Thought For Today - 6/30/09

There have been times when I find myself drifting away, losing touch with myself, leaving the present and going back to the past. I found myself doing this when fear or doubt appears from a painful situation. I shut down and just ignore myself.

But with experience in this area, shutting down my body and emotions has never gotten me any where. Failure is in the past. Living in the moment - the present allows me to feel free - feel safe. Only then, do I have the power - the power on how to love and care for myself.

I learned how to trust God to help me. I learned how to enjoy life. I learned how to accept the gift of life. Only then was I able to stay present and not drift to some place in the past. In other words I learn how to heal myself from within.

Can you relate to this?

Much love,
Joseph

Yoga Style Fitness Bootcamp on August 1st in Arlington!

Yoga Style Fitness Bootcamp on August 1st in Arlington!

Back due to popular demand, Yoga Style Fitness and Velociti Fitness League bring to you the opportunity to experience an all day Yoga bootcamp retreat. This bootcamp is for people of all abilities. Attendees will learn how to get the absolute most from regular Yoga workouts. This bootcamp will benefit you for years to come!

Yoga Style Fitness Bootcamp
@ Velociti Fitness League
Saturday, August 1
8:00 am - 4:00 pm

Cost: $99* - Lunch and Dessert Included!

Space is limited. Register now at the Velociti front desk @ 817.276.0708

Location of event:

Velociti Fitness League
3533 Marathon Street
Arlington, Texas 76013

817.276.0708 <- Call to register now!

Your day will consist of:

1. Yoga Style Fitness asana sessions
2. Time to relax your mind
3. Hands-on alignment and pose demonstration
4. An opportunity to get to know yourself on a more intimate level by journaling about your day’s events
5. A delicious and healthy meal (vegetarian by request)
6. A Q&A session and post-practice treat
7. This day will be devoted to YOU, so you don’t miss out!

Agenda (subject to change):

8:00 am Check-In
8:15 am Opening
8:30 am Walking & Guided Meditation Session
9:00 am Yoga Practice (2 hr)
11:15 am Guided Journaling Session
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 pm Yoga Practice (2 hr)
3:15 pm Guided Journaling Session
3:45 pm Closing / Q&A

* Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. The registration fee will be $99, $119 at the door if spots available. Your spot will not be reserved until your entire registration fee has been paid.

Thought For Today - 6/29/09

From personal experiences, God has never taken my cares (problems) away from me. I had to give them to Him. Then I had to replace the cares with the Word Of God. I was the one who had to keep my thoughts under control and in line with the Word. It was challenging, but I was able to do it. You can too!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/28/09

Walking in love is really good for your health. Yep, Medical science has proven it. Researchers have discovered that hostility produces stress that causes ulcers, tension headaches and a lot of other ills.

I learned how to rid myself of stress just by being quick to forgive and not counting up the evils done to me. I learned to yield to the love of God. It did set me free! All is took was a decision to yield to the power, the force of love.

So, are you feeling upset, stress, not sure about whatever? The answer is ONLY in your heart. Let the love of God guide you. This will bring peace and comfort (I know).

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/27/09

Many times during the classes I teach I say "I love you" to the students. Sometimes they laugh and sometimes there is complete quietness. I know for some loving just to love may seems senseless. But there are times when the Spirit tells me to say "I love you", it is planting a seed into someones life.

The best I can offer anyone is the love of God - being selfless with His Love towards others. As I look on the inside, I find I need more of His love operating in my life. In God's love is no fear, sorrow, pain, poverty, sickness, weakness, just to name a few.

I feel somewhat alone as I write this blog, yet I know that I have no right. Many people I personally know are facing challenges and for a long time now. They have doubt and fear facing them daily. It is my prayer to the Father - for their sakes - a breakthrough come and they experience the power of the love of God in their lives.

I am sensing major change and I am not sure if the change that I am sensing in my spirit is just for me or something bigger – much bigger – or both. One thing I know I must get closer to God, walk more in His love and pray without ceasing.

