During my first class, the instructor began by introducing us to child's pose, a relaxed position that allows you to center your focus, calm your breathing and rest. "This position" she said, was where we were to return during the course of the class should we grow tired. "Yoga is a practice" she went on to say; "there is no judgment, we are all students, there is nothing to prove." I love that. Isn't that just perfect? I mean, Amen sister. A-MEN. 

It's hard to remember that when the girl next to you with her lithe body and amazing core control effortlessly does a headstand while you, breathing heavily, slide into child's pose for the 15th time. Nothing to prove. Often we forget about that as Christians as well. We have an image of what we should be, we have friends who seem to have it all together and we find ourselves comparing and mimicking instead of growing and embracing. In yoga and in LIFE, my responsibility is to know who I am, to know my comfort level and to challenge myself. To self govern my practice, to be sure that I am growing but most of all, to be committed to moving in my own flow.  

This story is no different. Remember that your journey with Christ is one that is unique to only you, one that no one else has. It is a journey that has ups and downs, that will sometimes require GREAT effort but the JOY of the Lord is constant and does not depend on your circumstances. I challenge you this weekend to be hyper-conscious of the effort that you make to express joy in light of tough situations. Set your own standards this weekend and be aware of when you slip into a pattern of comparing yourself to others. These questions may help:

• When do you most often compare yourself to others? In what area of your life do you compare most?
• What is the "child's pose" in your life? The resting place where you can go when you are tired?
• Find 3 scriptures that talk about your unique, individual relationship with Christ. 

The word joy in this text comes from the root word chairō [khi-ro] which is an action verb meaning: 

• to be glad, to rejoice exceedingly, to be well, to thrive. 
  

Joy in this context is a gift that we were given when we accepted Christ. When the scripture says "against such there is no law" it means that there is no work, no rule or labor that would give you access to it other than to be given it by the Spirit of God. Once we have received the gift, it is up to us to practice it; and by practicing it, perfect our use.

Lets say I gave you a piano. Assuming you like pianos, you would be happy that you received one. You receiving the piano was of no merit of your own, you didn't even enter a contest! But nonetheless, you have one now. In order to really enjoy the piano, you must take lessons, learn the basics and practice your instrument. 

Sure, you'll be frustrated at first but eventually you'll be able to play songs liberally, express your creativity and entertain others. Only then will you be getting the best use of the gift that I've given you. Even more importantly, other people are able to see your gift and may be encouraged to start playing the piano too!

BTW, while I am a certified genius, I do not speak Greek  ;)  Here's the tool that I and now YOU can use to help you clearly define the words of the Bible. This is called Exposition. Look at you, fancy Biblical scholar! www.blueletterbible.org 

I'm excited this week to practice my Joy and to share with you the lessons that I learn while I'm away. I'm focused. Talk to you all later! 

Proverbs 31
The Sayings of King Lemuel

1 The sayings of King Lemuel contain this message, which his mother taught him:
2 O my son, O son of my womb, O son of my vows,
3 do not waste your strength on women, on those who ruin kings.

4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, to guzzle wine. Rulers should not crave alcohol.
5 For if they drink, they may forget the law and not give justice to the oppressed.
6 Alcohol is for the dying, and wine for those in bitter distress.
7 Let them drink to forget their poverty and remember their troubles no more.

8 Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.
9 Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.

A Wife of Noble Character

10 Who can find a virtuous and capable wife? She is more precious than rubies.
11 Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.
12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.
14 She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

16 She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.
18 She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

19 Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.
20 She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.
21 She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

22 She makes her own bedspreads. She dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.
23 Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.
24 She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.
26 When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.
27 She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

28 Her children stand and bless her. Her husband praises her:
29 “There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all!”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
31 Reward her for all she has done. Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Proverbs 30

The sayings of Agur son of Jakeh contain this message.

1 I am weary, O God; I am weary and worn out, O God.
2 I am too stupid to be human, and I lack common sense.
3 I have not mastered human wisdom, nor do I know the Holy One.

