Thought For Today - 12/31/09

Today is New Year's Eve for 2009. Many will be out and about this evening. As we move about this last day of the year, we will be around people who may seem unconscious.

I'm reminded and it would help for you to - be reminded that every one must find their own path (as I have) to awakening and that the experiences they are having are an essential and educational part of their process (which might be painful).

If we hold them in the light of our own energy or our past behaviors which is similar to theirs at present, may be the best way to awaken theirs. Yet, we can be inspired by their example to look within ourselves and let the light shine on our own unconscious places, sacrificing the urge to judge and surrendering instead to humble self-inquiry.

Happy New Year's Eve.
Be safe and much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/30/09

Let's go into the Year 2010 with the mind that God is your Source for everything! In simple words, you will look to God as your Source, because it is better to trust in Him than to put confidence in man or yourself.

I am starting 2010 off with the mind-set of God being my Source. God is my Source for physical, mental and emotional well-being. Whatever I will face in 2010, God will be there on my behalf as my Source.

If I need wisdom, He is my Source. If I need healing, He is my Source. If my heart is broken, He is my Source to mend it.

My suggestion to you? Become God is my Source minded. Make it a point to become more spiritual in 2010. Only then will you be able to say "My God (the Source) will supply all my need."

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/29/09

OK, I can not stress this enough - meditation. Many need to find inner peace, calmness and rest especially during this time of year. Christmas has passed and we are approaching a new year.

Before 2010 comes in, take a moment for yourself and your Yoga practice (physical, mental or spiritual. Even if it is just a short meditation or a few sun salutations will keep your energy balanced and your mind centered.

This is also a great time to share your practice with family and friends. Invite someone you love to join in for a new and maybe first-time experience before 2010 arrives!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/28/09

As e approach 2010, many see this as the perfect time to reflect what their accomplishments were in 2009. They then begin thinking about what they want to accomplish for 2010.

I did not accomplish all the things I set out to do for 2009. However, many, many of the resolutions I declared at the beginning of 2009 were accomplished. I know many of you also achieved much more than you could have ever thought and others will carry their 2009 list into 2010 - which is OK!

My desire for you as 2009 comes to a close, to continue to work towards your goals, even those that were accomplished in 2009. See how you can make them better in 2010.

And, above all, I want to suggest you especially make it a point in 2010 to help others accomplish their goals for 2010. Make 2010 a year you will help others more that you did in 2009.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/27/09

As 2010 approaches I'm making it a point to have what most people call an accountability partner. Most of my community consists of me being in the role of accountability partner for others.

While I have a hand full of close friends that I share things with - I really don't have someone checking in on me on a regular basis. I generally contact them with updates of things happening in my life.

I'm of the school of thought that we all should have someone who are accountable to. Someone who will tell us the truth, no matter what. Someone who will be honest to us, who will tell us just how we are acting.

I am committed I will be accountability to individuals who are above me (mentors)that will encourage me in my personal and professional relationships. I will seek them out as others have sought me out.

2010 is not only a New Year, but I'm looking for it to be a New Beginning for me in many areas of my life. How about you?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/26/09

The new year is almost upon us. I want to ask you to allow room in your plans for the new year for even better ones. They can be something better than what you have planned if you allow it to come forth.

It may require to change your affirmations, prayers, and goals. But, again this can be something better!

Yes, I know doing this may not be easy. Yes, some may feel challenged to surrender the things they might feel they now control. But this, I’m convinced, is how God can work in your life.

God sees a larger, grander plan than you and I can see. God will support each of us in our individual pursuits at every turn, but God will also fit these pursuits into what you might call His Master Plan for your life.

Today, stay open, do your part to further that possibility of God showing you His Master Plan for your life. Only then, will you be ready to take that next step.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/25/09

Today is Christmas Day - Merry Christmas!

God put a marvelous plan into action when Jesus was born into this world. And God did it all for the sake of love. He loves us so much!

In John 3:16, it states, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son . . . " It all started with Jesus coming in this world for you and me.

Because of this, as we accept Christ into our lives - being born again enables our hearts to love. When we believe that Jesus was and is the Christ, our hearts are now new. Our hearts are now a place where God can speak and we listen.

We are now to focus on and reach out to others who God loves so much! Our lives are changed and we are to love people and see their lives changed, too!

