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!

Intentionally Joyful....

Consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, you faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don't try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way. James 1:2-4 (The Message)

As I am surrounded by my friends and family this season, I easily feel a sense of peace, assurance and joyfulness. However, the past few months during the "transition" phase, I somehow lost that joy- not the peace and assurance, but the joy. I found myself so often mourning and grieving, angry because so many of the things I thought were going to happen one way have happened another, or not at all. Instead of keeping my total attention upwards, I've allowed it so many times to shift diagnally, horizontally, kadawumpusly-following the direction of distraction, lack, confusion, loneliness and loss.
Just as my attention shifts, so does my joy. I've unconsciously fallen into the trap set before me, and just like my lost brothers and sisters, been overwhelmed and overcome by the world, handling the stresses no different than one who has not been given any hope. I lose sight of the power of intent. Instead of bringing myself immediately to the awareness that I'm chasing the dark rabbit into the deep hole, I mindlessly chase it so far into the depths, that I sometimes get stuck in the crevices seeking my way out. Sometimes I'm out in moments, sometimes days.
But the beauty of perspective comes more easily when you are back home and surrounded by comfort. The faces you know, the roads you know, the predictability of life as you've always known it seems to open the doorway for clarity- the doorway I've had a hard time opening, and sometimes walking through.
So, with the new year, I've decided to take this step through the doorway very seriously. Not with resolutions, but resolve. I've decided to take a focused approach- intentional joyfulness. When I'm in the midst of distractions-unpaid bills, another rejection when attempting to establish relationship, not seeing my husband because of his insane hours, a tired and fussing baby, an angry and confused preadolescent- I'm going to detach and check myself. Am I going to chase the rabbit of inevitability? It is inevitable to experience all of these things- I'm transitioning. But my response is not, nor does it have to be. I can feel it and not be consumed by it. Instead of getting stuck in the hole, I hope to not even enter it by immediately shifting my focus on my abundant blessings. By being intentional in my joyfulness, I believe that not only will I overcome them, but I will overcome them with more power and gain even more insight and understanding to pass on to those that come behind me.
I'm grateful for new years. A new year with new focus. A new year with new intent. A new year with new lessons. A new year for renewed life. Namaste.

Always on a Learning Curve..

The past two weeks have been some of the most trying weeks for me emotionally, spiritually, relationally. Although God assured us prior to our move, and continues to assure us even now, that we would be provided for, it is none the less exhausting and strenuous to wait patiently for His divine provision. I heard it said by Rick Ousley, that for a god who is timeless, He is neither late, nor early, but ALWAYS right on time.

So, let's explore that a bit shall we?

Since our move, God placed on my heart a friend of mine. I could not figure out why he was so heavy on my heart, and just lifted Him up in prayer assured that whatever his need, God knew. But one morning, I just couldn't shake him, and decided to call in order to get specifics on how it was that I should pray for him. He shared his heart's struggle, which at this time was finances. He's in business for himself, in debt, and not knowing where the money is going to come from. God has assured him he's gonna be taking care of, but the anxiety is there none the less. He shares further details, and then asks about me- what am I dealing with and how could he pray for me. Now, do you think it any 'coincidence' that God burdened my heart with a friend who was also struggling with where he was to recieve his daily bread at such a time that I too was struggling? Well, if you doubt, continue on.
So, I share that I am also struggling. Adam and I are broke, but continuing to trust. That the transition has been difficult, but comforted with the peace and assurance God has promised. That I was lonely, and really having a hard time making friends with the ladies in the neighborhood. BUT MY CURRENT BATTLE, was with the newest challenge God gave me the day before; "receive love offerings for your work and allow me to determine your worth. " ..oh yes..the conversation between me and God went like this:
"receive love offerings for your work and allow me to determine your worth. "
"what the *#%$? GOD ARE YOU SERIOUS? MORE UNCERTAINTY? was moving to Florida not enough? now, I'm not supposed to charge?"
"Trust me, and I'll determine your value, and give you what you need each day. I'll see to it that you are paid accordingly."
"OK...God, that's bold..I don't know if I can hang..I really don't. I want to know what's coming in..I want to know what to expect..I want to know what I'll be bringing to the table...THIS DOESN'T MAKE SENSE!!!!"

