Love and Life in Dead Places

This is the season for celebration! I just recently saw Mountain Bluebirds flying about and chirping as they gathered materials for the babies' nests...New life is all around us, although it is hard to imagine while looking out my window at a blanket of snow! At this point I am sure some of you (my friends from California??) may feel you will never see Spring, but trust me, you will. Spring is patiently waiting for God's proper time to emerge. The warm earth, life-giving sunshine, and longer days will all contribute to nature's life cycle. And, so it goes with our life cycle, too.

When the hardness and pain of life brings coldness to our reasoning and to our hearts, we often fail to see the beauty that lies just beneath the surface. A new and fresh perspective; a new and fresh spirit; a closer walk with God...the new life in what we face is waiting to emerge at just the proper time. God's perfect time. Once the beauty of new life springs forward, we then see glimpses of hope. One definition of resurrect is "to bring to view, attention or use again." We often don't see or appreciate the beauty of life unless we accept the hardships that had to be in order to bring God's purpose and plan to our attention.

The hope we can experience and have is because of the resurrection of another life: the life of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He came to bring warmth and beauty out of the pain and death of life's winters in each of us. He came to bring us a fresh and new beginning and purpose! The ever-lasting life that Jesus brings starts now; it can start today.

The flowers, the deciduous trees, and the wild life - everything in nature is waking up. I believe we need to wake up, too. Life is a gift, dear friends. An ever-present gift from God. We are the undeserving recipients. Being in our selfish sin state, God's Perfect Gift suffered, bled and died in order to conquer death victoriously for you and me.

I don't believe while on this earth I will ever fully comprehend the depth and power of Jesus' love for me. But I do comprehend this - because of Jesus I have crossed over from death to life! And I know that Jesus can resurrect love and life in the dead places of my life. When life's struggles tempt to over take me, I can claim His promises and experience life as He intended. You, too, can experience this hope. Reach out and feel the warmth of God's gift of life for you.

Happy Easter!

John 11:25-26 "You don't have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one, who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?" The Message (MSG)

Ease PMS

When it comes to soothing premenstrual symptoms, the best medicine may be found in your kitchen—and it's not the chocolate and fatty foods you might crave. Studies have shown that healthy foods can actually eliminate the mood swings, bloating, blemishes, breast tenderness, and fatigue that often precede menstruation. Consuming soy, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds may help balance hormones and prevent PMS symptoms.
Salad of Asparagus, Mâche, Endive and Orange Vinaigrette and Strawberry Salad with Gorgonzola Dressing incorporate the ingredients to help ease your symptoms as well as your cravings!

From Yoga Journal, March 30, 2009

Can We Handle the Truth?

If you are like me, sometimes in the journey of life you come full circle. Whether it is in pursuit of a goal or discovering the revelation in a lesson God is teaching. And sometimes... the part where we acknowledge the truth about ourselves (or a situation) is very difficult.

God recently revealed to me during a much needed get away at the TLC Women's Retreat in February, that in spite of my self-sufficiency and dependence on self (which by the way isn't a blessing!), I am just like any other woman. I also have deep longings to be adored, to be cared for, and to be loved.

There is no shame in admitting this. However, the disappointment is when I find myself, once again, looking to others to compliment those needs; God has given us all godly friendships and family to be an expression of His goodness and love here on this earth, but we can not be complete in them. Our wholeness is a result of the One True God - pouring His love, truth and grace into the vast chasm of our hearts. He is the One who adores us, loves us and cares for us.

I would rather not focus on the reality of having to revisit the same lesson many times in my life, or the fact that I somehow need to be reminded that our God is a GREAT God and has always been faithful to me. We are all human - and essentially struggle in one way or another. Remember, Satan can use what we think on to gain a foot-hold...feeling guilt and defeat are perfect ways for the enemy to bring destruction. Friends, there is no condemnation in Christ Jesus! The Lord's call to be truthful to Him, to ourselves, is more important than the false guilt Satan is threatening. The distinct understanding for us is that we know the truth, and there is freedom in that!!!

John 8:32 "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

Beth Moore states in the study of Esther that sometimes we are imprisoned by our unwillingness to tell the truth about ourselves. She is so right-on. God's promise is simple. Re-read it above. HIS truth will set us free. To experience that freedom is joy unspeakable! If we are willing to know and accept God's truth, we will be delivered from our chains! Hallelujah! Let me hear an AMEN! Amen.

There was a lightness in my heart this weekend. My heart had come home to me. I knew the joy of my Father, my God, and my King. I felt His comforting love. God will never be ashamed of us and what we are feeling. His is a big God - He can connect what we know in our heads to what we need in our hearts. Trust Him.

Simple. Truth. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal His truth to you - a perfect time would be when you experiencing quietness in your rest in Him...on your yoga mat, in your favorite chair, meandering on a wilderness path in the mountains. Be still. Know He is your God. Spend time in His Word. Meditate on His truths about Himself, about you, about life.

God will challenge you concerning the truths about yourself. Be courageous - ask to know the truth about where you have been and where you are going. It more than likely will be painful and hard taking that honest inventory, but our Lord will be with you every step of the way! Having the willingness to face the parts of ourselves that aren't so pretty is giving our God the opportunity to glorify Himself in our human weaknesses.

Joshua 1:9 "All your life, no one will be able to hold out against you. I'll be with you. I won't give up on you; I won't leave you. Strength! Courage! Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Don't get off track, either left or right, so as to make sure you get to where you're going. And don't for a minute let this Book of The Revelation be out of mind. Ponder and meditate on it day and night, making sure you practice everything written in it. Then you'll get where you're going; then you'll succeed. Haven't I commanded you? Strength! Courage! Don't be timid; don't get discouraged. God, your God, is with you every step you take."
The Message (MSG)

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