This Christmas Day, let Him live big in you. Do it and have a Merry Christmas!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/24/09

Today is Christmas Eve. Christmas is tomorrow. You have done all that you can do to prepare for tomorrow. There is nothing else to do. There are no regrets, no sorrow, only satisfaction that you made it to another Christmas.

Take time this day to meditate. Draw attention to your breath. Your mind may be scattered as you do this and that is OK! Just stay there and focus on your breath.

Even if your mind tells you - you forgot this or that, etc, stay present to the breath. Whatever is in the background, listen to it and even give it your attention.

Tune into these sounds. Don't let them fade into the background. Stop and listen as if you are hearing a sublime piece of music. Let the music of this world take you on a journey of natural sounds. Let your breath take you there and back.

Tomorrow is Christmas and you are ready for it!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/23/09

Your most important to anyone is your gift that allows the light of God to shine. As you do this - especially during this season, you will discover that more and more opportunities will come available for you to make use of them.

This is because your gift is a channel through which the love of God flows. By simply doing what you are good at and also love to do, you make a positive difference.

Just as your existence is made richer by the love, support, friendship, aid, and compassion of others. Turn it around and do the same to other - add riches to their lives. Your natural ability to soothe hurt, inspire compassion, have a listening ear and not being judgmental will a boom to someone in need.

Find someone before Christmas, on Christmas Day and after Christmas to love on. The recognition you receive for your efforts will pale in comparison to the satisfaction you feel when fulfilling your innate potential.

Thought For Today - 12/22/09

We are in reality made of of three - spirit, mind (soul) and body. However, having all three to balance can be challenging.

We are spiritual beings, but are bound by our physical bodies. We do have a duty to nurture and take care of both the spiritual and physical with equal love and devotion. However, many tend to either focus more on one or the other. In both situations, there needs to be attention to both.

Yes, there will be many times, we feel more comfortable focusing on the spiritual self or the physical self, but denying the importance of one or the other will bring about illness, emotional challenges and and a sense of incompleteness. From personal experience, we need both facets working together for our well-being.

In conclusion, it is the responsibility of each person on earth to forge a lasting relationship between the two. This needs to happen in order for the our best to come forth which will work towards creating a more vibrant and dynamic life.

Seek God and His wisdom in this. As you do, revelations will come to show you how to do this.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/21/09

This Christmas, I'm finding that people don't really need a lot of gifts, money, etc. But, what they do need is to hear from God regarding their situation. The best gift I can give them is to tell them about trusting God and His Word.

I live I believe a simple and ordinary live. However, with trusting God and His Word, the ordinary turns into something new everyday. Things just don't happen to be happening. Things happen to and for me because of the Word of God - me spending time in meditation over it.

I know for a fact, if you will give God's Word your full attention, meditate on it, and not fear what you might hear from God regarding your life, you will be a much happier and prosperous person - more than you could ever dream of.

Much love and Merry Christmas,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/20/09

I started practicing and teaching Yoga (within a three month period of both) about 7 years ago. The most important thing I have learn in these few years of Yoga involvement is I need a strong and discipline spiritual practice. The spiritual practice is what will and has carried me throughout my day.

As I move throughout my day, I will listen to spiritual Cds' while driving to my next class or appointment or spend time in meditation (quick) sitting in my vehicle while I'm waiting for a class or appointment to start.

Your growth with Yoga or without Yoga should be centered around spiritual growth - whether consciousness or not - it must be done on a regular basis. One aspect for me having to continue grow spiritual is my relationship with the students that attend classes I teach.

Yes, once we as instructors begin to teach, we can lose our own personal practice and become un-rooted from what we believe and teach. We are then just going through the motions.

If I am to be there for the students who attend classes I teach - I must have a strong spiritual practice and it is so important that I do set aside time for this. In doing so, I can let go easily any personal agendas, attachments, pride (ego), etc. and keep moving to the next spiritual level.

How is your spiritual walk (growth)?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/19/09

This season I'm practicing Yoga with the spirit of offering. I have chosen to surrender the time I'm in practice to sending positive energy, praying and meditating to those individuals I know on a personal level that are confronted with insurmountable circumstances during this time.

This may seem strange to many. But, I see my Yoga practice as a time for me to align my spirit, mind and body into one. In doing this during each practice, I have come to appreciate just being "present" more than ever. I want the same for others too!