I don’t always know who will read the words of the blogs. Over the months, I have been surprised and amazed by the reactions that people have as they read the things that I have written. God is not finish with me yet. I'm wiser today, more gentler and I have asked God to continue to shape and mode me.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/26/09

If you don't meditate - start! The world is full on noise and it takes more than a house in a quiet neighborhood to obtain a quiet spirit/mind. Whatever meditation method you choose is not so important. What is important is that you take the time to meditate.

During this time, look on the inside and see if you need to forgive anyone, then forgive. I can's stress how important it is to forgive. If you want to live in the presence of God, we must get quiet and forgiveness must be part of our entering into His sanctuary.

God is here to give us everything we need. This is where miracles are - in His presence. This is the place you will find peace, truth, healing and faith - just to name a few. Fear, darkness and pain has no place in His presence.

Seek Him (God) in your heart. Let the power of being silence during this time bring back the harmony that you once had. And, not only will this harmony come back to you, but through you so others can also experience it.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/25/09

I've realized that no matter what the problem or situation is, the single most powerful and important thing I can do is to be quiet. I go to the place that connects me to my Heavenly Father. I go to my heart. I release any attachments, any unforgiveness and surrender all of myself to God.

Only then can and will God take the problem or situation. What is going on in your life this very moment as you are reading this blog? Find a quiet place, go to God, release it to Him. Then, expect Him to take care of it. He will.:)

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/24/09

Often during some of the Yoga classes I teach I ask the students to let their spirits become quiet or come into their breath. This centers the student in bringing their energy back into themselves which is a step towards a feeling of peace - inner peace.

Yet, this is not as near important as we actually bring ourselves back to our center when we have gone away from it, but rather one in which we seek to live from that center at all times.

I have found the more still I become, the more I can clearly hear the voice of God and actually experience His presence. As I continue to do this - become quiet, become present, the power of God really can and does work on my behalf. Find that quiet place in your soul. Be still and know that God is God!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/23/09

If you really want to be successful in life, you have to walk in the love of God daily (maybe hourly). You have to commit yourself to develop your faith in the love of God. You have to commit yourself to the Word of God. You have to commit to do those things that are pleasing to God. You have to walk in love, even as Jesus did and walked. You have to make the quality decision to walk in love, talk in love, and respond ONLY to all things in love.

Take time daily to meditate on you being born of love which will have you walk in love. As we do this, we will find ourselves not having to live under the world's economic system of fear and lack. You will find you live on heaven's system of love and abundance.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/22/09

By walking in the love of God, we release a force to work on our behalf for any situation. This force is stronger than any force in existence. To walk in the love of God is to step aside and allow the power of the universe to come between you and the situation you are dealing with.

This force, this power is what I will call an invisible shield - protection. This is the protection shield of God's love that every believer can walk in, but in reality I only know a few that know how.

Today, enter into a relationship with God's love. Only then will you too be protected. God's love is real and you and I are an important part of it.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/21/09

A few days ago I made some decisions to let go of some opportunities that were good financially. I knew it was the right thing to do. But, the thought of not having that income was bringing doubt into my spirit.

After spending time in prayer and meditation, the decision to let go was very easy. I had peace and rest in my spirit about it too! Do I know where or how the income lost on this will be replace or ever replace? No, I don't and it's OK!:) And, again, I'm at peace with not knowing.

I sense many things are coming down the road for me. The experiences will be different than anything I have known or have related to before. It will be new and a surprise.

More details? The night before I made the decision to let go of these opportunities, I could not sleep, tossing and turning throughout the night. The revelation I got regarding this was my soul knew or knows what is coming down the road. But, my conscious mind does not know yet. Now, I have to trust, put my faith in God that He will lead and guide me to where I'm to go and His timing is ALWAYS ON TIME.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/20/09

There are only things available to us as we walk in the love of God that are not available any other way. Every problem that has ever defeated you and me was a result of not walking in the the love of God. God, His Word, His Spirit, His Name and His love are successful in all realms.