Yeah, crazy right? Well, as I shared with my friend, he said, "all that keeps coming to mind is Prov.3:5..lean not on your own understanding, but trust in Him, and in all things, He will direct your path."
So, after we hung up, I grabbed my bible (I like to read the entire chapter, not just snipits). Now, earlier that morning, I had journaled, "God, I'm lonely..I need friends. I'm here to serve, I'm here to minister. What is it that you want me to do? I need insight and wisdom. I need to hear directly from you..please, speak to me."
Well he did. Not only did he speak through my friend, but as I continued to read down further, He spoke so loud it brought tears to me.
"You're blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight. She's worth far more that money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary. Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her. "
Oh yes..and you'd think that's all I needed for convincing right? But no, I sought out my mother and poured my heart out even more, but continued to talk it back around full circle. God did not bring me to Clermont to make money- he called me here to serve and minister. And if my focus truly is set on the winning of souls and growing the kingdom; of healing and nurturing the spiritual and emotinal upsets in lives, then He promises me all else will be given to me. (Matthew 6:33)
All else includes my rent, my groceries, my clothes. But I still wrestled with it. All that day, and the following, my prayer was simply, "God, I want to be obedient..I really do want to be obedient, but I don't know how. I don't know if I can." If you've never wrestled with God, let me just say, it's exhausting. It's exhausting to fight, and it's exhausting to resist, but when you can't shake it, and the peace doesn't come, you gotta let it go. So I journaled that night with resolve.
"OK, God. I surrender all. We'll do it your way, although it doesn't make sense. I've got all kinds of questions, but I'll trust."

INSTANT PEACE! INSTANT PEACE!

I knew the choice was made, and was able to rest in the assurance that He never goes back on His word. That Sunday, our pastor had a friend in from Birmingham. We talked about his visit, and I suggested he come by the house so I could nurture him with a massage. I had shared with him later that evening, when asked, how God had recently challenged me, and how I had accepted, just trusting and curious as to how things would turn out. He scheduled, and wound up coming to see me later in the week. He received his massage, and said he wanted to make a donation, which I graciously accepted. We visited for a while, and then he left. Would you like to take a ganter at how greatly we were blessed?


Take your time, I'll give you a moment.

$1000. $1000. Have you ever heard of anyone paying $1000 for a massage? For paying $1000 and not even being given an amount? THANK YOU , GREAT PROVIDER! What an incredible gift, and of impeccablly divine timing, to boot..cause rent was waaaayyyy past due, the gas was on 'E', and we were growing ever-more anxious.
I say all that to say this. God didn't come on my time, or the landlord's, which would have been at the first of the month. Nor did he come the following week, which would have been a little more comfortable, although still not 'on time'. Instead, he chose to challenge my faith in the midst of an already uncertain time, with the very thing that we needed most- money..and yet, He promised AND delivered ON HIS TIME.
Need I say more? Well, maybe just a little. I thought before we left, that I had gone to a pretty intense level with God..that my understanding and intimacy with Him deeper than I've ever known. But He continues to show me that not only am I only scratching the surface, I'm always gonna be on a learning curve. I'm never gonna have Him figured out. And I'll never be able to depend on my resources alone, because there are gonna be times where I just don't have it all together. But in His timing, through His teaching, through His provision, I'll slowly get it.
So here's to learning, and here's to learning curves!

A Grateful Heart Is a Happy Heart

Prior to our family leaving town, our family was praying about a car. If we should keep ours, have it repaired, purchase a new one. For those of you who know me well, you know how I struggle to ask for financial help (although it's becoming a more frequent challenge, it is growing easier). And isn't it just the thing we struggle with that God is constantly challenging us to overcome?
So on my way to work, I see this beautiful car at a used car lot, and heard I was to ask our friends and family to help us with a car. My response (which is the usual one), was, 'whoa, God..that's bold..A CAR? I'm supposed to ask friends and family to help us buy a car? So I agreed to accept the challenge, and did. I approached many friends and family, and everytime, the statement was the same, and the response the same..
"Adam and I have found a car for just over $9000- will you talk to your husband/wife/family, pray about it, and see if you can help?" And without falter, every person I asked said "yes". Adam and I were floored by the generousity abounding as some gave $25, $50, $150, $250 and $500!!! We wound up with just under $2000, placed the money into savings until we found what we felt was best, and then made offers. Unfortunately, and yet by His knowing provision, all offers fell through. Adam came back from extensive prayer believing the money would be used best to repair the things needed on our car and keep it-for now. DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH IT COST?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
You got it, just under $2000!
Thank you so much to so many of you for your obedience to the Father in His prompting to give. Thank you to those who chose to bless our families leave with the financial gift towards the car, and thank you for those who were unable to give, but lifted our needs up in prayer.
I also thank you for continuing to pray for us regarding our finances.
When time permits, I'll share with you the latest blessing and struggles. Until next time, love and blessings!

A New World In Techni-Color!

Who knew when we were moving that we would step into the world of techni-color!
Our move here was long, 15 hours to be precise, and the adjustment isn't final, however, we have quickly grown comfortable with the diversity surrounding us. We have neighbors from South America, the Caribbeans, Puerto Rico, the Phillipines! I'm sure there's more, but that's just who we've met so far-man, how incredible is our God who made such beautiful, colorful people!
Adam just got a job with UPS, . Prayerfully, he will be able to endure this job of extreme heat and physical labor. He will be loading the trucks from 4am to 9am, so it will begin as a part-time job. This means there is still much to do in searching for supplemental income during the day. Please be in prayer that he will quickly move into a full-time position with the company, and something that will help substantially in the meantime.
I've been taking classes to fullfill my licensure requirements here. Let me just share how cool God's timing is. I received a phone call for an appointment my first week here, but had to decline because my affairs are not yet in order to work. I had made multiple phone calls to therapist here, but was only able to connect with one. She was so helpful, and asked if I had already submitted my paperwork to the state. I told her I was pretty confused on all of it and still wasn't sure where to begin. She said she had the name and number of a friend that helped people get those things in order, wahoo! So I called her the following day, and by golly, she was able to tell me exactly what I needed. Not only that, but she had a course starting that coming Monday, and I was welcome to join! So you better believe, I signed up, and am on my way to obtaining my license in Florida!
THANK YOU, GOD, FOR YOUR PERFECT TIMING!
Jayde started school and is loving her teacher! She started riding the bus , which has been a great way for us to meet the kids in the neighborhood. We walked down to the bus stop with the baby and dog, and man, talk about a great ice-breaker. If some didn't flock to the baby, they flocked to the dog. I probably met 15 children, learning each of their names, and developing the first of family relationships..now, if we can just meet the parents. Jayde has made friends with a neighbor named Amber, and we have befriended the parents. I am excited to see this friendship grow..the father, Carlous, cut our grass for us, without offering or asking- just did it..again, thank you, Father, for such sweet gifts!
Current prayer needs:
We have found our church in a crucial stage of seeking a "parent" who will offer us guidance, support and assistance as needed. Space is tricky here, and unfortunately, the plants without space don't survive. We will be visiting 2 churches here to see if there visions, passions and energies match ours. They have offered to adopt us, so we'll see. In order to grow, we need more space. Between the 3 core team families, there are already 11 children, and their space is imperative!
Willow is teething and now crawling. She's started saying "mama", and dad's pressin' hard for "dadda", or as we refer to him, "poppy". Please pray for her health, as well as whom the Lord would have to keep her when I begin work. My prayer is someone close to stay in our home, or else a neighbor whom she could stay with.
Jayde, as she continues to nestle into her school and creates relationships with neighborhood children. Our relationship has grown, as she continues to hunger for her father and asks questions as to how we "hear" God. Adam, as he begins this new job, again, developing relationships with new men and women in the warehouse as he works.
Me..for sanity! It's hard without my community- yoga and massage. I had an outlet for work and ministry, and now I am adjusting and learning new ones. In the meantime, my house still doesn't have order, and we continue to live out of boxes. So order, sanity, and an outlet in the community. I've also got to pass zoning regulations and communtiy OK's to even work out of our home, so only by His grace will that pass.
Our material/financial needs:
We have reached a point of critical need. Although some money was given to our move, it has quickly gone. IF YOU CAN HELP IN ANY WAY, please see your email for our mailing address.
God has provided for this first months expenses, however, the next one is quickly approaching.
Specifics:
House rent, $1400 (believe it or not, this is cheap)
Utilities, aprx. $350 (we've not yet seen all of these bills collectively, so I can't give an exact)
Car payments, $520
Insurance, $300
Groceries, aprx. $250
Gas, ???- we've spent a small fortune between me going to school and Adam's job hunt.

I know there are so many more things I wish to share, but unfortunately, my limit here at the library is up. I will end with this.. I never knew I could find a place that I barely cared for so beautiful...not from a landscape's perspective, but a people one. I adore our new community- being the minority is refreshing and exciting to me! I can not wait to learn how to cook with these women, learn about their lives and how they live..where they have come from. And I can not wait to see my family embraced by this culture of wonder and color!

Many blessings to you and yours!

Thrown Into the Unknown!

This past year has been an incredible journey! I've experienced the miracle and beauty of natural childbirth! I've watched the beauty of an older sister emerge from an uncertain only child! I've heard the calling of an ALMIGHTY GOD who encourages me to continue to seek change! I've CHOSEN to move forward in trust and reckless faith in a journey that is calling me out of ALL of my comfort zones, and into a place of TOTAL dependency, curiousity, wonder and reward!
Last summer, during a time of totally NOT looking for anything new, God chose to move 3 families from our house of worship to a town they'd never before known called Clermont. I won't go into the details of their personal experiences, but for me, there was a restlessness, and subtle reminders to a HUGE VISION that God gave me quite some time ago. Now, I know I am bold, but that doesn't mean I lack fear when tackling the mountains God has me climb. And for some time prior, God had been challenging me to overcome those areas within myself that lacked obedience, were full of fear, didn't understand or shrunk for fear of failure, rejection, and even some disbelief. I've always known God has called me for very big things, but I never expected to be called to another state, another city, one which I'd never even heard of nor seen. So my husband and I committed to prayer that we would seek God's will, His guidance, affirmations, promptings- however it came quickly.
I awoke in the middle of the night to a vision of a town I'd never visited; one which they had showed on the screen earlier the day before; this community to which their hearts were broken for, drawn to, and committed to serve. They challenged us during the service with John 5, the man at the pool who gave ALL kinds of excuses for why he couldn't be well.
WHAT WAS MY MAT? WHAT WAS MY COMFORT ZONE THAT I USED AS AN EXCUSE FOR NOT THROWING MYSELF RECKLESSLY INTO THE ARMS OF THE DIVINE TO BE USED, TO SERVE, TO MINISTER- to myself BE HEALED? I wrestled with God for TWO hours, hearing His voice and guidance to how we should proceed...once I agreed and committed to the move, I was able to fall immediately back to sleep. The following morning, I asked my husband if it was that were to simply help with this project, or move...the answer HE had heard- to move.
So the past year, we've battled border bullies, the voice of doubt, the voice of fear, the voice of reason, the voice of guilt, the voice of uncertainty, the voice of regrett, the voice of encouragement, the voice of joy, the voice of hope, the voice of affirmation, but most clearly of all-THE VOICE OF GOD! That vision that I received so very long ago has manifested and grown into a passion and ministry that I never even anticipated. Before, what had seemed so big, even impossible, has morphed into a step-by-step process that will eventually come full circle!
You may not believe in the ability to hear the voice of God, nor the ability to communicate or recieve communication directly from Him, but I say to you-TRULY, IT IS A WONDEROUS GIFT, one which I am grateful not everyone understands or is capable of..but for those of you who do- WOW, is it not awesome? God has given my family such diverse and incredible gifts, and has surrounded us with an INCREDIBLE COMMUNITY of people who have blessed us with prayer, support, and encouragement. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderously divine the fabric of life truly is, especially when you begin to actually SEE the cool ways it's woven together!
I CAN NOT WAIT TO SHARE THIS JOURNEY WITH YOU! We are throwin' ourselves into the unknown, and reaping the rewards of total obedience, total trust and total dependance!
Please stay tuned to hear what God's doing next, and how you can be a part of it!

'Tis the Season!!

As we approach the end of this year, I am reminded of how quickly time can move, how quickly things can happen, and how quickly we can forget to be present. This is the season, which for some, can be painful: dealing with depression, grief, loss, financial burden, social anxiety, loneliness and even anger. This is also the season for many others, which represents the celebration of life, hope, giving, community, belonging and thanksgiving. Whatever season this is for you, I pray you are able to embrace it completely for ALL that it is: good, bad or indifferent.
Our society has confused us to be believe that pain should be dreaded and avoided, and the only "true" experiences are good experiences. I believe, however, that it is in our most painful moments, the ones that seem hopeless and never ending, that we develop our strength, our character, and our endurance to not only face tomorrow, but embrace it with enthusiasm! If we did not experience pain, loss, or grief, how then could we so greatly appreciate our wholeness, our gain, or our joy? It is healthy to question those things we do not fully understand, and even the things we think we do. It is also healthy to wrestle with those questions until we discover not only the answer, but what it is within the issue that causes us to be unsettled, uncomfortable and unnerved. I pray that as you settle into the comforts of winter, you begin to contemplate those unanswered questions in your life-maybe even the ones you have put off and avoided for what seems to be a lifetime, in order to begin the new year with clarity, closure and liberation!
New Year's means new beginnings. We have a choice to how we want to begin each year, the same as we do for each day. So, make the choice to bring closure to doors left open, wounds left undressed, relationships in need of mending, and friendships in need of nurturing. Closing doors allows us to be present in the room we are in! As you begin to examine and experience your new room, you will be able to absorb it more completely, experience it more freely, and learn from it more quickly since you are no longer trying to keep up with the room you just left.
The most precious gift we can give some one is our time. Make your time count by being fully present during the holidays, even if you don't want to be. You might be surprised what you learn about others, and yourself, when you lend yourself to them completely. 'Tis the season for selflessness! Many blessings to you and yours!

