"Are You Building a Bridge-to-Nowhere?"

Who or what is your bridge? Where does it lead? Are you trying to arrive somewhere in the material world? Or do you simply want to practice "Bridge Pose" in order to be able to physically perform the advanced pose called "Lord of the Dance" (Natarajasana?) Do you have an interior map with spiritual guideposts? Is just anywhere acceptable with you? These are some very serious questions to ponder on "Labor Day."
Sometimes I wonder where I'm going with my life. Then I remember whose I am and the spiritual goals that I've set for my life. We all end with the body deteriorating, but hopefully not the mind or the spirit! So I'm building a bridge to my Creator by connecting daily with the only one who is worthy to "stand in the gap" before a perfect God. Jesus lived a sinless life and then paid the debt that none of us could so that we would have access to His Spirit and forgiveness. What or who is your bridge to the Divine? For me there is only One worthy....

• Physically---If you've been practicing last week's flow between Apanasana and Dwi Pada Pitham ("Two-Legged Table Pose") you're already on your back on a firm and level surface. During an exhalation release both hands beside the hips, palms down, and float the feet to the mat just under the knees and hip-width apart. Inhale slowly and deeply, drawing the tail bone up toward the navel while pressing into all four corners of the feet and the top of the shoulders to ground firmly as the hips lift up in a reverse tilt of the pelvic basin. Remain in this "Two-Legged Table Pose" for at least two breaths while attempting to lift the hips higher and the chest closer to the chin with each inhalation. With the next upward flow of energy attempt to place the heel of one hand at a time directly under the hips to support the sacrum---that upside-down, triangular-shaped bone just above the tail bone. If your body is not ready to support this full "Bridge Pose," try using a block for support directly under the sacrum. Once the lumbar back is supported you can concentrate on lengthening through the spine and across the abdomen, quads and groin during each inhalation. Be sure to lift the pelvic floor muscles (called the mula bandha) at the top of each inhalation to create hip extension and support. During each exhalation experience a sense of spaciousness across the entire front of the body and deep within the abdomen and lower back. Remain in "Bridge Pose" for 5-10 relaxed breaths before removing the support and slowly lowering on an exhalation from the top of the spine one vertebra at a time.
• Mentally---As you move into resistance in the hips and abdomen try focusing on the movement of each breath in as it rises up and expands the chest three dimensionally. Repeat a mantra (short phrase such as, "I trust You, Lord.") that will lead you to relax and release tension. Give God your undivided attention as you bridge to Him through Christ.
  
• Spiritually---Remind yourself of what Jesus did to become the only reliable bridge that connects us with God. In his first letter to Timothy the apostle Paul stated very clearly that there is only One to connect God and man:

"For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time." (I Timothy 2: 5-6, KJV)

"A Two-Legged Table?"

"Two-Legged Table" or Dwi-Pada Pitham

Vinyasa Flow to Apanasana

Have you ever seen a two-legged table---one without two-footed extensions from each leg? We just happen to have one of those odd pieces in our entry hall, and I remember when it was delivered how thrilled (not!) my husband was to discover that it requires a two-screw attachment to the wall behind. Otherwise, balancing with any weight on it would be a real trick of alignment. This reminds me of watching my nine-month-old granddaughter, Madison, as she practices balancing her heavy body and head while standing...without holding on to the nearest wall or wine rack. Danger lurks around every corner! Oh sure, eventually her muscles will develop enough to support her weight as she gains the confidence to stand on two legs, and even one if she tries. Yes, the human body has been masterfully designed as you'll discover in this week's position---"Two-Legged Table Pose."
Amazingly, with the cooperation of our breath, muscles and skeletal system we're able to move from last week's supine position on the back (apanasana) into a position similar to "Bridge Pose" (Setu Bandhasana) but with a slightly different position of the arms. When we flow rhythmically with the breath between the two positions---Apanasana and Dwi Pada Pitham---the release of the tension in the lower back and chest is dramatic. Warning: Prenatal students should not attempt any supine positions, and especially those that compress the abdominal region

• Physically---We're lying on our back (from Apanasana, remember last week's blog?) hopefully in a peaceful spot that's fairly flat, with our knees bent and the upper thighs resting on the lower abdomen. The arms are resting passively beside the body with the palms facing downward, unlike the "Bridge Pose" in which the hands are actively supporting the back of the hips, OR in a lower intensity version where they are wrapped around the outer ankles.
  
