God

INVISIBLE?

Posted on by pennyjoliver

This picture says it all. It’s funny because it is just that: a picture. In real life, it hurts to feel invisible to other people. The worst part is, people probably don’t realize they are doing it to us. And if they do it, says more about them then it does us. Lately, it’s been happening to me a lot. For example, the other day I had a a ten minute in-depth discussion with my postman in the Post Office about golfing. You know the moment when you both discover you have a love for something. You walk away feeling like you have connected. Well, we talked up a storm that day; a week later I started the golf conversation, and it was like we never discussed a word about it before. Hopefully, the postman didn’t see my chin hang down the whole time he did my postage!

How about the “one-sided conversation!” You ask about their  lives, then they talk on and on about themselves?  How about the spell-bound look they give you when you ask them a question while they have been staring at their phone for the past 5 minutes?

Well, don’t lose hope. You are not invisible to God! Not today and not any day!

… for God sees and hears you…The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry. Psalm 34:15

… for God is listening intimately and intently to you… God is able to hear us even when we are silent. Romans 8:26

… for God is ready to help you… Don’t panic I’m with you there’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength and I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you. Isaiah 41:10

… for God is thinking about you all the time… My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore. Psalm 139:17

… for God thinks the world of you...even the hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:31

… for God made you a “one of a kind person”…You are a blessing! The Lord made you in an amazing and wonderful way. Psalm 139:14

… for God thinks your gorgeous…The King is enthralled with your beauty. Psalm 45:11

… for you must hold your head high, God gave you dignity…You have dignity. Proverbs 31:25

… for you can ask and you will get real answers…Call to me and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you do not know. Jeremiah 33:3

…for you simply cannot be invisible if God is always with you…I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20

…for how can you be invisible if you are constantly loved?…You are love forever. Romans 8:38-39

You may feel invisible to the world at times but to God, you are being loved moment by moment beyond measure!
Gosh, I feel better now.  I hope you do too!

BE~LOVED!

xxoo

<3

SHINY NEW ME

Posted on by pennyjoliver

My parents may have named me Penny…

But, my Heavenly Father has given me a new name and that new name is “Shiny New Penny!” 

Fortunately for us, our Heavenly Father believes all of His children this very moment are are fresh, new and vibrant and He has promises ALL of His children, fresh new beginnings each and every new morning. (Lamentation 3:22-23) For we are His “new creations.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) and each of us are beautiful masterpieces no matter how we might feel at any given moment in His eyes! 

God tells us in His Word, the Bible that meditating upon and obeying His Word leads to blessing! That we can possess a peace beyond human knowledge, a balanced and purposed filled life, strength for daily living, perfect alignment and courage to trust the process! Best part? God promises us that everyday is a new beginning no matter how bad we screwed up the day before! He has also made each of us new people the moment we trusted Him with our lives and He is in the business of making us more like Him each day! So not only are we new and fresh, we are also empowered with His Spirit which happens to be the Creator of the Universe Power. In gaining wisdom from Him and His Word, after a while we may start feeling like Gordon Ramsay does when he describes good food… fresh, modern and vibrant!

Shiny New Penny is my reminder that I am somebody special and I am already enough…loved for just being me. I know that this name is important to Him because it’s my daily reminder that He is helping me to stop wearing myself out by trying to do life on my own, relying on my human capabilities. Instead, He’s got me remembering to live in His light, in His shine…where there is His mighty power, His abundant grace and His infinite love. And when I trust and let go of that never ending quest of trying to be more, that’s when I can brilliantly shine and not grow dim with weariness from the cares of this world. And it is my desire and my prayer to live each day reflecting the glory of Him who makes all things possible! (Matthew 19:26)

Of course every person who has given his or her life to Jesus for the forgiveness of sins has already  been equipped with His radiant light and it is already shining within us. But like me, sometimes in the chaos and business of daily living we simply forget to turn it on. Below, some shiny Words of Life!

You are the Light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:14

Therefore, in the same way let your light shine so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven! Matthew 5:17

May we always remember that we are never alone because we are loved beyond measure. Our Heavenly Father is watching over us 24/7 and He always knows exactly what you and I need even before we know we need it!

This gold jacket called out to me in Walmart and being only $7.00 dollars I scoffed it up to match my gold Sperry Top Siders. On the way out the door I realized these rosy mirrored shades needed some eyes to shade and jumped in my bag to come on vacation. Yay, I had an outfit! Soon after three rainy days at this Florida hotel it was time to get on our way to the cruise terminal. Because the Uber was late in picking us up, I passed the time striking a few poses around the hotel. What amazes me is, I never knew I didn’t know I needed a gold shiny outfit to match my New Shiny Penny name I didn’t know I would have until weeks later…but that’s the power of God. He already knows precisely what we need before we even need it!

