About a week ago, I took my first yoga class. It was a great experience — taught by a friend and surrounded by good people. The class was part of our school improvement goal of overall health: mind, body, and spirit. The Wellness Committee at our school has done a great job of helping us to focus on Mindfulness, Movement, and Motivating each other through various challenges and activities that have also boosted morale a bit.
What I loved about this class is that it was a judgment-free zone, and we had lots of support — support for old knees, modifications for inflexible bodies, blankets, and lavender-scented eye masks for the final sequence. We stretched, laughed, and wobbled for an hour — always remembering to breathe and to be conscious of every breath.
Remembering to slow down and breathe is a great life lesson. We don’t do it enough in our fast-paced lives. Waiting, resting, and thinking too long are seen as weaknesses in a world where we want everything right now. Moving at warp speed all the time without stopping for a minute to catch your breath can cause you to lose everything — your peace, your soul, your mortal self.
For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? ~Mark 8:36
All too often, we chase things of the World because we think they will bring us joy. We work long hours chasing money and boasting about it to your friends. Some might admire your hustle; others will call you a fool. As the World draws you closer and invites you to earn more, you RSVP of your own free will, and the destruction begins. The gate is wide, and the road is broad.
No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. ~ Matthew 6:24
What can we do to save ourselves? How will we enter the narrow gate? Well, we can start by using our free will to do what’s right in God’s eyes. Second, yet most important is choosing to serve God. Take up your cross and follow him. It seems like a no-brainer, but many will struggle with this decision.
When I was young in my faith, I used to believe that at the end of our earthly lives, we’d all meet again in Heaven. It’s a beautiful thought, but I know the truth. For that reason, I’ve exercised my free will to write about and to speak boldly about the mighty God I serve in an effort to draw others to Christ. As Christians, we aren’t just meant to have faith. Faith without works is dead. So, take a deep, cleansing breath, and get to work.
What can you do today to get as many people as you can through that narrow gate?
Such an important message. Thank you for blessing us with you gift for communicating and connecting…God bless you, Michelle 🙂
Thanks, Truly! <3 Let's stay connected. Bless you, my friend.
Yes, let’s do…and, thank you, my friend 🙂
In answer to your question; I like what my pastor said this morning, love people. That, too, sounds like a no-brainer. But how often do we take time to love each other? Even the people who are unloveable? Loving others will help us lead people through the narrow gate.
Amen, Saleama! It’s easy to love our spouse, kids, and those who love us back. What about those who persecute us? God tells us to pray for them. Love is much more powerful than hatred. I love your pastor’s message. Thanks for sharing it, sister.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” And I strive to do as 2 Corinthians 3:3 says “clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart.” I can’t say that I do that every day or all day. But it certainly is my intent. Sticks in this life, but I will not let the mistakes define who I am today. I know that it is not my power or my might but by the Holy Spirit!!
Praise God! Every day that we are awakened is a new opportunity to serve Abba Father!
I love this post, thanks for reminding us to breathe. There is value in breathing. After all, it is what sustains life, and in the beginning, it is what the Creator did in order to produce life in mankind.
Wow! You always add so much value to my posts, Yvonne! God bless you, sis.
I can live love…which is what I strive to do daily.
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
This is Two Are Better Than One!
Thanks, Danny!
You are most welcome!
Reblogged this on Fearless and commented:
I love the way Michelle describes her faith!
Wow! Thanks for the reblog. I truly appreciate it.
Reblogged this on Wanda D. Jefferson and commented:
https://michellemalone.org
Thanks for the reblog! I really appreciate it.
yw…blessings!
Wonderful post, and great reminder Michelle! So I breathe in your words of encouragement and breathe out God’s praise and thanks for your witness! Blessings!
Blessings to you, sweet friend!
Hi Michelle,
A couple of questions. One, I’ve been told that yoga is something that Christians shouldn’t do. What is your opinion on this and what type of yoga did you do?
Next question: you mentioned about not all of us seeing each other in heaven at the end of our earthly lives. That in your young or early faith that you believed that we would all see each other, but now don’t believe that. To make sure I am understanding this correctly, are you referring to all humans seeing each other, or all believers. Sorry for the confusion, I just want to make sure that I am understanding everything, and trying to be closer to God.
Thank you for your help.
Tiffany
Hi Jenness! Here goes…people always chime in about what Christians should or shouldn’t do…that’s just life, right? I attend a private session that was taught by my Christian friend and coworker. We focused on some basic poses and stretches to help us to de-stress. We didn’t chant or salute anyone/anything. We merely spent time breathing and being mindful of every breath. Practices like this are good for those who lead stressful lives. This instructor even introduced me to something called Holy Yoga. I might write about that in a future post. Also, check out this link in regard to your second question: https://www.gotquestions.org/who-will-go-to-heaven.html You are correct in your understanding of what I wrote. Scripture tells me that we will not all go to heaven. God is a just judge and has already made that determination. The only way to draw closer to God is to spend time with him in prayer and in his word. I love that you’re seeking him. <3
Love!
This is great, exactly why I created Sanctuary Stretch! A scripture-based movement and mindfulness program born from facing and dealing with the most difficult trials of my life. I love the principles of movement and mindfulness but I was never able to adopt a deeper relationship with my saviour through programs founded in alternative or generic beliefs. So by taking a promise of God from scripture and weaving into the movement and relaxation session our clients can get the benefits of Mind, Body and Holy Spirit! Keep at that pursuit of wellness & Faith! Blessings Water B
https://innerangelsandenemies.wordpress.com/2017/02/06/it-all-makes-sense-now/
Sounds like you’re on the right track, Water B. Mindfulness is such an important part of our well-being, but we can’t have one without a connection to the creator of these beings — US. To know him is to love him, so my prayer for all of us is that we’ll get to know him even better. Thanks for stopping by. <3