On January 4, we are launching the annual 21 Day Challenge of Prayer, Fasting and New Habits. I am so ready and excited to see what God does with this!

It is important to prepare mentally and spiritually for this challenge; set your intention now. Why are you doing the challenge? What are you fasting from? What do you hope to accomplish? Maybe you just want to get in shape, but there’s always a spiritual aspect when we give up something. God can use the space we are creating to accomplish great things. Maybe you want to see a breakthrough in your marriage or in your child; perhaps you need direction in your career or finances.

Fasting is ultimately a yearning for something missing. It is a struggle against the flesh; in this we discover what we really hunger for. Fasting helps us slow down and hear God’s voice.

Gary Rohrmayer, 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting

Whatever it is, ask for it! Don’t be afraid to ask big!

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than we could ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…

Ephesians 3:20

Here are a few practical steps to get ready for January 4:

1. Join the Facebook group for encouragement & community here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/478200599627367. Then order your 21 Day Prayer and Fasting Devotional (available on Amazon Prime).
2. Clean out your pantry and fridge. Throw out expired food, spices and junk food.
3. Meal Prep: Make a list of meals you want to cook. Go to the store ahead of time and cook food in advance so you always have healthy options. I’m using a meal prep service twice a week to help revive my interest in cooking.
4. Prepare a quiet, uncluttered spot where you can spend quiet time each morning. You may need to plan to get up earlier than usual to allow time to read your devotional, pray and journal.
5. Plan your exercise schedule including a minimum of 3-4 times a week. Add in Christian meditation and faith-based yoga from Whole-Hearted Yoga. Also, the Abide app is a great resource.
6. Give yourself GRACE! If you fall off, don’t beat yourself up. Keep your eye on the end game; remember your big ask. Complete dependence on the strength of God takes practice. This is an adventure; enjoy the journey!

Look to the Lord and his strength. Seek his face always.

Psalm 105:4

#21DayChallenge #WholeHeartedYoga #Renew #Refresh #Restore #Reboot #Health #seekGod

“The world’s full of lonely people afraid to make the first move.” – Viggo Mortensen – Tony Lip, Green Book

We are living in an unprecedented time, for sure. In addition to this crazy pandemic, my family has endured more than our fair share of trials, but we’ve enjoyed tremendous blessings, too. I’m writing this from my new laptop looking out on our amazing back yard. But far more important than our beautiful home and material things are the amazing friends and community we have established in our three short years here. You simply can’t put a price tag on that connection. These are friends that have become like family. We do life together – we share meals, entertain each other’s kids, borrow sugar, and share rides. These are the people I can put on my emergency contact list and know they will be there for me without hesitation. That is a gift.

Continue reading “Power in Community” →

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It sounds kind of silly to say that if we want something in life, we must be willing to receive it. I mean if you want something, then why wouldn’t you be open to receive it when it appears in your life? But it’s true. Most of us go through life with walls up that we put there to protect ourselves; it’s a defense mechanism.   Many times, we are not even aware that we have these barriers. Often the things and people we want in our lives most elude us because we are subconsciously keeping them out with our defensive armor or our impaired vision caused by hurt, disappointment or even trauma. These barriers can prevent us from growing in our faith, our relationships and our professional life (and, yes, even in our yoga practice.)

Continue reading “Receiving What You Desire in Life” →

Good Morning!

In the spirit of community, I created a free slow flow yoga class to share with you.  I invite you to take an hour to enjoy this practice, either alone or with your family.

For those of you who are new to my class, welcome! This is your opportunity to see what my classes are all about.

The video quality is not great, but it works. Please read the following before participating:

As with any exercise, consult your physician if you have any underlying health conditions or are pregnant before participating. Whole-Hearted Yoga assumes no liability for your participation in class.

Click here for the video: Slow Flow Christ-Centered Yoga Class

 

JOY and PEACE are words that are used a lot over the holidays, but I wonder how many people really ponder the significance of them.  I purchased a sign a few months ago that I hung in my kitchen with the word “JOY” on it in gold letters.  Of course, It’s meant to be a Christmas decoration, but I’ve decided to keep it there year-round as a reminder to myself and my family.  I left it because I believe that we can become so focused on our problems and what we are lacking that it can weigh us down and rob us of joy.

Continue reading “Joy & Peace: Not Just Holiday Words” →

In keeping with my theme of JOY for 2018, I am sharing this awesome speech by Matthew McConaughey…which wolf will you feed?

#joy #gratitude #Godisgood #speaklife #alwaysgrowing