Kundalini Yoga

This past Summer I began taking Yoga Classes with my friend Andrea. She teaches Kundalini Yoga. At first I was skeptical about doing it, but once I got started I was hooked. I feel so relaxed after each class. I can't wait to go to class each week. It is great.

I am writing this blog to help people to understand what Kundalini Yoga is all about. There are many misconceptions about the practice and I hope that after you read this blog that those will be dispelled. Maybe you will be inspired to even try it.

What is Kundalini Yoga? It is basically about awakening the inner self. In Kundalini you awaken the energy centers in your body and learn how to use them awaken your body.

"Kundalini" is an ancient Sanskrit word that literally means "coiled snake." In early Eastern religion (long before Buddhism and Hinduism) it was believed that each individual possessed a divine energy at the base of the spine. This energy was thought to be the sacred energy of creation. This energy is something we are born with, but we must make an effort to "uncoil the snake," thereby putting us in direct contact with the divine. Kundalini Yoga is the practice of awakening our Higher Self and turning potential energy into kinetic energy.

Today's Western definition of yoga is limiting, describing a specific type of exercise. But to the ancients, yoga was a sacred spirit-body connection. Their goal was not fitness. It was direct connection with Brahman, the God-like spirit within us. No religious buffer between man and God was considered necessary. Just practice. Of the many yogas that developed over the past 5,000 years, Kundalini was considered the most sacred.

Top 5 practical reasons to do Kundalini Yoga

1) Expanding your presence expands your life.
Kundalini's connection to your core energy allows you to approach each day with a strong sense of individual truth. This presence is obvious to those around you and will result in new opportunities and an expanded reality.

2) Instant inspiration.
I walk away from each class with a clarity of mind that breaks through old mental patterns and inspires new ideas.

3) Having a community keeps you in check.
Most of us spend part of our day around negative people who drag us down. Regular contact with a positive community on a spiritual path will lift you up and remind you what is important.

4) Magic happens outside your comfort zone.
Kundalini Yoga is full of surprises. You might be stretching one day and screaming the next. The spontaneous nature of each class keeps you light on your feet and ready for anything.

5) Everyone is a teacher (yes, even you).
Yogi Bhajan said that he did not teach Kundalini to attain disciples. He taught in order to train new teachers. Kundalini reminds us that we each have an important message to share with the world. By finding your voice, and having the courage to share it, you will transform your life and the lives of those around you.

Kundalini techniques
Stretching, breathing, jumping, running, dancing, yelling, chanting, meditating. Any given Kundalini kriya contains a variety of activities. A typical class is focused on control of breath,expansion of energy and alignment of the chakras.

The typical class is 60-90 minutes, structured as follows:

• 5-10 minute warm-up (often including spiritual teachings from the instructor)
• 30-45 minute kriya (the workout itself)
• 5-15 minute Savasana relaxation (try not to fall asleep)
• 11-31 minute meditation (this could include mantras or hand mudras)

The following guidelines should be followed during each Kundalini Yoga class:

• Tune-in with the Adi Mantra: Chant Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo three times before beginning any warm-ups, kriyas, or meditation.
• Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness. Listen to your body; do what works for you.
• Challenge yourself to extend just past whatever you think your limits are. For instance, if you think you can only do one minute of an exercise, then try for one minute and ten seconds.
• Follow the directions! Keep the order and type of posture. Do not exceed the stated times. If you wish to shorten an exercise, shorten all exercises in the kriya proportionally (i.e., cut all times in half or quarter).
• In a class, feel free to ask for clarification on an exercise or other aspects of the practice.
• Drink water as needed between exercises.

"May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on."
- Kundalini Yoga farewell blessing

In our Yoga Class Andrea does exercise on the chair and on the mat. We do lots of breathing exercises. One of the exercises that we do is called Fist of Anger. It is all about moving around the energy we have when we are angry. When I do this exercise I feel like it helps to calm me and lower my blood pressure. That is great.

Another exercise that we do is called Cat Cow. This is great for helping with back pain. It helps with your spine, digestive system, nervous system, and helps bring your emotions into check. Another exercise we do is called Downward Facing Dog. This brings the brain into focus. So if you have had a stressful day you can do this pose. We also do the Tree Pose which I am really good at.

We do another pose Warrior Pose. I love it. It is a great pose to open up your hips and your shoulders. Another pose we do that I like is called Sphinx Pose, but I have found it also called Cobra Pose. It helps open up your spine and chest.

One of the breath things that we do is called Breath of Fire or Dragon Breath. One of the ways that we do it reminds me of a dog panting in the summer heat.  A mediation that we do as part of the class is called Peace Begins With Me. I have found this useful when I am stressed. I say it and it makes me feel so much better.

During the class Andrea plays a song that I love called Long Time Sun. Then at the end of the class we say it.

May the long time sun,
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And he pure light,
Within you,
Guide your way home.

Adopted Family

This past July my Mom went to be with the Lord. My sister and I were very devastated at loosing her. I will admit that life without Mom in it has been hard. I find myself crying over the little things that remind me of Mom.

I am trying to deal with her loss that best that I can. I have friends that I can talk to and that is great. However, there are times that you really need your Mom to talk to. That is when I fins myself missing her the most.

The day that Mom died my cousin Shawna and her mom Ginger where with my sister and I. Also there was our friend Jeannette. I was so glad that they were at the hospital with us. Just having someone to talk to and to be there when the tears flowed was awesome.