So, how about you setting your intention during your Yoga practice especially this season on individuals you know that may be experiencing situations that could use some love?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/18/09

There will come situations in your life that seems hopeless - especially when you look at it through the eyes of fear. However, it does not have to be this way. Try looking at it through the eyes of God and it just may become easily manageable when approached with the confidence that God is in control of the situation.

As you allow Him (God) to be part of the solution, you will discover the helplessness you feel within you is not invincible. Rather, God (as you put your trust in Him) will respond readily to your efforts to resolve it, leaving you with peace, rest and a knowing that for future issues, He (God) is capable and willing to handle any challenge that arise in your life!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/17/09

There are times and moments in Yoga class where I may say something that brings about a verbal adjustment which brings more awareness and understanding to a pose. I'm doing this more now than before.

Why? I'm wanting students to experience their own adjustments that may have a greater impact on their practice. I actually have students use their hands to heighten their awareness on various poses instead of mine.

In the same manner I'm giving student verbal adjustment which they can use in their lives off the mat or outside of the classroom. As they experience adjustments outside of the classroom, it too will heighten their awareness in various situations.

This is called taking your Yoga practice everywhere you go. And, it can be also called moving from physical to mental to spiritual practice. This is the objective of Yoga bringing it all together.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/16/09

Lately, I have felt like I have been pushed to the limit of things I'm involved with. A few days ago I attended a Yoga class and during the class I began to force myself into certain poses that resulted in not proper alignment and the class at the end was a disappointment.

When I arrive home after the practice I spent some quiet time in meditation regarding what had occurred. The answer I received was I needed to surrender to that class. No matter how difficult some poses were, it was an opportunity for me to either modify the pose or go back to a resting pose. Pretty simple?

Lesson learned? No matter what circumstances we are faced with, we have a choice to be present - in the moment, know it and for what it is and to make the best of it.

Note, I really thank God for allowing me to experience things of this nature, learn from them and share them.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/15/09

Words are very powerful. We should be more conscious of words that come out of our mouths and aware of their power and the energy that comes along with them.

From personal experience, speaking consciously is very effective in bringing about positive change. I have actually changed my life for the better, by being more aware of the things I say.

For instance, if you're constantly saying the following, "I'm fearful about the economy, my paycheck is already spent before I get it, bills are due, etc." then you will no doubt feel as such.

However, if you stroke yourself with positive affirmations, "I'm not fearful about the economy, I have money left from my paycheck after I pay all of my monthly expenses, all my bills are paid on time..." you will feel more positive about yourself to aspire to such things.

Today, become more conscious of the words you speak and your intentions when speaking. Speak the truth - mean what you say. Become fully aware of your words, this will caused you to be less likely to speak negatively.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/14/09

Just a few more days before Christmas. Let me strongly suggest you put aside your projects and commit to doing only what you consider truly pleasurable during the holidays. Your responsibilities will wait as you put emphasis on peacefulness that comes from within.

If you find it challenging to ignore the temptation to simply fall back into your usual schedule, consider that relaxation should occupy a prominent place on your to-do list.

Take some "you time" and to care for yourself, even during life’s busy periods. While you may not always be able to get away from it all, you can still nurture yourself and regain your peace of mind.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/13/09

I often tell students their Yoga mat is a reflection of their lives off the mat. If they are having conflict with certain poses or fighting the poses when in them, there is peace missing.

True peace only comes from within. If you don't like yourselves, if you are in a constant state of inner conflict - it will show up in your world, your family, your job and the list can go on and on.

When we begin to look inside ourselves for the meaning of peace, we will begin to understand why it has always been so challenging to come by. This alone, can cause us to be compassionate toward the many people in the world who find themselves caught up in conflicts.

True peace begins with a willingness to ask Jesus to come into your heart. Once this happens, His peace will transform it into the light of our love.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/12/09

The fight for the problem you're facing right now is in your mind and on your lips. What you have to do is to hang onto the Word of God. Darkness knows that if it can steal from you - your words of faith, your words will defeat darkness.

Darkness will tell you to worry about certain situations. It will tell you some crazy stuff. But, remember this, it's the Word that does the work, not the one holding onto it.

Spend time in meditation on those words and continue to say them, the truth in them will begin to sink in. They'll take root in your heart and begin to grow. And eventually you really will be speaking from the abundance of your heart.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/11/09

Start watching the words that come out of your mouth. Quit speaking words like they weren't important and start using them like your life depends on it! They do!

