week 25 of 52 week challenge...almost half way!!!

MEDITATION/MESSAGE


" For everything~absolutely everything~above and below~visible and invisible~everything was started in HIm and finds its purpose in Him alone."


Have you ever pulled out a 2000+ piece puzzle and simply sighed at how overwhelming it is. So many random pieces and yet you find the ability to work through it because there is this picture on the box of exactly what it can become once all of the pieces find their way to where they belong. I think our lives mimic the puzzle, our picture is Christ. He is what is in and through us causing coercion of each and every detail of our live to return us back to where we belong. He takes all of the pieces, every detail and brings them together as they belong; making us whole. So all of those pieces that you swear have nothing to do with that puzzle; the ones that you just cannot see belonging to the same picture...those pieces are all part. Everything is part, everything is from Him and finds purpose in Him... Even though you may not be able to see it now, whatever it is, it is part of the big picture. It is all His and He is using every detail to reconcile you to wholeness. I am also guilty of trying to make pieces fit where they do not belong; I have to remind myself the picture is His. He knows when and where each piece fits and how to put them together for the best possible outcome. Puzzles are always confusing right up until the last few pieces find their way into place...so give yourself and others some grace and remember this is all His and He is doing the work. Timing and perspective matter, but you can rest knowing all of the pieces have been laid out on the table before Him and His mighty hand will weave them into a reflection and a masterpiece....believe! And sometimes we get a glimpse of how all the pieces are coming together and this is a wonderful moment, the picture becomes more clear and one more piece falls into its place....


WARRIOR THREE POSE DESCRIPTION


I like this pose for the message because it truly challenges us to find meaning and purpose in all things. To look forward with anticipation for the pieces to fall into place.

1. From Warrior I, bring the hands onto your hips.

2. Bring your weight forward into your front foot as you gently kick up your back leg.

3. At the same time, bring the torso forward until it is parallel to the floor.

4. Keep the neck relaxed, as if it's the natural extension of the spine.

5. Keep both hips pointing toward the floor as you bring the back leg in line with your body.

6. Flex the raised foot and keep the muscles of the raised leg actively engaged.

7. Bring the arms back along your sides.

8. Repeat on the other side.

Beginners: Do the pose at the wall. You can either face the wall and bring your arms outstretched in front of you with your hands on the wall or turn around and bring the lifted back foot onto the wall.

Advanced: Try another arm variation. Bring the arms outstretched in front of you or into reverse namaste position behind your back

SONG SUGGESTIONS

Farther Along by Josh Garrels

Soon by Hillsong United

Carried to The Table by Leeland

P.S. Nicole had to go back to the hospital and receive a second treatment to remove fluid from around her heart and lungs. Please keep her in your prayers and know her contribution will return as soon a this piece finds it way into the puzzle and her heart finds the healing it longs for....

week 24 of 52 week challenge...

MEDITATION/MESSAGE

The last few weeks my life has been quite a mess; it seems as though every area of my life was at odds. After spending some time with God and listening to His word; it’s apparent He allowed all of it to happen, and He had purpose behind it all. Sometimes when we are struggling we may assume it is the enemy attacking us, which it very well may be. However, God does come into our lives and sometimes makes a mess of things to get our attention and to get us on His plan! Without the mess I wouldn’t have stopped to listen to Him. When Jesus comes into our lives and makes a mess of things He is deconstructing us to construct something better. He is building a better temple inside of us, but sometimes He has to tear down the old one, in order to build a new and improved temple.  

EXTENDED TRIANGLE POSE DESCRIPTION

1. Starting in Mountain Pose, begin to pay attention to your breath. Let go of distractions. Breathe softly and fully. Take a moment to tune into your body and draw your awareness inward 
2. Step feet wide apart, about 3 to 4 feet, make sure heels are aligned with each other
3. Turn the toes of the right foot to face the front of the mat
4. Keep the left toes pointing towards the long edge of the mat 

• The two hip points are now facing the side of the mat

1. Inhale, taking the arms out in a “T” with palms pointing down, keeping the shoulders relaxed
2. Exhale as you begin to tilt the left hip away from the front leg, deepening the crease where the hip bone meets the pelvis
3. Continue to reach out through the top of the head, keeping the spine long, and the torso engaged
4. Lift through the knee cap of the front thigh, contracting the quadriceps to support the knee
5. Extending through the right hand, gently lower it towards the shin, a block on the inside of the foot, a block on the outside of the foot, or fingers/palm on the mat or big toe
6. The left arm will float up towards the sky, keeping the arms in a “T”

- Whichever hand position you choose for the bottom hand, make sure to keep the spine and torso long, without creating a bend in the waist

- Draw the low belly in to support the lower spine

1. Tuck the chin in slightly, lengthening the top of the neck, and turn your gaze up towards the sky or gazing towards the floor 
2. Breathe comfortably as you hold the position
3. To exit the pose, on an exhale look down towards the front foot, draw the low belly in, root down through the feet, and inhale as you rise up 
4. Turn and step back to the top of the mat and repeat on the opposite side

MEDITATION/MESSAGE

Butterflies represent the resurrection of Christ. As christians our walks balance upon this idea that God is always bringing resurrection again and again within each one of us. He brings our old nature up to the surface to examine, and then He delicately binds us up and transforms us behind the fibers of His hands and then opens His hands to set us free, new with beauty, to fly upon the breath of the Spirit. This pose embodies our openness to the resurrection process. Our willingness to be still and wait while He works to create in us a new and clean heart. To transform our bodies, minds and spirits into His lovely intended creations. It is always a process, one that seems painful as all of our old stuff must be burned away, liquified into nothingness that we may begin to form from dust all over again. But not just any dust, dust that has been infused by the Breath of God, the Spirit filled life that only His magnificence can bring. Man cannot free himself from the cocoon, only God can whisper strength into our yet unformed wings and inspire us to fight, you get free of the bindings and set flight into an unknown but miraculous world of freedom and of love...

BALANCING BUTTERFLY POSE DESCRIPTION

• Begin standing on your mat with both feet together. Bend your knees and squat down, placing your hands on the floor in front of your feet.
• Turn your knees out to the sides, keeping the balls and heels of your feet together. When you're ready, bring your hands to your knees.
• You can stay here, or bring your hands together in front of your heart in prayer position. Hold here, balancing for five deep breaths. To release, bring your knees together and stand up