Since Mom passed I have been adopted into a whole new family circle. Jeannette, her husband Brian, son Sean, and Jeannette's parents have welcomed me into their family. I am so thankful that the second day that Mom was in the hospital that Jeannette's dad Nip was with us. He is a pastor. I feel I can talk to him whenever I need to. He is a great guy.

Then there is Ginger's family. Ginger's parents have welcomed us into their life with open arms. They have accepted us as their grandkids. I am so blessed to them in my life. Then there is Ginger who has taken over and become like a mother to my sister and I. I know that I can call her day or night if I need anything. Shawna is the same way. I am so blessed to have these people in my life.

I know that God saw my need before it happened and found the best way to help me through it. He knew who in my life that I could count on and those outside my close family that would be there for me when I needed it most.

Recently I was listing to the Message on Sirus XM Radio and came across this song by Steven Curtis Chapman that talks about adoption. It made me think of all the people in my life that have adopted me into their families. I am so grateful for that.  I Will Be Here is a song too that speaks about being adopted into the family of God. What a blessing!

God adopted us into his family. We were adopted when we ask Jesus into our hearts and got saved. I remember my Aunt Virginia telling me that when I got saved. She told me to always remember that date (June 21, 1995) cause that was my adoption date into the family of God.

I thank God for the people in my life that he has put there to adopt me. I also thank God that he adopted me on the day that I got saved. What a blessing!

Grief , holidays, and support

Back in July my Mom passed away unexpectedly. After her passing people have come to me with all sorts of suggestions on how to deal with my loss and grief. Some of those people understand what I am going through. Others have no idea what it is like. Then there are others who don't think it is a good idea to grieve the loss of a loved one. Put a period and move on they say. Everyone grieves in their own way at their own time.

I have experienced a lot of loss in my life. I have dealt well with it for the most part. However, I think loosing Mom has been very hard on me. I have done a lot of praying and looking to God for help. I have good friends that have been their for me through all of this.

One of the hardest times during the grieving process is the holidays. I remember 21 years ago today my dad passes away. That first Christmas was hard. I was 15 and my sister was 10. No one could have thought that we would have dealt as well as we did. Dad always brought Mom flowers at the holidays. I could tell that on the first Christmas Mom was sad that she didn't get the flowers. Another thing that made that Christmas hard was that we use to go get a live tree with dad. That first Christmas people that we knew who had a Christmas Tree farm brought us a tree. We had lots of support at that time.

It is the same now after the loss of Mom. People opened their homes to my sister and me of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some have even made us feel like a part of the family. Having that much love and support is great. It shows that people really care.

However, there are those that choose to not take advantage of the support that is offered them during the holidays. You have to let them deal in their own way. Don't push them. Offer support to them. Let them know that they are not alone in this.

Support groups are great. However, you need to take caution before joining one. One thing you need to consider is who is running the support group. Is that person a trained professional? If not you need to stay clear. Often times groups ran by people who are not trained professionals tend to be gossip centers. I was asked to join a support group after Mom died and I said no. I had been told by people that I trusted that the group was only a gossip circle.

If you know the people in the group well and trust them then go ahead and join. Often times joining a support group ran by people that you know will make it easier to go. You will feel more at ease. In any case you need to decide if joining a support group is right for you.

In the end grief is a slow process. It is different for everyone. Don't let someone tell you how to grieve. Do it at your own time and in your own way. You will see the light at the end of the tunnel in the end.

Jesus, The Reason for the Season

Christmas Time is just around the corner. People are putting up decorations and getting ready for the holiday. All too often we loose sight of the real meaning of this season. That is Jesus. Think about it. If Jesus would have not been born that first Christmas Night we would have nothing to celebrate.

Picture it. Mary and Joseph traveled a far distance to take part in the censes so that they could be taxed. Mary road on a donkey and Joseph walked. They probably traveled for several days. They were tired and hungry. After having participated in the censes they wanted to get something to eat and find a place to sleep.

This was next to impossible. Fact was all the room in the inns in the city of Bethlehem were full. Joseph explained the situation that they were in to the last inn keeper they can across. Mary was with child and it was time for that child to be born. They needed a place to sleep now.

So the Inn Keeper gave them a room in the stable. That was better than nothing at this point. That night Jesus was born. He was born into a world full of sin. Little did we know on that first Christmas Night that 30 years later Jesus would have to die on Calvary on Good Friday and be raised from the dead on that first Easter to save all those that believed in him from the sin of the world.

So God had a plan and a purpose in sending his one and only son to Earth that first Christmas Night. He knew then that his only son was going to save the world. This in itself is a strange way to save the world. However, it did get the job done.

Now we come to 2015 when Santa Clause is the king of Christmas to most people. We have lost sight of Jesus. We have commercialized Christmas. Jesus' birth has lost its meaning. We have lost the true meaning of the first Christmas so long ago. .

Oh how the world would be a different place if we got back to that meaning. If Jesus was the king of Christmas once again for everyone the world would be a better place.

So this Christmas I challenge each of you to find the true reason for the season. Put Christ in Christmas.

Jesus Loves You.....But You Don't Really Mean That

Recently I was involved in a some what of an argument at church. The end result as I was walking away was that the person that was arguing with me said Jesus Loves You and I Love You. I was shocked. Those words had never before come out of that persons mouth to me. I was blown away. Had my prayers been answered. I didn't take it too seriously.

