September 2012 B-Metro Article:Healthy Choice: Eat Right, Feel Better

Healthy Choice

Eat right. Feel Better.

By April Jones

It never fails that as the temperature shifts and school begins, so do the many colds and coughs that we and our children must endure. As we go from a season of longer days in the sunshine to one spent indoors, we are once again exposed to that which is constantly recycled in the air around us. A diet of fresh fruits ripened by summer’s kiss many times shifts to easily prepared, often pre-packaged or fast-food meals as we return to busy fall schedules. Unfortunately, a weakened immune system if often the result.



Most of us never receive the same break our kids do from the tiny constraints of our offices and cubicles. Many times the germs we bring to the office are those we obtained from our children. Children have no choice but to be indoors for school, and we have no choice but to take them there. When they are surrounded by 20-30 other children in a room not much larger than a crayola box, it is inevitable they are going to come into contact with some germs. But there is a way to protect them — and your entire household.



One of the greatest defenses you can provide is that of a strong body nurtured and defended by healing foods, vitamins and herbs. Just like soldiers who prepare for battle before they come to the perimeters of the field, we must prepare our immune systems in advance for the onslaught of contagious viral infections. Often it is only a minor deficiency of various micronutrients that can affect the bodies’ ability to resist disease and infection.



We all know the importance of eating a variety of healthy fruits and vegetables. I also want to reinforce the importance of providing yourself and your family with clean, living food throughout the day. It is so easy to throw in a lunchable or pre-packaged snack because of its ease. These foods are expensive but have only minimal vitamins and minerals. They are often loaded with high levels of sodium, which affect blood pressure, and large amounts of sugar (in particular “false sugars”), which causes an increase in blood sugar and weakens the immune system. Stabilizing the blood sugar not only improves focus but decreases moodiness and frustration. Consider providing your children with creative leftovers from the previous night’s meal, some homemade trail mix, veggies, mixed fruit or frozen yogurt — which should be about perfect come lunch time. Ditch the juice boxes and throw in some water. When purchasing foods and snacks, take the time to read the labels and see if you can stick to foods with six ingredients or less. You’ll find this to be quite a challenge but one worth doing. If you don’t recognize an ingredient and can’t pronounce it, more than likely you don’t need it. You’ll not only spend less but you will be forced to get creative and rethink what you are ingesting.



There are many natural immunity builders, and I would love to share just a few of my favorites, but please note that many of the herbs suggested need to be discussed with your family physician if you currently take other medications or contend with allergies and other medical conditions.



Foods that have been shown to have great impact on strengthening the immune system are those high in protein. Even vegetarians require this building block for healthy anti-bodies and white blood cells. Consider Greek yogurt (preferably plain and sugar-free), fish, beans, Brazil nuts, chicken and eggs. When selecting your produce, consider the fruits and vegetables of the season as your best choice for building the immune system. Nature has an incredible way of providing exactly what we need at exactly the right time. Blackberries, blueberries, celery, raw onions, garlic, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, kiwi, oranges, grapefruit, lemons and pineapple are all powerful healing foods. Consider a variety of brightly colored produce in order to receive more types of anti-oxidants.



Probiotics, zinc, echinicea, golden seal, cayenne, ginger, bee pollen, rosemary and green tea, and A,B,C and E vitamins (including folic acid), are also powerful dietary herbs and supplements that can strengthen and defend the immune system.



There are many components to maintaining our health, and we cannot overlook the need for proper hydration, adequate rest and play time, along with exercise. But one of the greatest and simplest ways to build our defense is through our food choices. Take the time to be intentional when planning your meals and see the benefits it brings to your overall health. When your body is properly nourished, you will find you are able to enjoy your fall and winter with fewer interruptions from sickness, and more time indulging in the many fun things you can only experience when your body is vibrant and strong. Sit down with your family, create a list of some favorites and bulk up that fridge with healing foods that will feed your body and your spirit!

August 2012 BMetro Article: Dare to Dream

Dare to Dream 

The journey forward.

By April Jones

You know, until you’ve been left to decide whether to stay or go, this idea of loving something enough to walk away doesn’t seem as complicated as it actually is. You hear it said all the time, but what does that even mean? Who does that? Until you’ve actually dared something more for yourself, it’s always easier said to “go after your dreams” than move past the comfort zone we must negotiate to obtain them. How do you do that? When you’ve wanted something, sought it out, worked hard, dreamed about, prayed for and even caught a glimpse of a dream — only to be redirected, delayed or even declined? Well, the whole thing can just make you completely sick! I’ve sure been sick about a few dashed dreams! It is agonizing to want something and not be able to have it. Or worse, someone says you can’t have it — that they won’t give it to you or that it doesn’t belong to you. Even worse still, that it will never be yours. That is excruciating! The death or delay of a dream can weigh heavy. But to see one come true and to believe in your own power as a catalyst, now that’s pretty encouraging!



What do you do when you find something and all the things appear to line up according to your ideas of your personal destiny? What if you catch a glimpse of something that appears to fit perfectly within your dream? Maybe it is a business. Maybe it’s a home. Maybe it’s a particular lover. Maybe it’s a child. How do you begin to direct your energy? Your time, attention and thoughts can become consumed: fantasy, conversation and even plans towards life in pursuit of that vision can easily become your constant state of “reality.” What if it comes to a screeching halt and plans get put on hold? You can’t get the loan. You can’t conceive. Your affections aren’t reciprocated. Your ideas are not well received. Whatever the case may be, what do you do? What is it you want with this dream and who is in charge here?



I have been presented with a few things I’ve really wanted, but either haven’t been able to have them or was simply denied. There have been many dreams I had to wait a really long time for, and some things I’m still waiting on! I try to approach all things with a spirit of prayer governing my direction and steps. I have a checklist of things that need to be in line for me, that would show whether or not this is something I should pursue. For some this comes through music, or poetry, through journaling, or gardening. Your answers might arise in the gym or on a motorcycle. We look for answers because we’ve got lots of questions! There is great risk and much uncertainty with dreams. When time is taken to ask for direction, be assured life will continue to unfold, and decisions made will either pull you closer to the vision or push you further away from it.



There isn’t a single opportunity in life that doesn’t present you with a choice to work towards a higher self and the life you wish to have. But I find the key to obtaining it is that it not be self-seeking but for the greater good of all involved. When we seek the blessings of space, time, circumstance and relationships, and when we seek the blessing of everyone involved in making the dream manifest, we create the energy needed to move toward it. If it’s something you seek that would benefit you only, you might obtain it, but I guarantee you will work twice as hard for it. This can most often be where and when we find delay, sometimes the denial — even the death — of the dream.



Sometimes you must walk away in order to regain perspective, tie up any loose ends and leave room for others to catch up. Sometimes you do have to leave the path you thought was taking you towards what you wanted. It isn’t that what you see isn’t meant to be, but that it simply isn’t time. Sometimes things come in a different package, in a different place and with someone else. Maybe you need more education. Maybe you need to improve your credit. Maybe you need be less demanding. Maybe you need develop some patience.