Praise God! Your Father knows the things you need before you even ask Him! ( Mathew 6:8 )

A THOUGHT-FULL FATHER

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Do you think God thinks about you?

Give this a try and you might be surprised at how much!

Next time your at the beach or the lake, a pond or a creek, a river or any body of water, take a big look around at all the sand or dirt you can see. Then try to imagine the mountains of sand under all the water that you see. Then think about each individual grain of sand and pick up a handful and start counting! Then think of all the shores of all the bodies of water across the globe! Include the thought of the shores that you and no one has yet seen. Think of all the seas and all the oceans and how deep they are and how they cover the earth more than dry land does. Then try and grasp God’s thoughts about you. But Oh, You can’t! That’s because they out number all the grains of sand in the entire world!

How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You. Psalm 139:17-18 

Dear Heavenly Father…

We bow down and thank you for loving us beyond what we can imagine and giving us Your Word so that we can enjoy health and whole body fitness the way that you intended! May you guide us and direct our paths that we may walk in our identity set by YOU and live each of our purposes joyfully, peacefully, thankfully and vibrantly healthy – that we may be all that YOU created us to be! HALLELUYAH!

A HIGHER FASHION

Posted on by pennyjoliver

God is love. 1 John 4:8

Less of me ~ more of Love. John 3:30.
He must become greater and I must become less, higher style of living. Approaching every word and deed we do, fashioned by God’s guidance and dressed in His Love!

However, getting naked and becoming vulnerable before God takes great courage! I know I find it rather easy to layer up and dress how I want the world to see me. And it’s easy to grow accustomed to our style, our way. Coming from a fashion background I know I fall into my style all the time. I know when I wake up and immediately put my feet down on the ground, rather than thanking God for giving me a new day that I’m on the road for doing things my way. And so easily do I fall right into it somedays.

On most days, I try not to forget God who wakes me up everyday. When I wake up rushed, I’m then reacting rather than responding to the moments before me. That usually results in gripping the steering wheel from God in whom I gave it too and moving into the drivers seat of my life. That can happen quite easily when a situation occurs during the day and my mind takes off and I let anxious thoughts fill me up which makes me run to the next fix to ease my tensions. However, that is our human flesh response.  A higher style perhaps would be to pause a moment, take a deep breathe and look to Jesus and for help! This would help us immediately and give us hope for the next time to respond in a calmer, less stressed mode. Better would be diving into in HIS Word before we respond and with that, we will be on our way to a higher style of living, everyday!

Do not be anxious about anything! Instead, pray! Philippians 4:6

pray more worry less

xxoo

Penny

AND BREATHE…

Posted on by pennyjoliver

What happens to our body when we are stressed? It defends itself, of course!

Amazingly, God has created us with an entire defense system that turns on as soon as we become stressed. Dr. Herbert Benson, a cardiovascular specialist at Harvard Medical School coined it “The Relaxation Response.”  Esther Sternberg, physician and author of several books on stress and healing, explains how it works.

Immediately, our heart rate speeds up and diverts blood away from our guts and to our muscles so we can run away. The pupils of our eyes constrict, so we can keenly focus on our attacker. The bronchii of our lungs increase blood oxygenation and convert energy stored in the liver into fuel for strength and stamina.  She also states that if we are stressed for too long, our body starts to release stress hormones and nerve chemicals that we do not want floating around in our body. That is why it’s important to our health to chill out as soon as possible. Perhaps God designed our breathing system with that in mind: that we might trust in Him for help.

Next time you feel stress coming on, drop and give yourself 10 long and deep breaths. Chill and meditate on this verse of Scripture and just breathe… let God take care of it all!

More ” Halleluyah Moments ” please!

APPRECIATING SNOWFLAKES

Posted on by pennyjoliver

To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

Although I hate being cold, a snowstorm triggers my inner child and out into the cold I go. Of course the best part is coming back inside and feeling my hands, feet and cheeks thaw out and a cup of hot chocolate never hurt either. Driving in snow is a much different story. I experienced a pretty big accident in nineteen eighty one and it left me terrified that I would get into a big slide again and end up inside the back edge of a town snow plow! however, today I’m happy to report that by the grace of God I do more snow driving. However I did complain about it for years. How about you? Do you live in a place where it snows and have you ever complained about it?

Actually, I think it’s quite a natural human being thing we do, complaining about the snow because let’s face it snow does make our lives a little bit harder. However, looking at snow from Heaven’s eyes it’s  incredibly different. In fact, the Book of Job tells us that snow is very, very  special. That God has given it a place among the wonders of the world and has ranked it up there with the morning stars, the seas, and even the lightening. So Job gets my attention and because Jesus is my Father, I’ve simply got to find out more!

