Halleluyah Moments

A FLOCK OF LOVE

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Before I started taking yoga pics, I never really was a fan of the outdoors. Now I can’t wait to go outside some where, anywhere and strike up a pose because God surprises me with His glory every time. With an abundance of His beauty to see there is always a truth to discover and wisdom to be learned from each and every pic. Regretfully, I was too blind and too busy to care. Especially blind for the millions of everyday birds outside my window. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that I decided they are not worthy of my time nor my observation, it’s just I was too busy. But isn’t that the point? Though the birds fly above me and sit on trees outside my window, I was so absorbed in the cares of this life I could not even see them!

…and Jesus said, “Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” And if your heavenly Father feeds the birds of the air, how much more will He feed you, His precious beloved child!”

Matthew 6:26

Perhaps God created birds to let us know that we are far more valuable than many, many birds put together. In Matthew 10:29, Jesus said,” Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin?” Then, in Luke 12:16, He said, “Are not five sparrows sold for two copper coins?” Add it all up and we can’t help but realize that these sparrows are so cheap that you can buy four of them for two copper coins, and you get one thrown in for free!

Such common birds are those sparrows, yet not even one of these cheap birds falls to the ground without the Father’s knowledge (Matthew 10:29). Not one of them is forgotten before Him (Luke 12:6). So will He forget us who are of more value than all these birds put together? Maybe that is why Jesus also said,

“Therefore, do not worry, saying, “what shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”…For your Heavenly Father knows that we need all these things.”

Matthew 6:31-32

If our Heavenly Father cares for cheap, common birds, and feeds them everyday, how much more will He care for us? For we are His dear precious children. May our hearts take comfort as we hear God say to us,

“Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:31

Perched on a tree branch, two birds were observing people rushing from once place to another. Looking at their faces, one bird asked the other, “Why are human beings so full of worries and cares?” The other bird answered, “Maybe they don’t have a heavenly Father like we do.” Perhaps that is why birds are able to fly. No cares and no worries to burden them and weight them down.

Maybe that is why every shape, color, and species of birds come together every morning and every evening in concert, without fail, to tweet out their grand opus before their Creator. And isn’t it such a blessing to know when God created the world, He even provided a sound system for His children? Even better, He gives us a perfectly composed concert to wake us everyday, and a lullaby to serenade us to sleep every evening. He also gave us guidance through the Scriptures to ensure we know without a doubt that God thinks about us, knows what we need, and has provided it all already. Simply because He loves us!

 

Halleluyah!

Next time you see or hear the birds be sure to remember that you are worth all of them to God!

THE BOAT POSE AND PETER

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Navasana, or Boat Pose. Nava is the Sanskrit word for “boat” and asana is the Sanskrit word for “pose”.

A full Boat Pose can be a difficult pose to master, but well worth your efforts. Your entire body will need to kick in to help you hold a Boat Pose, which is why it proves beneficial to any yoga practice. It’s a deep core strengthener. As it engages the abdominal area, it strengthens your abs, pelvic muscles, and lower back. Your hip flexors and spine benefit too. It increases lung capacity by opening the chest area and works the psoas muscle  – this will improve your balance and posture over time. Your thyroid, intestines, kidneys, and prostrate gland will also be stimulated.

Thankfully, yoga is not about mastering body positions. It’s more about learning about yourself through the avenue of your body. The yoga positions are simply the tools that bring you there. So, whatever effort that you make in any pose will physically benefit your body. What you learn about yourself while holding any pose is what you take away and, hopefully, try to learn from. Your first reaction to getting into a pose often mirrors your reaction to life situations. It reminds me of the story of the apostle Peter and the boat and the day Peter left the boat and walked on water. It’s one of my favorite Bible stories I might add… and not just a story, but a real event that took place in history, recorded for us from Almighty God. We know this about Scripture because God said the Bible was breathed into men and women like us, by God himself. This, all to help lowly man live a better and more fulfilling and adventurous life.