I believe when we desire to love, grow and serve others first, and when we are seeking the healthiest within and for ourselves, that we begin to see the blessings of our dreams unfold. Have you the courage to dream? And do you love (fill in the blank) enough to walk away, even though it may delay your dreams?



Manifesting can be a reality. Dreams do come true. Prayers are answered. And the inarguable perfection of God’s great and universal timing can all be known in you. But the dream can only be obtained as you place one foot behind the other on the journey. It is good to dream and it is good to pursue them. But what we set sight on and how we plan to impact the world of those around us is what really makes the dream worth having. And what we learn on the journey is what will prepare us to live it out. When we ask that the world be opened up that we can receive all that is meant for us, be assured, it will be!



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, aspirations, B-metro, Birmingham, healthy living, life goals, lifestyles, magazine, self help



July 2012 B-Metro Article: Pour Me Another...Water, that is!

Pour Me Another…Water, that is!

by April Jones

Water was designed by its very essence to comfort, cleanse and nourish. It is powerful, essential and often highly undervalued as a part of our diets. With the ability to hydrate, rejuvenate and promote healing, water is not only a sustainer of life, but a provider. It is no coincidence that our bodies are made of 60 to 95 percent water by weight (this includes body mass, cellular composition and other physiological factors and varies amongst individuals), that 70 percent of the Earth is covered by water, and that consuming 2.4 liters of it daily has been shown to improve performance, transport waste and maintain proper hydration for optimal brain and bodily functions.



The earth craves the purity of a fresh drink from heaven. When the skies open, all of life receives a shower and soak. The earth is cleansed, the ground draws up the nutrients, mountains send it forth, and so goes an endless push of abundance and refreshment. Our body’s needs are not much different from that of the earth. We require hydration from pure sources to fuel our delicate systems. It comes as no surprise the heavens do not pour down diet or energy drinks, tea or coffee.



“Now,” you may say, “April, I drink de-caffeinated, diet beverages and sports drinks. There is no sugar in my drink, fewer calories, less caffeine and added minerals and vitamins. They all contain water!” OK, let me be a voice of truth. You have been lied to. “Sugar free” is not as harmless as you believe. There have been a great amount of studies run on the effects of various artificial sweeteners, and guess what? The results aren’t positive. You would be better off consuming the real sugar (in small doses, of course) or eliminating it entirely than you would be to fool yourself in thinking you are making the “healthy choice.”



So let’s break a few of these things down, shall we? We all know our bodies need hydration. As the temperature rises, our bodies begin to require even more water to stay hydrated. Again, you may consider this a given, but I have found very few adults actually consume water throughout their day. We have been led to believe that sports drinks, flavored waters, energy drinks, sodas and even beer have a sufficient amount of water to supply our needs and satisfy our thirst. But every additional chemical that is added to your water is one that your body must assimilate. I am not saying there is no value to adding electrolytes and minerals to your diet. Our bodies have been shown to function at an optimal rate when such chemicals are present in our system. But sugary beverages bring on additional thirst, while pure water brings instant hydration. Your body is not confused about what to do with it. It begins to immediately absorb and distribute the water to feed your body and eliminate the unused and unnecessary waste items found, not only in your gut, but in your other organs and even the blood.



Many people drink only when they have moved past the point of dehydration. When you begin to thirst, your body has already moved to that state. It has depleted the reservoirs necessary to satisfy the need and sends the signal that you’re parched. Your body will even send the signal of hunger, for it is incapable of discerning the difference between the two sensations.



One great way to ensure you don’t dehydrate is to begin hydrating in advance. If you know you are going to spend the day in intense activity, whether indoors or out, begin to hydrate at least two to three hours in advance. If you really want to do it right, begin hydrating the day before.



According to Danielle Ratliff-Fryer, RD/CFT, the average sedentary body requires half its body weight in ounces of water daily to properly hydrate. This amount only increases with activity and exercise. Read it again, peeps, half your body weight. Can you honestly say you regularly provide that to yourself?



As the temperatures and your activity level increase this summer, consider your body’s needs when you reach for a drink. There is absolutely nothing wrong with consuming a variety of beverages (believe it or not, even I will reach for the occasional soda), so long as you get the water you need to function properly. You may begin to find your body runs a little longer and feels a little stronger. You may also find your body begins to look and feel a little better. You may even notice some weight loss. And best of all, you might even begin to develop a taste for the stuff. Bottoms up!



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, B-metro, beverages, Birmingham, dehydration, h2o, health, hydration, magazine, water

June B-Metro Article: Wanted: Strong Men & Present Fathers

Wanted: Strong men and present fathers.

 

By April Jones

Since June is a time to honor fathers, I thought it appropriate to encourage the men in our lives. This is, however, just as much for women as it is for men. I’ll warn you this piece comes from a true “Daddy’s Girl.” I know everyone doesn’t have a father in his or her life, and for many, the relationships are lacking. But I’ve been blessed with an incredible man I still call “Daddy.” My father has been an ever-present figure of love, support and wisdom. I wish everyone had a dad like mine (or at least a similar man in their lives). He set a standard that has allowed me to understand the characteristics of what I think of as a “true man” and the traits I wish to see present in a partner and father in my own home.



Having two children from two very different fathers, I can safely say no two men parent the same, nor “man” the same, for that matter. Our home has been both with and without a male leader. These variables have exposed me to dynamics of the ever-present void that is inevitably felt by all of us. My parents have always been married. I‘ve never known the experience of living between two houses, two parents and two lives. I always knew my father would be home for supper, sleep under the same roof and be present for family activities. And the men my parents brought into our lives were men of integrity. Not just anyone was invited to our home, and the men that were usually had their own families. They were men my family trusted. I strive to do the same for my own children as I befriend or date men. The ones I invite into my children’s lives are those I consider worthy examples of a gentleman, friend, partner and spouse.



It isn’t easy to see the desire and longing in your daughters for the presence and security of a man in the home. Despite the feminine propaganda, I believe all women desire a loving relationship with a father figure, a man who comes home daily to tell her she’s amazing, beautiful, worthy and valuable and who cherishes and protects her. When that isn’t available, be assured, it is sought out, one way or another.



Boys also need male affirmation and affection, but they also need a man to teach, guide, encourage, and inspire them. A woman can love her son, but she can never teach him how to be a man. And a woman can assure and affirm her daughters, but young girls develop confidence in how to love through the encouragement and gentle love of a father.



Men have a heavy load. I have such respect for my babies’ daddies! They are very different, with different lives, careers, zip codes and temperaments. Between these two fathers are two children with two schedules and two life experiences that will forever shape their own understanding of a man and, one hopes, a husband (when they are both 35). I see the longing and desire they have to be close to their dad. Many times, the comfort they seek I simply cannot supply. As strong as I am, I am not the strength they need. They desire the assurance only a man, a daddy, can provide.



