Thought For Today - 9/30/09

As I coach students through their Yoga practice many tell me they are looking for a transformation to take place in their lives. I agree that practicing Yoga is life changing. However, it also brings self-observation and with that - transformation comes naturally.

I tell students that Yoga is a practice where they begin to accept who they are, where they are and how they are - even to the point of their spirit, mind and body. Yet, this is such a challenging thing for many to do. I tell them to try not to fix themselves, but just let who they are come forth.

This is how God wants us to come to Him . . . just as we are. God's Word will bring about transformation naturally as you seek, study and receive it. Just as Yoga in my opinion, is not a self-improvement craze, but a practice of self-acceptance. The same is true in being in fellowship with God . . . let the Word serve as a master in the rebirth of your spirit, the renewing of your mind and the retraining of your body.

This will open up the door to finding out who you really are.
Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/29/09

Most of us have been confused about love all of our lives. In fact, we often begin what I called “soul searching” - whether searching —conscious or unconscious—for a source of love that can't be taken away. We may have grown up feeling unloved or believing we had to perform larger-than-life feats to deserve love.

Our parents, the movies we see, our cultural and religious environments give us ideas about love that go on influencing us long after we have forgotten their source.

You have read spiritual books and encounter spiritual teachers, and now your understanding about love is even more complicated, because depending on what you read or whom you studied, you get slightly different takes on what love means in spiritual life.

I have heard some Yoga teachers state that our essence is love; others say love is a passion, an emotion that leads to addiction and clinging. Again, from personal experience God is LOVE and LOVE is God.

In Yoga terms, the way to enlightenment is to fall in love with God and let that love grow until it absorb you and you become one with the Father.

Where to start in the Word? See John 3:16.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/28/09

For many people I talk to, pain and suffering are so tangled that they find it impossible to separate them. When things go wrong, they may feel like victims or assume that they are receiving their destiny's punishment — that they "deserve" what is happening to them. They may express their feelings or stuff them, but few know how to process the pain of loss or failure without getting hooked by their suffering.

I know this sounds too simple to be true, but it is. The Word of God offers some basic prescriptions for undoing your incorrect thinking. Find out what is God's Master Plan for your life. This is where you will find who you really are.

Spend quality time in the Word of God, searching the scriptures, meditating – purifying your cloudy mind, and discover how to work with everything that happens to you. Then the challenges become your teachers, and pain and loss become stepping stones for profound and positive transformation.

It has worked for me.:)

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/27/09

Change Is In The Air - It's Coming!

How is it that when life is spun around by circumstances, charitable or otherwise, some people will get beat up, while others just cruise in life? Why do some indulge in that place where they are so shocked and unhappy about an unexpected turn of events that they resist reality and find themselves burdened in bitterness or fear or hopelessness?

Instead of accepting change with grace, they dig in their heels and suffer through each day of things not being what they think they should be. What's the secret to riding each new wave gracefully—regardless of whether it deposits you gently on the beach or knocks you down to the seafloor?

Whether you desire or dread change, you can not escape it. Here's how to live with it—and learn from it. Find the promises of God in His Word! Whatever you are experiencing, there is a help from the Word of God regarding your circumstances – no matter what they are. You just got to spend time in His Word to find it.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/26/09

Sometimes things look bad. But we have to learn when we walk in the faith of God and face the natural facts, we believe God anyway. We grow to the point where we can hear bad news without wavering in our faith . . . and receive God's blessings no matter what the circumstances are.

Receiving God's blessings by faith is a simple act on your part. Get into God's Word - daily! Put the Word into your heart and speak it out of your mouth. Believe it and act on it. Receive it now!

When you do that, you will be victorious in every area of your life. There is no situation, no circumstance - nothing - that is stronger than the grace of God . . . the blessings that surrounds you.

God's supernatural blessings will surround you like a shield this very moment. God's grace is more than enough to deliver you out of any trouble you are facing. Your faith is in God's Word and you are coming out of this triumphantly by the blessings of God!