PRENATAL YOGA CLASSES!

The time is growing closer to begin another great class here! Because of multiple request, as well as my own personal needs, I have decided to begin an

EXCITING NEW CLASS FOR EXPECTANT MOTHERS!

This class will be centered around hip strengthing and opening, as well as focused breath and meditation. Because of the multiple changes our body undergoes during this time, it's important to focus in on particular needs and concerns. I would encourage you to consult with your obstetrican before beginning ANY exercise or activity. Because of difficulties in previous pregnancies, and the the typical concerns that accompany any pregnancy, many women wonder if starting or continuing their practice of yoga will cause problems or possible injury to themselves or their babies. To my knowledge, there has been no documented cases of miscarriage or injury to the fetus as a result of practicing yoga.

We will not be twisting into pretzels, standing on our heads, or lying on our bellies. We will be strengthening our centers, engaging our cores, and energizing our bodies with movements that will give you more stability, strength and focus during your birthing process! We will also be spending time on meditation, visualization and breath that will help you ground and center your body,mind and breath during labor. I can not wait to share this class with you! I look forward to sharing this incredibly special and exciting journey together! And I look forward to the celebration and community we will develop as women undergoing such an amazing preparation-

MOTHERHOOD!

Feel free to invite any one you believe would enjoy and benefit from such a wonderful class. Space is limited, so you will need to make preparations to attend! Just bring some water, an open mind, and the desire to expand both physically, and emotionally!

Classes will be held on Monday nights from 5:30-6:30

Classes are $15 each

Namaste!

The Rashel Foundation

For many of you, inquiries into the wellness of my dear friend Rashel has become a regular occurrence. And for many of you, you have never even heard of her. So I want to take a moment to inform and update you on the current status of my sweet friend, Rashel Ross.
In May of 2005, Rashel was the youngest woman in our state to be diagnosed with breast cancer. It was found in her milk ducts, but fortunately had not spread to her lymph nodes. The doctor's decided to begin aggressive therapy which began with a double masectomy, and chemotherapy shortly after. It is expected for her to undergo approximately 6 months worth of treatments and surgeries.
Rashel is a 28 year old single mother of an adorable 5 year "man-child" named Max. She's self-employed, and although she does have insurance, this only covers about 80% of her medical expenses. In order to encourage others to give, a tax deductible fund has been created in her name. Although the current funds are used for her specific needs and expenses, there are great plans to utilize these funds in the future. Some of the plans discussed have been consultation to organize care teams for after-chemo home care, as well as meals. Another big one is transportation for patients to and from treatments. Each time she goes, there is someone there to bring her to and from the hospital, as well as someone to stay with her for the duration of the next 48-72 hours. But not all patients have the same support system, in fact, many of the patients have NO support system, and are forced to drive themselves. I know how I feel if I have the flu driving myself to and from the doctor, it's horrible! I can't even begin to imagine the discomfort and difficulty to have to tend to yourself after such invasive treatment.
Seeing Rashel go through this has been profoundly moving and inspiring for me. Life can throw us so many unexpected curve balls, and we so often bunt or strike out. But she has been hitting hers out of the park with an amazing attitude of hope. She is such a strong woman not only physically, but emotional and spiritually. I believe I try living life to the fullest with appreciation for my health and strength, but then something so horrible hits the life of someone so close to me, and I realize that there are so many things I take for granted, and I don't want to do that.
Since May, there has been a collection jar in my office to help with additional expenses for Rashel and her son.

In the month of May, you guys gave $140.

In June, $51.

In July, $35.

In August, $40.

In September, $132.