As the story unfolds, we find Peter in the boat with his fellow disciples. A raging storm breaks out and all the disciples are fearful for their lives.

When the disciples saw Him walking on the water, they were terrified, and said, It is a ghost and they cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid. “Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord save me!”

Matthew 14:26-29

One has to appreciate Peter’s response to his life situation. He responded by relying on his faith in Jesus. Even though he lost focus midway, Peter walked on water – in a raging storm too! Peter is the one and only person in human history ever to walk on water! And don’t forget the disciples in the boat, they had a life situation in need of a response.  They did respond too – by doing nothing.

 

Boat Pose

Sit with your legs directly out in front of you. Place your hands on the floor for support slightly behind your hips. Bend your knees. Lean back onto your sitting bones. Lift your legs. Try to balance on the tripod of your sitting bones and tailbone. Hold Boat Pose up to 30 seconds, although a few seconds will be just fine if you can’t hold it for the full 30. You may have a rocky boat at first. But, with consistent practice, your boat will keep afloat and you’ll be happily sailing.

For an easier version, keep your knees bent. You may also raise just one leg if necessary. Keep the other leg bent with your foot flat on the mat. The most important thing is to try. Your body will benefit from every effort that you make.

Happy sailing!

Halleluyah!

MOUNTAIN POSE AND MUSTARD SEED FAITH

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Tadasana is Mountain Pose – Tada means “mountain” and asana means “pose”. Though Tadasana is a very basic pose, it physically challenges us to stand firm and strong, enabling us to establish a steady foundation from which many Yoga poses transition naturally. Tadasana improves posture, establishes good alignment, makes one aware of one’s body and develops feet, ankles, legs, back and core strength.

Striking a Mountain Pose reminds us that mountains are quite tall. In fact, Mount Everest, which is the tallest mountain in the world, stands at 29,029 feet. Get inspired because Almighty God encourages us that we can actually move a mountain!

In Matthew 17:20, Jesus states,

Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

So, what is the size of a mustard seed? Wikipedia says it is usually 1-2 millimeters in diameter. There are 1,000 millimeters in a meter. We are talking miniscule. Teensy weensy! A mustard seed in comparison to a mountain is microscopic! Nevertheless, Jesus says the amount of faith needed to do great things, like move a mountain, is small!

As you stand in Praying Mountain Pose, think about what mountains that you need to move in your life. Then pray and have faith the size of a mustard seed that God will move them for you!

Directions For Tadasana:

Stand tall. Place your feet no wider than hip width. Let your toes and the bottoms of your feet be fully extended on your mat. Pull in your stomach. Roll your shoulders back and let your chest lift. Feel as if your torso is rising up through your waist, each vertebre gently falling into place. Squeeze your buttocks and try to pull them under your tailbone. Drop your shoulders. Lengthen your neck. Relax your face muscles. Place your hands in Prayer position and breathe deeply while you reflect upon the Bible verse. Feel tall, firm, and immoveable, with faith like the grain of a mustard seed!

Relax your body. Always remember the little mustard seed and what it can do!

Halleluyah!

PRAYING CAN KEEP YOU HEALTHY

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Just Pray. It is mentioned in the Bible more than “love your neighbor,” more than “go to church,” and more than “evangelize.” More than anything else, God wants us to pray. It may be the oldest and most reliable form of wireless communication, but science is proving, it does a body good. That’s right, regular prayer and meditation has been shown in numerous studies to be an important factor in living longer and staying healthy, according to an article published in the Huffington Post.

According to the article, there has been ongoing studies over the past forty years between the relationship of prayer and health. Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiovascular specialist at Harvard Medical School and a pioneer in the field of mind/body medicine, discovered what he calls “the relaxation response.” This occurs when we pray and meditate. At such times, the body’s metabolism decreases, the heart rate slows, blood pressure goes down, and our breath becomes calmer and more regular. Stress levels decrease as this state of calm is associated with slower brain waves and feelings of control, tranquil alertness and peace of mind. Since Dr Benson believes over half of all  doctor visits in the U. S. today are from stress and anxiety, this is pretty significant. Stress after all, is one of the major risk factors for disease. His most recent research suggests that long term daily spiritual practices like praying actually help deactivate genes that trigger inflammation and prompt cell death.  The mind can affect the expression of our genes – that’s exciting evidence for how prayer may influence the functioning of the body at the most fundamental level!