Begin to expect great things to happen in your life. I can tell you from the Word of God and from my own personal experience, your life will never be the same when you act like the blessings of God is yours!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/25/09

Many of you are covered with challenging circumstances right now. The only advice I can give you is to stare those challenges in the face and declare to them you are highly favored by God.

I know you are hearing people say "Things are terrible all over." But, I'm writing (talking) from experience - you must find scriptures in the Word of God to stand on regarding your situation. Get those scriptures firmly established in your heart and in your mouth and don't get off them - even when circumstances seem to contradict them.

Yes, you may be in need of a job, the next step in your life toward God's plan and purpose for your life. Many people are in that place today. When you go in for that job interview, favor (divine favor) is what you should believe God for.

Look up favor scriptures, speak them over that job and just go in there expecting God to give you favor. I have done this over and over and it works!!! Remember, God favors you.

No matter if someone else looks better on paper than you, but when you go in there, the favor of God goes before you. I can tell you many, many stories of experiencing the favor of God in situations as employment. But, it would take me much too long to write them in a blog(s).

Remember, no circumstance or challenge is too big for God's favor to overtake. And you can always be ready to receive it by faith.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/24/09

Have you ever complain about having too much to do and not enough time? I know this sounds very familiar — perhaps because you or someone you know voiced it either today, yesterday, the other day or last week. And yet week after week nothing changes. What's a frustrated individual to do?

For one thing, don't agree with the problem. How about speaking the solution? Thinking positive will make you feel energize and full of life - where you are creative and happy, while thinking negative moves you toward felling empty.

An easy way to cultivate a positive outlook (this is what I do) is to (my suggestion) find 1 - 3 solutions to every problem or situation. I go to the Word of God and see what is said there. After searching and reading the Word regarding that problem, I automatically begin to feel uplifted and my mind is open to new possibilities. This is when genuine, innovative solutions can be found.

If you find a more spiritual approach to your problems or situations, you will uncover new meaning in your life!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/23/09

Several days ago, I was blessed to be a blessing to a single mother by helping with her grocery expense. I use to daily ask God to allow me to be a blessing to someone each day, whether it was buying a tank full of gas, paying for their lunch or just blessing them with a sum of money. I had stop asking God to do this for me (not really a reason I can think of). However, I will or have gotten back into the habit of asking God to let me be a blessing to others again.

One of the main reason I want to be in the abundance or blessings of God is to help others. Therefore, I must stay clear of covetousness and just let God provide all of my provision. This requires a change in the way one's think.

Covetousness is not just wanting something that belongs to someone else. It is a way of life planned solely around acquiring wealth for one's own selfish purposes and comfort. The getting of things for all the wrong reasons. Under the influence of this kind of thinking, people make seriously wrong decisions.

I put my mind on the plan Jesus has for my life. I pray. I listen. I seek or look for it. I look for ways to help people. There are people who need me and need you too!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/22/09

God is always searching for someone to bless. That is His nature. God is full of mercy and compassion. Because of His favor, God looks for someone who is ready to trust Him - someone who is ever ready to reach out in faith to receive His favor and blessing.

Receiving God's favor by faith is a simple act on our part. Get into the Word of God daily. Put the Word of God into your heart and speak it out your mouth. Believe it and act on it. Receive it!

There is no situation, no circumstance - nothing - that is stronger than the grace of God, His favor is stronger - His favor surrounds you.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/21/09

I come in contact with individuals on a weekly and sometimes daily basis wanting to know what God's plan for their life is. I have asked this question many times in my life time. We all have been eager to fulfill the plan of God for our lives. But we also needed direction in finding out what that plan is.

God never intended for us to be in the dark about His plan for our lives. He left us clear, written instructions regarding His plan for us. Also, God gave us a pattern to carry out His instructions.

The patter is JESUS. We have been sent into the world to continue the ministry of Jesus. Yes, that is right, I have been sent into the world to continue the ministry of Jesus.

Jesus is tha pattern. Jesus was send to the earth that he might destroy the works of darkness (see I John 3:8).