• On a deep "belly breath" in and upward, allow the lower abdomen to gently push the thighs out and away as both feet float to the floor, hip-width apart. Continue the inhalation as the feet ground firmly into the floor and the hips lift upward and the tail bone scoops forward in a backward tip of the pelvic basin. Don't rush the exhalation to release back to the floor, but slowly lower from the upper back, one vertebra at a time. Then lift the pelvic floor (mula bandha) and the abdominal muscles (uddiyana bandha,) compressing the chest to squeeze the last bit of apana (toxic gases) from the body in Apanasana. Now you're back where you started, so repeat this breath-synchronized flow from Apanasana to Dwi Pada Pitham (vinyasa flow) for one round of ten full breaths---rising up and opening on the inhalations, and then lowering and closing on the long exhalations. This flow feels great after working the abdominals and obliques in "Belly Rolls" (Jathara Parvartanasana)
• Bonus! Students with tight hips can add "Eye of the Needle Pose" (Sucirandhasana) by placing the outer ankle on the opposite knee during the inhalations. Then at the end of the exhalations reach the corresponding arm through the hole to actively draw the knee into the chest and open one hip at a time. For a detailed description go back to an earlier blog in the spring.
  
• Mentally---As always, focus attention on smoothing out the rhythm of each breath. Attempt to lengthen the duration of each exhalation to provide extra time for the release of physical toxins, fears and tensions to drain out and away from the body. On the inhalations watch the upward movement of the air (prana) as it is drawn into the chest cavity by the action of the diaphragm releasing into the upper abdomen. Remain present with the body and the breath.
  
• Spiritually---As each breath enters the body to supply energy to lift the hips, keep the head connected and anchored to the Source of your life. Allow the heart to be drawn up toward the Creator. Without the physical connection and grounding of the back of the head and the shoulders it would be next to impossible to lift the weight of the upper body from this bended knee position on just "two legs." So open your heart and fix your mind upon your Creator. This defines being grounded and connected (yoked) to your God! Trust  in Him alone....plf
  

"He shall not be afraid of evil tidings; his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord." (Psalm 112: 7, KJV)

"Sweet Release with Back and Breathing Therapy"

"Supine Child's Pose" or Apanasana
to release toxic gases

Apanasana with assisted compression

Have you ever had trouble letting go of something or someone? It seems that those nasty thoughts and things take on a life of their own as they continue to influence our moods and behavior. Why can't we take control of our mind, or even our own body for that matter? Sometimes the harder we try not to think or do something the more those thoughts or actions pop into heads and our lives. Classic yoga was practiced to cultivate the kind of control needed to release these harmful desires and actions. Easier said than done, huh?....
This past weekend I taught a yoga workshop called "Spiritual Yoga for Sweet Release." Early in the two-hour session we all assumed a physical position that can be used to release the lower-back tension which is often the result of tight or restricted breathing. This posture, called Apanasana, also helps to eliminate and release toxic gases from the lungs and toxic wastes that can build up in the digestive tract. It's a very quick and easy posture that can be assumed almost anywhere you can find a flat and fairly level surface, in or outdoors, or even on a firm mattress. Try it; you'll like it! (But NOT if you're pregnant!)

• Physically---Begin by lying on your back (in a supine position) on any firm  and level surface with your body weight transferring down into the flat, triangular-shaped bone just above the tail bone. After several normal breaths, inhale a long and deep cleansing breath through the nose only while stretching your arms straight overhead and pressing the heels of your flexed feet away from your arms. Pause briefly to extend and lengthen the entire body. Then bend both knees, bringing them up and toward your torso while exhaling. Allow the arms to monitor the release of the breath as they lower and wrap tightly around the knees to compress the abdominal and lower chest cavities. Extend the duration of the breath out of the body as you release your chin toward your chest. Again pause briefly to experience the upward release of the diaphragm and lower-back tension as you create more room for the abdominal muscles to relax. Continue the cycle of movement by inhaling the arms straight out as the knees are released. The arms may be extended overhead or out to the sides like wings (palms facing upward) or remain on the knees, depending on how actively you choose to pump the knees with the energy of the arms. Then exhale slowly and thoroughly as the knees are drawn firmly into the torso to encourage a full release of all toxic gases and trapped wastes in the abdominal organs and muscles. To accomplish this extended release you may use the hands on the knees, wrap the fingers around the outer edges of the feet and pull them gently toward the knees, or wrap the arms around the shins to draw the legs into the abdomen. At the end of each exhalation experiment with a final release of the lower back by pressing the sacrum (the flat triangular-shaped bone just above the tail bone) actively down and away from the knees. Finish by inhaling the arms and legs straight again and exhale slowly into "Corpse Pose," which was described in the January 24, 2009 blog.
• Mentally---An effective aid to the mental release of negative thoughts or behavior is to mentally repeat a brief mantra during exhalation that encourages the surrender of those harmful thoughts or desires. For example, "Goodbye ice cream binges," or "I choose love, not resentment," or the most difficult, "Thy will be done." Breathe in the positive characteristics that you choose, and empty your body and mind of the counterproductive negatives with each exhalation. Practice yoking with God regularly for His glory and you can defeat your worst adversaries. Believe!
  
• Spiritually---Don't forget the power of prayer! ASK God to help empty you of harmful thoughts and desires, and breathe in the fullness of His joy. Never give up hope...plf
  

"Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you...." (Matthew 7:7, and Luke 11:9, KJV)

"And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive." (Matthew 21:22, KJV)

"If ye abide in Me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you."
(John 15:7, KJV)

"Wall or L-Hang" to Release Stiff Shoulders & Back

"L-Hang" using available prop

"Upright Plank" stretch with heel press

This week's simple position, called the "Wall or L-Hang" is recommended for prenatal and almost anyone who is experiencing back or shoulder tension. As I mentioned last week, it can even be performed 39,000 feet above the ground in an airplane---if you can find a sturdy wall near the restrooms. Office workers will also find this position an effective release from desk work, as well as beach volleyball players who effectively prepare their bodies for the reaching and lunging actions that occur during the actual games.

• Physically---To enjoy the benefits of the "Wall or L-Hang" locate a sturdy wall or fence, or even a table, chair back or hedge where the hands can be placed at about hip-height. Make sure that the index fingers are pointing straight up as you step back away from the support and lean slowly forward to begin bending the hips to form a 90-degree angle, or L-shape. Align the feet pointing forward directly under the knees and hips with the second toe in line with the shin bone. Take a deep breath and allow the rib cage to expand three-dimensionally as the tail bone lifts in a forward tilt of the pelvic basin. At the top of the inhalation straighten the arms and legs to actively hug the muscles to the bones, and then release the upper arms externally (away from center) to fully open the tops of the shoulders and press the bottom tips of the blades into the back. With each inhalation extend the hips away from the hands to lengthen the muscles along the spine, shoulders. and back of the legs. Remain in this shoulder and back-body stretch for 8-10 slow and deep breaths. To come out of the "Wall Hang" with an extra calf and Achilles tendon stretch, inhale the hips down and forward, leaning against the support until the torso is in a straight line, forming an "Upright Plank. " Look up as you press the tail bone down toward the heels of the feet as they ground into the earth. Breathe.
  
• Mentally---Stay focused on the sound and even rhythm of each deep breath, attempting to make each one smoother than the breath before. Notice the opening stretch in the shoulders and hamstrings, pausing as soon as resistance is felt. Allow each deep breath to be completed with a thorough exhalation that softens and releases muscle and joint tension.
• Spiritually---The spiritual significance of leaning on a stable source of support cannot be overlooked because we all need someone or something to lean on at times when we are weak. I can think of no worthier source of constant and stable support than my loving and merciful God, who is always present and reaches out to connect with me every day through His Holy Spirit within. As you are leaning against an outward, physical support in "Wall or L-Hang" remember that walls or fences crumble, "but the Lord shall endure forever." (Psalm 9: 7, KJV) Commit these verses below to memory for times when you need to be reminded who to lean on and where to place your trust.             Namaste,  plf
  

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3: 5-6, KJV)

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise Him. " ( Psalm 28: 7, KJV)

"What time I am afraid, I will lean on Thee." (Psalm 56: 3, KJV)