I'll be sure to continue updating this information once it has been added up. I am blown away by the generosity of MY immediate community. You guys have consistently asked how she is, showed your concern, as well as your support by giving the change that continues to grow in the jar. I am so grateful and blessed to have such amazing people in my life who are self-less, generous, loving and prayerful. I can not say enough how special and precious you all are to me!
I pray that Rashel's journey is an inspiration for you to live life with wreckless abandon to fear and hesitation. May you not take for granted your healthy lungs to breathe in fresh air, nor your strong legs to run and jump. May you draw your children close to you, and love with all you have those that are close to you, and even those who aren't. Because life is so fragile, so short, but also so awesome and inspiring!

If you would like to make a donation, you may submit checks to:

THE RASHEL FOUNDATION

P.O. Box 850

Alabaster, Al 35007

Also, if you would like to receive regular updates on Rashel, please email me with UPDATES PLEASE listed in the subject box. I will be happy to forward you the information as it comes.

p.s....i'm PREGNANT!

Many of you may know by now, but for those who don't, p.s..

I'M PREGNANT!

My husband and I have been praying for a while as to whether or not we were to grow our little family, or stay where we were. On May 8th, during our Mother's Day service at church, there were approximately 15 families on stage for baby dedication. One of our dear friends stood there so proudly with their baby boy, and as soon as they stepped forward, I immediately heard what was the inaudible, yet unmistakable voice of God gently whispering, "It's time. You're to have a son!" I found myself a bit emotional and overwhelmed; not only a baby, but a baby boy!

I thought to myself, 'okay, let's just tuck that information away for later', but immediately, Adam leaned over to me and whispered, "you know we're supposed to have a baby!?", and I said, 'yea, I just heard that too!' What an incredible experience knowing you've just connected with the Holy Father, who so clearly spoke to not one, but two of His seeking servants.

As we left church, Adam asked if I heard what we were having, and I responded yes, a boy. He responded that he had heard the same, and we rejoiced with glory-bumps together!

Now, know that I will not be finding out the sex of our expected, but I will let you know as soon as HE arrives. We are trusting that what we both heard was true, and are referring to the baby as 'he'; I'll be excited to share the definite sex upon the arrival.

Thanks to all of you who have been so understanding and sensitive to me during this time. You guys know how healthy & determined to stay healthy I am, and I won't miss an appointment unless I'm on my deathbed. But there have been a few days were this baby has just wiped me out, and I've been worthless. Thanks for your willingness and flexibility to allow me to cancel when I've been unable to come in. I feel I can't say enough how wonderful you all are to me-

YOU GUYS ARE FAMILY!

Many of you have already inquired as to the future of your treatments and your yoga. Please know I plan to work as long as I am physically able, and for now, that's determined one day at a time. I'm just going to continue listening to my body, and as we draw closer to the end of the pregnancy, see how it goes. It may be that as we draw nearer to February (which is the due date) my days will grow shorter. Please know that your needs have been heavily prayed over and thought of as the decision was made to have my dear friend and fellow body worker Bonnie Price come in to fill the gap while I'm gone. She will be in the office

Monday-Thursday from 10 am-1pm,

so for many of you, your current day & time may change. My hope is to keep as many of you on your current schedule, but I know for some, your schedules will not permit for much change. If you foresee these times as a problem, please let me know and let's see if we can work out a time for you that might work with her at her office. As always, your flexibility will be greatly appreciated.You will still receive your treatments at the office of LifeSource, unless other arrangements need to be made. Bonnie has been kind enough to work on my behalf while I can not, and still share the income so that mine does not come to a screeching halt.

THANK YOU, BONNIE!

While treatments are received by Bonnie, gift certificates and package rates will be temporarily unavailable.

I know that this will be an inconvenience to many of you, but please understand that because I will not be available to fulfill the gift certificates, it is only fair that I do not sell any. For any certificates sold prior to January, the cancelation dates will be extended to accomodate those sold. As far as packages, to minimize confusion and paperwork, I am requesting your pre-purchased packages be wrapped up in December. You will still be able to utilize any purchased prior to Bonnie, but no additional ones will be available until I return. Just a FEW changes-

it won't last long, gang!

I think Bonnie is an amazing, caring, and gentle bodyworker, and I know that you guys are going to love receiving her work as much as I do! Please know that if you fall in love with her work, my feelings will in NO WAY be hurt. All bodyworkers have very different techniques and gifts, and Bonnie's are many; so know if you wish to continue on with her once I've returned, I will be nothing but supportive and encouraging of that- because I think she's great!

As far as yoga, I'm still praying about the direction I wish to take. There are few yoga instructors in Birmingham that I would entrust you guys to, especially for individual work, so I'll let you know when I've come to a definite decision. We will continue classes as scheduled, and I will probably return to teach long before I return to do bodywork. I will let you know of some options available to you for classes, because you all know how important it is to me that you maintain your schedules-

PLEASE DON'T STOP YOUR ACTIVITY BECAUSE OF ME!