So, we (I) have been called to finish what Jesus began - to destroy, undo and bring to naught the works of darkness on our earth.

Currently, I have been called or God's plan for me at the moment is to ministry to people through the art of Yoga.

So what are you waiting for? Fulfill God's plan in the earth. Fulfill your calling. Fulfill your destiny.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/20/09

There are two main thing in the world – 1) fear and 2) faith.
Fear isn't just a reaction to external occurrences. It's a spiritual force. It begins inside a person. And it is totally wasteful.

Fear is darkness primary weapon. It moves in response to fear, the way God moves in response to faith. Darkness will always challenge the promises of God with it.

Faith is developed by meditating on God's Word. Fear is developed by meditating on darkness lies. Such fearful meditation is called worrying. Don't do it!


The Word of God is our only weapon. We use it to fight darkness every time it comes against you. Speak words of faith and fear will depart.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/19/09

Often in Yoga class I tell students that as they develop their Yoga practice, it will not so challenging. In the beginning, you use all of your muscles for every posture. Many times students don't know what to do, so they just tense everything. Later on in their practice, they can explore the practice in a more subtle way, experiencing the shifts it creates in their body.

The same is with FAITH. Believing God’s Word concerning any area of your life and acting in line with that Word is faith. The force of faith is activated by hearing and believing God’s Word. It is a spiritual force produced by the permanent Word of God in your heart.

You see, faith is simply believing what we hear. It’s believing what we read and what we say. If we believe what we hear, say and read, and we let it get deep in our hearts, soon faith will rise up within us and see to it that everything we hear, say and read comes to pass. The faith that rises within us gives God an opening to bring His promises to pass.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/18/09

The Bible states that "our words contain life and death." Words are powerful. What we say affects many, many things. I notice in the Yoga classes I teach how I say things affects not only how the students get into their poses but also has an effect on their outlooks on life, too.

Yet, this is just half the story. I see how students also notice how I say words. Whether consciously or subconsciously, my tone, inflections, and accent all affect how the students perceive the class and me.

So, I on purpose practice speaking words of life and not death. And, the more I do it, the better I am at it. Practice improves our meditation or playing chess or something as simple as social skills.

I want my words to bring trust to the students. I recognize that words are important and the more I can offer words of encouragement, etc. the more I can maybe make people happy.

The true practice of saying positive words brings connections. The connection gives up the insight that speaking words of love is really giving to ourselves - because in truth there is no other.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/17/09

I now have a revelation from God that my choices are creating my future. I realized that every choice positions me to receive a blessing or a curse. Choice is powerful, and we must learn its true value.

Two pathways emerge from every choice we make … the path of blessing or the path of destruction; the path of life or the path of death. Joshua set the Word of God before the nation of Israel and declared, “I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

I choose life , blessings for me and my friends and family.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/16/09

As I was meditating the other night - this was revealed to me . . . Maybe, it will also be a revelation to and for you!:)

I have found the the courage to change. This changes is bringing about a miracle in my life. I am going through a season of quietness - moving to the next phase of your life - to the Master Plan that God has for me!

I will not resist it - but welcome it. I will spend time in prayer/meditation as God will reveal Himself more so to me and His plans for me. What was will no longer be and what is to be will be new and fresh. This is fresh from Heaven to you!

My character is being shaped again. My spirit is becoming deeper. I am getting stronger and softer at the same time. I am returning to God's highest values. I am being made ready to create my legacy - an imprint for the world to know God and His Son through you!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/15/09

In the fall of 2001 I made a conscious decision to change careers. I was in my early 40s. It took courage and faith to make the move. Years have gone by since that decision and I must admit that I have become open with my heart, my spiritual walk with Christ has deepened, I now can be more of a strength to other and yet I have become more soft - mellow.

I now value true relationship. I'm reclaiming the Joseph that was lost for so many, many years. My focus has shifted from being ambition to growing into God's Master Plan for my life. In a sense I'm learning to cherish my relationships. I have narrow down these relationships to just a hand full - ones that I can count on no matter what.