Take note, the universe does not operate on what you mean. It operates on what you say. What you say counts! Don't get too excited about what your next phrase might be. Just use the wisdom God has given you. Train your mouth to be obedient to things that are true, uplifting, positive, helpful, etc.

Example, if you say "I have hope." You are stating that you are in despair. You have to go past hope and despair. You can ONLY do this if you are rooted in yourself and God and know who you really are.

Anything and everything that exits will then be mastered as you experience the truth of who God is along with the truth of who you are.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/10/09

However you precede yourself is how the world will precede you. Do you see yourself as a mighty warrior or as a wimp?

The answer to that question depends on you. I realized that one day that failure is found in how we see ourselves. If you see yourself as a grasshopper, then so will others.

The reason so many people are terrified to fight for what they believe in or for who they are is in many instance they see themselves so small that they are defeated in every area of their lives.

It's what you are in your own sight that will make the difference. If, in your own sight, you're a weak, powerless, darkness will run over you three or four times a day or more.

But when you begin to see yourself as God sees you, as a conquering son or daughter of the Almighty God equipped with the very power of God Himself, darkness will stay clear of you.

Darkness would rather do anything than come against somebody who's bold and courageous. If you're not strong in God in your own sight, you need to change that. You need to get so full of God and His Love that you walk around like a spiritual giant.

Turn the tables on darkness and let it find out what it feels like to be a grasshopper for a change.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/9/09

Don't ever underestimate the power of your words. I can assure you, darkness doesn't. Darkness works constantly to get you to turn them in a negative direction.

Darkness fire darts of pain and discouragement (just to name a couple) at you just to get you to speak words that are not of faith - words that will eventually have you living a life full of doubt and fear.

Don't let darkness succeed. Instead, speak words of faith and stop doubt and fear before it starts today!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/8/09

I have known for some time now in order for me to walk in the blessings of God, I have to stay positive and make sure my words agree with His Words. And, not just for a few hours or a few days, but all the time.

Yes, this can be challenging. I am believing God for things to happen in my life and while some things come easy, other seem to be determined to stay in the unseen realm. But, I know I have to keep confession and believing that these blessings will appear too.

Yep, there are time when I feel foolish, but I kept (will continue to keep) on believing and thanking God for bringing these things to past. Yes, I also realized that my confession started working the very first day I spoke it. But again, some things take time to come forth.

I'm here for the long haul. Some results may be immediate while others may take a while. I am determine that I'm not going to let the waiting period discourage me. I am hanging on God's Word regarding His promises for me. All of His blessings for me will manifest themselves in me life. I will receive those things I'm believing for!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/7/09

This Christmas, as you get ready to celebrate, take the time to recall how good God is and how good of a plan that He has for your life.

Make sure that each gift you give reminds you of how special the individual is who is receiving your gift. As you prepare to give the gift, pray over each person who you are giving a gift to know the love of the Father and walk in His plan for their life. On the other side, as you receive your gifts from others, remember how precious you are to that person(s).

And to top all of this off, remind yourself just how special you are to God. As we move toward Christmas Day, remember God has a good plan for your life. He has had this plan for you before you were born. He has plans to give you every good and perfect thing that you need and desire.

Because God gave His Son Jesus for us, will He not give us everything we need? Keep this close to your heart, as a child of God, you are precious and special to Him. Have a safe, prosperous and Merry Christmas!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/6/09

Have you ever been about certain people that give off positive energy, or others that give off negative energy? I have and on a daily basis. I believe the positive energy people have a quality of or a measure of the love of God living within them. While the negative energy people are yet having challenges with anger, hatred and the list can go on and on.

From my observation, people with the positive energy are compassion, supportive, loving and kind. You can sense a safe, relax, peaceful atmosphere when around them.

Also, from my observation, people with the negative energy seem to want to attack, constrict, pretty much tense most of the time, you don't sense a safeness with them. With me, I want to get away from them as fast as I can.

Yep, I have also been about negative energy people and became ill. Also, when around negative people - my energy is zapped. I can only say that relationship is not for me!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/5/09

You know, it really does not matter how you look in the eyes of people! At the end of the day, it is obeying God that really counts! When it comes to obeying God, your (mine) reputation doesn't count; and the sooner we realize that, the better off we will be.

