shine

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 )

THE HALF MOON POSE YOGA MINI CHALLENGE

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Welcome to Yoga with Penny!

This month, I will teach you how to shine in Half Moon Pose.

Balancing on one leg appears very intimidating for a beginner yogi. Yet, just like the moon has phases, working to full extension with our Half Moon Pose also takes time. At the beginning, use a chair or a wall for support. Because yoga is about being kind and loving to ourselves it is perfectly acceptable to use props to help us get into and out of certain postures. And because the Half Moon Pose is very beneficial to our over all health and well being, it is a yoga posture worth our time and effort.

Practiced on a regular basis, this posture will greatly improve our proprioception. This is the medical term for how our body knows what position we are in. It also informs our body when unanticipated events happen. For example, if we are walking on rocks and we feel unstable, our foot and ankle will send this info to our brain. Our body will then respond immediately by extending our arms to balance. Our eyes will then quickly find a new rock ahead to regain stability. Keeping our proprioception activated will help us to live stable, injury-free lives, especially as we age.

The Half Moon Pose

Place a chair on your right side for support.

Place your feet hip width apart.

Turn your right foot to the right side.

Bend your forward right knee and lift your back leg.

Try to keep both hips facing forward.

You can place your right hand on the chair or mat for support. Keep your hands directly below your shoulders.

Lift your left hand up or place it on your hips.

Turn your head forward.

Try to breathe deeply for 10 deep breaths. If you fall, try again.

You may feel a tendency to fall backward. Even so, try to align your entire body directly over your standing leg.

You may only be able to lift your leg an inch. That’s the perfect place for you to start!

Try a few times on the right leg, then repeat and balance on your left leg.

Practice often. You will see and feel results. Know that every time you shoot for the moon, you will be doing your body a world of good!

Thanks for joining me.

peace and love,

Penny!

 

 

 

 

 

 

YOGA FOR HEALTHY HIPS +HAMSTRINGS CHALLENGE ( relieve pent up stress in legs and hips)

Posted on by pennyjoliver

Keep calm and relieve pent up tension in your hamstrings and hips. This will enable you to unleash your inner sparkle, so you can shine all day. Hamstring health is vital. Your hamstrings connect two very important joints: your hips and knees. Relieving them with stretches will feel immensely relaxing. These yoga poses will release, strengthen, and send fresh oxygen to all those muscles, tendons, and joints in your hip, hamstring and lower back area. Developing length and strength in your hamstrings is key to moving into more difficult poses as you progress in your yoga practice.

Focus on these words of wisdom so you can shine from the inside out. For God says,

…those who look to him are radiant.

Psalm 34:5

…Arise, shine; for your light has come, the Lord’s glory has shone upon you.

Isaiah 60:1

Relax and breathe deeply for a few moments before we begin. As always, every yoga class at Halleluyah Yoga is for  everybody. I hope you enjoy this yoga class and may your day overflow with peace and love.

1.) Seated Hamstring Stretch and Breathe

  • Sit tall with your legs stretched out. Keep your back straight and chest lifted throughout these stretches.
  • Lift your right leg, straighten it, and pull it close to your body. Breathe deeply for 5 counts.
  • Bend your right leg across your chest or body. Cradle it, rock it in your arms, and breathe for 5 counts.
  • Pick your right leg up and place it over your left leg. Hold your knee and gently twist by looking over your right shoulder. Hold and breathe for 5 counts.
  • Let your right leg relax over your left leg. Bend forward and breathe for 5 -10 counts. Stay here longer for a deeper release.
  • Repeat all 4 stretches with your left leg.

2.) Reclining Leg Stretch

  • Lie back. Bring your left leg into your chest or as close to your chest as possible.
  • Move your leg around to loosen up your hips.
  • Breathe deeply for 5 counts. Remain here for another 5 deep breathes.
  • If you can, hold anywhere on your leg and stretch your leg out by straightening it.
  • If you can, bring your head up to touch your knee. Breathe deeply for 5-10 counts.
  • Repeat with your right leg.

3.) One Legged Seated Forward Bend

  • Sit tall with your legs stretched out.
  • Bend your right leg, place your right foot on your inner thigh or wherever you can.
  • Stretch up tall, inhaling deeply and exhale deeply while bending forward.
  • Repeat this 5-10 times. Then bend forward and hold for a few deep breaths.
  • Now, place your left leg on your inner thigh and repeat the same process.

4.) Hero Shoulder Stretch

  • Sit on your heels. Stretch your arms behind you. Let each hand hold the opposite elbow. Breathe deeply for 5 counts.
  • Press your palms together behind your back. Breathe deeply for 5 counts. Stay here and breathe again for 5 counts.
  • If you can, sit between your legs. Go slow and be gentle. Breathe deeply for 5-10 counts.

5.) Reclining Half Hero Pose

  • Lie flat on your back.
  • Bend and bring your right leg back. Your right foot should be near your right hip area. You may find your back arches. You may lean on your hands or elbows. Stay at the position where you feel a gentle stretch.
  • Breathe deeply for 5-10 counts.
  • Repeat on your other leg.

6.) Full Hero Stretch

  • Lean on your elbows while gently and slowly bringing one foot, then the other foot, next to each hip area.
  • Breathe deeply for 5-10 counts.
  • If you are able, lie back fully. Your chest should pop up.
  • Breathe deeply 5-10 times!

Take a moment to lie back and breathe deeply. Linger in the deep release. Breathe deeply.

Words of wisdom…eat glitter for breakfast and get your glow on.

( …do Halleluyah yoga everyday for health and to focus on words from your Heavenly Father. It will be like glitter to your soul so you can shine all day!)