I now understand what is most significant and meaningful in my life. I now have more of an appreciation for music, poetry, art and stories. it seems like I see images different. I listen to music different. I listen to stories different. With all of this comes wisdom. These have taken me back to where my spirit man lives.

I will admit I can now truly see what is truly meaningful in my life.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/14/09

From my opinion greed and selfishness is the results of the world problems.

Because of ALL of the things God has done, is doing and will do for me - I must have an open heart where greed and selfishness can not live or enter. I can not go through life with a close hand when I see others in need.

I not only will keep an open heart, but have an open hand too. My security does not come from trusting others or things. My security comes from trusting and cherishing God.

I can not be selfish when I know I'm loved by God. I can not be selfish when I know I'm safe with God. I'm safe because I know God's ability and willingness to love me.

Today, open your heart, open your hand for others. As you do this, heaven will open its' doors.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/13/09

We all should or need to take time to meditate daily!

When I host all day Yoga bootcamps we start off with a walking meditation (this was also the procedure done when I went to teacher training). When we meditate, we don't rush or hurry along. We take our time - moving slow. I need meditation daily and sometimes several times a day.:)

Meditation is a time to relax, a time for the spirit, mind and body to connect as one. For so long I spent year abandoning myself, my emotions and my body. I was there for others, but as I have mentioned in previous blogs, now the time is for me to be there for Joseph - fully and completely!

What I have found in taking time out for Joseph while in meditation renews my spirit, mind and body. I can then return refreshed and continue the ministering to others.

Today, take time to meditate, even if it is only for five minutes. Take time to slowly inhale faith and exhale fear. Take time to inhale peace and exhale anxiety. Take time to inhale light and exhale darkness.

Today, I will take time to stay present, stay in the moment and just enjoy life!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/12/09

Love is what makes the world go round - not money. If you remove love from the hearts of people, their bodies become bankrupt and their bodies will shut down. If there is no love, truth can not live. If there is not love, beauty fades away. If there is not love, wisdom disappears. To have life without love is not living.

What can you do to bring love to the world? Be one who loves. You don't have to look far and hard to see fear upon the face of people. You don't have to look far and hard to see their tired sick bodies. You can hear their cries. Look at what is going on in our country.

I ask you to select just one of the many - just one problem which today torments people you know. Begin to work with them with all of your might of which your heart is capable of. Lose yourself and find your soul - your calling. Love the people!

You can serve others by and through the power of love - God's love.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/11/09

Some people believe the nature of God is in the miraculous. But, it is not. The nature of God is abundance and more abundance until there is an over-flowing of abundance. God's best for you is to live in abundance.

Religion has perverted our concept of God. God and poverty cannot be linked together. Poverty is under darkness – the curse. Abundance is under light – the blessing of God.

I have what I call a “Faith/Prayer Project” that I confess and meditate over daily. When the things on the list manifest themselves I check them off the list. Within the past nine months I have checked off several items, including a brand new laptop that was given to me, 2-IPods (40 & 80 gig), just to name a few. Also, I can now check off a new computer desk top that was given to me a few days ago.

Love ones (which you are to me), God wants us to live here on earth like we are already enjoying and living in Heaven. In Heaven, there is no lack – only abundance. God is interested in what brings you joy!

I believe God for abundance (surplus) that I have so much left over I can help meet the needs of others. That is what having abundance is all about – helping others.

I expect to be blessed! I am blessed to be a blessing. I am a distribution center for God. I don't and will not consume all the blessing upon myself. I will distribute and keep it flowing. I am a giver. That is who I am. That is what I do. It is my nature. It is God's nature. God lives in me!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/10/09

One of the surest way you know you have the love of God operating and manifesting in you by the fact you love people. If you are not experiencing this type of relationship with people then your spirit remains death to the things of God.

When you walk in hatred towards people you have evil things in your spirit which can cause you to commit spiritual murdered. With this in your heart (spirit) how can expect to be blessed and successful in this life and the life to come?

We are our brother's keeper. When you come to know the love of God and move onto understand and know His love for you, then you have no problem loving people.

