Beach Yoga

I started practicing yoga last November and I quickly went from one class a week to two.  I know many people imagine that it's time spent just meditating, and that's part of it, but it has been a good physical workout for me where I've noticed changes in my body (especially in regard to strength and toning).  It has also been a great compliment to the counseling I'm doing, as I am working to find better balance in my life and so for that hour class, I am able to focus on myself and not worry about the rest of life.  It's amazing that even when my knees are shaking and my muscles are quivering, that I find great peace there.

I decided to take a bit of a break from yoga over the summer (because of financial reasons more than anything) and so I have enjoyed the sun and pool participating in aqua size.  But as the summer winds down this week, in combination with some anxiety over the new school year starting (it's my first start to the year since 2008!), I made the decision to go to aqua size and yoga classes every day this week.  Waking up at 6:15 in the morning on summer holidays is not really my idea of fun, but today it was well worth it as I tried beach yoga for the first time.

As calming as yoga normally is, this morning was unbelievable.  The class was held at Colert Beach in Morden, with the sun slowly rising above us.  Fish were jumping and splashing in the water, while a chipmunk kept us company from the trees.  It was truly amazing to be out in God's creation, exercising a body and mind that He has entrusted me to care for while on this earth.  A beautiful blue sky, green leaves on the trees and a crystal clear reflection off the water - all made for me to enjoy this morning!

Mere Christianity

I have never done a book study before but decided to do one this summer with my friend Rob.  We picked Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis which has been a really good read.  We have finished the first 3 books so far, with 1 book remaining.  There have been many interesting discussions:  things we agree about, things we disagree about, things we agree with Lewis about, things we disagree with Lewis about.  Sometimes we stay on topic, talking about the chapter, but more often than not, we end up on a completely different tangent.

Today we read the chapters on Charity and Hope, which are among my favorites so far.  Lewis ends the chapter on Charity saying:

"But the great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His [God's] love for us does not.  It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him." (page 133)

Website Update

Just a note that Jolica has updated our personal websites and there's a lot of great new information so check it out and see what you think:

www.jolica.com/ladawn.siemens

Deloresart

One of my favorite Manitoba companies is Deloresart out of Brandon.  She is so creative and is able to combine beautiful art with amazing quotes.  This must be a new one because I haven't seen it yet and I thought I would share it with you.  Check out her website at www.deloresart.ca

Fear less, hope more;

Sigh less, breathe more;

Talk less, say more;

Hate less, love more... and all good things are yours.
The greatest oak was once a nut that held its ground.

we'll change the world. . .

"My friends, love is better than anger.

Hope is better than fear.

Optimism is better than despair.

So let us be loving, hopeful and optimistic.

And we'll change the world."

 

~Jack Layton

The Dance of. . .

I made the decision to see my counselor for fewer sessions over the summer, partly to break up routine and partly to give myself a little break.  She did suggest some books to read and I thought that was a great idea since there would be less counseling and I should have the time to read over the summer break.  I had to get over the idea that the books were about 25 years old, but nonetheless, have been great reads and have amazing and useful ideas for myself.  I read "The Dance of Intimacy" first and I just started "The Dance of Anger" (her original bestseller).  The basic premise is that we are in a patterned dance in regards to the relationships we have in our lives - we make a move and that affects the other person's next move and so on.  The books are written for women but I'm sure they provide a lot of insight for men as well.  Harriet Lerner is the author and I highly recommend that you check them out.

Blood Phones & Conflict Minerals

My cousin forwarded me this CNN article (thanks Jos!) and I think that it's a great read so please check it out.  There are also some videos to check out there.  Once you finish reading and watching the CNN article, head to the Enough Project website to find out more and how you can get involved.

www.cnn.com/2012/08/16/tech/gaming-gadgets/congo-blood-phones-report/index.html?hpt=hp_c2

enoughproject.org

Even If ~ Kutless

Sometimes all we have to hold on to
Is what we know is true of who You are
So when the heartache hits like a hurricane
That could never change who You are
And we trust in who You are

Even if the healing doesn't come
And life falls apart
And dreams are still undone
You are God You are good
Forever faithful One
Even if the healing
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lord we know your ways are not our ways
So we set our faith in who You are
Even though You reign high above us
You tenderly love us
We know Your heart
And we rest in who You are

You're still the Great and Mighty One
We trust You always
You're working all things for our good
We'll sing your praise

You are God and we will bless You
As the Good and Faithful One
You are God and we will bless You
Even if the healing doesn't come
Even if the healing doesn't come

Lifting up Community through Handmade Paper

www.jolica.com/ladawn.siemens

CNN: Trafficking Class for Men Using Prostitutes

 

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com

My name is LaDawn and I am an addict. . .

Thankfully, the 2012 London Olympics will be closing the games today!  I do not consider myself an athlete by any stretch of the imagination, but the Olympic Games always capture my attention.  For 2 weeks, my TV has been 'running' non-stop (it's off otherwise) and I know that I will be getting a lot more accomplished once the closing ceremony ends.  I love the spirit of the games and how they celebrate the best in humanity.  And though I don't understand many of the rules that govern the events and even wonder how some of them are actual events, but that doesn't stop me from being captivated for 2 solid weeks of the summer (only to do it again in 2 years for the winter games!).  My name is LaDawn and I am an Olympics addict. . .

Soul Surfer

I finally had the chance to check out the movie "Soul Surfer" and if you haven't had a chance to check it out for yourself yet, I would definitely recommend it.  It's a powerful story and affirms my belief that God can use whatever in our lives to draw us closer to Himself.  I went to the website (www.soulsurfer.com) and love this quote from Bethany:

"The way I see it, putting our faith in God is something that each person has to come to on his or her own. It's your own personal relationship with Him; a bond that's as unique as a fingerprint."

Mission 865: North Embera

My friend Tulio sent me this video link.  It was a quick trip down memory lane from my time in Panama.  Tulio is the voice for Peter and is shown a number of times in the video.  The church in Gamboa, across from the Panama Canal, was home sweet home for most of the summer of 2009.

mission865.org

War Refugee

partnersworld.ca

The Story of Change

Check out the latest video in The Story of Stuff series - The Story of Change:

www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-change