I have come to believe that people who claim to be Christians, but are really not (talk the talk, but don't walk the walk) tend to say things that they really don't mean. This was on of those times. Following worship this person gave me the weekly sermon like always. Nothing had changed.

Don't take the love of Jesus lightly. Jesus died on the cross to save you and me. That is a big thing. Don't think that in an argument that you will win if you say Jesus Love You. You are just covering up for the fact that you may not be right.

When I tell someone Jesus Loves You I mean it. I take the love of Jesus seriously. I know that Jesus has done lots for me in this life. When I die I know that I am going to spend eternity with him. That is an awesome thought.

So the next time that someone tells you Jesus Loves You think about the meaning behind it. It says a lot about what kind of Christian that they are.

Being in control

So often times I have come in contact with people that I have to always be in control of  everything. It has to be their way or they get upset. Life is not all about having it your way. You need to think about others as well. Sometimes being in control of it all hurts others. 

I worked with a teacher once that had to have everything their way. I can remember one time when our schedule was changed she freaked out. Got upset about it. This teacher got upset at anytime the schedule would get changed. I don't think that she liked change at all. 

I went to a church once were this one couple in the church was basically let to be in charge of everything. If something went wrong or something happened to upset their order of things they would get upset. I can remember once that some of the ladies in church decided to have a good by lunch for the pastor who was leaving their church. They didn't consult the couple and boy did they get mad. The lunch was canceled because the couple really didn't like the pastor. 

My advice to people like this is to get over it. You don't have to be in control of everything. Someone once told me that if a person has to be in control of everything then they are covering something up. A person needs to start by getting control of their lives before they start to control others. 

If you have to have control of everything then people will start to resent you. You will lose friends and people will not want to be around you. 

My opinion is that the only person that really should be in control is God. If he is not in control of things then there is something wrong. God has to be in control for things to work.  

I have noticed that a lot of people that want to be in control don't have God in their lives. They push him away. They even push people away that believe in God. That is just wrong. They need to let God in before it is too late. They will self destruct without him.

So if you are one that has to have total control I urge you to take a step back. Evaluate the situation. Get control of your life and then let God take control of the rest. Things will be better that way.

Structure vs. Control

Have you ever wondered why some teachers have great classes and others maybe should reconsider their profession? It all stems down to the idea of structure vs control. Structure is about having a schedule, a routine, and making a great learning environment. It also has to do with the placement of furniture and how discipline is handled. Sometimes teachers can go beyond this and make it about being in complete control.

Complete control is when a teacher has to tell the students how to do exactly everything that they do. For example in a Preschool Classroom the teacher tells the students what they have to do at each center during center time. When the students don't follow the teacher's directions the teacher ends up getting very upset and loosing control.

A teacher that has to be in complete control of the classroom looses sight of what matters and that is teaching the students. It turns into all about them. They get very upset when things don't go their way. They get upset when their order is disrupted. These teachers refuse to take help from others. When they get into trouble they are apt to blame others for the problems.

A Preschool Teacher had the nature to have to be in control of everything and everyone. He planned the day of herself, each of his students, and his aide down to the very second. At Center Time he gave assignments of what to do at each center. He even made the students sign in to each center by putting up sticks on signs. At inside recess time he made the students sign into the centers with sticks. He was so obsessed with being in control that he  wrote down everything that the aide was to do at every second of the day.

This continued to happen for awhile until parents got concerned that they not receiving their children academic work each day. Parents called the school to complain about the fact that it seemed that the teacher was more concerned about  doing art work than doing academic work. An investigation was done and it was decided that things in the room would have to change. This teacher got very upset because what they had decided was going to happen suddenly had to change without their control.

The teacher took it out on the aide. In the end it cost the teacher their job. You see the teacher had lost focus. They were so fixated on being in control of things that they forgot what their job was. They forgot to teach. They were more concerned with control than they were anything else.

Having classroom structure is one thing, but when it becomes a need to be in control then it is out of hand. No teacher should have to control everything that goes on in their classroom every second of the day.

If a teacher has to control every second of the day in their classroom then they need help. They need also to find another line of work.

So please if you go into the teaching profession please make sure you know the difference between structure and control before it is too late.

All Saints' Day

Traditionally in the church year the day after Halloween is called All Saints' Day. It is a day to remember those that have gone before us to live in Heaven. A friend of mine told me that at her church they read the names of those that passed in the during the past year and then ring the church bell for each name. I like that idea.

This morning I got to thinking about people in my life that have passed who I would consider saints on earth during their lives. My Mom was one of those people. She had a good heart. She was always helping someone. She taught me the importance of the power of prayer.

Then there was my Aunt Virginia. She always said to never give up in prayer. She would pray often for those that she knew who needed to get saved until they did. I was one of those such people. She was such a loving person.

I could think of others too who lived a life of a saint on earth. All have had an impact on my life. They have in some way shaped me into the Christian that I am today.

Who has shaped your Christian walk? Think about them on this All Saints' Day and thank God for them.

War Room

Last night some of us from my church went to see the movie War Room. If you have not seen this movie yer I highly recommend that you see it. The main focus of the movie is about the power of prayer. In the movie it talks about how we should use prayer in the right way to fight the battles in our lives. 

