christ, a living active person. The love chapter isn't a set of rules, but a testimony of Jesus. While fully in relationship with Him, the outcome will be all that is Jesus.

Read I Corinthians 13 with fresh eyes. Let the Holy Spirit speak His truth to your heart. Ask the tough questions, and then trust God.

Shalom, Pamela

I Corinthians 13:4-8; 13
" Jesus is patient, Jesus is kind. He does not envy, He does not boast, and He is not proud. Jesus is not rude, He is not self-seeking. Jesus is not easily angered. He keeps no record of wrongs. Jesus does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. Jesus always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Jesus never fails....and now these three remain: faith, hope and Jesus. But the greatest of these is Jesus!"

An Amazing Merry Christmas

I am aware that it has been a very long time since I have published a post. Nothing to worry about. Actually I am doing quiet well. In fact, much better as I am looking to God for healing in my life and for the very issues that I write so passionately about. Being quiet can be a very good thing.

This Christmas season has started off in an unusual way for me. Typically by Thanksgiving weekend, I have decorated the house, and our family has "tackled" the tree. I have completed most of the Christmas shopping and sometimes even have the gifts wrapped (with the help of my husband!). The cookie swap has been planned and cookies are baked. Christmas cards are sometimes written and sent. So far, I have done none of these things. Today is December 6th.

I can't explain why I haven't started my Christmas frenzy. Yes, I am busy and working like so many of you. Being in the middle of a basement finish has taken much of my "free" time - but that isn't the reason. Really. The wonderful revelation of all of this is that I am not stressed nor am I in a panicked stated of mind.

There is much to be said about allowing things to flow in their natural state. Today our pastor talked about amusement verses amazement. I felt as if the Lord was putting the concept and words to what has been taking place in my heart. I want to be amazed this Christmas - and for whatever reason, taking things slower has helped.

You see, Christmas isn't about the decorations, gifts, productions and parties. We all know this in our hearts...but sometimes we feel things have to be amusing and festive to raise us to the height of exhilaration. Instead of exhilarated, we are exhausted. A quiet simple approach can help us to refocus on what IS the real meaning of Christmas. I don't believe the Lord Jesus cares whether my house is decorated or if I have my tree up. He does care about whether my heart is humble and ready to receive Him. The greatest joy in our amazement of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is His ever present love that changes everything in our lives.

Amazement - a movement in our hearts. This year, engage with the Christmas Story. Feel the wonder; experience the excitement in who God is; receive His love for you presented in the gift of His Son, Jesus. Consider the mystery of Christmas. Then respond in awe and astonishment to your God. Live and don't just exist this Christmas. You will not be the same!

Merry Christmas!

New Life

I can remember as a little girl how I could smell and feel fall as it approached. The hot Georgia summers often felt unbearable as we became lethargic from the heat. We would try to escape to cool places: under a shade tree, wading bear-footed in the branch, finding a cool dark room, sitting in front of the box fan - but the exhausting heat followed us, suppressed us. So you can image how we loved the cool fall mornings when they arrived! Donning our sweathers for school and breathing in clean refreshing air. There was an excitment in the atmosphere as we awaited this new season in our lives. The anticipation of change was our deliverance.

It is easy to fall into complacency and apathy. Life can be suffocating and exhausting. We can allow stress to control us, and suddenly we find life out of control. There appears be no place to restore our hopes and dreams. Nothing satisfies. We may even question our faith or quesiton God. There is no relief...are you there? Have you been there? I have. But I have discovered that IF we have the desire, a fresh beginning and complete wholeness is waiting for us, no matter where we find ourselves in life.

It really is simple. The Lord gives us a fresh beginning and brand new start - daily. It is such liberation to know that once I acknowledge my sin or weaknesses, God washes His forgiveness and grace over me, instantaneously!! I wonder at times why I refuse God's gifts and His love only to remain in my state of turmoil. Looking back, I can see why the Lord refers to me as His sheep. It is either stupidity or pride that keeps me in the pit. I have to be willing to admit to what I have control over and what I don't. I have to take responsibility. And then surrender to God what I can't control. And that is where I find my sanctuary.

No matter what is going on around you - if you are at the place of wanting to be real and wanting true transformation and change, it can happen! The freedom we have in Christ is greater than anything we have in this life. It won't be easy - ridicule, persecution, doubt, unforgiveness from others (or even self), may be the troubles that persist. But during these times when we feel alone and scared, God promises to be with us in the heat of life. Right there with us. All we have to do is cry out to Him.

This summer has been a hard one for me. I have had to go through a period of darkness - waiting and suffering in loneliness. But it has "forced" me to look at my life and evaluate what is really important. And the realization is - nothing is more imporatant to me than my God and Savior. He has proven Himself faithful when I am not; He passionately loves me when I am unlovable; He has not given up on me with His patient pursuit; He has given me grace and courage to walk ahead into the unknown; He has not let me down. Not once.

God can use the oppressive heartaches of life to bring about a change in us. Through those things He can bring restoration and a fresh beginning to our hearts and lives for His glory. We just need to wrap His forgiveness, grace and power across our shoulders - then we are free to enter into new season of life. Remember to breathe.

2 Corinthians 4:16 (The Message)
"So we're not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace."