Yoga 101

What started out as a regular old yoga class soon became something different this cold winter morning.

The streetlights were non-responsive as I drove down the hill. The yoga studio was dark. The power was out. I poked my head in the door to see if anyone was there for the 10:30 class, sure enough there was and the class was on. Who can't do yoga in a bright natural daylight studio anyway, no need to for lights!

As I set out my mat on my carefully chosen spot on the floor I noticed there was only one other mat in the room. Ok, small class today I guess.

My instructor walked in and sat gracefully on her mat. At that point it became obvious I was the only one participating, as the others that had been there had decided to leave because of the lack of power. I told her she didn't need to do the class just for me, but she said we could do a private lesson and work on whatever I wanted.

Such a gift.

It was awesome. She tweaked my alignments, my arms, feet, legs, everything! She pushed me to try things I never thought possible. I even did a headstand on my own! It was so great and today I am so sore! What I had first anticipated to be a morning of deep breathing and stretching turned into an intense workout.

Now to try and run...

{clocks}

My grandfather died a year and a half ago. Besides many wonderful memories, he also left a few of his earthly possessions for us, as his family to enjoy. One of those being a digital alarm clock. Now this isn't just any digital alarm clock, this was probably the first digital alarm clock...ever.

This beauty is now on display in my 7 year old son's bedroom. In all of it's red digital glowing wonder, it still works perfectly, or so I thought.

As we were driving home today, my son says out of the blue, "Mom, I need a new clock in my room." I proceeded to ask him the obvious question of why he thought such things, and he simply replied "time goes by too fast on it."

A mix of sadness, joy, and peace came over me as I pondered his little statement. I told him, yes, time does go by too fast, but it isn't your clock, it's just life.

We have one life to make a difference in this world, to leave this place better than when we first arrived. Each day is a gift and so full of opportunities.

Thank you God for these eye openers, especially when I least expect them.

much love,

larajane

I am in the farmlands, driving through rain.

I turn on the music. The noise is distracting and bothersome. I turn it off.

I have an overwhelming sense of peace come over me.

I think back to this morning when I was reminded of the story of how Samuel had anointed David at age 15. He was one of God's chosen. It wasn't until 22 years later David became king. 22 years of uncertainty, of not knowing when.

It's been 22 days since my job ended, since we left our church. It has been 22 days of "what now God?"

I glance up at a small chalkboard I have in our mudroom before leaving today. Months ago I had scribbled the verse, "Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him." (Psalm 37:7) Little did I know then how meaningful that verse would be.

So I will wait.

For I know that God has me in this time in my life for a reason.

I know it. I feel it. I am so incredibly comforted by this knowledge.

Much love,

larajane

{Snow Day}

Gently falling. The snow is lighter now. I feel as though this little snow globe of a town I live in has been tipped upside down.

How beautiful it is.

How stranded I feel.

So much change is going on in my world right now. I feel I need to keep going, keep busy. Do more.

"Slow down" I hear Him say. "Take rest in me."

"But I don't want to" I whine like a small child.

I need to. I know.

So I start counting again... my blessings, the gifts God has given me so freely.

9. sun shining through my window on this snowy day

10. a laundry basket full of clean, folded clothes

11. antibiotics for my dear girl

12. a warm fireplace

13. hot tea

14. texts from friends

So thankful!

Much love,

larajane

church

It was a day I had been dreading for months.

It was a rush, almost a panic leaving the house this cold and dreary Sunday morning.

We found a parking spot in a an unfamiliar parking lot.

We entered through unfamiliar doors.

Change.

Smiles. People. A lot of people. Confusion.

I wanted out. I wanted to run as fast as I could back to my comfort, the place I had called home for the past six years.

I gave my children's information. I received information. My children were whisked away. A lump in my throat formed as I mourned the thought of not worshipping together as a family this morning.

We found seats among friends. Familiarity. Comfort.

"Out of the darkness you shine, out of the ashes we rise."

I love this song. I run to this song. Tears pricked my eyes.

"there's no one like you, none like you."

So many people. How can I possibly get to know all these people? And I know there are so many more...

I started thinking. What is church?

Family. Intimacy. Loving. Sharing. Living. Experiencing God's grace together. His love.

So thankful for friends and family who have come alongside us on this journey.

So thankful for God who will meet us anywhere, whether it's in a large church, or a small group of people getting together in a home.

So thankful that God has a wonderful place for our family. That He will bring many amazing people into our lives. And that He is with us always, even in these hard times.

May you experience the wonders of God this week... and share it.

Much love,

larajane

Eleuthera {Freedom}

2012

A new year breaks open and my canvas is blank.

For the paint has yet to be spread, and the ink has yet to form words.

The feeling of uncertainty is slightly overwhelming this day, but the hope I have in God over rides all fear and anxiety I am experiencing.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

This verse resonates through every fiber of my being this cool, damp morning.

I put on my running shoes.

I need to trust.

I need to obey.

I need to be faithful.

My hands are cold as I turn down the road past the mailboxes.

I need to forgive.

I need to pray.

I have yet to see a car drive past.

I need to love.

The road is wet, the fog is lifting.

I need Jesus.

This year I want to experience the freedom found only in Christ's love.

I have read a lot lately how people give each a year a "name."

I want this year to be a year of freedom. Eleuthera is the greek word often given to the word freedom. So I am naming 2012 Eleuthera. Here's to the year of freedom!

much love,

larajane