"...And whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he." (Proverbs 16: 20b, KJV)

"A Yoga Teacher's Travel Tips"

I'm back from vacation and ready to share! Here are a few insights I experienced while practicing yoga in New Zealand and Australian hotel rooms, and on the grass and beaches of the Fiji Islands:

• Knowledge of yoga was a God-send for the grueling thirteen-hour flights! Because the weather was clear I used a "Forward Bending Wall Hang"---I'll describe this in next week's blog---while gazing out the window of a 747 jet near the bathrooms to experience the best view of the country below. The New Zealand countryside is especially magnificent from the air. I had no idea that the "Southern Alps" would be so fully snow-capped and extend all the way down to the tip of the South Island.
  
• During air flights longer than an hour it's advisable to get out of your seat to walk the aisles and change positions to prevent the fluids from pooling in the lower extremities. "Airplane yoga" requires modified positions like "Seated Forward Folds" (paschimottanasana) by extending the legs straight under the seat in front of you. Remember to synchronize the breath with movement by inhaling to press actively through the heels with flexed feet, hugging muscle to bone, and then exhaling to point the toes under the seat in front of you. Repeat this activity to increase the circulation in the legs, ankles and toes. It also helps to relieve back tension if you add a "Forward Fold", drawing the tail bone back and leaning lightly on the seat back in front with the forearms folded, but be thoughtful of the passenger in front of you!
• In inner city hotel rooms where there isn't enough floor space to practice without bumping into a wall or built-in furniture, a hard mattress will suffice for some positions. This is especially true for meditation and kneeling poses such as "Hero Pose" (virasana and supta virasana) and "Couch Pose" (paryankasana) described in the late May/early June blogs.
• An abbreviated yoga session every day with just a few positions is better than not practicing at all! Yoking body, mind and breath with your Creator is a fabulous way to prepare the body and mind with enough energy for each day's new experiences. Read the first week of January blog that describes a squatting position helpful for the forward lean of skiing. I also synchronize the weight changes involved in skiing with conscious yogic breathing. Inhale to rise up and unweight the downhill ski, and then exhale as the weight shifts to the inner edge of the uphill ski and begins to carve the turn to become the downhill ski. A smooth rhythmic breath can enhance smooth and fluid turns on the slopes.
  
• A mindful yoga practice, no matter how brief, can also cultivate the awareness necessary to fully appreciate each moment while sight-seeing or participating in any available sports. Skiing "Coronet Peak" and stopping to look out over Lake Wakatipu to the snow-covered peaks of the "Remarkables" was most memorable.
• Snorkeling challenged my habitual yogic style of pranayama---"deep breathing through the nose only." It took total concentration to remember to breathe only through my mouth! I really experienced "conscious breathing" that forced me to remain present and aware of each breath. When I decided to end my snorkeling explorations for the day, I noticed that the nose portion of my snorkeling mask had created an unusually tight suction seal by my automatic attempts to draw air in through my nose. Several times I almost stopped breathing in shock when I noticed how the usually brilliant coral reefs had turned brown and were dying from our polluted waters. What a different experience from a past vacation when we took our whole family snorkeling off the crescent-coast of Molokini and actually saw coral-colored reefs. This disturbing imbalance in nature will require each nation around the globe to take responsible action in order to clean up the floating debris the size of Texas that has collected in the Pacific Ocean! It makes us wonder how this could continue to occur in a world that supposedly cares about being "green!" Yogis around the world unite!
  
• Traveling with a group of eighteen women made it difficult to find private time to practice yoga alone on the beach at our Fiji resort. The solution was to awaken before the sun to experience sunrise over the "Sleeping Giant" mountains and across the water. It was breathtakingly distracting as the soft pink rays of light broke behind blue-gray morning clouds and held my gaze for the first several breaths in each position. After 4-6 deep breaths of gazing outward and upward, I forced my eyes to close so that I could shift my attention inward to experience "withdrawal of the senses" called pratyhara. Finally, my breathing and body sensations moved to the forefront as I enjoyed the cool moist energy that flowed into my nasal passages and lungs. Only minutes after the sun was up the air warmed and the humidity became uncomfortable. My stomach rumbled to alert me that it was time for breakfast!
• My daily yoga practice renewed me each day and kept my perspective on the inner experiences of my holiday that renewed and refreshed my body, mind and spirit. Each day was truly a "holy-day" as I remembered the apostle Paul's words: "...though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day....While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal." (II Corinthians 4: 16b and 18, KJV)
  

• Meeting people around the world really does "broaden your horizons!" Hello to Mark, a Christian youth mentor who uses surfing to introduce his faith and wants to begin practicing yoga. In future blogs I'll target some yoga positions that will improve balance on your board.