I never had ever thought about how I pray before. This movie made me reexamine my prayer life. I want to be on fire in my prayer life. I don't want to be cold in it.I want to see more results from my prayers than ever before.

In the move Ms. Clara has what she calls a War Room. That is a room in her house where she goes to pray. At the end of the movie it is said that her praying is baked into that room. I would love to have a prayer room of my own. 

Prayer is a powerful weapon if used in the right way. When we pray we need to plead with God, tell him what is on our hearts, and then stand back so that the can do what only he can do. Then we will begin to see results.

Check out War Room. It is an awesome movie. You are going to love it.   

We are all in this together

     Sometimes I have to wonder what would make someone want to have sole control over a church. I was told years ago that the church was God's and that everyone had a right to it. Yes that is true. But, in some churches today you will find that there is that one person that has to be in control. They have to have their way about everything or they are just not happy. That is very sad.
    People fail to realize that in order for the church to survive and work that everyone needs to work together. That everyone must be given a part to play in the life of the church. If this does not happen then the church in the end will die out. That is a sad fact that keep growing.
     It is sad that in a lot of churches that there are no young people to keep the church going. Older members are set in their ways and want only to do things the way that they have always been done. Keeping things the same is not going to work anymore. Times are changing in the life of the church and people need to get with it.
    I grew up in the Presbyterian Church. They had stricked rules about how things were to be done. These rules are what is hurting the growth of the church. Rules are great and serve a purpose. But, there are times when rules can get out of hand.
    One of the things that is hurting my church is that more effort is put into making sure that we have a Sermon or Message each week than getting people to Sunday School. It is seen as proper for members to not come to Sunday School. Sunday School is where you really get into learning the bible. You get to study the word and get to dig deeper into what God has to say. Worship is great if it is true worship. Some people just go through the motions when they come to church.
     I use to attend (for a short time) an Assembly of God church. One of the things that I liked about it was the fact that they had what they called Praise and Worship time. That was a time were they sang modern Christian songs. Really got into it. They also had a time in the service that if you were in need of prayer that you could come to the front of the church and someone would come up and pray for you.
     Another thing that I took note of is that they didn't always have a pastor give the message. Sometimes it would be members of the congregation who spoke. Also sometimes they would have guest speakers come and give the message. Above all they worked together as a congregation. If congregations worked together then they would see more growth. The community around them would accept them.
    We are all in this together. Keep that thought in mind when you are doing your church work and things will all work out for the best. The church will grow and good things will happen.

Church Burnout

Recently a lady in my church was complaing that she was overwhelmed by all the things that she "had" to do at church and that she just could not do one more thing. The suggestion was made that she give up some of the things that she "had" to do. This lady refused to do, but till maintained that she could not take on more jobs at church.

When people feel the need to be in charge at church the end result is burnout. They get to the point to where they feel that they just can't do one more thing. However, they feel that they have to still be in charge or things will fall apart.

Soon resentment sets in. People begin to resent this person. They begin to question why this person does what they do. They begin to question why things have to be the way this person wants. In the end all this begins to pull the church apart.

THE ROAD TO BURNOUT

• Over-commitment (always in motion);
• Inadequate breaks and rest (continuous ministry involvement);
• Idealistic standards;
• Constant low-grade stress (occasionally interrupted by crisis!)
• Lack of help and assistance;
• Chronic fatigue from pushing oneself ("hitting the wall");
• Strong sense of responsibility, even when others "dropped the ball";
• Guilty feelings about missing church events/activities;
• Heavy job and family responsibilities/expectations;
• Inability (or strong reluctance) to say no.

BURNOUT REALITY ORIENTATION

Burnout happens to nice guys--to the dedicated, loyal, idealist church member who wants to make a difference. That’s the problem: this all-out commitment drives some Christians to take on too much, too soon, too often. They overlook their heavy non-church responsibilities at home and on the job.
Constant challenge and activity carries stress in its wake--"getting up" for ministry activity, putting out brush fires, coping with diverse personalities, making do with scarce resources. And don’t forget the strings attached to becoming a ministry leader: visitation, showing up every time the church doors are open, maintaining an exemplary witness at all times, attending (seemingly endless) meetings.
Sometimes the pastor and staff get a bit out of touch with grass roots volunteer busyness. They’re so busy (and under-appreciated) themselves, chronic over-commitment is simply a way of life. The idling majority of the congregation conveniently assumes that "everything is running smoothly, so our help isn’t really needed." Others, not so naïve, know the tremendous sacrifice required of ministry involvement and want no part of it.

A STRATEGY FOR AVOIDING BURNOUT

It’s easier to avoid burnout in the first place than it is to overcome it. Here are 10 do-able strategies for escaping its clutches:

• Rest, relax, recreate, renew. It’s God’s way of sustaining us for the long haul.
• Pray for your ministry responsibilities. Let God perform the work, using His infinite strength and perfect wisdom.
• Give something up before taking on a new commitment or responsibility. Don’t keep "adding floors" onto your already towering skyscraper of activities.
• Learn to say no and to set up reasonable boundaries around your involvement. Specify the help you’ll need and the constraints on your time.
• Set priorities and consult with your family. Church work occupies an essential role in our lives but must never take priority over family. Look for ways to team up with your spouse in ministry activities. Be willing to occasionally say no to low priority church activities when they conflict with quality family time.
• Get away from it all on a regular basis through hobbies, recreation, short-ministry "sabbaticals," and sometimes just being a couch potato.
• Listen to your body's stress warning signals, such as headaches, backaches, dizziness, insomnia, and unexplainable fatigue.
• Cut out the hurry and worry. Stress is the natural byproduct of trying to stuff 10 pounds of potatoes into a 5 pound bag. Do only what you reasonably can in the time available and with the resources available.
• Keep those to whom you relate informed of your changing commitments and priorities. Stay away from guilt trips.
• Emphasize grace over works. We don’t earn God’s blessings by the amount of church work we do. He wants us to lead healthy, balanced lives where ministry service is a joy and source of deep personal fulfillment. In the absence of such joy, ministry turns into burden and burnout.