If you chose to back off your routine until I can reconvene, we will be starting off at square one, and we all remember how hard square one is, right? So keep up your movement, keep up what you've already learned, and keep up YOUR practice! I want to see you all still able to touch your toes when I return!

I look forward to "growing" with you, as well as sharing this new season in life!

I will be giving you contact information for Bonnie as the time grows nearer. Until then,

thanks & NAMASTE!

Serenity in Meditation & Prayer...

I frequently receive questions about meditation, especially from those curious to its relationship with my prayer life. So I thought I would take a moment to address them both. Many people fear meditation because of the unknown relationship to eastern religions, cultures and traditions. Because of the intent behind meditation, regardless of where or how it originated, we should not approach it with fear and rejection, but instead with curiosity and open-mindedness. There is a beautiful bridge between eastern and western cultures, religious beliefs and traditions that, when learned about, can bring great revival, transformation and awareness to our current spiritual practice and prayer life.
The purpose behind meditation is to still the mind, learn to rest in the midst of distraction, and bring focus and clarity to consciousness. Stilling the mind can be a great preparation for focus, intent and prayer. The traditional eastern monks all sit for hours in meditation and prayer to gain clarity, insight and understanding. The eastern culture adheres to and respects the principles of stillness and meditation learned and exemplified by their ancestors. The western culture, however, revolves around involvement, busyness, and production. This Ferris wheel is not only in the world of business, but also in many churches, schools and homes. Many have lost the focus of prayer and come to God strictly in the outpouring of request and concerns. God encourages us to be ourselves, to be open, to pray for our friends, families, even ourselves. But we've gotten so good at talking AT God, we have forgotten how to listen to and be still with Him. Not only have we forgotten to listen, but we've neglected the importance of our thoughts throughout the day. We've become the specialist in emergency prayer and scripture regurgitation for the sake of approval and acceptance.
Psalm 19:14 says, "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." God not only cares about our prayers, about our openness to listen, but He also cares about the constant thoughts and meditations of our hearts and minds. How can my meditations be acceptable if I'm so preoccupied with them I can't even slow down to hear Him? And how can my mind be acceptable if I've closed it to any other ideas of truth?
The Buddhist call the mind the tyranny of the drunken monkey. Our minds are usually restless, bouncing from one thought, demand or fantasy to another. We give into its drunkenness by humoring those thoughts creating a plethora of problems ranging from stress, ulcers, fatigue, even obsessions and addictions. To continue to mull over, hash out, and relive our thoughts is a lack of trust and faith in the One who gives us peace. This is my attempt to control, manipulate or transform a thought, person, situation or circumstance that God has given me NO authority over. I do believe He entrusts me with responsibility, discernment, decisions, and consequences- but I also have a choice as to how much power I am going to give those people, thoughts, circumstances and situations in my own life. I have a choice to meditate on the things of man, my mind, or of Him, His word, and His goodness.
So how can we stop the swirling whirlwind in our minds? By learning the technique of detachment through meditation. Meditation is not just about sitting still, breathing slowly and saying 'OM'. Its a practice of surrender, of trust, of obedience and of strength. It requires trust to let go of all those thoughts in your mind. It requires obedience to sit and meditate on God's truth, your life, and how the two paths unite. It requires surrender to release the illusion of control that we try so desperately to cling to. And it requires strength to see what you've got, acknowledge it for what it is, and decide to transform it, grow from it, be hampered by it, or hand it over. To hand it over is the first step to detachment.
If I can accept ALL that is happening in my life-financial needs, sickness, pain, grief, romance, success, the lack of success-embrace it, acknowledge it and appreciate it instead of fighting and resisting it, then I have learned another step of detachment. Detachment is recognizing what is, and making a choice to keep my emotions and expectations out of the mix. If I chose to focus on one of these particulars- become obsessed in my mind of how I'm going to alter, improve or take from this-then I'm not allowing the process it's place in my life. Instead, I'm trying to figure out every detail, weigh every possibility, measure every corner, and figure out how the rest of my life is going to accommodate and function with it, around it , or without it.

THIS IS AN UNNECESSARY DISTRACTION IN WHICH I HAVE A CHOICE TO ENTERTAIN.

