Challenging Times Build Our Story.

On February 7, 2021 By Heather Wiest

Challenging times build our inner strength. They develop our faith, refine our character, and GIVE US A UNIQUE STORY. It is always enjoyable to have the mountaintop experiences in life, but we learn the most during the valley times. Challenging times are often the gifts we do not want. As Hellen Keller stated, “character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.” Three things to remember and ask yourself: (1) What you go through, you grow through. (2) It’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. (3) We all have a story: How are you using your unique story to help others? (4) Are there some new avenues to explore?

“Sometimes, the road ahead is blocked, but clearing the way becomes part of our journey. Learn to tell when it’s time to let go, to surrender, to search for another road, a different path, another dream. But also learn to tell when it’s time to move forward, through obstacles if need be, because the dream is electric, charged by Divine energy and love. If a side trip is beckoning, perhaps there’s a lesson there: an old feeling to be felt, healed and cleared; a new attitude or belief to be acquired; a revelation, a surprise. Remember this: a side trip, with all it’s emotions, isn’t about another person. It’s about you and your journey to healing, freedom, and joy. Ignoring a situation that can take you off center won’t take you to the next place. Going more deeply into your own growth process, going more deeply into your soul is what will further your journey. Everything that happens to you can be used, felt, shaped and transformed to further your journey. This process of growth, of side trips and healing, is your destiny, the magical journey of your soul.” ~ Melody Beattie

“My scars tell a story. They are a reminder of times when life tried to break me, but failed. They are markings of where the structure of my character is welded.” ~ Steve Maraboli

What voice from your past, yours or someone else’s, do you need to silence today? Reflect upon the challenges in your life and be thankful for them. Three great rules to live by: no blaming, no shaming, no judgement. In gratitude, focus on those qualities in yourself and others that inspire you and spur you on!

WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU?

Let’s journey together through a motivating meditation… Take a few deep, centering breaths… Now, reflect upon your ELEMENTARY SCHOOL YEARS and think of your FAVORITE TEACHER. Notice who comes to mind first. Visualize this special person. Did they have a unique voice, smell, distinguishing feature or mannerism? What did they say or do that was memorable and inspiring? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this teacher?

And now, fast forward into your HIGH SCHOOL YEARS and choose one YOUTH LEADER, COACH, COUNSELOR or TEACHER who positively influenced your life path. Visualize this individual: their smile, their gaze, their listening ear. What did they say or do that was motivating and encouraging? How did you feel in their presence? What qualities did/do you respect about this leader?

Now dwell upon a CURRENT MENTOR, COACH, TEACHER who challenges and lovingly spurs you on to the next level. Visualize their whole being, their essence—body, mind and spirit. What do they say and do that is heart-felt and wise? How do you feel in their presence? What qualities do you treasure about this respected guide?

Encompass now these three influential people. Are there any common themes or threads in your teachers, coaches, and mentors? Can you choose ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD that describes them all? Notice what arises first.

Looking at your own life, does this ONE QUALITY, ONE WORD represent you and how you desire to inspire and influence others?

WHO DO YOU INSPIRE?

How do others feel in your presence? What do you say and do that is motivating and memorable? Allow yourself to smile in gratitude and joy for those who have inspired you and for those you inspire.

Never underestimate the POWER OF ONE. ONE PERSON. ONE SMILE. ONE WORD. ONE CHALLENGE. ONE INSPIRATION.

Remember, it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish. We all have a story, now use your story to help others.

Merry Christmas 2020 ❤️

On December 24, 2020December 25, 2020 By Heather Wiest

em·brace | \ im-ˈbrās \

Definition of EMBRACE

1a: to clasp in the arms : HUG
b: CHERISH, LOVE
2: ENCIRCLE, ENCLOSE
3a: to take up especially readily or gladly embrace a cause
b: to avail oneself of : WELCOME, embraced the opportunity to study further
4a: to take in or include as a part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole, charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare

I hope to hug, love, and encircle more. To treasure every moment with my teen daughters while they are still at home. To expand my client circle, and help encourage health and healing for many. (written 12/19/19)

Embrace was my word for 2020, given to me last December (and, so timely). I can’t wait to share the word given to me for 2021! Until then, let’s fully embrace this HOLY-days season.

Have you recently read the lyrics to O Holy Night? Let them truly sink-in and embrace your heart and soul…

‘O Holy Night’ (John Sullivan Dwight's version)

 O holy night, the stars are brightly shining,
 It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth;
 Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
 'Till he appeared and the soul felt its worth.
 A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
 For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn;

 Chorus
 Fall on your knees, Oh hear the angel voices!
 O night divine! O night when Christ was born.
 O night, O holy night, O night divine.

 Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming;
 With glowing hearts by his cradle we stand:
 So, led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
 Here come the wise men from Orient land,
 The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger,
 In all our trials born to be our friend;

 Chorus

 He knows our need, To our weakness no stranger!
 Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
 Behold your King! your King! before him bend!
 Truly He taught us to love one another;
 His law is Love and His gospel is Peace;
 Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother,
 And in his name all oppression shall cease,
 Sweet hymns of joy in grateful Chorus raise we;
 Let all within us praise his Holy name!