When you receive a revelation of the love of God, you will have insight into something that does not fail. Think about that. In this world where nothing is failure-proof, we have been given access to God's love. Love is the cardinal law of God and it never fails.

You will 99.9% of the time whenever I end a Yoga class, I say "I love you." What better way to learn how to operate in the love of God than love on people? You (we) should be developed in God's love to the point that it governs our thinking, our speech and our actions.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/19/09

Faith is not believing for something out of nothing. Faith reaches into the realm of the spirit and believes it receives the answer it needs based on the Word of God.

When you pray for something, can you see it right then? No, because it's still in the unseen realm. But, you do have it - it's on the way to the seen realm! See Mark 11:24.

So, let your faith in on what you are believing for and allow the Word of God to become substance and you will receive what you believe.

Faith is God's ultimate plan to bring the substance of His Word out of the unseen realm into the seen realm in EVERY AREA of our lives. It is God's plan for you and for me. We are His people of faith. We are His people of substance.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/18/09

Patience is the power that keeps us fixed on the promises of God while our faith is at work. Patience does not yield to circumstances and does not give in to trials. Whether your faith is waiting for healing, deliverance or a financial breakthrough, patience holds you steady while God is working.

So, what has God spoken to you? What substance are you earnestly expecting to receive from Him? What is it that's coming to you from the unseen realm into the seen realm? Wait on it! Don't put a time limit on it, and don't give up. If God said it, it's on the way!

Expect it to happen. Expect a miracle.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/17/09

What are you believing for today? Do you need a change in your health or finances? Do you need a relationship mended? Maybe you need wisdom in some situation. God's Word has the answer and faith will bring it into your life. Find that Word that applies to your need, believe it and stay on it!

Much love,
Joseph

Victorya Michaels Rogers

Hey, here is a great book I want to introduce you to. The title is "Finding A Man Worth Keeping - 10 Dating Secrets That Work." Of course she has written other books. I just happen to purchase this one.

I met Victorya and her husband Will at the Gateway (Church) Single Adult weekly Monday night meetings at the NRH location on Davis Blvd. They were the guest speakers for the last couple of Monday night meetings. They both have a world of knowledge regarding dating.

Take the time to visit her website: http://victoryarogers.com/

Matter of fact, they both attended the Friday 24HF Southlake 10:30am Yoga class I teach a few weeks ago.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/16/09

The other day I was talking to several students about words they let come out of their mouths. They did not realize that the things they were speaking out of their mouths were setting the foundation of their life. From my experience in talking to many people, they don't understand the power of their words.

Whatever is in your heart will always tell on you. If you are in doubt, fear or unbelief, you will talk about it. Words can kill you . If you don't know what you are doing with words, they can destroy you. Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."

It is time we give thought to the words we speak. We should do as David did, and ask God to set a watch over our mouths and keep the door of our lips (see Psalm 141:3).

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/15/09

OK, the love of money (not money itself, but the love of it) or things will try to draw your attention from the promises of God's covenant - promises that are far greater, more enriching and fulfilling than anything money alone can purchase.

Don't focus of what you don't have - give that over to God. Praise God for what you do have, and out of that look for opportunities to bless others in need.

Much love
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/14/09

Most days, I spent a lot of time waiting in traffic. This day I happened to be waiting for a police car to speed up so I could make it to a Yoga class on time I wanted to take. The police car was just cruising down the freeway, going the speed limit which was 55 mph. I begin to realize I was obsessing at this activity. I was rally investing a lot in it. My patience for this activity was fading fast.

I did make it to class and on time. After class while driving to a 7:30pm class I was teaching the same night, I also noticed how I had become impatient about my personal Yoga practice. I have been really wanting to open my hips more during certain challenging poses. But, I kept getting stuck due to an impatient state of mind which in the long run can cause problems for my practice.