Namaste and happy holy-days to all....plf

Ready to Fold? ...Forward, that is!

Once you've completed the three seated postures that were described in the last three blogs---"Head-to-Knee," "Three-Limb Pose" and the "Seated Twist Pose"---your lower back and hips are ready for the full "Seated Forward Fold." "Head-to-Knee Pose" opens the hips externally and stretches the back and the hamstrings one side at a time, while the "Three-Limb Pose" rotates the hips internally, and the "Seated Twist Pose" increases circulation in the lower back and abdominal regions. Folding forward by hinging from the hips will promote a calm and peaceful response in the body and mind, especially if the back of the body is elongated enough to allow the heart to rest below the spine. According to B.K.S. Iyengar in his book, Light on Yoga, this position of the heart below the spine in many mammals "...keeps them healthy and gives them greater power and endurance." I use it regularly to relax and unwind after rigorous activity, such as babysitting my grandchildren!
If the weather permits, try this sequence of seated poses with your practice mat or towel spread on a flat and level surface outside (grass, sand, or deck will do) but not during the heat of the day unless you can find a cool and shaded area. Also, heed the warning to avoid seated postures if you have a herniated disc or spinal injury.

• Physically---Only begin after spending 3-5 breaths seated tall and erect in "Staff Pose" (Dandasana) with the palms of the hands resting on your mat beside the hips. Ideally you have already moved through the series of three preparatory poses from the last three blogs--"Head-to-Knee Pose," "Three-Limb Pose" and then the "Seated Twist" known as Marichyasana I. It's helpful to have any necessary props alongside the mat, such as pillows to fold or lean on, and straps to use for leverage when deepening the "Forward Fold."
• While inhaling sweep the arms straight out and overhead, draw up the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles at the top of the breath, and exhale both arms toward the outstretched legs to fold forward, bending only from the hips to maintain the hollow in the lower back region. Some of you may be able to reach your feet, but don't be concerned about where the arms come to rest on the outside of the legs. Flexibility is not a requirement to practice yoga, but rather a by-product of regular practice called abhyasa. Be sure to keep the spine extended by drawing the tail bone back away from the heels of the flexed feet. Pay close attention to the stretching sensations in the hamstrings and the lower back so that you never move past your personal edge into pain! If your hands are only able to reach the outer knees or calves, wrap a strap or belt around the balls of the feet for leverage. Otherwise, separate each big toe from the others with the first two fingers of each hand, and then wrap each thumb over those two fingers for a secure "yoga toe hold." Use each inhalation to move organically forward into a place of resistance right before pain, and then stop in order to allow the muscles and joints time to adjust before deepening the forward fold. Consciously press through the big toes and inner arches of the flexed feet to encourage the internal rotation necessary for a properly aligned "Seated Forward Fold." Remain in each paused phase of this forward fold for 2-3 breaths before deepening the fold toward the outstretched legs. Eventually the abdomen will come to rest on the upper thighs, or use several pillows to support the weight of the upper body and relax for 3-5 more deep and smooth breaths.
  
• Mentally---The outward gaze point or drishti may be far above the head, or at the big toes, or with eyes closed, as long as the mind is alert to the stretching sensations in the lower back and the back of the thighs. Always attempt to use the God-given awareness and intelligence often referred to as your "third eye." Never push or bounce or force the fold forward! Take time to breathe deeply, and even out the amount of time spent exhaling and relaxing in each phase of the "Seated Forward Fold." Practice patience and gentleness.
  