4 Who but God goes up to heaven and comes back down? Who holds the wind in his fists? Who wraps up the oceans in his cloak?  Who has created the whole wide world? What is his name—and his son’s name?
    Tell me if you know!

5 Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.
6 Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar.

7 O God, I beg two favors from you; let me have them before I die.
8 First, help me never to tell a lie. 
   Second, give me neither poverty nor riches! Give me just enough to satisfy my needs.
9 For if I grow rich, I may deny you and say, “Who is the Lord?” 
   And if I am too poor, I may steal and thus insult God’s holy name.

10 Never slander a worker to the employer, or the person will curse you, and you will pay for it.

11 Some people curse their father and do not thank their mother.
12 They are pure in their own eyes, but they are filthy and unwashed.
13 They look proudly around, casting disdainful glances.
14 They have teeth like swords and fangs like knives. They devour the poor from the earth
    and the needy from among humanity.

15 The leech has two suckers that cry out, “More, more!”

There are three things that are never satisfied— no, four that never say, “Enough!”:
16 the grave, the barren womb, the thirsty desert, the blazing fire.

17 The eye that mocks a father and despises a mother’s instructions will be plucked out by ravens of the valley
    and eaten by vultures.

18 There are three things that amaze me— no, four things that I don’t understand:
19 how an eagle glides through the sky, how a snake slithers on a rock, how a ship navigates the ocean,
    how a man loves a woman.

20 An adulterous woman consumes a man, then wipes her mouth and says, “What’s wrong with that?”

21 There are three things that make the earth tremble— no, four it cannot endure:
22 a slave who becomes a king, an overbearing fool who prospers,
23 a bitter woman who finally gets a husband, a servant girl who supplants her mistress.

24 There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise:
25 Ants—they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer.
26 Hyraxes—they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocks.
27 Locusts—they have no king, but they march in formation.
28 Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings’ palaces.

29 There are three things that walk with stately stride— no, four that strut about:
30 the lion, king of animals, who won’t turn aside for anything,
31 the strutting rooster, the male goat, a king as he leads his army.

32 If you have been a fool by being proud or plotting evil, cover your mouth in shame.

33 As the beating of cream yields butter and striking the nose causes bleeding,so stirring up anger causes quarrels.

Proverbs 29

1 Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.

2 When the godly are in authority, the people rejoice. But when the wicked are in power, they groan.

3 The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father, but if he hangs around with prostitutes, his wealth is wasted.

4 A just king gives stability to his nation, but one who demands bribes destroys it.

5 To flatter friends is to lay a trap for their feet.

6 Evil people are trapped by sin, but the righteous escape, shouting for joy.

7 The godly care about the rights of the poor; the wicked don’t care at all.

8 Mockers can get a whole town agitated, but the wise will calm anger.

9 If a wise person takes a fool to court, there will be ranting and ridicule but no satisfaction.

10 The bloodthirsty hate blameless people, but the upright seek to help them.

11 Fools vent their anger, but the wise quietly hold it back.

12 If a ruler pays attention to liars, all his advisers will be wicked.

13 The poor and the oppressor have this in common—  the Lord gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 If a king judges the poor fairly, his throne will last forever.

15 To discipline a child produces wisdom, but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

16 When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes, but the godly will live to see their downfall.

17 Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind and will make your heart glad.

18 When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

19 Words alone will not discipline a servant; the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

20 There is more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks without thinking.

21 A servant pampered from childhood will become a rebel.

22 An angry person starts fights; a hot-tempered person commits all kinds of sin.

23 Pride ends in humiliation, while humility brings honor.

24 If you assist a thief, you only hurt yourself. You are sworn to tell the truth, but you dare not testify.

25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety.

26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but justice comes from the Lord.

27 The righteous despise the unjust; the wicked despise the godly.

Proverbs 28

1 The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions.

2 When there is moral rot within a nation, its government topples easily. But wise and knowledgeable leaders bring stability.