Being present is all that we have, the present moment is all that we have. Patience is being present, being in the present moment! We learn in Yoga to stay present, become present, become patient, experience the "now." When we don't practice patience, we are robbed of precious time, we lose precious time of our life. We might even be robbed of finances - something that can occur when a speeding ticket is issued.:) In other words, patience is a blessing and can be financially too!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/13/09

There are two ways to perfect the love of God in your life - by keeping the Word of God, and by practicing love on others.

Love takes practice and we can practice on each other. You will not operate perfectly in love at the very beginning, but as you keep at it, you will get better and better.

If you fail, just simply repent, receive your forgiveness and move forward. Keep loving. Keep overlooking the short-comings of others and look for God in them!

That's what I do and it works!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/12/09

The sagging economy is causing many Christian to become weary about their finances. So weary that many have yielded their ears to the fearful tactics of the enemy (devil, darkness) daily.

The situation the world is in reality really not ours (Christians). It belongs to the world. God is and will show Himself strong on the behalf of His people. There is no certainty in banks, jobs or the government. Our certainty is in GOD!

Your answer - my answer is in getting to a quiet place so we can hear the voice of God. We can hear and read the Word of God. But, at this point in our lives, we have to hear the WORD FROM GOD.

This is when your and my breakthrough will come. When we mediate in God's Word we will begin to hear His Word for you! The Holy Spirit will lead you in the way you should go.

As I stated the other day, I have been reading a scripture for years and just got the revelation of that scriptures only a few days ago. Why? Because I heard the Word from God - not just the Word of God. There is a difference. When I received that Word from God, it activated my faith in a way as never before.

If you want the same for your life, tune in to God's voice daily! Your breakthrough is closer than you think! Let God deal with everything else.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/11/09

The other day I was taking to a fellow fitness instructor about the four letter word - LOVE. I was telling her love is the only thing that protects us from darkness. It was the only thing that protected Jesus too.

It is a necessity that we renew our minds to the supernatural power of the love of God. Months ago during one of the Yoga classes I teach a student asked me why do I always say "I love you" at different times during the class?

My response to her was I learn to live in love, walk in love, talk in love and edify others in love. I had to develop my faith and renew my mind so that I respond in love to any situation without having to think about it.

Then when (not if) the pressure comes, when the hard times come, when disasters approach me, I won't have to stop and think. I will immediately react in love.

Your love walk is 100 percent in the spiritual realm. This is where God actually wants us to walk and live in. By developing our faith in the love of God, it will work and bring about "ZERO" failure rate.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/10/09

Each day I'm finding more and more ways to just have "joy." I have become more relaxed (taking more Yoga classes for myself has helped). I have even become comfortable with myself. I now enjoy being by myself. I accept myself as I am. I accept life that has been given me. I actually like myself. I know some of you can't relate to this, but some can.:)

I found that my life is a gift - a gift from God. Joy comes with that gift. With me now realizing I'm a gift from God, the joy of the Lord is bringing healing and growth to my life. I am NOW loving myself daily! With this new found or realization of joy, I can now love greater than I have ever before. I now have a stronger love walk with others and especially with God.

Have you loved yourself today?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/9/09

I learned a few years ago that, if I made a quality decision before going into a Yoga class, nothing could distract me from being "present" to only what the instructor was saying. It amazed me how much greater the depth of my Yoga practice grew when I purposed became "present" to only what the instructor was saying.

My being "present" in Yoga class transferred to my spiritual walk with God for a harvest of clarity and insight into His direction for my life. With my attention mixed with my faith brought clearer and greater understanding.

This is the spiritual part of Yoga that I only talk about. Taking what you learn on your Yoga mat into other parts of your life, especially your spiritual life.

When I'm in a Yoga class, I don't allow anything to take or draw attention from being "present." I use the same principle in my spiritual walk with God. When God begins to move in an unusual way in my life, the enemy (the devil, darkness) attempts to draw attention away from what God is doing and he (the devil, darkness) tries its' best to bring discouragement and hopelessness.

I found that if I don't stay "present" in Yoga class, I begin to pay attention to individuals around me, how they look, how they are getting in/out of their Yoga poses, etc. With this now taking my attention, the distraction steals my being "present" from what the instructor is saying.