As do we all. Through meditation, these LARGE distractions can be become quite small when I make a decision to refocus instead on my breath, my awareness, the stillness of my body and mind, or something positive and beautiful like a prayer, scripture or mantra. When I give way to the insanity of my circumstances, I lose control of what is one of the FEW and ONLY things I actually have some control over- MY MIND!
"How do you do that?", people ask. In my classes, I often encourage everyone to, "release your thoughts-if any come your way, just allow them to roll by you like clouds." Now, for me, when I began practicing with an instructor, I would find this task UNBELIEVABLY difficult. I would think, "what does she mean, 'let them roll by like clouds!?'..she has NO IDEA what all I have on my plate!" But the more I surrendered to the idea of releasing those thoughts, and the more I began to instead shift my awareness to my breath, I found it became increasingly easier, and to my surprise, more powerful each time I let go. Not only did that release become easier for me in my mediation; it became easier for me in daily life. For me, it was a process of trusting that I COULD let go of my thoughts. I've always had so many TV's and internal dialogues going on at once, that I thought that was normal. I thought everyone always had to have a lot going on, or else they just had nothing going on. I also thought I had to have control over everything happening in and around me, but I began to realize THIS IS A LIE! God does not want my mind distracted and cluttered, nor does He want me so overwhelmed with my life that I am unable to clear my head and relax, and most importantly, let Him do His job-BEING GOD!

I am constantly reminded in scripture that my job is to be, to wait, to listen, to abide, to be obedient, to seek His will, to go where I am lead, but most of all, simply ABIDE! Are these not the characteristics of meditation and of prayer?

TO BE, TO WAIT, TO SEEK, TO LISTEN, TO BE OBEDIENT,TO ABIDE?

God wants me to rest, and that don't just mean layin' down for a nap! He wants me to REST, cause He's got it all figured out, I DON'T HAVE TO!
Psalm 37:7-9 .. Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. Cease from anger and forsake wrath; do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. For evildoers will be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord, they will inherit the land.

To rest, cease, and forsake anger require practice. These things are not encouraged in our culture, nor often understood. Meditate on rest. God wants me to meditate-in fact, He's pretty dern specific on what He even wants me to meditate on, and it ain't the ache in my big toe!
Philippians 4:7-9 .. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
Psalm 4:4 .. Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and BE STILL.
(emphasis mine)

God assures me that in my obedience to diligently practice ALL His ways, I'll be rewarded with gifts more valuable than the world can ever allot me.

1 Peter 1: 4-10 .. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust. Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in you knowledge, self control, and in you self-control, perserverance, and in you perserverance, godliness, and in you godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of you Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or shortsighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins. Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you PRACTICE these things, you will never stumble.

It really is that simple, guys. And here you thought there was more mysticism and excitement to it. I do so hate to disappoint. I assure you there is no disappointment in learning the value of silence. To know God requires communion, communion requires meditation, meditation is active practice, and practice renders us neither useless nor unfruitful. I pray you are inspired to sit still today. Allow me to lead you in your first meditation, and for the old timers, allow me to lead you with a mantra (or thought of meditation).

Find a sacred space, clean of debris and distraction. Sit comfortably so that you are able to stay awhile. (Avoid lying down, because that often leads to sleep). Close your eyes, and slowly breathing in through your nose, and out through your nose. As you inhale, slowly count to 6, and as you exhale, count to 8. This will be your first step to taming the mind and awareness, it's hard to think when you are counting. Do this about 10 times, more if you are highly agitated or unable to settle. Once your mind is clear, inhale and repeat in your mind, TO ABIDE. As you exhale, repeat in your mind, TO ABIDE IS REST AND PEACE. Now, for beginners, this may bring on a flood of thoughts behind the idea of abiding, and I would encourage you when you are done, to return to those thoughts and even journal them. It is in the stillness that we hear the still, small voice. But for now, just focus on the phrases. When you've done this for approximately 10 breaths in and out, then you may return to the stillness, and wait for the magic. For some, this is where the breath of God weighs heavy with you. You will feel airy, light and free without thought or distraction..NAMASTE to you! For some, you will distinctly hear His wisdom, His answers to prayer, and specific directions for you day..NAMASTE to you, as well. And for others, you'll be just as confused, distracted, and bogged down as when you began, and that's alright too! This is a practice which takes time, often years to cultivate, so don't beat yourself up if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing, and in time it will come.

May you be blessed in your meditation, prayer life, and journey today!

Namaste!

(ok, what's that mean, April?..It's a greeting of presence & acceptance without judgment; basically, the Divine in me greets the Divine in you!)