3 A poor person who oppresses the poor is like a pounding rain that destroys the crops.

4 To reject the law is to praise the wicked; to obey the law is to fight them.

5 Evil people don’t understand justice, but those who follow the Lord understand completely.

6 Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich.

7 Young people who obey the law are wise; those with wild friends bring shame to their parents.

8 Income from charging high interest rates will end up in the pocket of someone who is kind to the poor.

9 God detests the prayers of a person who ignores the law.

10 Those who lead good people along an evil path will fall into their own trap, but the honest will inherit good things.

11 Rich people may think they are wise, but a poor person with discernment can see right through them.

12 When the godly succeed, everyone is glad. When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding.

13 People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

14 Blessed are those who fear to do wrong, but the stubborn are headed for serious trouble.

15 A wicked ruler is as dangerous to the poor as a roaring lion or an attacking bear.

16 A ruler with no understanding will oppress his people, but one who hates corruption will have a long life.

17 A murderer’s tormented conscience will drive him into the grave. Don’t protect him!

18 The blameless will be rescued from harm, but the crooked will be suddenly destroyed.

19 A hard worker has plenty of food, but a person who chases fantasies ends up in poverty.

20 The trustworthy person will get a rich reward, but a person who wants quick riches will get into trouble.

21 Showing partiality is never good, yet some will do wrong for a mere piece of bread.

22 Greedy people try to get rich quick but don’t realize they’re headed for poverty.

23 In the end, people appreciate honest criticism far more than flattery.

24 Anyone who steals from his father and mother and says, “What’s wrong with that?” is no better than a murderer.

25 Greed causes fighting; trusting the Lord leads to prosperity.

26 Those who trust their own insight are foolish, but anyone who walks in wisdom is safe.

27 Whoever gives to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to poverty will be cursed.

28 When the wicked take charge, people go into hiding. When the wicked meet disaster, the godly flourish.

Proverbs 26

1 Honor is no more associated with fools than snow with summer or rain with harvest.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow or a darting swallow, an undeserved curse will not land on its intended victim.

3 Guide a horse with a whip, a donkey with a bridle, and a fool with a rod to his back!

4 Don’t answer the foolish arguments of fools, or you will become as foolish as they are.

5 Be sure to answer the foolish arguments of fools, or they will become wise in their own estimation.

6 Trusting a fool to convey a message is like cutting off one’s feet or drinking poison!

7 A proverb in the mouth of a fool is as useless as a paralyzed leg.

8 Honoring a fool is as foolish as tying a stone to a slingshot.

9 A proverb in the mouth of a fool is like a thorny branch brandished by a drunk.

10 An employer who hires a fool or a bystander is like an archer who shoots at random.

11 As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his foolishness.

12 There is more hope for fools than for people who think they are wise.

13 The lazy person claims, “There’s a lion on the road! Yes, I’m sure there’s a lion out there!”

14 As a door swings back and forth on its hinges, so the lazy person turns over in bed.

15 Lazy people take food in their hand but don’t even lift it to their mouth.

16 Lazy people consider themselves smarter than seven wise counselors.

17 Interfering in someone else’s argument is as foolish as yanking a dog’s ears.

18 Just as damaging as a madman shooting a deadly weapon
19 is someone who lies to a friend and then says, “I was only joking.”

20 Fire goes out without wood, and quarrels disappear when gossip stops.

21 A quarrelsome person starts fights as easily as hot embers light charcoal or fire lights wood.

22 Rumors are dainty morsels that sink deep into one’s heart.

23 Smooth words may hide a wicked heart, just as a pretty glaze covers a clay pot.

24 People may cover their hatred with pleasant words, but they’re deceiving you.
25 They pretend to be kind, but don’t believe them. Their hearts are full of many evils.
26 While their hatred may be concealed by trickery, their wrongdoing will be exposed in public.