I know it’s ideal to have two partners in the home. I believe God designed a family unit it its Yin-Yang complexity for a variety of reasons. As this concept of masculine and feminine properties of balance suggests, it takes both to provide a well-rounded example. You must know both man and woman to understand those relations within the self and be able to healthily approach the same in others. To have too much of either can be confusing and cause great imbalance. But the reality is that not all homes have a mother and father. In fact, most homes today don’t. But even if that’s the case, it is still possible to bring those dynamics into your child’s life. It is possible to bring incredible male energy and emotion into your home by adopting great men in your lives. Not all women have nor want men in their lives. But may I encourage you, for the sake of your children, to seek out strong, responsible men who exemplify the traits you want your son to emulate and who are like the man you’d want your daughter to marry. And men, may I encourage you to set the same example for the children in your lives, even if they aren’t your offspring.



There are some men that are doing the right things: supporting the mamas, making time for their children, extending themselves in order to be present and seeking to shape their kids’ lives. We all know there are plenty that aren’t, so let’s not even bother with that bashing session. Men, you know who you are, and for those that are stepping up, on behalf of all mothers, thank you. It takes strength and courage to be a man today. Just as media bombards women with ideas of who they should be, the same is done to men. Men, you are worth more than your pocketbook, car, career or politics, or even your abs, haircut or wardrobe. You are valued as the example you were designed to be. You were created to embody strength, courage, compassion, wisdom and honor. Today, more than ever, we need you to be the warrior men you were designed to be.



There are young boys looking to you to understand how to be a man. They need you to show them how to be a gentleman, hero and leader. There are young girls hungry for you to show them how to be a lady. They need you to show them how a gentleman behaves, what a hero does and how to lead alongside her partner. This father business is for the brave, relentless and courageous. The role you play in their lives today will be the role you see them portray tomorrow. As you enjoy this Father’s Day, consider the impact you are making in your home. And for those of us without your presence, consider the impact you are making in ours as well. Men, you are loved, honored and cherished.Thank you for raising us up, providing the backbone to our homes and inspiring us to be as strong as we believe you to be.



Tags: Alabama, April Jones, B-metro, Birmingham, fathers, Fathers Day, health, living, wellness

May 2012 B-Metro Article: Mother May I?

 Mother, May I?
Reflect the best parts of yourself in your children.

By April Jones

Mother, may I? May I have another cookie? May I go outside and play? May I stay up past bedtime? Out past curfew? Watch one more show? Play one more game?”



Although endearing, today we rarely hear “Mother, may I?” but more like, “GIVE ME, GIVE ME, GIVE ME!” The relentless cries and requests of children that echo in the ears of all mothers rarely contain words of appreciation and support. They are also rarely requests for things they can do for US, but more like things they want for themselves — and now! So Mothers, may I take a moment to express gratitude and encouragement for ALL you do — EVERY moment of EVERY day through your entire lives, and the lives of your children. Motherhood comes with great reward, but it is rarely expressed in the home from the lips of those we work hardest for. And it is rarely acknowledged by those who’ve never known the task of full-time caretaker for the home or the herd.



I know how difficult it is to be a mother. I am a single mother of two amazing children. And as great as I believe them to be, there is no denying the demands they make on me daily. These demands are not just physical but emotional and psychological. I believe my children to be the very best and worst of me, little mirrors that constantly reflect not only the nature of who it is I am shaping them to be, but who it is I am, or have been, when I am with them.



It brings great satisfaction to see your child demonstrate the characteristics you’ve strived so hard to engrain, like manners, generosity and affection. It also brings great pain to see them demonstrate the less noble characteristics they kearn from us—impatience, judgment, anger and even hostility. There is so much to learn from our children, especially when they play. You can hear them mimic life and experience in the voices of their dolls, the clamoring of their kitchens and the ways to which they communicate to one another. I have many a reality check when I listen to the various ways my oldest (being the ripe, young teenager of 16) speaks to her little sister (at the tender age of 6). There are times when the voice is soft and endearing. She is eager to listen, play and be present with her sibling. And then, there are times when the voice is so condescending, aggravated and completely disinterested. She wants absolutely nothing to do with her sister, because EVERYTHING she does “gets on her nerves.” I know a lot of this comes with the age and sibling territory. But if I get completely honest with myself, at times a lot of it comes from me. When I am patient with my children — eager to listen, fully present and engaging — my voice is soft, tender and loving. When I am not, well, let’s face it, the tones are sharp, short, distracted and irritable. I just want everyone to get out of my face and out of my way (holler if ya’ hear me, mamas)!



Not only are we responsible for teaching, protecting and providing for our children, we are responsible for demonstrating character, exemplifying integrity and communicating respect in both our words and actions towards them and others. Everyone knows walking speaks more than talking. And everyone has known the “Do as I say, not as I do” parent. But what is it we are truly demonstrating to our children? What do they see in us when someone cuts us off in traffic? Rushes to get in line ahead of us with a full buggy when we only have three items? When someone gives us too much change? When someone needs a helping hand? When someone straight up pisses us off? Our kids also see when and where we shop. When and what we eat. How and with whom we spend our free time. What do they see or hear? And what are they learning?



I know we all want to believe ourselves Mary Poppins -— practically perfect in everyway. I joke all the time in my home that I am. But we aren’t. We never will be, nor are we supposed to be. But we can be present and aware. We can be intentional about who we are raising by the character we demonstrate to our children. We can set standards in how we react and respond to others. We can show them discernment with how we spend our time and our money. We teach with every choice we make. Every act teaches one; every word leads to a conversation. We have great power in our homes to raise our children in “the ways that they should go.” The question is, what direction are you sending them in? What tools are you equipping them with? And how strong do you wish to make them with all that you have given?



Dedication and diligence reap great reward, not only in the character of our children, but the quality of their lives. There is no greater desire of a mother than to see her children be happy and successful. It brings pride to see our children demonstrating and honoring the values we worked so hard to teach. These are the legacies we leave behind. The inheritance of your words and wisdom are taught daily. The question is, are you leaving your children pearls or plastic baubles?

Silver Linings is Pleased to Introduce our Newest Addition

 “Teach what you want to learn,”  instructions once given to Cindy were words of wisdom she has chosen to pursue. With this in mind, Cindy approaches teaching from the heart. Hoping to inspire compassion and joy in her students, Cindy wishes to leave them with a sense of peace that they can carry throughout their lives, and spread wherever they may wander.

After the birth of her first child, and diagnosed with fibromyalgia, she began a practice of yoga when prescription drugs only created more symptoms and worsened her depression. Quickly discovering that western medicine had little to offer this devastating condition, she turned to more holistic means. Today, she uses only her daily yoga practice and a healthy, whole diet to manage her symptoms-believing we are all the owners of our own health.

Cindy completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in May 2012 with Akasha Ellis and Laure Tyree. She feels that yoga is one of the greatest gifts of this life. It has taught her to feel the joy and connectedness in every moment, and every movement. A fourth-degree black belt in Taekwondo, Cindy has a strong background in martial arts. She taught for ten years, and still has a great love of the art, and of the vigorous, intense physical movement. She brings this love to her vinyasa classes, creating an exciting, heart opening flow to build a strong, healthy body.

One of her greatest wishes is to have the opportunity to reach out to people in chronic pain, of any kind, and offer some of the beautiful, healing benefits of this amazing practice. You can join Cindy for her Saturday morning class at 8 am. Victorious Vinyasa (90 minutes)  is a fun, fresh flow to get you refreshed and energized for your weekend.

