What Ya Thinking?

ByKathy Stephens

13230066_10154037442275590_5457665878247081419_nDO you remember the old children’s story of the little ENGINE that could. After trying and trying and almost giving up, what did the little Engine finally say to himself…. “I think I can, I think I can.” He changed his thinking and began to encourage himself. What do we tell ourselves every single day about our lives? What have you been telling yourself about YOUR LIFE? When is the last time you encouraged yourself?
Each decision, each challenge, each obstacle is different for each of us. We all face different roadblocks day by day BUT if we change our thinking we can continue to put one foot in front of the other and gain the courage to succeed. YOUR THINKING MATTERS.
What are you “thinking on today”. Are you confused and need clarity, are you sick and need to be well, Are you contemplating a move but are paralyzed ? What’s holding you back. Could it be your thinking??? Don’t lose the battle.
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.?” Philippians 4:8

What an Incredible 8 Days…

ByKathy Stephens

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What an incredible 8 days.!!
What appeared to be simply Christian Yoga Teacher training turned into a journey of reflection, the over-coming of fears, physical challenges to the point of exhaustion, incredible teaching of life plus yoga all wrapped up in Jesus.
With each day I was challenged on so many levels. You know the kind of challenges that you are not sure your strong enough to tackle. The kind that make you ask these questions:
• Where have you come from?
• Where do you want to go?
• Who is your advocate for the journey?
• What am I doing with the time God has given me?
• And am I making a difference in the every day lives of others?
How could I have known the many fragile things in my heart that would surface during these 8 days?
Checking in at the Jackson airport shook me to my core. I had to walk right through the pathway where I dropped Dennis off that last time. His words echoed in my ears. “ Baby, always remember how much I love you.” Last words He ever spoke to me. What a blessing and gift from God.
I was still crying as I took my seat on the plane thinking back on the day we flew out to try to get him home.
I call these moments markers. Specific moments in time (your life) that change you forever.
About 5 days in I truly wondered if I would be able to complete the training. It pushed me in ways I’ve never been pushed. I kept clinging to the conversations Dennis and I had had about this training many times over the last few years. It’s really been about a 5-year process.
During Graduation yesterday I was anointed with oil while prayer was being spoken over me. I clung tight to Dennis’ wedding ring. It was as if I could hear him whisper, “you did it baby.”
My prayer is that moving forward, this training, this transformation, can be a stepping stone, a tool, to help keep myself healthy and to help other women get healthier, happier and whole.
I am so grateful for every teacher who helped mold me and who spoke into my life these past 8 days. May blessings come back to each of you.
God is so good and HE wants good for each of our lives. RYT-200, RYFT-200