Dr. Andrew Newburg conducted a study, and found that prayer and meditation increase levels of dopamine, which is associated with states of well being and joy. The National Institute of Health found that individuals who prayed daily were shown to be 40% less likely to have high blood pressure than those without a daily prayer practice. Research at Dartmouth Medical School found that patients with strong religious beliefs who underwent elective heart surgery were three times more likely to recover than those who were less religious. Other studies show that prayer boosts the immune system and helps lessen the severity, and frequency, of a wide range of illnesses.

The article also says that prayer is the most widespread alternative therapy in America today. That over 85% of people confronting a major illness pray. Prayer also helps to alleviate stress levels, which is one of the major risk factors for disease. Increasingly, the evidence is that prayer works! What science can tell us is that people who pray and meditate tend to be statistically more healthy and live longer than those who don’t.

Then, it’s no wonder why God commanded us centuries ago to … “pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17

FLEX AND STRETCH

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Time on your mat invites you to stretch not only your body, but your emotional, mental, and spiritual self as well. Let yoga serve as an exploration, so that God can use to move you ever closer to that lovely state of balance where you feel alive and awakened, energized yet relaxed, refreshed and rejoicing, peaceful and loved… all in the same moment!

Being physically flexible is not just about being able to get into into pretzel like positions as in yoga. Actually, flexibility is the ability to move muscles and joints through their complete range of motion. Increasing flexibility improves and stretches your range of motion, thus enhancing daily life in a multitude of ways. Flexing and stretching improves circulation by increasing blood flow and nourishing muscle tissue. Frequent flexing and stretching helps reduce tightness in muscles and allows you to maintain better posture. Flexing and stretching also relieves tension, enhances coordination and balance, increases energy levels, aids in pain relief and improves your sense of well being. Flexing and stretching can also be an attitude that invests and transforms the mind. Flexible minded persons are able to take advantage of opportunities, flourishing and growing in the process. It challenges us to leave our comfort zones and offers us new ways of experiencing God, ourselves, and the world.

Researchers at the University of California, at Berkley, introduced an amoeba into a perfect, stress free environment (the amoeba is a single-celled organism that lives in marine environments). The temperature, moisture level and food supply were all perfect for the amoebas survival. The amoeba needed to make no adjustments to improve its life. One would think that the amoeba simply lived the good life, right? Unfortunately for the amoeba, it died. The saying “you’re either green and growing or ripe and rotting” is quite true here. The amoeba needed challenge in order to multiply and grow. Without challenge in life, it could not survive.

In the Bible, God used example after example of men and women who left their comfort zones and were able to accomplish amazing things. Moses, David, Joshua, Ruth, Debra, Paul, Mary and Jesus are just a few! Think about their lives and the way they allowed themselves to be flexible before God.

Some people say the moment you leave your comfort zone is when life really begins. I don’t know about you, but I call that faith!

 

 

…” I came that you may have life and live it more abundantly”-

John 10:10

HALLELUYAH!

POOLSIDE HALLELUYAH MOMENT

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After twelve years my middle or, mid sis I call her, were able to share Thanksgiving together this year. Our families were with us which made it even better. It was a fabulous day. It stirred wonderfully comforting and soul satisfying emotions in me to be with my middle sister again. It was so good to smile with her and give up big belly laughs together. We even found ourselves terribly amused at teasing others in our families. Just like old times I guess. But three days of non stop telling one another about our live as we mingled with our families was precious to us. So much to tell and so much to say. We also shared the tears too, like sisters do. It was all so perfect. Just the way it should be and we thank God we are sisters! And, it is to God that we are thankful we were able to get together. Praise God for this wonderful family Thanksgiving in FLA in 2016!