From personal experience, once I just obeyed God, my reputation got better. When you lose the desire to protect your image, your image will improve. Why? Because then when people look at you, instead of seeing that image you created of yourself, they will see the image of God shinning bright through you.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/4/09

If you feel incapable of making a decision, how about asking God for wisdom and direction? I have and you know what? He has ALWAYS given me sound counsel and guidance.

What I have learned is before making a decision, I give way for God to speak to me regarding the decision. I release any fear I have to Him in prayer/meditation. Even if I don't get it right in making the decision, God's love for me is so wonderful, the unexpected path I took will yet turn out for my good.

I have put my life in His hands. Therefore, I let go of the notion that certain choices are utterly right while others are entirely wrong. The choices are ours together (God and I). Therefore, I will be satisfied with the outcome of those choices.

My choices and decisions are a reflection of my desires which are God's desires. Once I accepted that, I now live have peace with the decisions I make. You too, can experience the same as you learn to make informed choices by honoring God in your decisions. In doing this, you will have the ability to consciously be directed by the flow of your life without interference.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/3/09

I often tell individuals that we are defined by the decisions we make each day. It does not matter whether we are selecting a restaurant, a new career, a move to another state, these decisions will shape our lives one way or another.

When we make or chose these decisions it allows us to enjoy the benefits of self-determination. However, it can also cause anxiety because decisions force us to face the possibility of dissatisfaction and inner conflict if we don't have peace with the decisions.

As a result, many of us opt to avoid making decisions by allowing others to make them for us (I have been here too many times). We consequently turn our power over to others, such as a spouse, relative, or friend, which gives them power to and over our lives which is not there's.

From personal experience, the decisions I have to make can be challenging, but with each decision I grow more self-sufficient and secure each time I trust myself and the leading of God in choosing.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/2/09

The other day I was at the grocery store and I gave place for a complete stranger to step ahead of me in the checkout line. To me it was such a little thing, and yet it filled my heart with happiness.

What I experienced, was more than just allowing someone to step before me to checkout first. It was an affirmation of being connected to people - a stranger and, therefore, to all beings.

On the surface, being kind to others appears to arise from a sense that this is something we are suppose to do. But, on a deeper level, we all are connected, whether we want to accept it or not.

Once we break away from our self-centered point of view, it's expectations and demands, we will then be able to accept people in the simplest way, no matter what their circumstances, situations, etc., because we have been given the miracle of life to live this day.

Live today as if it is your last day. Live and love people on purpose!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 12/1/09

As we begin the month of December 2009, let me begin by saying God so loved the world that He gave Jesus to us. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas with giving, because Jesus was the greatest gift that has ever been given!

God send Jesus to bless us. That is good news! The gift of The Blessing has been given so we can give it to the world.

You don't have to be in full-time church ministry to give the blessing to the world. Regardless of your vocation, you have the same ability to bless others. It does not matter whether you are a pastor, an attorney, or housewife, if you are doing what you are called to do, you can carry blessing to people wherever you go!

You can go about doing good and releasing God's compassion to the world just like Jesus did. Because the God who so love the world that He sent His only begotten Son, has put that same love in you!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/30/09

As we move into the month of December and into the season of Christmas, let this be the best Christmas you have had up to this point!

Get a desire to walk in a higher degree of God's love during this season. Make a point to become more of a loving husband and father.

Let your desire be one to exemplify the love of Jesus to others that are hurting and there are many.

It is now your turn to allow the love of God to flood through you to others. Let this God kind of love be one of devotion, faithfulness, commitment and loyalty.

Let this kind of God's love see the preciousness, worth and goodness in others. This love is a sacrifice with no expectation of return.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/29/09

It is a fact that changes in your life are not going to stop. You might be in a situation that you think you can just ride it out and things will just work themselves out.

From personal experience, things just don't work that way. There is no such thing as "things will just work themselves out." Things, situations, challenges are going to be here for a while, a long while, even after you have left this earth.

Today is a day that I have never seen before and will never see again. I can not change that. However, what can be change is the way I deal with things, situations, challenges and changes.

The truth of the matter is nothing ever remains the same. Everything is moving forward. Change is the natural order of things. We have been in the mist of a constant change since the day we were born.

No matter where you are in life. No matter what the situation is, you can deal with change. You can deal with challenges. You can deal with moving forward by knowing that Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever will be there waiting for you tomorrow and the next day and the next.