The same is true when it comes to my spiritual walk. If darkness can get me to pay attention to what its' doing, then the Word of God that is in me can be stolen and my faith becomes cripple.

So, I stay in the Word of God and I listen closely to it. God's Word is my guide. I make sure God is #1 in my life. I make sure I love God. I make sure I walk in love towards all people. Love never fails and neither does the good and great things God has planned for you and me!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/8/09

Hey, got this from a dear student and got her permission to include this in the "Thought For Today." Thanks Alison!


12 Ways to Get Mentally Tough

1. When you face a setback, think of it as a defining moment that will lead to a future accomplishment.

2. When you encounter adversity, remember, the best don’t just face adversity; they embrace it, knowing it’s not a dead end but a detour to something greater and better.

3. When you face negative people, know that the key to life is to stay positive in the face of negativity, not in the absence of it. After all, everyone will have to overcome negativity to define themselves and create their success.

4. When you face the naysayer’s, remember the people who believed in you and spoke positive words to you.

5. When you fail, find the lesson in it, and then recall a time when you have succeeded.

6. When you are thinking about the past or worrying about the future, instead focus your energy on the present moment. The now is where your power is the greatest.

7. When your own self-doubt crowds your mind, weed it and replace it with positive thoughts and positive self-talk.

8. When you feel distracted, focus on your breathing, observe your surroundings, clear your mind, and get into The Zone. The Zone is not a random event. It can be created.

9. When you feel alone, think of all the people who have helped you along the way and who love and support you now.

10. When you are tired and drained, remember to never, never, never give up. Finish Strong in everything you do.

11. When you feel like your situation is beyond your control, pray and surrender. Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.

12. When you’re in a high-pressure situation and the game is on the line, and everyone is watching you, remember to smile, have fun, and enjoy it. Life is short; you only live once. You have nothing to lose. Seize the moment.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For 6/7/09

I have read this verse of scripture over and over for years. But, didn't get the revelation of it until the other day.

The verse I'm referring to is:

Joshua 1:8 (Amplified Bible)
This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe and do according to all that is written in it. For then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall deal wisely and have good success.

God is saying that He is not going to make our way prosperous but we are to make our way prosperous as we meditate on the Word of God day and night - night and day. I was of the thought that I was was waiting on God to bring prosperity into my life. But, according to this verse, God is waiting on me to meditate on His Word day and night, observe and do according to what His Word says, only then will prosperity come to me with great success.

So, the key to your success is in your hand! Can you see this?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today 6/6/09

God has delivered us from the authority of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Now, we must receive this deliverance by accepting God's dear Son - Jesus according to John 3:16. God's kingdom operates on His BLESSING (having more than enough) not the world's way of living in fear (not having enough)!

We don't have any business living our lives in the darkness of the world's way. Turn your television off - especially when it comes to the negative reports on what is going on in the world which is nothing but fear tactics! In fact, we as Christians are God's light in the world. Jesus Christ is the express image of the life and love of God, and He lives in us.

Wherever you and I go in this world, we bring the glory of God's life and love to that place and light it up! Side note - the main reason I believe the Yoga classes I teach are over-flowing with people. It is not me but the Christ that lives in me that shines! Praise God!

You may know individuals whose life may be falling to pieces, but God has appointed you and me to be His light shining in the darkness. What a great day (and a great time to be alive) to be operating and living in the kingdom of God and His BLESSINGS!

Nothing in the world, I repeat nothing in the world, can keep THE BLESSING of God from prospering us as we continue to use our faith and walk in the love of God. This is your time to be a blessing, sow into the lives of others, prepare to receive your harvest, be a servant at all times - in season and out!

To really be honest, people are watching you - watching me and be dazzled by the life and love and light of God's GLORY SHINING through us!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/5/09

The other day a good friend of mines commented on how happy I was and how happy I looked. She said she had not seen me like this is a while. My response to her was I had finally learned how to take care of myself than ever before. My heart had been telling me to do this for some time now.