By my sister’s beautiful pool we did yoga poses. It was a beautiful Halleluyah moment! Though we could not keep a straight face I hope these pictures reveal our grateful and loving hearts to each other and to our wonderful God!

To our God we give the glory!

Yoga on mid sis!

HALLELUYAH!

 

LOVE AND YOUR BRAIN

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According to an article published in Relevant Magazine, scientists have been looking for a spot in our brains that corresponds with God. They know there are places in our brains responsible for vision, language, memory and anger. Why not a “God Spot”?

Brain research in the last decade is much more sophisticated, with a corresponding increase in new tools to image living brains. Machines now let scientists watch living brains in 3D, without surgery or autopsy. Brain scientists are able also to study believers as they pray, meditate, worship and experience God. Unfortunately, the research shows that there is no “God Spot”. God does not simply move into a spot in our brains. But they have discovered something more incredible -God redecorates! Yep, believers have a complex, rich network in their brains for God. They say that for the devout, God is not just an idea, but a tapestry of feeling and experiences. This network affects how our brains work at fundamental levels.

Their findings? People who regularly focus on God’s love through prayer and meditation change. They also experience less stress and even experience a reduction in blood pressure. Their prefrontal cortex, the part of their brain associated with focus and attention, becomes more active over time, helping them avoid distraction and be more intentional.

Believers also have more activity in their anterior cingulate cotex. That’s the part of our brains associated with love, compassion and empathy. Focusing on God’s love makes us more loving and less angry. Some people don’t see God as loving though – more like angry and vindictive. When we focus on God’s anger at us or others, different things happen in our brains. Our limbic system becomes more active. Ultimately, dwelling on God’s anger increases our stress levels and makes us fearful of others. We have trouble forgiving ourselves and others. Thank God for new technology because neuroscience shows us that God’s love is better for us than God’s wrath.

As Relevant Magazine states: “Teach us, Lord, to maximize the neurological benefits of belief!”

 

God-Is-Love

HALLELUYAH!

TAP INTO YOUR FEEL GOOD CHEMICALS

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God designed us with everything we need to live happy, productive lives. Scientists are now discovering that each of us is equipped with everything necessary for our survival. They discovered that our brain has a wellspring of self-producing neurochemicals that turn the pursuits and struggles of life into pleasure, and makes us happy when we achieve them. Problem is, in this digital age our biology is short-circuiting. We are prone to depression, anxiety and malcontent. Pharmaceutical companies are eager to readjust this imbalance with a pill. Doctors are prescribing more and more pills just to make us feel good again. Psychology Today and an article in the Huffington Post, ” Hack into your Happiness Chemicals,” says that simple lifestyle choices and changes in behavior can improve our brain chemistry, make us feel better and motivate us to maximize our full human potential.

Below is a short description of the Neurochemical and the simple changes that you can make to alter your happiness for good!

Dopamine:” The Reward Molecule” Dopamine is responsible for reward driven behavior and pleasure seeking. Every type of reward seeking behavior that has been studied increases the level of dopamine transmission to the brain. Want a hit of dopamine? Set a goal and achieve it! There is evidence that extraverted, uninhibited personality types tend to have high levels of dopamine than those who are more introverted. Try and be a go-getter and flood your brain naturally!

Serotonin: “The Confidence Molecule” Scientist say that Serotonin plays many different roles in our bodies. Serotonin flows when you feel significant or important. Ultimately, the link between higher serotonin and a lack of rejection sensitivity allows people to put themselves in situations that will bolster self esteem, increase feelings of worthiness and create a sense of belonging. To increase serotonin, challenge yourself regularly and pursue things that reinforce a sense of purpose, meaning and accomplishment. Being able to say “I did it!” will produce a feedback loop that will reinforce behaviors that build self esteem and make you feel less insecure and create an upward spiral of more and more serotonin. You can also get an easy boost of serotonin by getting out into the sun for 20 minutes. It promotes serotonin and vitamin D.