Looking up interesting facts about my Father, “The Snow King” I found that scientists actually estimate that it takes fifteen minutes for a snowflake to be born and to reach it’s physical completion. To me that is nothing short of amazing. Also, under a microscope scientists can also actually see all the details of a snow flake and they all agree that no two snowflakes could possibly be exactly alike. Did you also know that it is snowing all the time in different places all over the world? How about the fact that every time it snows our planet also receives roughly one million, billion, cubic feet of snow per every snow storm? That would translate in my yoga picture above that I am standing on over a billion snowflakes, even while new ones are being made and fresh ones are still falling. Isn’t that amazing! But that’s the awesomeness of our Father! All of His creations are intimately fashioned with infinite care and utmost detail. When you really get to the heart of it, each snowflake is a revelation of unfathomable love and care, of artistry and intelligence, and wisdom beyond human comprehension.

Oh how He loves us that He would let His love fall upon us! And just in case that is not enough proof of the unfathomable depth of love, might and power, God gave us eyes to see the snow, hands to touch it and a body to feel it and scientists to study it. Surely when the snow is falling He desires that we remember how great His love is for each of us. We are loved beyond measure! Hallaluyah!

A COLOR-FULL SEASON TO LET GO

Posted on by pennyjoliver

This time of year every window I look out displays a magnificent masterpiece of indescribable beauty as the summer lets go into fall. There’s just something magical about the lush green leaves of summer turning into warm golds, robust yellows, vivid oranges and deep reds. Just a simple peek out of my windows brings joy to my soul as leaves celebrate their colorful descent, joyfully dancing in the wind.

Though it be the most colorful time of year here in New Hampshire, us Granite Stater’s know the cold and snowy weather will soon it be upon us for we all know that Autumn shall quickly pass. It always does. Nothing stays the same here, not a season and not even a day.

For our Heavenly Father told us in Ecclesiastes,

There is a time to be born and a time to die;

A time to plant and a time to pluck what has been planted;

A time to kill and a time to heal;

A time to break down and a time to build up;

A time to weep and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones;

a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain and a time to lose;

A time to keep and a time to throw away;

A time to tear and a time to sow;

A time to keep silence and a time to speak;

A time to love and a time to hate;

A time of war an a time of peace.

As we can see the beautiful seasons of the earth and the different seasons of our lives possess no secrets to The Lord Jesus Christ because He created each season and sustains each one. He arranges when things will happen and when they will not and no moment exists where He is not in charge. Moment to moment and day by day, His order and supremacy shines down upon all of the earth and every living thing. The process of it all, the procedure, the duration and every detail is perfectly executed at “His” perfectly given time. Isn’t it so nice to know that He’s a mighty God with a purpose and a meaning for every detail that goes on for you and for me and the entire world?

Perhaps He gives us the changing seasons to let us know that He’s in got this life of ours and we need not worry. Maybe like the leaves He wants us to let go of things and trust the process for He’s promised to make everything beautiful in it’s time. And if we find ourselves in a strange and sorrowful season as we all will at different times, He wants each of us to remember that, this to shall pass. And to remind us that there is beauty in the letting go, we need only look outside.

UNCERTAIN TIMES WITH A GOD THAT IS CERTAIN!

Posted on by pennyjoliver

With so much crazy going on who isn’t fearful? Living in this fallen world keeps us treading from one crisis to the next. It seems every morning we wake up to new peril and it’s stressing us out. Living in a constant state of stress is not good for our minds or our bodies and it leads to all kinds of conditions and diseases. Where can we go for relief? Is there even any such thing as relief in these dark days?

Fear is a powerful human emotion. It can also cause us to react quickly with out thought or paralyze us from taking any action and keep us in a state of constant fear and worry. Fear can even stop us from turning to God our Rescuer who knows every world disruption we will face and how afraid and powerless we feel inside. Yet, His timeless Word, the Bible, has all the answers and antidotes to keep us calm, cool and collected. The great Physician has a prescription for all of our body, our minds and our souls needs.

He assures us, “So, do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Of course we want to trust God but there are times when peace eludes us. We’re worried and anxious. we don’t want to be brave this time. Then God reminds us,

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you may go.”  (Joshua 1:9)

It’s all easier said than done, right? This trust God and you will be peaceful and you will just automatically be strong like our Savior said. Yet He is the one that turned water into wine. The One and only One that calmed the sea and walks on it because He created it! He can feed over 5,000 people with 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread. He’s continually placing each star in it’s place. He knows every tear you’ve ever cried and will cry. He knew you before you were born, created you with a purpose and thinks about you more often then if you could count every grain of sand in the entire world! He even knows precisely the moment that you will step into Eternity with Him! On top of all of that, He provides a guideline and prescription to living an abundant, successful and healthy life of peace, joy, love and hope, found only in His Holy Bible. Which He testifies that He breathed His Words into the ordinary men and women who wrote the Bible and chose them to give us His guidelines to abundant living!