Hope and Healing Start from Within-April BMetro Article

Greetings, beautiful people of Birmingham. I am pleased to introduce myself to you as the new voice of health and wellness for B-Metro magazine. When people ask “What do you do?” I find I most often refer to myself as a “healing artist,” but “awareness consultant,” “prayer warrior” or “empowerment coach” would suffice, too. Due to the many arts I enjoy and the broad range of healing arts I practice and teach, I have found this simplicity incites greater interest than if I were to recite all of my titles. But since we are getting to know one another, allow me to take a moment to introduce myself.



I have the privilege of running a facility called Silver Linings LLC, a healing arts center where hope and healing truly unite. I am a licensed massage and neuromuscular therapist, a master medical massage practitioner, a Vedic Thai Yoga therapist, a Level 1 Qi Gong Instructor and one of Birmingham’s pioneer Yoga instructors. I have been a licensed therapist for 10 years, a yoga instructor for 14 and an artist for a lifetime. I draw. I paint. I am a photographer, a dancer, a singer, a jewelry maker. I love art of all kinds. I take the title of shaman quite seriously and believe my ordained calling is to challenge, create, console, uplift, encourage, inspire, educate and empower others as they travel the road of healing



I have always been drawn to nature, the Earth, the Divine Spirit, the wounded and the broken-hearted. I was never one to take anything at face value and always researched and read to fully understand anything I was interested in. I was the girl who brought home yoga books from the library, bought herb books at book fairs and mulled over creative visualization books while listening to Enya as a teen. I began practicing yoga at the age of 13 with the only book available to me at the time, titled Yoga. I know. Deep, right? As an insomnia–ridden teen, I would scour over the book filled with images of a leotard-clad woman in these positions I was already naturally doing and was astounded to learn they actually had names, aka “asanas.”



You could say I’ve always been of the “Earth muffin” persuasion, which I now embrace, and that bent has served me well. For not only have those interests continued to grow, but so has my passion and knowledge, to which I have dedicated my life and career. I am asked all kinds of questions regarding medical intervention and referrals, nutrition, supplements, herbs, fitness, spiritual enlightenment, emotional healing and other topics. Please note — I am not a physician, nor do I claim to be a medical authority. I don’t even play one on TV. But I am a medical professional. With a lifetime interest and investment in health and wellness, along with personal research and study, ranging from anatomy and physiology, to food, psychology, herbs and exercise, I believe myself equipped to direct and provide valuable information that can enlighten and empower. I feel education is the greatest vehicle to awareness, and awareness is what can lead to the empowerment necessary to heal.



I fear I must warn you, however, that the journey to wellness does not always wind down paths filled with sunshine and rainbows. I may step on a few toes, push your comfort level, dissect many of the “unmentionables,” challenge your beliefs and insist you take responsibility and be proactive. I will share what I know and seek answers for the things I don’t know. I am not known to tip-toe or hold back for the sake of easing the blow. But I’m also not known for tearing you down without full intentions of building you up. Ideas must often be challenged before they can be cultivated. Bodies must often be taxed in order to be strengthened. And spirits must be examined and sifted of debris in order to liberate the dark corners of the heart and mind. I look forward to many an opportunity to share and challenge you in the broad world of health, wellness and spiritual awareness by bringing you enlightening and educational information. Please know your comments and questions are always welcome. I invite you to engage and challenge me with your thoughts, ideas, questions or concerns. I believe honesty is most honoring to us all. I don’t claim to have it all together, but I love to learn and share on the journey. May you find my words a fountain of refreshment, a blessing and delight, like “golden apples in a silver basket!” Namaste, ya’ll.•

To view the original piece, please visit: http://b-metro.com/let%e2%80%99s-take-a-journey-together/5605/

3 Day Vedic Thai Table Course

Come study with Vedic Conservatory's Michael "Mukti" Buck for a

3 Day Vedic Thai Yoga on the Table Course
July 27th-29th, 2012.

This course teaches a longer 2 hour sequence of Thai-Yoga Body Work techniques.

You'll watch demonstrations, take notes in your manual, then practice giving and receiving with various partners in class.

You will learn:

-How to apply the 2 hour sequence of Thai-Yoga Bodywork asanas and techniques, including transitions.

-How to use breath, meditation,mantra, bandha, and Yogic techniques to enhance the quality of the session.

-To comprehend the theories of releasing the energy on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level.

The course is *$350(24 CEC's available),
which includes your manual, however this workshop is open to ANYONE wishing to expand their knowledge of Yoga,
and wish to share the love of touch and movement.

*This is the earlybird rate for those registered and paid by July 1, 2012.

For those registering AFTER July 1, the fee will be $375.

The course is offered July 27th-29th, from 9am-5pm daily.

Please contact April Jones at (205)401-5010 or thehealingartscenter@yahoo.com to register.

BMetro: Style Icon Feature, January 2012

Style Icon: April Jones, Instructor and Healer of Silver Linings: A Sanctuary for the Healing Arts

by Tracy Robinson

Photography by Chuck St. John

Dancer’s pose before the real dancing begins during a night on the town. Cherish tunic, Claire’s leggings, Niki Biki leg warmers, Guess peep-toe heels, vintage cuff, handbag, belt & scarf

It’s not everyday you hear someone include make-believe characters in their list of style influences, but April Jones’ self-described “predictably unpredictable” personal style was shaped by heroines of her childhood: Rainbow Bright (“for her vibrant color palette and crazy hair”); Miss Piggy (“for her gowns, gloves, rhinestones and frequent wardrobe changes”); Strawberry Shortcake (“who inspired earthy feminine wear”); Wonder Woman (“for her bad-ass boots and bangles”); and She-Ra, Princess of Power (“because she was just straight up sexy and strong”).

To represent the homecoming court in high school, April wore a pink vintage dress, vintage wool cloak and patent leather shoes. Vintage attire continues to be a favorite, and she has an ever-growing collection of clutches, gloves and parasols. April is known as the “thrift store queen,” although she prefers “thrifting connoisseur.” Dropping in local shops at least once a week, April’s rotation includes the Salvation Army on Green Springs and Highway 150, Goodwill on Green Springs, Mission Possible in Eastwood and Pinson, Big Saver in Roebuck, Alabama Thrift Store in Huffman and Planet Thrift in Center Point. She enjoys supporting local artists, thus much of her jewelry is purchased from art shows and galleries. And if she doesn’t have something that works, she’ll whip up something herself.

As a teen, April often threatened to shave her head, but that threat didn’t become a reality until 2005, when a friend began chemo treatments and April took the lead in support. After growing out her hair with her friend, this past June April decided it was again time to “relinquish the mane,” and a Mohawk was a look she’d always wanted to try. While to her mother’s chagrin, April discovered that most men find the daring hairstyle rather sexy, although she admits this may be more due to the fact that “when women think they are sexy, men think they are sexy, too.” As April points out, “You can’t hide behind a Mohawk. It takes a certain amount of confidence and self-assuredness to rock a hawk, and I feel I have a healthy dose of both.”