I had been driving and depriving myself, not being gentle and loving to myself. They were no longer working. I fell in love with myself (maybe for the first time). I became gentle, loving, kind and attentive to myself.

I now take the time each day to tend to my needs, just as I would tend to someone I loved deeply and dearly. I also found that loving and caring for myself was not a waste of time. This is how my life began to improve. I also feel better.

As I now take care of myself, I notice something very profound - the better and more often I care for myself, the more I become align with the love of God.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/4/09

I had to become conscious or more conscious and train myself to be constantly aware of God being on the inside of me, teaching me and enduing me with Himself. I am continually reminding myself that I am one spirit with God.

This means that every time I face a problem, every time I face darkness that tries to influence and hinder my life, God is facing it too. When I meet those things, God meets them. And He has already overcame them!

Let me encourage you when you to remind yourself that everywhere you go - God goes. God is in you. The power of God is in you. The wisdom of God is in you. The victory of God is in you.

Let this become a habit of thinking that way. Cultivate a constant awareness of the reality of God living in you!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/3/09

OK, more personal stuff on me. There have been days that I just felt powerless regarding situations I was faced with. Circumstances took a turn I didn't care for. I felt there was nothing I could do to make it better. After sitting down with a friend, telling him what was on my mind and what I was experiencing . . . the answer came. I was not using the power or ability to love Joseph.

There were situation that I could not change, no matter what I tried to do to create something different. Putting so much energy in the thing, situations, circumstances became frustrating.

While in discussion with this friend and after each and every topic talked about came the answer. The answer was very simple - Joseph needed to love himself. Something that was long overdue.

This is not a one time thing. It is daily, hourly and even to the very minute I practice self-love. In practicing this self-love or loving myself, I also found out the discomfort I was experiencing was resisting the healing power to love myself.

Can anyone relate to this?

Much love,
Joseph

Brad & Susan's Wedding - 5/22/09

Hey, here are some pictures (above) of the wedding I performed for Brad & Susan Boehm (pronounced Beam) on Friday, May 22, 2009.

I truly enjoyed this wedding! Both are students of Yoga at the 24HF Carrollton (Trinity/Marsh) location.

This couple is blessed and I pray God's blessings upon them . . . "May God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, bless, preserve, and keep them. The Lord with His favor smile upon them, and so fill them will all spiritual benediction that they love and live so in this life, that in the world to come they may have life everlasting. Amen."

Love you both!
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/2/09

A few weeks ago, I finally came to grips that I needed to accept myself unconditionally. I was surprised how comfortable I started to feel, whether I was at the movie or at a restaurant by myself.

My mind had tricked me for some time now into thinking I needed certain other people or places, certain objects or items around me, or had to live my life in a particular way to feel secure. I found out the as I relied on things and people outside myself provided a FALSE sense of security. And, false security shown itself for what it was.

I found that true security, true love was available to me, no matter who I was, where I was or what I was doing. That security came from Joseph accepting Joseph. That security came from trusting myself, trusting my heart, my wisdom and my connection to God. It was not until I accepted myself unconditionally that I felt at home.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 6/1/09

With today being June 1, 2009, I thought it fitting to talk about being connected. As I look at all the people I know, I communicate with, I associate with, I fellowship with, and even those I don't know - we are connected. We are all creations of God.

We give and receive energy, life-sustaining nourishment, support, encourage, love (just to name a few) from the world around us. Each of us have on the inside, love, joy, peace and wisdom (again, just to name a few).

When you realize just how much we are connected, we then are able to love freely, live freely, feel and just be happy with all we come in contact with.

Today, begin to look at your neighbor different. Feel their vitality - their energy. Feel their essence. This is what PURE LOVE is. You now have everything you need in order to live and love peacefully with all. You are now in position to nurture, help grow, walk in the ways of love towards all who cross your path.

Value your connection to others and the entire world around you. Receive and give freely as you be among them.

Much love,
Joseph