Oxytocin: “The Bonding Molecule” Oxytocin is a hormone directly linked to human bonding and increasing trust and loyalty. Some studies proved romantic attachment produced high levels of oxytocin. In 2003, a study showed that even cuddling with your dog increases your levels of oxytocin. In this cyber world where we are often alone, it is more than ever important to maintain face to face intimate human bonding. Put your phones away and imagine the many ways you can increase this bonding hormone. You can immediately take the time to dine and converse with your family. Workout with a friend. Get a pet and cuddle. Hug more and do more yoga!

Endorphin: “The Pain-Killing Molecule” The name endorphin translates into “self-produced morphine.” Endorphins resemble opiates in their chemical structure and have analgesic properties. Endorphins are produced by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus during strenuous physical exertion. The Huffington Post  states that laughter increases it as well. Make it a point to physically exert yourself regularly and laugh while you do it! The smell of vanilla and lavender is linked to increased levels; studies have also shown that dark chocolate and spicy foods can lead to a quick endorphin boost!

One has to admit that this scientific research is amazing! After all, we are masterpieces created by God Himself. The will of God for us is to prosper in every way: spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally and financially. That is why He has given us His Word, the Bible, His awesome prescription for a better life. When we read it and choose to live by it everyday, our lives will have no reason not to improve for the better in every way! Oh yes, as we try we will fail, and often. I do everyday. But I have discovered that God’s love for me is greater than my failures. He just wants me to get back up and try again. I have learned that we all are not our failures, we are so much more! And that we are loved by God infinitely, faithfully, and eternally. Go ahead, tap into your feel good chemicals. After all, God made them for you!

Feel loved, be happy and yoga on!

HALLELUYAH!

THE BUTTERFLY

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I could drown in the amazing beauty of nature. From fiery sunsets to fields of gold to a vast array of colors of flowers and rainbows, to giant sturdy animals and intricate tiny bugs, it’s all so incredible. Even more astounding is realizing that God created this awesome world just for you and I! It’s the Creator’s signature of how mighty He is and how great His love is toward us – He give us eyes to see it, hands to feel it, and minds to study it. We feel it in the wind, hear it in the thunder, and taste it too! And, if we are willing to look real closely, sometimes nature reveals great truths.

NewCreation

The journey of the Butterfly is one of those truths. The creature turns from ugly caterpillar, crawling on dirt and clinging to trees all of its life, to a gorgeous butterfly, so beautifully taken to the skies. The entire process from caterpillar to butterfly can be a revelation of our changed lives after we choose to put our faith and love in Jesus. On the spot, we become a new creation. Everything before our new creation is gone in God’s eyes. We are now beautiful creations living life above, enjoying the sweet nectar of life through God’s Word!

…and then there is a Butterfly Pose in Yoga. I thought as we practice this pose we might think on the truth of this verse of Scripture. Let Butterfly pose help you remember the “new” you!

 

How to perform butterfly pose.

1.) Sit with your spine erect, belly pulled in and legs spread straight out.

2.) Bend your knees and bring your feet towards your pelvis. Make an effort to bring your heels closer. The soles of your feet should touch one another.

3.) Sit up tall. Hold your feet with your hands and inhale long and deep. Exhale long and deep, pressing your thighs and knees downward towards the floor. With your arms gently make an effort to press your legs down a bit more. Continue this process a few times and stretch your wings!

4.) Bring your torso up with a big inhale. Exhale folding over your legs. Slowly walk your hands out. Feel the stretch in your inner thighs. Continue in your own breathing and remain in this pose for 30-90 seconds for a full stretch. Try not to grip and hold on. Instead, let your muscles release. Just as the caterpillar released and became a new creation, the beautiful butterfly, you can do the same!

Go forth and be “new”

God Bless!

HALLELUYAH!