Not surprisingly, April’s favorite colors include the bold, full of energy hues of the sun: red, orange and yellow. But wardrobe selections are often dictated by her mood. Tired: jeans and a hat. Frisky: expect anything! The event, location, weather and crowd also factor in, as well as duration. Notorious for a wardrobe change, April usually has a back-up bag packed, “for round two of the evening.”

When it comes to trends, April says she doesn’t follow them, she starts them. “I was always the girl that was laughed at or made fun of for my wardrobe choices, but then watched others follow two to three years down the road,” she says. “I’m still that girl, and I’m OK with it.” That said, April is always mindful that she is a mother and businesswoman. When dressing, she considers the example she is giving her two daughters, Jade, 15, and Willow, 5. “Every layer I put on demonstrates what I consider acceptable and tasteful.” By the same token, she considers the message she’s sending a potential client or student. “It only takes a moment to send the wrong message, and I work hard to uphold the ethical boundaries of my profession, as well as the integrity of a confident and discerning woman.”

And quite a businesswoman she is. April is approaching her 14th year of teaching yoga in Birmingham and recently celebrated her 10th year practicing as a licensed massage and neuromuscular therapist. In the past three years, she created Healing Waters medicinal elixirs, opened Silver Linings, A Sanctuary for the Healing Arts on Southside, and became one of Birmingham’s first Level One Qi Gong instructors.

“I’m bold, I’m present, and I’m beautiful,” April says. “I say if you can’t step up, step off…or at least step aside.”

To learn more about April, including her suggestions for Optimal Wellness in the New Year, log on to Tracy’s Style blog at B-Metro.com. •

April’s Top 10 Things to do for Optimal Wellness in 2012

10. FORGET NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS. Commit to New Year’s Intentions. Sit down & create yourself a list of 3 categories: Spiritual, Emotional & Physical Intentions. Keep it simple and realistic, but set your intentions for AT LEAST 5 THINGS in each that you can do to make a positive impact on YOUR life, and YOUR WORLD.

9. FIND A WAY TO GET CONNECTED IN SERVICE. There are A LOT of amazing community projects, ministries, and outreach services in CONSTANT need of man power, financial aide and volunteer support. It is INFINITELY rewarding to plug in and serve an organization you believe in and are passionate about.

8. DESIGNATE SOME DOWN TIME. It is easy to get caught up in the many demands that clamor for our attention and energy. We are busier than ever, and that often leaves no time for personal reflection and TLC. Make a date with yourself for a hot bubble bath, sip some hot tea, read a good book, schedule a massage, or make it to a yoga class. But take time out to TAKE CARE OF YOU!

7. MAINTAIN A DAILY TIME OF PRAYER AND/OR MEDITATION. Many people avoid these activities and think them to be irrelevant. I have found taking time to be still, express needs, reflect, offer gratitude, and set forth my desires and intentions can be most powerful and transformational to my attitude and awareness throughout the day. What’s even MORE powerful is learning to sit and simply listen…no talking …just listening and being present.

6. BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU CONSUME. This goes for food, music, and all forms of media. There is a constant stream of energy that moves through, in and around us ALWAYS, but not everything has a place within. If you find there are things you ingest that aren’t building you up and providing strength, then be assured they are most definitely doing quite the opposite, draining and tearing you down.

5. SORT, SIFT, AND PURGE. The New Year is an incredible time to sort through the MANY places we store our belongings, our attentions, and even our affections. Much like the food, music and media we ingest, the belongings we collect and store house energy. It may be there are things you’ve kept or collected that no longer serve you. If you haven’t used it, haven’t seen or, or don’t even remember having it, it may be time to let it go. Consider donating, recycling, or having a sale…just let it go!

4. PLAN SOME PLAY TIME. Now, I’m serious about the seriousness of how very serious we can be. Children laugh and smile because they PLAY, and you should to! Designate time in your day, your week, and definitely every month to disconnect and simply enjoy the things you love: your family, your community, your hobby. But PLAY-with arms wide open in complete, reckless abandon! Just play!

3. CREATE. Now, I can hear the many of you already say, “I don’t have a creative bone in my body!”  But I would press to argue that half-truth by saying we ALL have the ability to create. Many simply think of this as art, but consider gardening, cooking, model building, car renovations, wood working, organizing, or writing. Any thing to which you have a passion or interest for has room for creation. Free yourself of the idea of the outcome-just build, shape, and create!

2. CLARIFY & INVEST. Make a point to review where you are investing: your time, your money and your energy. Taking the time to honestly look at how you are spending your resources can provide you great freedom and peace. It may be you are financially, physically or emotionally drained due to the investments you’ve chosen. If you don’t like the current returns, then change the investments!

1. GET ACTIVE. Take steps every day to increase your activity. Simple things like a brisk walk in the morning or after dinner, a fun dance class, or even some type of group exercise class( MAY I SUGGEST YOGA?)  is a great way to get started.  If you are already active, but bored, try a new sport, workshop or boot camp! If you really want to vamp it up, join me for Momentum: A Yoga in Motion series ™ Activity requires effort, and effort takes energy. Increase your activity, and you increase your efforts. When you increase your efforts, you increase your energy-see how this works!?

ABUNDANT HEALTH, JOY AND BLESSINGS TO YOU THIS NEW YEAR! NAMASTE!

Henna, Hugs and Yummy Foot Rubs

If you are looking for a

GREAT NEW WAY

to celebrate Valentine’s Day,

then grab your hunny and join us for

HENNA, HUGS AND YUMMY FOOT RUBS!

FEBRUARY 11TH, FROM 1:30-3

PLEASE RSVP BY FEBRUARY 8TH

$35 for Individuals, and $50 for Couples

-Select from Essential Oils chosen for their sensuous properties to create your own sensual massage oil for you to use and take home.

 

-Enjoy wine & light treats as you learn relaxing hand & foot massage techniques.

 

-Experience an intimate partner meditation where you learn to create, observe, & honor an intimate space with your partner without words.

 

-Receive a lovely henna tattoo from Adrianne Morrison in honor of your loved one.

To RSVP your spot, please contact April Jones, lmt/nmt/mmp

of Silver Linings, llc:

205-401-5010

Or

thehealingartscenter@yahoo.com

Holiday Opportunities, Specials & Updates

Greetings, friends & family! I hope this finds you refreshed by the cool winds, preparing to wind down and close the doors to outside distraction & turn your attention towards the heart, the home, and the families that abide their to make daily life happen! This has been a most delightful year for The Sanctuary, the Silver Linings community, and the various outreach opportunities we've been able to provide & participate in!

We had a blast hosting Mukti Michael Buck that brought Vedic Thai Yoga for the local massage & yoga community, as well as our OH SO FUN Cupcake for a Cause Event supporting She Dances! It has been MOST EXCITING to partner with Sanovia Muhammad for Tuesday night Kripalu Yoga & Adrianne Morrison for Monday's Yoga for Beginners & her Chakra Balancing Series on Thursdays. What a rewarding & refreshing journey we've been on TOGETHER! Thank you, sincerely, for supporting Silver Linings, our home & guest instructors, the artist, and the ministries we've chosen to support! YOU ARE ALL SO GENEROUS & AMAZING. It is because of each of you that The Sanctuary exists. It is because of each of you that I am able to share what I love, love who I share with, and promote the love an generosity of an amazing King that loves and wants to HEAL us!