Jesus knew of the burden of burnout. His words in Matthew 11:20, 30 are extremely comforting: "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

 

So to avoid church burnout you one thing to do is delegate. Don't insist on being in charge of everything at church. Let other people take over. Don't insist on being at church every time the doors are open. Take a break from church. No, you are not a bad Christian for doing this  No, you will not go to hell for not coming to church all the time.

 

Take time for yourself to relax and recharge. It will not happen overnight. It will take time, but in the end it will be worth it. Take time to pray. See what God wants you to do in regard to the church. He has a plan for you. You just have to open your heart and listen for God to speak.

 

Let others have a turn. Give up some of your jobs at church to others in the church. Don't do the jobs all yourself all the time. You need to let others in the church do some of the jobs. Don't just delegate the jobs to your friends and people that will do what you want. Ask for volunteers and let people sign up for jobs.

 

Don't make sure that there is something going on at church every night of the week. Doing that will lead to others being burned out at church too. Resentment will arise and in the end the church will close. Think of others first over self.

 

Following these guidelines will prevent burnout and help your church be active in the community for years to come.

Control Freeks In Church

 

It seems like in churches today that there are at least one person who feels the need to control what goes on at church. They control everything down to what the Preacher's sermon is about on Sunday. They are happy, but then in ends up that the members of the church resent them for being in control.

 

 

Having one person in control of the church is not a good thing. It is a bad thing. It causes problems and in the end closes the church down. You have to find a way to deal with those people who feel the need to be in control of everything.

 

What can you do? Rebel is on thing. Don't follow the norm when it comes to people like this. You don't need to be a sheep. You need to stand up for yourself. Do what you think is right. You will feel better for it.

 

Pray about what is going on. Let God know how you feel about the situation and ask him to help you deal with it in the right way. That way you don't make a fool out of yourself.

 

Sometimes people like this can get out of control very quickly. That only leads to trouble. Which in the end is the downfall of the church.

 

If you are a true Christian you will know who these people are. God will show you. In my case he did. He gave me a sign that I will to this day never forget.

 

Guard your heart and mind when it comes to these people. They will try to lead you astray. They will take you way from the true purpose of being a Christian. They will try to tell you things that are found in the word of God that really are not. Don't get pulled in to their lies. You will end up regretting it in the end.

 

So in a case like this when people want to take over the church you have to pray about it and sometimes let it take its course. Eventually people in the church will have their fill of this person and stand up for what is right. Time will tell. If others in the church don't get tired of this then you have to ask God for help.

 

It will all work out in the end.

 

 



Wicked Women of the Bible....Chapter 2: Wicked Old...The Story of Sarah...How a Ninety-Year-Old Got Pregnant and Set Tongues Wagging

This is the second chapter in Wicked Women. This chapter focuses on Sarah. The chapter beings to talk about how Abraham is almost 100 years old and Sarah is not far behind him. As the chapter begins Sarah is pregnant. That is something that was highly unlikely given both of their ages.

Hagar, Sarah's servant had tried to cause trouble. She claimed that Sarah had cheated on Abraham which in turned caused God to render Sarah barren. However, Hagar didn't have the whole story. Abraham had asked Sarah to tell a lie to save them. He was protecting them both. She had to tell the Egyptians that she was Abraham's sister lest they kill him to try to get to her.

Abraham's worst fears came to light. Pharaoh heard of Sarah's beauty and had to have her for his own. After showing Abraham with gifts of which Hagar was one, clueless Pharaoh added Sarah to his harem. Before visiting Pharaoh's bedchamber, Sarah had to look the part. That was to be transformed into an Egyptian beauty.

Then something terrible happened. A plague descended. It ravished Pharaoh's household, leaving only Sarah untouched. The stench covered every corner of Pharaoh's house. When Pharaoh finally rose from his sickbed he asked Abraham "What have you done to me?" Why didn't you tell me Sarah was your wife?" "You pretended she was your sister. Now your God has cursed me. Take her and go."

They gathered their things, including Hagar, and headed out of Egypt. Soon after Sarah asked Hagar to sleep with Abraham in the hopes of giving him an heir. Hagar was young and eager to please. Once Hagar began to swell with life she began to feel as though she was the favored wife. This made Sarah hate her.

Sarah began to make Hagar's life a living hell. Sarah lives in the confidence that she is first in Abraham's heart. Soon she realizes that she is first in God's heart too when her belly begins to swell with a child. She is amused at all the speculation.

Soon Sarah has a child. It is when Isaac is 3 years old that Abraham turns Hagar and Ishmael away. They go out into the wilderness where Ishmael grows into a "wild donkey of a man."