27 If you set a trap for others, you will get caught in it yourself. If you roll a boulder down on others, it will crush you instead.

28 A lying tongue hates its victims, and flattering words cause ruin.

Proverbs 27

1 Don’t brag about tomorrow, since you don’t know what the day will bring.

2 Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth—  a stranger, not your own lips.

3 A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier.

4 Anger is cruel, and wrath is like a flood, but jealousy is even more dangerous.

5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love!

6 Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

7 A person who is full refuses honey, but even bitter food tastes sweet to the hungry.

8 A person who strays from home is like a bird that strays from its nest.

9 The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense.

10 Never abandon a friend— either yours or your father’s. When disaster strikes, you won’t have to ask your brother for assistance. It’s better to go to a neighbor than to a brother who lives far away.

11 Be wise, my child, and make my heart glad. Then I will be able to answer my critics.

12 A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

13 Get security from someone who guarantees a stranger’s debt. Get a deposit if he does it for foreigners.

14 A loud and cheerful greeting early in the morning will be taken as a curse!

15 A quarrelsome wife is as annoying as constant dripping on a rainy day.
16 Stopping her complaints is like trying to stop the wind or trying to hold something with greased hands.

17 As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.

18 As workers who tend a fig tree are allowed to eat the fruit, so workers who protect their employer’s interests will be rewarded.

19 As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the real person.

20 Just as Death and Destruction are never satisfied, so human desire is never satisfied.

21 Fire tests the purity of silver and gold, but a person is tested by being praised.

22 You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you grind them like grain with mortar and pestle.

23 Know the state of your flocks, and put your heart into caring for your herds,
24 for riches don’t last forever, and the crown might not be passed to the next generation.
25 After the hay is harvested and the new crop appears and the mountain grasses are gathered in,
26 your sheep will provide wool for clothing, and your goats will provide the price of a field.
27 And you will have enough goats’ milk for yourself, your family, and your servant girls.

Proverbs 25 - Further Wise Sayings of Solomon

The Right Word at the Right Time

1 There are also these proverbs of Solomon, collected by scribes of Hezekiah, king of Judah.

2 God delights in concealing things; scientists delight in discovering things.

3 Like the horizons for breadth and the ocean for depth, the understanding of a good leader is broad and deep.

4-5 Remove impurities from the silver and the silversmith can craft a fine chalice;
Remove the wicked from leadership and authority will be credible and God-honoring.

6-7 Don’t work yourself into the spotlight; don’t push your way into the place of prominence.
It’s better to be promoted to a place of honor than face humiliation by being demoted.

8 Don’t jump to conclusions—there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

9-10 In the heat of an argument, don’t betray confidences;
Word is sure to get around, and no one will trust you.

11-12 The right word at the right time is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,
And a wise friend’s timely reprimand is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

13 Reliable friends who do what they say are like cool drinks in sweltering heat—refreshing!

14 Like billowing clouds that bring no rain is the person who talks big but never produces.

15 Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

A Person Without Self-Control

16-17 When you’re given a box of candy, don’t gulp it all down; eat too much chocolate and you’ll make yourself sick; And when you find a friend, don’t outwear your welcome; show up at all hours and he’ll soon get fed up.

18 Anyone who tells lies against the neighbors in court or on the street is a loose cannon.

19 Trusting a double-crosser when you’re in trouble  is like biting down on an abscessed tooth.

20 Singing light songs to the heavyhearted is like pouring salt in their wounds.

21-22 If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.
Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.

23 A north wind brings stormy weather, and a gossipy tongue stormy looks.

24 Better to live alone in a tumbledown shack than share a mansion with a nagging spouse.

25 Like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend.

26 A good person who gives in to a bad person is a muddied spring, a polluted well.

27 It’s not smart to stuff yourself with sweets, nor is glory piled on glory good for you.

28 A person without self-control is like a house with its doors and windows knocked out.

Proverbs 24

1 Don’t envy evil people or desire their company.
2 For their hearts plot violence, and their words always stir up trouble.