I have some FUN & NEW WAYS to help you connect this holiday season! The Sanctuary will be collecting items for the young women in Honduras that rest under the protective wings of She Dances. SHOULD YOU BE INTERESTED, I will be providing a list of the young girls names(of which there will be 6), a list of items to be collected & distributed amongst the girls, and further information on ways you might be able to contribute and support this amazing organization that is setting young woman free of the bondage of sexual slavery & trafficking. YOU MAY ADOPT ONE TO COLLECT FOR, or YOU MAY SIMPLY HELP WITH THE MASS COLLECTION BY SELECTING ANY of the listed ITEMS TO COLLECT & DROP OFF!


The Sanctuary has a few specific needs that should you have on hand but no longer use, or should you wish to purchase & donate, include:

LARGE throw pillows( ideally free of animal hair/dander), yoga/exercise balls, floor heaters, Christmas lights, sheer fabric,tea light candles, fitted sheets.

YOU GUYS have been amazing to provide the needs of this shared & sacred space, and it is SO FELT when people first arrive! It has been a community effort to make The Sanctuary a safe & comfortable space for people to come & connect seeking hope and healing!


FOR YOU, I am providing once again my holiday specials & gift certificates. It is ALWAYS an honor to receive the referal of your friends & families. I know I always say it, but I feel I must express my gratitude to you...this business IS because of ALL OF YOU! To be trusted to love & nurture YOUR loved ones is an honor and I take that responsibility very seriously. TO LOVE, NURTURE AND SUPPORT ALL OF YOU, is a gift, a pleasure, and truly most rewarding! I cannot express the joy it brings me to see EACH of you grow as individuals, expand as human beings, release hurt and pain held in your bodies, and begin to experience TRUE LIVING when liberated from the limitations of sickness & disease!


The month of December is PAY WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD month for single class studio purchases. This gift is available to those with a TRUE DESIRE BUT INABILITY TO AFFORD the regular practice of Yoga. The Sanctuary instructors understand this is a most difficult month for MANY. With stress increasing around the holidays for those missing loved ones, those experience great financial loss and/or burden, and those simply unable to find any joy amongst the season, we want to offer you a place of rest, comfort and peace. PLEASE COME PRACTICE WITH US, and know that their is
NO GREATER GIFT WE CAN GIVE than being fully present for ourselves...and others.
For all else, know that you can receive $5 off the regular single class rates, and $10 off all bulk class passes!



ALL GIFT CERTIFICATES ARE VALID for 6 months on single sessions, and one year for packages. You may also purchase general Gift Certificates for various amounts to be applied towards services at The Sanctuary. This allows the recipient to select their own steps to the journey! These prices are good starting November 1st-December 23rd, 2011. PLEASE CONTACT ME BY PHONE, TEXT OR EMAIL TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR YOUR GIFT CERTIFICATES. These may be picked up OR MAILED for your convenience.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS FOR
MASSAGE, PRIVATE YOGA & QI GONG

& VEDIC THAI YOGA:

 1hour Table Massage, $75

5, 1 hour Table Massage, $350

5, 1.5 hour Table Massage, $525

 1 hour private Yoga or Qi Gong session, $45

5, 1 hour private Yoga or Qi Gong session, $200

5, 1 hour COUPLES private Yoga or Qi Gong session, $300

1 hour Private Qi Gong or Yoga session + 1 hour table massage, $100

5, 1 hour Private Qi Gong or Yoga session + 1 hour table massage, $550

VEDIC THAI YOGA MASSAGE, $100

5, 1 hour VEDIC THAI YOGA MASSAGE, $500

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN for MOMENTUM: A Yoga in Motion series (TM) scheduled to begin Monday, January 9th, and run EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY OR SATURDAY morning through March 10th. YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT THIS INCREDIBLE LIFE & PHYSIQUE SHAPING workshop by scrolling down on the right. IF REGISTERED & paid IN FULL by December 23rd, 2011, you will receive an additional $25 off the original FULL COST of the workshop! Silver Dollar holders can receive $35 off the original FULL COST of the workshop! ALL general Gift Certificates may be applied towards this workshop.

HOLIDAY SPECIALS ON MOMENTUM:

1 day a week, $ 250

2 days a week, $ 325

3 days a week, $ 400

 

All MOMENTUM PRICING will return to the regular rate AFTER DECEMBER 23RD, 2011

This infomation is ALWAYS available to you on the blogspot. You will be able to find the current class schedules, NEW services, pricing for standard rates & specials, workshop information & ways to connect by visiting www.thehealingartscenter.blogspot.com . To find out more about the She Dances organization, please visit www.shedances.org 

Cup Cakes for a Cause, Benifitting She Dances

Silver Linings will be hosting 
Cupcakes for a Cause on
September 3rd, from 4-6!

This event will be a fund raiser to benefit She Dances.

She Dances provides holistic restoration for young girls who have been trafficked and sexually exploited in Honduras. Bring some friends, the family, and a batch of cupcakes.

We will have fun enjoying some sweets, have a cupcake competition, and learn more about how to help and get involved with this amazing organization.

 Plan to bring a batch of your most scrumptious cupcakes, some fun things to decorate with, and some friends.

(Please bring $5 for donation and invite EVERYONE YOU KNOW!!!)

 To find out more information, go to www.shedances.org

Silver Linings:A Sanctuary for the Healing Arts

Where Hope & Healing Unite

Psalm 71:14-15

Rapha Hands Massage & Yoga Therapy is so excited to begin PHASE I of presenting & becoming

Silver Linings: A Sanctuary for the Healing Arts.

Opening in April 2010, Silver Linings will take over The Yoga Circle's old space in the Heart of Five Points South.

1805-11th Avenue South

Birmingham, Al 35205

The dream behind Silver Linings is to provide a unique environment of healing to people with various needs through community, movement, self-exploration & self-care. Utilizing the various tools of

Massage Yoga Dance Art

Support Groups

&

Growth Workshops,

one can experience a more connected, balanced & restored state of being. This awareness leads to hope, healing & freedom. Silver Linings seeks to encourage individuals to become their greatest self & encourage community to unite in truth & in spirit!

Silver Linings seeks the opportunity to: offer various educational & specialty classes throughout the week, including NO Cost classes; harbor a safe place for support groups; provide various healing therapies; encourage growth & healing with counseling; provide space for local artist to host & display works on consignment; house community mixers & dances;host various community events & workshops; attract national educators; and last, but not least,

transform the world through tenderness & compassion!

This is going to be an amazing community to be apart of! You are going to have MANY opportunities to step up & serve. You are going to be encouraged, challenged, inspired & blessed! Isn't it about time there was a place FOR YOU? A place where you can connect, heal & grow? The time is now...the place, SILVER LININGS!