Sarah never knows of the day when Abraham takes Isaac to be sacrificed. She dies at age 127 not knowing of the glories and the troubles that lie ahead for the descendants of Abraham's two sons.

God spoke his promise that he would make the decedents of Abraham and Sarah into a great nation far in advance to prepare them for what was to come. By having Abraham sleep with Hagar, Sarah was trying to force God's hand.

We too at times try to force God's hand. We think that we know better than God. We loose sight of what is really important. That is to let God's will be done in his own time.

We need to let God's will be done and not or own.

Bible Journaling

 

 

 

I love to read the bible and I in fact own several different versions of the bible, about 10 in all. One of my favorite bibles is the one that belonged to my Great-Uncle Ed. In it is hand written notes of his on all the pages. At first I was appalled that someone would write in their bible like that. That is because I was raised with the belief that your bible was sacred and that you didn't write in it. Then I thought how neat this was.

Recently I discovered Bible Journaling. This is a whole new way to make your bible your own. It involves writing and drawing in the margins of the bible. I was taken in b the beautiful art work that some had put in their bibles. It looks like they had taken time to make something very meaningful on the pages.

Before you get started you will need to gather your supplies. Here are some suggestions of what to get.

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible
Liquid Color Pens
Bic Stick Grip Pens
Bic Mechanical Pencils
Twistable Crayons
Twistable Colored Pencils
Washi Tape
Washi Tape
Rub-Ons
Letter Stickers
Stickers and Embelishments
Stamps and Ink Pads
Distressed Ink
Stamps
Clips
Hero Hues

As you do your journaling you will find other items that you will want to use. I have even saw were people use water color paints. Bible Journaling is all about self expression. It is all up to you.

As far as the bible goes it is best to use a single column bible. This type of bible has wide margins so that you can do your journaling easy. As you read a passage of scripture you need to think about what it means to you and that will help inspire you about what to journal.

If you love to read and study the bible then you will love to journal in your bible. This will be something that you will cherish and share with generations to come.

Wicked Women of The Bible....Chapter 1: Wicked Lies..The Story of Eve...How the First Woman Swallowed the First Lie

The first chapter is all about Eve. It is based on Genesis Chapters 1-4. In this chapter it talks about how Adam and Eve came into being. Then it talks about life in the Garden of Eden. It also talks about the Serpent (Satan). Then the chapter goes into what happed after they left the garden.

As I read this chapter I began to imagine what the Garden of Eden must have looked like. It had to be very beautiful. I am sure that there were lots of flowers and trees. There even had to be a waterfall and a lake. I imagine that it smelled like all the different flowers that were there. It would have felt safe, cool, and inviting.

The bible never talks about Adam and Eve having a traditional wedding, but they were married none the less. I think that there marriage had to have been one of give and take. They would have had equal partnership in the relationship. They would have gotten along. No fights to be had. Everything was perfect.

I think that God planted Adam and Eve in this garden paradise because he knew what was going to happen. This was all part of his plan. He saw this happening long before it did. God made them trustees of his estate and they blew it. Eve thought she knew better than God and listened to the Serpent. That got her into trouble.

This chapter shows us how sin can be so inviting. How it can lure you away from God in an instant. This chapter also shows how you can get back to God by being at your lowest and realizing that your way is not the best way. God has a plan and a purpose. He knows what he is going to do before it happens.

We have to accept the fact that God sees and knows all. We can't hide from him.

Wicked Women of The Bible

Recently I received an e-mail about a new book that was coming out from bestselling author Ann Spangler entitled Wicked Women of the Bible. This title caught my eye and I wanted to learn more. So I then looked up the website http://wickedwomenofthebible.com/ to find out more information. As I read through the site I cam across how to apply to be a part of the launch team. I thought "I would never get it, but it is worth a shot." So I applied. I was getting a little nervous about hearing back, but never gave it  second thought.

Then yesterday when I got the mail their was a package for me. In it was the advanced reading copy of Wicked Women of the Bible. One of the things that you are asked to do as you read this book is to blog about it (if you blog). In the coming days and weeks I will be reading the book and blogging about each chapter of the book.

I hope that by reading my blog about the book that you will be interested in reading this book. There is also a book Wicked Men of The Bible.

If you are interested in knowing more about this book check out: Wicked Women of The Bible Book Trailor.

I hope that you will be inspired by my blog to read this book or to even find out more about the women featured in this book.

Making Peace With God's Plan

Recently my mother passed away unexpectedly. It was a shock to both me and my sister. Never once did my sister and I think that Mom could be very ill and not tell us.

The day that Mom died I had a serious talk with God. I was in a place that I never thought that I would ever go again and I promised my Aunt Virginia 20 years ago that I would never go. You see 20 years ago (1994) my dad died unexpectedly. At that time I gave up on my faith. I hated God and didn't want anything to do with him. I couldn't understand how a God that clamed to love me could take my dad away. There I was again. If God loved me then why did he take my Mom away.

When I pray I talk to God like he is right in the room with me. On this day I made sure to tell God how I felt about what had happened. My faith was shaken. Then I heard God's voice. He gave me a peace that made me feel so much better about the situation.

He explained to me how Mama's work in this life was over and that he needed her for something bigger. I really didn't understand what he meant until Mama's funeral service. When the Ministers spoke about Mama's faith in God it hit me. Mama had left a legacy here in this life that would continue to go on. Though Mama is not physically here she will continue to live on in spirit.