He asks from each of us is to believe what He has said. To pray about everything all the time. To follow His ways and trust His guidance. That it’s okay to be weak, afraid, uncertain and powerless. Because He holds the power to make us strong, completely confident and utterly fearless! He’s actually waiting for us to come to those horrible moments of helplessness because it is then and only then He can help us! And He promises that He will help us. All we have to to is ask and sit still and wait. The power of Heaven’s Help is only a silent heartfelt prayer away. Only Heavenly peace can truly replace all our fear and panic. Today if we will ask and tomorrow and this very moment and every moment after! You can be sure. You can trust God!  Because He promises He will always answer us and always provide!

“I will keep in perfect peace whose mind is fixed on Thee!” Isaiah 26:3

Keep calm and yoga on because peace is on it’s way…

…Pray~Believe~Trust~Be Still…

Isn’t it amazing?

God made a way for us to do just that, it’s called Covid 19

 

 

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING FOR ANXIETY & STRESS

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Hello Friends and welcome to “Yoga with Penny!”

To begin the New Year, I’m going to teach you a yogic breathing technique called “Alternate Nostril Breathing.” It’s a meditative practice that switches our breath between our two nostrils helping us to manage the stresses of daily life and to become mindful of the present moment. In the book, “What Happened,” Hillary Clinton wrote that she used Alternate Nostril Breathing after her loss in the 2016 Presidential Election to help manage her stress and anxiety.

In studies, this breathing technique has shown to lower participants perceived levels of stress and was significant in lowering blood pressure, heart rate and the respiratory rate. It also improved the functioning of the lungs and the functioning of both sides of our brain. It had a positive effect on mental health by reducing anxiety which naturally promotes a state of well being.

Let’s begin by sitting comfortably anywhere you like. Please take a few moments to close your eyes. Try focusing on your inhales and exhales. For greater results practice this technique daily and for extended moments of time.

To begin:

Take your right hand and bend your forefinger and middle finger into your palm.

Take your right thumb and seal your right nostril.

Inhale deeply through your left nostril for 4 counts.

Seal your left nostril with your ring finger and hold your breath with both nostrils sealed for 4 counts.

Release your right thumb with an exhale of 4 counts.

Inhale deeply through your right nostril for 4 counts.

Seal your right nostril with your thumb and hold your breath with both nostrils sealed for 4 counts.

Release your ring finger and exhale for 4 counts.

Repeat the entire process by inhaling deeply through your left nostril for 4 counts to begin.

If you find holding your nostril with your ring finger is a little tough, simply use your pinkie finger.

If you find holding your breath for 4 counts is a little tough start with 2 or 3 counts and build from there.

Slowing your breath beyond the 4 seconds will slow your body down which will register a message to your brain to move from a stressed state to the calming tranquil relaxation response state.

Sealing the right nostril and breathing with just your left directs oxygen flow to the right brain hemisphere which  also turns on your paras

Thanks for joining me and I hope that the Alternate Nostril Breathing Technique helps you start the New Year calm, relaxed and ready for all the wonderful things the New Year may bring!

keep calm and yoga on!

xxoo

Penny!

 

 

 

 

GIVE THANKS AND PLANK

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Hi everyBODY!

It’s the time of year where we say our thanks and remember our blessings. Now we have scientific proof that practicing gratitude really can benefit our selves and our lives not just on Thanksgiving Day but every day, all year through!

Most studies published on the topic of gratitude support a connection between gratitude and individual well being. Many verses of Scripture from The Holy Bible tell us we should give thanks and that there is always blessing behind our thanks. For instance, take Paul’s words from Ephesians 5:20, ” Give thanks for all things in all circumstances.” or 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” Even in our suffering we are told to give thanks in Romans 5:3. “We also glory in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance and perseverance character and character hope, ” and in James 1:1-4. And out of a spirit of gratitude we must do everything in the name of Jesus, Colossians 3:17. These are just a few examples. The whole Book of The Bible contains ways God blesses those who look to Him for not only gratitude but for daily living!

 

To do this particular plank simply place your hand below your shoulder and balance on your knee. Stay here and breathe for a few moments. If your feeling strong, simply lift your hips up. Allow the outsides of your feet to help  keep you balanced. Pick your top leg up if your feeling ultra strong. Breathe deeply for 20 seconds to 1 minute and don’t forget your other side!

I especially take delight in spreading the good news that stress and anxiety do not have to be a part of anyone’s life. Yoga, deep breathing, exercise, medications all help with stress and anxiety but the true antidote to stress is found in the pages of the Bible! Here is just one example…

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6 and 7.

Hoping you and yours have a truly blessed Thanksgivng!

xxoo

penny