Along with the love of God comes compassion for people - being a resource for those having challenges sustaining life. We are not to love only in words, but in practice, demonstration and truth.

Don't be afraid to be a resource - know and understand that God is your source. He is Truth and will provide needs to others through you. Because we obey the Words of God and His commandments we have from Him what we ask. As we continue to walk in the love of God - He walks with us in all situations. By doing this - God makes His home in us.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/9/09

I am never in position to bring, look or put judgment on anyone nor are you. I am so blessed to teach over 1000 students a week in various Yoga classes throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area. With so many students I'm coming in contact with brings many opportunities to learn about them, their families and situations they are involved in.

Many times the information shared with me involves things I would never share nor give it a second thought unless I'm in prayer with or for them. A major thing I have with these students is in spite of what they are involved in, have done or will do does not keep me from loving them with the love of God. Love is key!

There is not a day that goes by that I don't ask God to let me walk in His Love no matter what comes my way. Because I have the gift of Grace from God; I have His Mercy, I have His Son Jesus living on the inside of me and I myself am forgiven. I am not in any position to judge, but I am in position to love unconditionally!

I actually only see two things in the Bible that Jesus told me to do; 1) Love God with all that I have and 2) love my neighbor as myself. In these two commandments rest everything else we are to do.

Let love be King in your life. If we judge others - we will be judged.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/8/09

Have you ever experience situations that you were not really sure why you were experiencing them? During these times/situations I do know that it is a lesson where LOVE will be exercised.

There are times I find it challenging to love myself when it seems like no one else cares. I have to find the faith - just to love myself and don't forget about courage and patience.

I find myself in situations where I'm having to forgive, have compassion and be gentle with my words. Again, a lesson on LOVE.

Yes, there have been days of challenge. Yet, I knew I had to continue on the path of LOVE - the LOVE of God. His love was the light at the end of the tunnel. Looking back from where I came - I would not change a thing because I was on the right path - I will connected to LOVE - the LOVE of God. It was His love that got me to where I am today!

As the above picture so clearly reminds me - a lesson of love - indulge in things you truly love.:) What lessons are you learning?

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/7/09

The way you think determines the way you experience the world. On one level this is very obvious. For example, if you are most of the time in a bad mood - you attract annoying people and situations.

The Bible tells us our minds have to be renewed to a place where we trust God in all things which counters the negative thoughts of the mind. The root cause of fear or anger or addiction is the feeling of being alone or isolated and separate from everything else come from darkness.

The Word of God gives us faith, happiness which takes away the feeling of being alone or isolated and separated.

The truth in simple words, when we become followers of Christ, we become enlighten. We become effortlessly joyous, free, and utterly connected to all that God has for us. Whom the Son has set free is free indeed!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/6/09

From personal experience, seeking God is the key to a good life, a happy life, a blessed and abundant life. It's a life that goes after the things of God and receives all He has! It's a life that enjoys every day because every day God shows us something about Himself.

The seeking life get up every morning asking, "God what do You want me to do today? What would You like to show me?" God will tell you, and then you take one step at a time. Just go after it and keep on going.

God has a lot in store for you - everything you will ever need plus the most amazing treasures along the way. All you have to do to discover His plan is begin today to seek Him.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/5/09

The Bible states that life and death are in the power of the tongue. Which means words we speak only allows for two possibilities: failure or success. The words will either signifies lost or found, truth or not truth, doubt or certainty, fear or faith, hurt or well and the list can go on and on.

Try this out – speak a negative word and see how it makes you feel. Then say a positive word and see how it makes you feel. I come in contact with so many individuals that most of the time their words are words of negativity. The look and speak of life in the most scaring form. They are so burdened with fearful and unconscious energy. What they don't realize that the words they speak will influence the way they think and feel.

Next time your mouth opens and negative words wants to come out – don't say it! Don't allow any word and its baggage make you fall under darkness. You have a choice to stop using negative words altogether. I encourage you to articulate more words of truth and love for any situation you are involved with.