Then it occurred to me that Mama had a huge faith in God. Mama always put her trust in Jesus. I know she talked a lot about how she would pray for others when they asked, needed or even when they didn't ask for it. She often said that God layed someone on her heart to pray for and she did.

Mama was devoted to the church. She was very involved in many aspects of the church. When Mama stopped coming to church you could tell it. Things were just not the same. It was like something was missing. I realized that Mama did things for others not for what she would get out of it, but because it was the Christian thing to do.

So I had another talk with God to apologize for how selfish I had been. God had a higher plan and purpose for Mama that I was just not prepared for. I have accepted that now. Mama has gone on to be with Jesus and one day we will see her again.

Optomisim

Sometimes when all hope seems lost you have to have faith that things will get better. You have to be an optomist in the midst of the storm. God will see you through it. You have to stay positive when others are negative.

When you stay positive good things will happen to you. God will bless you greatly. He will see you through. You just have to believe.

So when you are going through a storm just stay positive and know that God is in control.

The Power of Prayer, Faith, and Good Friends

Recently my Mom had to have surgery. On the day before the surgery Mom asked me to post on Facebook for prayers for her. Mom is a strong believer in the power of prayer. She says that when people are praying for her that she can feel their prayers.

Mom was suppose to come home the day after the surgery, but plans changed. I am not one that deals with change well and this was something that really upset me. However, I knew that God had a plan and a purpose in Mom staying put. That was my faith taking control. I had to have faith that God was in the driver's seat.

Then there is the fact that friends of mine on Facebook saw my post about Mom and went to visit her in the hospital. She was very surprised. My sister and I were too. That was so nice that in one instance that people we knew were in town and stopped to see Mom at the hospital. In another instance people just decided to get in their car and drive to the hospital to see Mom. It was reassuring to my sister and I that people cared about how Mom was doing.

Plus reading all the comments to my post of updates on Mom helped me to realize all the people that really truly care. It is a real blessing to see how many people were praying for Mom and continue to pray for Mom. God is amazing.

Then in situations like these there are those people that are gossips and nosey. They just have to know what is going on, but they really don't care about what is going on. These are the people that will take what is going on and turn it into something for their own benefit. A spotlight seeker.

These are people that I have learned to be very veg with. I don't tell them much. That way things that I don't want spread around will not be. My privacy will be protected.

There are things that have happened recently that have made me more aware of the people that I can trust and those that I am going to be veg with. People that I thought were friends turned out to be otherwise. In the end I have found out who my true friends are.

I feel that this is God in control. So I am going to take a back seat and let God be in the driver's seat. That way things will go good in my life.

Let Go and You Will Feel Better

Recently I have started taking an exercise class that has really been very good for me. When I started the class I had reservations about doing some of the exercises. But, after the first class my mind was changed. I can't do a lot of the exercises right now, but I realize that the more that I do them the more that I will be able to do them.

One part of the class is about letting go of things that you don't need anymore. Letting go of the things that weigh us down. It is when we do that that I feel like a weight has been lifted. I feel so at peace.

That is why when we let go of things that are weighing us down we feel so much better. We are not being held back by things that have no meaning to our lives. We are then free to drink in what life has to offer us.

I know for me just sitting in the class letting the weight of the world go I feel so much better. I need to do this more often so that I can hear God more clearly. Then I will be more able to let God be in control when I am out of control.

If we would all just take the time to let go of the baggage of our lives we would feel so much better. We would not be as sick or tired. We would be healthier and have more energy.

So my advice to you is to take a little time to just let go of the baggage and listen for the good. That way you will feel so much better.

Division Only Gets More Divided

A church was having some issues with a pastor so they ended up getting rid of the pastor. This pastor had caused lots of division in the church. After getting rid of this pastor the church began to heal and began to work at getting a new pastor. For months the church had fill ins, but were still not happy. Then they advertised for a full time pastor for the church. They had several applicants, but those in charge would not consider them. They wanted to bring back the pastor that caused the division and in the end that pastor came back. The pastor made promises that he said he would keep. He looked good to them.

Well, when it was time for this pastor to start back with the church something went wrong. Attendance dropped by 75%. Offerings were down another 90%. Not to mention that within the first month of employment this pastor asked for a $40,000.00 raise (from $50,000.00). On top of that the pastor began to stop coming to activities of the church and even began to miss a Sunday or two of preaching. The members of the church were not happy at all.

A Congregational Meeting was held and a division began. The head elder of the church assured everyone that things were going to get better. That this preacher was going to change and give them everything that he promised. Things ended up only getting worse. Not long after that the pastor secretly took a job with another church that gave him the salary that he wanted. For 6 months this church who had taken him back was being told on Sundays that he could not come for one reason or another. The head elder believed this preacher's lies.

It wasn't until another member of the church spoke to their cousin that they found out what was going on. The cousin informed the member that this pastor was preaching at their church. The member went to the head elder and layed it on thick. The church was informed of what had happened. Members of the church vowed to leave the church unless the head elder didn't leave first.

In the end the head elder ended up moving away and was never heard from again. The pastor ended up also moving far away has never been heard from again. The church decided that they needed to work together to heal their division before they went any farther about getting a pastor. They were successful at this and in the end found a pastor that satisfied everyone.