He will see you through the changes of your life. Let Him.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/28/09

I want to wear God's blessing every day of my life. I want to walk in love, not only because it is a great way to live but because Jesus needs us to.

Again, I want to walk in Jesus love, not only because it is a great way to live but because Jesus needs us to.

He needs us to clothe ourselves with His compassions so we can fulfill our mmission of Blessing throughtout all the nations of the earth.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/27/09

Hey, how about repeating this today - maybe several times a day? Just a thought . . .

My God is my provider!
God is my source!
I believe and receive God's love.
I receive God's care for me.
My belief in God brings His provisions for me to me.
With this God allows me to be a blessing for others.
I accept my calling to tell others about the Love of God.
I am always ready and willing to bless others!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/26/09 - Thanksgiving Day

Today is November 26, 2009 - Thanksgiving Day. Today, make a decision, a very important decision - to walk in the joy of the Lord whether you feel like it or not.

Joy is an essential part of a life of victory. Without it, you can only have an occasional triumph now and then. Joy is what gives you the strength to stay faithful and in love when the circumstances get tough.

Joy gives you the ability to smile at negative things when confronted. Joy give you a kind of staying power that will make you on top again and again.

Again, today, make a commitment to God that you're going to walk, not only in faith and in love but in joy as well. Make it a point to rejoice in the Lord daily - no matter what and no way will darkness ever be able to steal your victory from you!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/25/09

There is not a day that goes by that I don't spend some time in prayer. I had to learn however, how to pray "right." You may ask "how do you pray right?"

Well, for one thing, I stop praying just because it was proper. I started praying to get results. I started praying according to the Word of God and I begin to expect to receive what I asked for every single time.

You might say, isn't that a little presumptuous? No, it's bold, and I have a God given right to be bold. I have a standing invitation from God to "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that [I] may obtain" (see Hebrews 4:16).

Today, pray expecting to get possession of what you need, not just once in a while, but every time! Go to God in prayer and in the Word and find out where you missed it and get the problem corrected.

God will answer you. He will meet your need exactly as you asked Him. Start expecting Him to do it today!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/24/09

Failures and disappointments. Too many times in the past, I focused on them until I became bogged down in depression, frozen in my tracks by the fear that if I went on, I would only fail again.

Then, one day, God showed me that I'm not to look back at the past - failures are there. Unbelief looks at the past and says it can't be done. Faith looks at the future and says it can be done or should I say "it is done".

Today, put past failures behind forever and allow faith to step out and acts like your prosperity (spirit, mind, body) is already successful. Today, get your eyes off the past and onto your future, a future that's been guaranteed by God!

Again, today, replace thoughts of yesterday's mistakes with scriptural promises about your future. As you do that (as I did), hope will start taking the place of depression.

No longer look behind in past which says "You can't," but look ahead in the future and say, "I can!"

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/23/09

Conflict is something we all are faced with one time or another. From conflicts, we can learn from them. The way in which we handle ourselves in conflicts will show our overall level of just how much the love of God we have resting on the inside of us.

No matter how exasperating the disagreement at hand, we should approach our adversary with an open heart laden with compassion and the love of God. Judgments and blame must be cast aside and replaced with mutual respect and the love of God.

When we come at conflict with the love of God. It shows Him living in our hearts, which empowers us with a solution.

As you seek for the solution in the conflict, note that there is a lesson to be learned here. One lesson could be that you learn to approach disagreement rationally and with a willingness to show the love of God.

If you listen thoughtfully and with an empathetic ear during conflict, you can transform clashes into opportunities to show God's love. Examine yourself carefully. You may discover stubbornness within yourself that is causing resistance to walk in His love.

As your part in disagreements becomes gradually more clear, each new conflict becomes another chance to further increase your love walk. What an opportunity!:)

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/22/09

Someone once told me they can not love people like God does. I told them they could.

For them to love as God loves requires for us to make some changes. We have to renew our minds with the Word of God until, out of the fullness of our hearts, we speak love and not anything else to people.

We must meditate on and confess the love of God that has been expressed toward us and imparted into our spirit by spending time every day reading and fellowship with God.

We can flow in the fullness of blessings if when we arise in the morning, we put ourselves in remembrance of the commandment of love. We can fulfill our day if we start our day by celebrating the love of Jesus.