• Spiritually---When practicing slow stretches such as "Seated Forward Fold" try practicing the gentleness (called metta in Sanskrit) modeled by Jesus. He recognized the violence involved in the use of force when He said, " And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force." (Matthew 11: 12, KJV) Focus on developing a gentle and quiet spirit while practicing all stretches by connecting with "...the wisdom that is from above...." (James 3:17, KJV)
  

Personal Note: It's time for me to "fold" for a brief vacation! I will be out of the country for two weeks and will resume this weekly blog on Monday, August 10th. Please use this time wisely to practice slow stretches after several rounds of "Salutations to the Son," which is a heat-building flow of postures described in my blogs beginning on Monday, April 13th. I'll be practicing first thing every morning everywhere I go---New Zealand, Australia and Fiji! Please keep me in your prayers....plf

"Let's Twist Again...Like We Did Last Summer"

If you were alive in the 1960's a song by "Chubby Checker" comes to mind when you think about twisting on a summer day or night. The "Seated Twist Pose" called Marichyasana is extremely helpful in maintaining and even increasing flexibility in the spine. They also increase circulation in and around the vital abdominal organs. As previously mentioned in one of the early spring blogs, twists even create the elasticity in the back and hips that will improve your golf game. So come on, let's twist again!
Warning: Do not attempt seated twists if you have herniated discs or have had back surgery. Use common sense!

• Physically---This "Seated Twist Pose" can be added to a sequence that began outdoors three weeks ago by sitting in "Staff Pose" or Dandasana on any flat and fairly level surface---on the grass, in the sand, on a dock, or even a rock if it's padded sufficiently to avoid uncomfortable distractions. Sit tall and lifted through the spine with the legs extended straight out from the hips. On a deep inhalation draw the tail bone back away from the flexed feet in a forward tilt of the hips as the arms sweep out and overhead. While exhaling the arms and bending the right knee up toward the ceiling, use both hands on the right shin to draw the heel of the right foot into the base of the spine with the inner arch of the foot touching the inner left thigh. Finish the long and exaggerated exhalation by hugging the right knee with both arms to compress the right side of the abdomen. On the next inhalation stretch both arms toward the left foot and bend forward, hinging only from the hips and NOT the waist. Begin the twisting action on an exhalation as the right shoulder is rotated internally toward the left from the base of the spine, and slips in front of the right bent knee. The left shoulder twists gently to the left, but the gaze (drishti) remains straight ahead toward the big toe of the extended left leg. Breathe organically by using each inhalation to lift and lengthen through the spine, drawing the pelvic floor and abdominal muscles upward (called the bandhas or "locks") to compress and support the entire abdominal region. You will experience an automatic deepening of the twist with each lifting of the "root locks" that will eventually allow the hands to reach behind the back, clasping fingers or even wrists behind the right hip to secure this deep twist. Once you reach the place of maximum resistance before pain, remain at this personal "edge" for 3-5 mindful breaths, releasing tension in the back, hip and knees, but maintaining a flexed foot on the extended leg to stabilize the hips.
• To reverse the twist to the left, release the hands at the end of an exhalation, and inhale to come back to center with both legs extended again in "Staff Pose." Then exhale and bend the left knee, reversing to twist the left shoulder forward and the right shoulder back to the right with the gaze remaining forward at the now extended right leg.
• Mentally---During all twisting actions in the spine it's vital to keep the mind focused on using each breath in to lift and lengthen through the torso so that the vertebral discs can plump with fluid that pads the twisting actions. Never sacrifice lift and extension to achieve a deeper twist. Contracting the lower abdominals and pelvic floor muscles help to create a supported lower back and therefore prevent injury. Be sure to mindfully experience your body sensations with each full and complete breath.
• Spiritually---As the heart and upper torso are twisting in one direction, note how the gaze remains forward on the foot of the extended leg. The body often wants to go in a destructive direction, and so the mind has to struggle to rule the body. This is reminiscent of the apostle Paul's struggle to keep his eye on the prize---to be obedient to the laws of Christ so that he wouldn't send a double message to the world. He knew that his actions must match his words because the world was watching! "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things....But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection; lest that by any means, when I Have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (I Corinthians 9: 25 and 27, KJV)
• Spiritual warning: We, who call ourselves Christians, have a very serious responsibility to the One whose holy name we bear to "walk the talk." Remember that our lives---not our words---send the clearest message of the power of yoking with Jesus Christ!

May you experience the power of God's Holy Spirit working within to control your thoughts and your actions....plf