This is an example of what happens when a division in the church is not healed. It makes the church more divided. When churches have a problem they need to work together to heal it before they move forward with anything that will make a big impact.

It is never a good idea when you have gotten rid of the conflict in the church to bring it back in. That only makes the division or the conflict worse.

What needs to happen is that there needs to be lots of prayers said about the situation. People need to as God into the situation and ask for his will to be done. There needs to be prayer sessions held with all the members of the church attending. Church members need to listen for the voice of God and hear what his will is for them.

Following one member of the church who thinks that they are right is not the right thing to do either. They may sound good, but really they may be a snake in sheep's clothing. You need to ask God for his advice before going down this path.

If we seek God in all things then he will help heal what is broken. He will show us what is right so that we don't make the wrong mistake. Making the wrong mistake only hurts others. We want to love other Christians and do the Lord's will in all things.

If we do that then all things will work for God's good.

Postive Thoughts Bring Positive Results

As I drive to work each morning I listen to Joel Osteen Radio in the car. His sermons are awesome and they have a great message. Most recently Joel has been speaking about being positive and the power of your words.

He says that what you say over your life or situation is what is going to happen. That you need to speak positive in order to get positive results. That when you speak negative that you are going to get negative results.

Joel is right. I have realized that there have been situation that I have thought negative about and then changed my thinking to see the results that I have been wanting. If you are in a situation that you feel will not go your way don't loose hope. Start speaking positive about the situation and you will see results.

Change your thinking to see what God has good in store for you. If you think more positive about things then more good things will begin to happen. Don't forget to seek God in the situation as well. Turing over the situation to God will also make good things happen.

Positive Thoughts Bring Positive Results~Joel Osteen

So Long School Year......Hello Summer Break!

So today is the official start to my Summer Break. Two month from today (8/17) I will be starting back to work. I hate to think that I only get 2 month off, but I am going to make the most of it. A part of me would rather have the Winter months off of work, but I know that I would just be stuck inside and could not go anywhere.

One of the things that I look forward to each Summer is Church Camp. I love to share my love of Jesus with others. Plus it gets me out of the house for 8 hours a day. Plus I get some sunshine which has lots of Vitamin D. I get to interact with others that I don't see often and I get to see kids from school.

I love the fact that the nights get longer in Summer. That means more time to get outside and enjoy life. Summer lends you to going places that you don't get to go most other times of the year. Most people go to the beach or camping.

Summer is also the time that people tend to start a new diet, take time to read more, and just relax.

This Summer I plan to blog more, read my bible more, have more prayer time, start the Daniel Plan Diet, and over all relax. I want to just unwind from the crazy year that I have had. I want to make the most out of this Summer.

So to all those that work in the school system I say...Enjoy Summer!

A Year and What A Year It Has Been

June 4, 2014....I was at work when the call came. Sara had to be taken to UVA because something was wrong with her unborn baby Isaac. The prayer chains were activated and prayers were started for Sara, Mitchell, and the baby. That was the beginning of the journey for Isaac.

June 4, 2015....Isaac turns 1 today and has been through so much in his sort life. He has had a heart transplant among the other procedures that he has had to have in the past year. He is a miracle for sure.

I look back on his mother Sara and how much faith that she has had through all of this. I don't think that if I was in the same situation that I would be as strong. I admire Sara's faith through this. She has never given up on trusting God to see her through it all. God sure has never let her down.

God has a plan and a purpose for Isaac to be sure. I can remember saying that Isaac was going to get a Christmas Miracle when he was in need of a heart. Sure enough he did get it right before Christmas. That was so wonderful.

So today I wish Isaac a very happy and blessed birthday. He is a blessing. God is going to use Isaac in great ways. Isaac is a testimony that miracles happen.

Live life a little lighter.....Shed the baggage

Joel Osteen was talking this morning in a message on the radio about shedding the baggage. That is we want to be a little lighter in life that we need to get rid of the baggage that is weighing us down. We need to let go of those things that are holding us back from being really happy. He said that we can live a much fuller life if we let go of the baggage.

That is so true. If we go around carrying the negative things of life then we are going to be negative. We then will never be able to move forward with life and be happy. We will always be living in the past. We need to live in the present and the future.

This reminded me of a man in a church that had for years kept a list of perceived wrongs that another person had done to him. The list went back 15 years or more. One day the man had had quiet enough of the other person and so he went to the church council for help. The list, six pages in full was read at the meeting. When all was said and done the man looked like a fool. The council members had laughed at him for keeping a this list for 15 years. They felt that it was silly to do such a thing. The person in the church who the list was kept on forgave the man for his silly act and was better off for doing so. In the very end because this man would not let things go he ended up bringing the church down with him.

We need to let go and let God take control. We need not sit by and let what has happened in the past destroy our lives. We need to live our lives to the fullest for God. We need not get caught up in things that will drag us down and make us miserable. We need to live life each day with the purpose of doing out best for the glory of God.

It is just like when I was very upset with a former friend about how she had treated me. I didn't go around carrying a grudge for years on end. I forgave her and felt so much better about it. That baggage was checked.

You have got to clear out the excess baggage in your life in order to have a happy life. Otherwise you are letting the devil take control. You are letting sin take root in your life and choking out the word of God. That is not what needs to happen. You need to let God shine through in your life.

Let go and Let God.....enough said.