Learn to integrate your awareness of breath & movement obtained on the mat into an energizing, cardiovascular experience! Learn to adjust your body mechanics and breath to overcome various challenges arising from charging the city's terrain. You will not only be improving your vascular health, but you will also be challenging your body physically beyond what you could traditionally explore in your yoga practice. Mometum is an eight-week commitment of intentional movement that will provide you with long-lasting adjustment skills and awareness that continue to improve and impact your walking and your yoga. Awaken your breath, body, and mind as you charge city hills with awareness! You will stride with grace and ease after discovering and mastering the body adjustments and breath it requires to hike a 24 degree incline through Birmingham's rolling hills and reach the top with the same slow breathing you have on a flat surface. You will learn controlled breath and mindful adjustments like lifting the spine and dropping the heels to improve posture, diaphragmatic breathing and energy. This is a fun, new, and exciting way to explore your practice, or start a new one and take it off the mat!
This series is great for avid walkers and runners, cyclist, or any other athlete looking to improve their existing fitness regimine with greater stamina and endurance. Momentum was created and brought to you by April Jones, Birmingham's native massage therapist, and one of the city's pioneer yoga therapists. Always looking for new ways to take yoga off the mat and apply it to life, this technique was discovered during one of her favorite past times-walking. Noticing a significant difference in energy levels and ease of breath when applying the same fundamental yoga techniques, she discovered she could transition from inclines to flat terrain, back to life with greater ease and energy through the same simple breathing and adjustments she makes on her mat. This is an incredible adventure that she can not wait to take you on! Class size is limited, so please act now. The session size is intentionally kept small in order to maximize your Momentum experience. The next Momentum series will begin on Tuesday, January 11th and end on March 5th, 2011. ACT NOW!! If you are interested and would like to register, please email April at thehealingartscenter@yahoo.com, and use MOMENTUM REGISTRATION INFORMATION in the subject box. You will be sent the registration information and requirements, along with deadline dates to register. All information must be completed and returned in order to ensure your spot in this series.

Special for Home Coming!

Dear Friends, I hope to find you and your family well. It's warming up nicely, and everything is in full bloom! I must confess, spring is my FAVORITE season, and I haven't had much of one. But, I am so excited to see summer approaching as I spend my last few days here in Clermont preparing for the "big move"! I can not WAIT to be back in Birmingham! I will be returning to the old stomping grounds of Southside. I am excited to be hosting you in our new home which will house a private office. The new address is 1512-16th Street South.
I am eager to hit the ground running with some great new yoga classes, some new massage techniques, and a few workshops I've got planned for this fall and winter. Thanks to all of you for your support as we experienced this part of our journey away from home. It was always a blessing to see any of you I could when I returned for holidays, and to hear from you through mails an phone calls. With all the excitement experienced here, it was bound to unleash the creative energy within, so I look forward to sharing with you some new ideas in healing and wellness. I also look forward to sharing with you our journey through 2 years of what I will deem the Refinement Period.
I will be sending an update to everyone on the new prices. These will be posted soon under 3 separate entries: Price Sheet: MASSAGE; Price Sheet: YOGA; & Price Sheet: Additional Services. You will still be able to purchase single sessions and packages as before, but now, there are a few new options for class packages and bundle sessions. The bundle sessions will be for those who are combining massage, private yoga, and classes.
Until then, I want to let you know about some specials I am running ONLY through the month of June. This package will be of significant savings (even less than the traditional packages), and as with all packages, you will have up to one year to use it. Mother's & Father's Day are right around the corner, as are summer weddings, so consider those on your gift list as well! If you should decide to pre-purchase your package, you will need to be prepared to mail your payment prior to scheduling your appointment. I will call you as soon as payment is received to schedule your first appointment. It will not be until July, however, that you are able to receive your first massage or yoga session. ( I need a little time to set up the place!)

5, 1 hour massages: $350

5, 1.5 hour massages: $550

5, 1 hour yoga sessions: $200

5, 1.5 hour yoga sessions: $400

The Ultimate Savings:

5, 1 hour massages+1 hour yoga sessions: $600

I look forward to seeing you all again soon. Until then, take care of yourself and check your calendar for dates that we can get together. Many blessings to you and yours!

If you are interested and would like to purchase a package, please mail your check, payable to April White to: 1230-10th Street, Clermont, Fl, 34711

There's No Place Like Home!

It has been a small forever since I last sat down and even began to share the details of our journey. We have forgone many comforts in this new land, but have been richly provided for through this incredible new community we have grown to love, as well as the Father's generous hand!
Each time I return home, there is a newer appreciation for being surrounded by the comfort of things I've always known. My family, my friends, streets I know, my favorite restaurants. I think I may have only driven into the city on 2-3 seperate occasions, and each time have been lost or turned around. Even though I have not been able to venture out into the metropolitan Orlando, I have been able to venture into many homes of some of the most loving and generous people I've ever known.
When I first came to Clermont, I cried out, journaled, & shared with friends how lonely I was- how isolated I felt. How I longed for a community like I'd never known-how I needed a support system, friends to lean on and love on! And although my community back home has transformed, some falling away, and others drawing closer, God has opened my eyes to a community that I had always dreamed existed, but had never truly experienced.
During our past two years, I can not begin to list, nor remember, the amount of repossesion letters we have received for vehicles, how many times our water or power have been cut off, the amount of times our cupboards have been bare, or the dollars added to our credit card for the necessity of groceries and gas. During these trying times, we have repeatedly been questionned about the authenticity of God's calling- as if His people are not given the opportunity to 'consider it all joy'! We have listened to continuous pleads for our return home, and many times had the desire ourselves. But as frustrating as a situation might have come, as broken as our hearts often were for home, as lonely as we might have felt, and as empty as our pocketbooks grew, we never heard God tell us the time had come...until now.
The craziest thing about God's timing is that it isn't ours, and it doesn't always make sense to us. Our family was just now truly getting the feel for Clermont. Jayde was settling into school and doing well, I was looking for a house, Adam was searching out school's to further his career. But, I had been in prayer about what our next step was to be- where did God want us now. What did He want us to focus on. God came to Adam in the night...just like He had come to me before. Except this time, the directions were to go home. God told Adam our time was up.
Adam restled with this as much as the initial call to come...why now? why did He call us here to begin with? God quickly reminded Adam that had He told Adam He was moving us here for 2 years, taking everything from us, stripping us to our bare bones-he would never have agreed to come. Adam's response, "God, you're right"...and of course He is. I must confess, I would not have agreed to come either..which is why we don't have insight God has- we can't comprehend it.
I thought I was surrendered to God. I thought I lived by faith. I thought I truly trusted Him for my provision. And I did; as much as I could at the time. But in hindsight, I didn't have a clue what that looked like. It took God removing every fathomable comfort we had, and didn't even know we had, to force us to examine who we were as stewards of our family, our finances, and our faith. I could never have learned these things staying in the comfort of the land I've always known. It took me being tossed into the wilderness to truly understand who I am in God, who I am to God, and who I am for God.
God called us to Clermont. That I do not doubt for a New York minute. But what we thought God had planned for us and what He actually had planned were, not so horribly different, just unexpected. I'm glad we were obedient. I'm glad we made this move.
I look forward to coming home, which we will do in June. But I must say that it is so bittersweet. As much as I long to be home, I have grown to love this community. The friends God has blessed me with I have grown to love like friends I've known for years, some, even my entire life. I have been witness to a Christ-centered community that has gone beyond what would have ever been required. We have not only been blessed through material provision, but we have been enriched spiritually with fertilizer so strong it can only be holy! To have people constantly show you Christ's love, mercy, grace, understanding, provision and friendship- well, I'm not sure I'll ever be able to find the words to describe it!
I pray I am able to bring back what I have learned from my friends here. I pray I am able to give to Birmingham what Clermont has given to me. Until then, I will remain present and continue to soak up the time I have left. As much as I love it here, I know there truly is no place like home!