The same love God put in Jesus is in me. The same compassion with which God so loved the world, that He gave is in my spirit and I am going to release it today everywhere I go. I am going to look for people to whom I can give, people I can bless, all day long.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/21/09

A few days ago I was handed an opportunity to make an apology. Without me going into details, it was brought to my attention that I needed to apologize to this individual. I did without much hesitation.

An apology can be a perfect response to imperfection. Yes, it can be looked at as a debit we owe to those we have mistreated. Yet, apology can also be a gift that benefits those who owe the apology.

Being quick to apologize can be challenging if you are not use to it. I don't know too many people who likes admitting they made a mistake. Apologies does have a price tag on it too, but apologizing can pay off for the apologizer in various ways.

Apology will send a clear message that we have the strength of character to reconcile ourselves with the truth. God is truth. Apology is the most courageous thing we can make to ourselves.

Yes, there are costs to apology, but saying that you just don't apologize also can bring about costs. Relationships suffer when we lie or try to limit our responsibility instead of just being honest on the mistakes we encountered.

One main point to consider is the costs of apology are never as dear as the costs of lying, denial, and defensiveness.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/20/09

In my profession of being a Yoga teacher, I come in contact with a variety of people. Some of the people I come in contact with are a joy to be around. They have a loving presence which encourages me to love more.

Then, there are others that have the opposite effect, draining my energy, leaving me feeling tired and exhausted. Yes, I have found that my energy level has been influenced by individuals I have been in contact with.

From this experience, I have learned to work toward filling my life with individuals who help me cultivate healthy and positive relationships. Yes, I do, you do, we do have control over who we are with.

The power to step back from these individuals lies within us. Just take take a few moments to reflect on how another person makes you feel. Do they add something constructive to, or subtract from, our lives?

Do I allow a friend, a student, a class sap my strength? I had to be honest with myself in this, I made some drastic changes in my daily life, including my social life which brought about a personal transformation that truly empowered me.

When I surround myself with positive people, the negativity goes away and I have been able to create more room to welcome nurturing energy. In my doing this not only enriched my life, but also helped me to love myself on a deeper level.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/19/09

As I have made it a point to walk in love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self-control, against these, outside forces will have challenges trying to come in.

When I walk, live and teach Yoga from the above attributes, it allows me sow them into the lives of the students I teach and from this I reap the joy of their success. When we do good to all at every opportunity, it means love (God) is at work in us.

As an instructor, it is not for me to criticize the students in any way, talk down to them in any way, or compare my teaching style to another instructor. If I can not be in position to serve the students, why am I teaching?

It does not matter what students can or can not do regarding poses in class. It is very important they find strength in our love for them. As they experience my love for them, the correct alignment will come (if there is a such thing as a correct pose), the ability to perform certain poses will come or not.

Faith works by love. I look at the students I'm allowed to teach through the eyes of faith - they are right where they are suppose to be.

Love is pure. Love is precious. There have been times I have check myself according to the commandment of love. I have had to forgive students who offended me and I have repented also for offending others. I am patience with the students. I love them!

As an instructor, I am here hear for the students I teach. I am committed to take them to the next level of their Yoga practice in love. As I teach, stand and watch, I see a sea of Yoga students being right where they are suppose to be.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/18/09

What I Know Now from personal experience is that happiness is only temporary and it comes from external stimulation.

Joy is a state of mind and being that feeds and nurtures our soul. Many things that make us happy satisfy the demands of the ego. Joy is a Spirit-driven, Spirit-given experience which can ONLY be receive from God.

When we have joy, we are centered in the heart, grounded in calm, and unshaken by the world and it's conditions. Again, only from God can this come about.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/17/09

Everything we do should be based on love. But, without asking God for love, we cannot possess love and we are yet less able to give it to others. Just as people speak about various situations but they don't have personal experience about those various situations, I too cannot talk so much about love and yet not know how to love.

I may be exhausted with work, I may even be too tired to rest after working, but unless the work I do is interwoven with love, it is useless. For me to work without love is slavery.

I have found people (I come in contact with so many different people within the Yoga community) throughout the world may look different or have a different religion, education, or position, but they are all the same. They are the people to be loved. They are all hungry for love.

You have to possess before you can give. In order to have a mission of giving to others, you must first grow in the knowledge and love of God. You must be full of that knowledge and love.

To be able to give, you must have. Love to be true has to begin with God. If we love God, we will be able to love, and if we love, we will be able to serve.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/16/09

I pray about everything I do and I always pray to see if what I am doing is in agreement with the will of God for my life. I have to allow the peace of God to be my guide in all things. If I do go about doing my own thing and realize I don't have peace about it - I don't do it!