3 A house is built by wisdom and becomes strong through good sense.
4 Through knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious riches and valuables.

5 The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger.
6 So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers.

7 Wisdom is too lofty for fools. Among leaders at the city gate, they have nothing to say.

8 A person who plans evil will get a reputation as a troublemaker.
9 The schemes of a fool are sinful; everyone detests a mocker.

10 If you fail under pressure, your strength is too small.

11 Rescue those who are unjustly sentenced to die; save them as they stagger to their death.
12 Don’t excuse yourself by saying, “Look, we didn't know.” For God understands all hearts, and he sees you.
He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve.

13 My child,eat honey, for it is good, and the honeycomb is sweet to the taste.
14 In the same way, wisdom is sweet to your soul. If you find it, you will have a bright future, and your hopes will not be cut short.

15 Don’t wait in ambush at the home of the godly, and don’t raid the house where the godly live.
16 The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.

17 Don’t rejoice when your enemies fall; don’t be happy when they stumble.
18 For the Lord will be displeased with you and will turn his anger away from them.

19 Don’t fret because of evildoers; don’t envy the wicked.
20 For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out.

21 My child, fear the Lord and the king. Don’t associate with rebels,
22  for disaster will hit them suddenly. Who knows what punishment will come from the Lord and the king?

Proverbs 23

1 While dining with a ruler, pay attention to what is put before you.
2 If you are a big eater, put a knife to your throat;
3 don’t desire all the delicacies, for he might be trying to trick you.

4 Don’t wear yourself out trying to get rich. Be wise enough to know when to quit.
5 In the blink of an eye wealth disappears, for it will sprout wings and fly away like an eagle.

6 Don’t eat with people who are stingy; don’t desire their delicacies.
7 They are always thinking about how much it costs. “Eat and drink,” they say, but they don’t mean it.
8 You will throw up what little you've eaten, and your compliments will be wasted.

9 Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest advice.

10 Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers; don’t take the land of defenseless orphans.
11 For their Redeemer is strong; he himself will bring their charges against you.

12 Commit yourself to instruction; listen carefully to words of knowledge.

13 Don’t fail to discipline your children. They won’t die if you spank them.
14 Physical discipline may well save them from death.

15 My child, if your heart is wise, my own heart will rejoice!
16 Everything in me will celebrate when you speak what is right.

17 Don’t envy sinners, but always continue to fear the Lord.
18 You will be rewarded for this; your hope will not be disappointed.

19 My child, listen and be wise: Keep your heart on the right course.
20 Do not carouse with drunkards or feast with gluttons,
21 for they are on their way to poverty, and too much sleep clothes them in rags.

22 Listen to your father, who gave you life, and don’t despise your mother when she is old.
23 Get the truth and never sell it;  also get wisdom, discipline, and good judgment.
24 The father of godly children has cause for joy. What a pleasure to have children who are wise.
25 So give your father and mother joy! May she who gave you birth be happy.

26 O my son, give me your heart.  May your eyes take delight in following my ways.
27 A prostitute is a dangerous trap; a promiscuous woman is as dangerous as falling into a narrow well.
28 She hides and waits like a robber, eager to make more men unfaithful.

29 Who has anguish? Who has sorrow? Who is always fighting? Who is always complaining? Who has unnecessary bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?
30 It is the one who spends long hours in the taverns, trying out new drinks.
31 Don’t gaze at the wine, seeing how red it is, how it sparkles in the cup, how smoothly it goes down.
32 For in the end it bites like a poisonous snake; it stings like a viper.
33 You will see hallucinations, and you will say crazy things.
34 You will stagger like a sailor tossed at sea, clinging to a swaying mast.
35 And you will say, “They hit me, but I didn't feel it. I didn't even know it when they beat me up. When will I wake up so I can look for another drink?”