Open your mind to the possibilities of positive words, words of love. In doing this words of negativity will never have any opportunity to burdened you with fear, doubt and failure just to name a few.

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/4/09

I believe many students of Yoga that attend classes I teach only see me as a warm, loving and gentle teacher. I am that and more. However, I am not immune to conflict. I don't know of anyone who has not had to deal with it from time to time. But, no matter what the circumstance, I must handle them all with grace, consciousness and the love of God.

The conflict can involve students suffering from anxiety and panic attacks regarding taking class. The other day a student came to one of the classes I taught. But, he left without taking the class due to the back row of the room was already taken. He didn't want to be on the front row. He actually began to panic and I saw the anxiety in his face.

I asked a fellow students if they would make room for him to place his mat on the back row. At that moment of me asking – discord came on the scene immediately. I am a warm, loving and gentle teacher and one of my responsibilities is to help student address egos, anxiety, and conflicts just to name a few along with its symptoms and root causes.

As a teacher, I desire to help in the healing of student's nervous system by giving them one of the most important tool to cultivate peace on and off their Yoga mat – the love of God!

Much love,
Joseph

Thought For Today - 9/2/09

You've had an energizing and exalting Yoga practice which your mind was totally focused on your body and your breath. By the time you're done, you have a deep sense of peace and relaxation that seems to penetrate every cell of your body. You feel centered, balanced, in touch with yourself. You pledge not to let this feeling slip away as the day progresses.

But halfway through the work day, you're overtaken by the press of urgent emails, texting and invasive deadlines. You have completely lost the connection and composure you had. Even more disturbing, you have no idea how to get it back.

The door seems to have closed on your place of balance and peace, and you can't seem to find it again. By the end of the day, you're fatigue and stressed out, and you can't wait to get home to your Yoga mat.

You have also had an refreshing and inspiring private time with God and your mind was totally focused on your love relationship with Him. By the time you're done, you have a deep sense of peace and relaxation that seems to permeate every cell. You feel focused, fresh, so in touch with God. You vow not to let this feeling slip away as the day progresses.

But halfway through the work day, you're overwhelmed by the press of pressing meeting and over-demanding managers, and you have wholly lost the connection and calmness you had.

Even more disturbing, you have no idea how to get it back. It's as if a door has closed. You no longer have peace and just not sure how it got away and how to get it back at the moment. By the end of the day, you are exhausted and you can't wait to get home to your alter to fellowship with God.

To many people, there seems to be an inner conflict between being in the present and accomplishing everything that needs to get done. They lose sight on what is important when on or off their Yoga mat or reading the Word or putting it in your heart and taking it with you.

As you rush home - you do not have to choose between your housework/chores and fellowship with God. Taking the time to fellowship with God and the housework/chores will be taken care of.

Much love,
Joseph

Thougth For Today - 9/1/09

Today is the first day of me practicing Yoga 25 days at one of my Yoga teacher's studio (http://yogaisland.com/wordpress/). This month of September 2009 is also the first of several months that I am being led by the Spirit of God to move to another or higher level (spiritually, mentally, physically).

Most Yoga teachers that I personally know have a naturally deep desire to help, support and uplift people. My calling for the past several years has been just that - helping, supporting and uplifting individuals that attend the Yoga classes I teach.

I love to help people who could have a life-changing experience through Yoga. However, the next stage that is in God's Master Plan for my life is so important (I really believe this) I have to prepare myself spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

During the next several months God will show me what I am going into. I am seeking His Master Plan for the next stage(s) of my life.

To often students of Yoga feel light, clear and unattached from the world around them after leaving class. Yet, they seem to lose their blissfulness, whether from stress in life, such as work, relationships, etc. within a day or two.

I see part of my next phase in life is showing students how to draw happiness from their inner being, rather than outer. I see the next phase in my life showing students how to incorporate every unremarkable aspect of their daily life into their Yoga practice (spiritually & physically).

As I am putting the Word of God first place by giving it my time and attention will keep my heart focused on Jesus. By doing this - it causes Him to become the most precious thing in my life and your life!

Much love,
Joseph