I have learn that this inner guiding on the inside, this subtle sense of uneasiness or peace God gives me, is something I have to watch and listen for carefully. God generally will not just come face to face with you and tell you what you need to do. God primary way of communicating with me is what is called "the witness on the inside."

So, let me suggest as I do - listen. You can not be too busy about the things of the world all the time. You have to give God time and attention. You have to build a relationship and communication with Him so that you can hear and know His voice.

Side note - If you are frustrated and upset about things in going on in your life, it will be challenging to receive that quiet guidance from God. Take this advice, "be thankful, be appreciative, giving praise to God always." Maintain a thankful and grateful heart to God. In doing this, you will find it is much easier to hear the "peace" when you communicate with Him.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/15/09

Believing. This is the key to receiving. This is the way we come into the very power of God. Most people, including myself already know this. Yet, we don't put it into action.

However, it is so simple to do. It is as simple as saying the following words, "I believe, therefore I receive."

When you believe in your heart (spirit) and speak with your mouth, the universe knows. God knows. Something then begins to happen in your spirit and things begin to start moving in the spirit world on the behalf of your words.

After you speak those words, it is not for us to understand how it will happen. We know that it WILL happen!

When you take in the promises of God, you are actually feeding your spirit with His Words. As you do this, faith becomes alive and is released and things begin to take form to accomplished what you spoke - "I believe, therefore I receive."

The more you say it, the more it becomes a reality inside of you. You may say it once, twice or more times a day regarding whatever you are believing for. The more you say it, the more your faith is strengthen.

Because of the world's current condition and situation, NOW is especially a great time to say it more "I believe, therefore I receive." No matter what you are facing today. No matter how dark it looks. No matter how everything looks from the natural eye, you keep the words going forth.

As you say these words everyday, several times a day, you will see and experience that they work!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/14/09

I'm seeing many, many people not having "Joy." Joy is one of the most powerful spiritual forces in the world. Joy is strength.

Joy is not just a state of mind. It is not a fleeting emotion. Joy is a very real force, and darkness doesn't have anything that can stand up against it. Just as fear has to yield to faith, discouragement has to yield to joy.

Whatever circumstances you are facing today, you can be full of joy. You can be strong in the Lord. You can draw on the supply of God within you and come out on top.

Keep joy alive!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/13/09

God's going to get you for that! People have said that kind of thing for years and they are yet saying it! They somehow believed that God slaps us down with pain and punishment every time we miss the mark. But that's just not true.

God has warned us to not to travel the road that leads there to destruction. He has promised to give us freedom. He will allow us to choose our own way. If we get on the road to destruction and don't get off of it, we're going to wind up in trouble. Is that because God sent us there? No! He urged us not to go.

At any point of the journey whether you're on the road to destruction or living in the middle of it - God will deliver you from it. He will take you out of there and deliver you.

Today if you find yourself on the wrong road and see destruction ahead, get on the right road. Just commit your way to doing the right thing. Today, choose life by choosing God's way.

Remember, no matter what you've done, God doesn't want to get you for it, He wants to forgive you of it. He doesn't want to slap you down, He wants to deliver you and lift you up. Trust Him and let Him put you on the road of life today!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 11/12/09

Dissension, discord, strife and disagreement will just inadvertently slip up on us one day. And, today I'm asking you today to take a stand against those opportunities for dissension, discord, strife and disagreement.

If you let things irritate you, make a decide today to overcome that tendency. See with clear eyes that that this world isn't perfect and that there are people in it that aren't going to be nice to you. They will stir you up and annoy you on purpose or by accident.

Make up your mind that, by the power of God, you're not going to let them steal your peace. That peace is so important to your total being (spirit, mind, body). It will keep your body healthy. It will keep your relationships healthy. It will put you in a place where God can guide your steps and save you from making mistakes.

If you have spent the last several or many years letting things get to you, it may take a some time for you to break through. You may have to work at it a moment at a time. But you can do it. I did!

Ask the God to help you start to notice and overcome dissension, discord, strife and disagreement. Then, every time you start to get upset about something, your denounce it, resist it and say out loud, "I am walking in the peace of God today."

You'll be surprised how much more wonderful living can be when you do!

Much love,
Joseph