God's Done it Again!!!

Then Peter said, " See, we have left all and followed You." So He said to them, "Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive many times more in this present time, and in the age to come eternal life."

Luke 18:28-30

I called my mother in tears about 3 or 4 weeks ago after a long week of what seemed to be relentless opposition. Our power had been shut off, AGAIN, the phone shut off, AGAIN, and we received one of those letters in the mail that everyone looks forward to; a repossession notice from the bank that we had 7 days to respond, or bye-bye truck. I just needed to hear someone tell me it was going to be okay- that it was going to get better- some words of encouragement and support. But that was not what I received. As my mother began to share that she didn't have any words of encouragement to give because she did not believe my family was to be in Clermont, she also went on to sharing her reasoning. HOWEVER, the spirit inside gently spoke, and I chose to instead cling to the whispers from within instead of the clammer from outside. God reminded me the signs and scriptures He gave in directing us here was not for my family, my mother, or my friends, but for me, for Adam, and for our family. I heard Him gently say, "Hold on! I've still got you, I'm still listening, I'm still providing. Just hold on, because I'm doing what I do, and I still care-I see where you are, and I'm not going to drop you. Just keep trusting, keep following, keep listening." I didn't get what I was looking for from my mother, but at the same time, I got exactly what I needed from my God!

My mantras have changed each week, and I've had many:

God didn't bring us here to drop us on our heads.

God knows what our needs are, He's going to provide.

Lord, I'm trusting you. I don't understand, but I'm trusting you.

Can I just get a break?

Where are you?

I know you wouldn't bring us here to ruin our credit, raise our debt, and let us starve!

Oh yes, I've had many mantras repeated over and over, and many more, which I just don't care to share, but each one, God's heard. And each week, He provides, just not in ways which I would want Him to, initially, or think He should, initially. But He does it.

Our most recent provision was incredible. We've been working with a couple to create a budget for our family, and see what financial assistance they could help us with. At the same time, God has blessed me with a new friend, Kim, who moved to Clermont about 2 years ago, and shares a struggle and story so similar to ours that when I first heard her share it, I thought, "this is our story!" This couple who is helping us also blessed us with provisions for a babysitter and datenight every other week for the next couple of months! (Again, weird needs that God sees, but we don't even consider!)

So, Adam and I had a date night, and we were just praising God for the many ways He is stretching our faith, and how He is using us to minister to others. But isn't it like the enemy to come right behind the blessing and try to steal your joy? We awoke to our water being cut off, AGAIN, and all I could think is how this pattern is becoming predictable with Satan. Just like him after an incredible night of edifying our King! So, Adam says, "What are we going to do?"

"What we planned on doing before this happend," I said. " We are going to the pool to meet up with Kim, we'll scrounge up what we have to pay the minimum, and take what we need to shower there." So we did. With the tips Adam had just earned, and my $2, we were able to get the water reconnected, and then we headed to the pool.

When we arrived, Kim slipped a little pouch into my bag and said, "This is from me and Michael. We both feel you guys should have this." I chose not to look at it then, just said, "well, whatever it is, thank you." While we are at the pool, our landlord called Adam. We had previously asked how much notice he would need, as well as the penalty if we were to find somewhere less expense to live before our lease was up. The same couple helping with our budget is also on the lookout for a less expensive place to live. He had said he would do what he could to work with us, and that he would talk to Adam about it later. When they spoke, Adam explained that this pay check HAD to go to some bills, because usually, it all goes to our rent. At this point, we had only been able to pay $800, and our total rent is $1400. We have never been able to pay our rent all at one time, and our landlords have been such a blessing by allowing us to trickle our rent to them throughout the month. The problem we discovered once looking at our budget was that Adam's income barely covers our rent plus one to two other bills each month. So instead of ever catching up, we've just continued to get further and further behind.

Dave, our landlord, was really understanding, saying that his goal was not to break our family. He asked what Adam thought we could afford for the next two months (which are the last 2 months due through our lease), and Adam said, "well, what's the minimun you can take?"

"I was thinking $1000."

"We'll take it!" Adam said.

So Dave goes on to say that we don't have to pay anymore for the month of March, and that we will only owe $1000 for April and May, because June's rent was paid up front. So Adam get off the phone and shares what just happened, and we are both so overwhelmed, excited and releaved. I then turn to share with Kim what just happened, and she said, "One thousand dollars?! Wow, that's amazing!"

YES IT IS!! So, Kim leaves and we keep her key for the pool and shower. I went to place the key in the little pouch she gave, and decided to go ahead an open her gift. There was a little sheet of yellow construction paper, and written on it said, 'This is a blessing from the Lord.' When I unwrapped it, I thought at first that what I saw was a check for $100, but when I looked again, I realized it was a check for $1000! I was overwhelmed and just cried. All I could think was how amazing, Dave just said $1000, and here is this check for our rent- for the EXACT amount! So I share with Adam as soon as I come outside.

"Guess what Mike & Kim gave us!" I said.

"A gift card for groceries!" he said, which is funny, because I just assumed that's what it was too.

"No, guess again."

"A check." he said hesitantly.

"Yes, do you want to guess for how much?" I said, about to burst!!!

"I dunno."

So, when I told him $1000, he was shocked. What was the coolest thing about it- for Adam, he said, was that this was the first miracle he'd ever seen God without a doubt do.

And here I was, a few weeks before sayin' to my God with tears in my eyes, "why are here? what are we doing here, we are broke, this is miserable, i hate this!" And all the while, He was working up this plan (among others, I know). You want to know what's really cool, is when we went to return the key and say thanks, Kim was so insistant on not receiving the glory, but that they were just giving from the provisions given to them. That when Kim and I had shared our stories, she wanted to give me a check right then to help us, but knew she needed to wait, pray and talk to her husband. They invested three days of prayer into the amount they should give, and both came up with $1000.

God's assurancances aren't casual, nor are His provisions. He did a few other things immediatly afterwards, and we are on the road to bringing our debt up to date, but I've held you captive long enough. I will close with this: He has honored our obedience to follow by giving us our rent, groceries, power, AND EVERY NEED, through random individuals, some of whom we've known, but mostly from those we don't. God can use whomever He wants, including you! His promises are real, His assurances are real, and His power is real! He didn't feed the thousands without plans to feed you. And He didn't perform miracles in the past just to prove He could, but to give us the expectation for them! He is awesome and relentlessly faithful!