Don’t Worry, BE HAPPY

Problems and troubles don’t take a break just because the holiday season is upon us. Matter of fact, there seems to be MORE than the usual load of burdens lately. Sickness, separation, and sorrow have all paid recent visits to members of my own family and my congregation. I COULD be worried out of my noggin.

I could be worried, . . . but I’m NOT.

Instead, I am CHOOSING to follow the scriptural commandments found in Proverbs 3:5-6. It reads, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

By living by these words daily, I am buoyed in any crisis that may arise. Like the Weebles (anyone remember them?), I “wobble, but I don’t fall down.” Like Timex watches, I can “take a licking and keep on ticking.”

And if I can do it, ANY ONE can do it. Don’t believe me? Then try practicing this promise from God: “I can do ALL THINGS through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).

If you’re under a load of cares and concerns, I encourage you not to worry about them. Instead, “in everything by prayer and supplication, let your request be made known unto God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ” (Philippians 4:6-7).

So don’t worry, . . . BE HAPPY!

[Youtube]v=d-diB65scQU&feature=fvst[Youtube]

Peace in the midst of struggle

For the last 4-5 years, I carve out some time to indulge in a bit of yoga practice.

Today, while in my yoga class, I was nearing the end of the strength building sequence that the instructor constructed for the class. Right in the midst of near muscle failure from repeated vinyasa flows from upward facing dog to downward facing dog to headstand preparation, the instructor informs us that we will be holding downfacing dog for 2 minutes. “2 MINUTES!!! Are you nuts?!!!” my mind AND body wailed.

“Now, release to child’s pose. Rest here.”

Elated, I had to resist the urge just to plop down on my mat from exhaustion. As I rested in Child’s Pose, I really allowed myself to go limp, and truly relax, allowing oxygen to perform as a healing balm to rejuvenate my aching muscles. Within 5 breaths, the instructor instructed us to exhale and come to all fours, and come to downward facing dog, where we would be for 2 minutes.

Amazingly enough, the five breaths was more than enough time to endure holding downward facing dog for 2 minutes. At the end of the 2 minutes, I actually felt rejuvenated and like I could do another 2 minutes easily.

In life, sometimes we’re constantly bombarded by thoughts, people, and experiences that cause us to struggle through, often times, everyday activities. From the example I learned on my yoga mat, when life seems to be constantly pressing down on you, take a mini-vacation from the person or situation, which could be a walk, a drive to clear your thoughts, or by simply taking the time to focus on breathing deeply and consciously.

When you come back to the situation, you will return with a clear head and a newly found resolve that will help you tackle any situation head on!

Namaste’!

Gene Williams
Certified Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor/Owner of Nirvana Fitness(www.NirvanaFitnessMemphis.com)

Today’s PRAYER

May today there be peace within you.

May you trust ME that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you see those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you bve content knowing that you are a child of MINE.

Let MY presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, to dance, and to bask in the SON.

I AM here for each and every one of you.

MESSAGES in the Movies

Since many people prefer movie theaters to houses of worship, and because to the spiritual ALL things are spiritual (even those rated ‘PG-13′ and ‘R’), I’ve chosen to highlight what I believe are God’s messages revealed (more or less) on the Big Screen these days.

“Precious”. For a film based upon a novel written late last century, this drama is like watching a reality TV show. For me, the message is “somebody up there loves me”. And knowing that truth gives a person the strength to stop being a victim and become a victor over the most horrendous circumstances.

“The Blind Side.” Based on the true story of an underprivileged teen who -through the love and care of strangers – became a star athlete and above average student, the drama drives home the message: “Anyone can change someone’s life for the better if they make the time to care.”

“2012″. Supposedly based on Mayan prophecies of the apocalypse, this action-filled, FX-driven epic sends the message that “when everything seemingly comes to an end and all is lost, there will yet be enough left to start all over again.”

Just some things to think about.

LIFE is What We Make It

My Children,

By now I AM sure that you have experienced enough injustices in the world to know that life is not always fair. Virtually all of you at one time or another has been both a victim of other people’s unkindness as well as someone who has intentionally been unkind to others. Unfortunately, such incidents are an unavoidable reality.

Still, I hope that you before you pull out the boxing gloves or build another wall of defense against possible future injury you will pause long enough to remember somethings I promised you in My Word long ago.

First, you WILL reap what you sow. Good or bad, right or wrong, whatever you do unto others is eventually going to come back to you multiplied many times over. That thought alone ought to make you think twice before you speak or act.

Second, I AM with you ALWAYS. I promised you that I would never leave nor forsake you, nor will I ever cast you out of MY presence. Knowing I AM with you will always make you strong enough to go through the worst times of your lives.

Third and finally, MY peace I give to you. In this world you will have hard times, but I have overcome this world and as you keep your trust in ME, you will overcome it, too.

So, life IS what YOU make it. You decide. Will you merely survive life or will you LIVE it to its fullest each and every blessed moment you are here? Pain is inevitable, but misery is a choice. Decide for yourself, but be sure you are willing to live with the choices that you make.

Love,
Abba/Mama God

« Previous Page — Next Page »