 Chorus

 Christ is the Lord, then ever! ever praise we!
 His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!
 His pow'r and glory, evermore proclaim!

“I don’t want a Christmas you can buy.
I don’t want a Christmas you can make.
What I want is a Christmas you can hold.
A Christmas that holds me,
remakes me, revives me.
I want a Christmas that whispers, Jesus.”
— Ann Voskamp

Merry Christmas and Happy HOLY-days from our family to yours. I am encircling each and every one of you in Love and Light, and praying for divine joy and peace to fill your hearts, always. ❤️ Let’s fall on our knees… ~ Heather

“This is the life-giving message we heard him share and it’s still ringing in our ears. We now repeat his words to you: God is pure light. You will never find even a trace of darkness in him.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭1:5‬ ‭TPT‬‬

Fruit of the Spirit: GOODNESS

On November 12, 2020November 18, 2020 By Heather Wiest

Please join me for this 9-week yoga series exploring each fruit of the Spirit beginning Friday, October 9, 2020 through Friday, December 4, 2020. Click my class schedule to join locally in-person or from anywhere via ZOOM at Moment of Truth Healing Space.

Week 6: GOODNESS = a life full of virtue, doing what is right, righteousness in action (Benevolence = the quality of being morally good or virtuous, uprightness of heart and life—action)

Maitri (Sanskrit) = means benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others.

“And the supernatural fruits of his light will be seen in you— goodness, righteousness, and truth.” Ephesians 5:9 The Passion Translation

“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. As one psalmist puts it, He throws caution to winds, giving to the needy in reckless abandon. His right-loving, right-giving ways never run out, never wear out. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-11 The Message

“With this in mind, we constantly pray that our God will empower you to live worthy of all that he has invited you to experience. And we pray that by his power all the pleasures of goodness and all works inspired by faith would fill you completely.” 2 Thessalonians 1:11 The Passion Translation

God, thank you for your goodness in my life.
I am supernaturally empowered to do what is right.
With discernment, I take the right action at the right time.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete GOODNESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of GOODNESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of GOODNESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.” (Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

“And I pray that he would unveil within you the unlimited riches of his glory and favor until supernatural strength floods your innermost being with his divine might and explosive power. Then, by constantly using your faith, the life of Christ will be released deep inside you, and the resting place of his love will become the very source and root of your life.” Ephesians 3:16-17, The Passion Translation

Fruit of the Spirit: KINDNESS

On November 4, 2020November 18, 2020 By Heather Wiest

KINDNESS in action, the quality of being friendly, generous, considerate, respectful and compassionate. The Aramaic word can be translated “sweetness.”

Maitri (Sanskrit) = benevolence, loving-kindness, friendliness, amity, good will, and active interest in others.

“O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy and loving-kindness endure forever!” Psalm 136:26 Amplified Bible

“Lord, you’re so kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and so patient with people who fail you! Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness.” Psalm 103:8 The Passion Translation

“Do not forget or neglect to do kindness and good, to be generous and distribute and contribute to the needy, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” Hebrews 13:16 Amplified Bible

Soft Belly Breath Exercise:

Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth a few times. Place one hand on your heart, and one hand on your belly. Then as you begin to breathe slowly and steadily through the nose, visualize inhaling into your belly receiving kindness, sweetness and compassion — and exhaling out through your heart giving it all away. Continue for a few minutes. The breath is the most important tool in yoga — it is the bridge between the body and the mind — it draws us inward and into the present moment.

I experience God’s sweetness in my life.
I am kind and compassionate with myself and others.
I am generous with my time and resources.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete KINDNESS.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of KINDNESS.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of KINDNESS. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)

Fruit of the Spirit: PATIENCE

On October 29, 2020November 14, 2020 By Heather Wiest

PATIENCE that endures (forbearance) = not the ability to wait, but how we act while waiting. The capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset; endurance. The Greek word for patience is taken from a verb that means “ever tapping” or “never quitting.”

Have you ever tried TAPPING into patience?

But what do we do? How do we practice patience? How do we make it a reality? What do we do about the part of us that is screaming like a toddler… “But I don’t want to be patient! I want it now!”
Two steps: 1. Acknowledge that this part of you exists. Just saying, “Yup, I’m not being patient…” can be enough to trigger change. 2. Tap to release those anxious feelings.
Nick Ortner, The Tapping Solution

I would encourage you to give it a try! Tapping is a simple, yet powerful technique to boost emotional health.

Pariksaha (Sanskrit) = patience and forbearance

“With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.” Ephesians 4:2 The Passion Translation

“A wise person demonstrates patience, for mercy means holding your tongue. When you are insulted, be quick to forgive and forget it, for you are virtuous when you overlook an offense.” Proverbs 19:11 The Passion Translation

“And patient endurance will refine our character; and proven character leads us back to hope.” Romans 5:4 The Passion Translation

I pause, breathe, and then respond.
I am patient with myself and others.
I accept delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset.
Patient endurance refines my character.

OPENING MEDITATION

Think of a time you experienced complete PATIENCE.
It may be a recent happening, or from the past.
Picture it clearly in your heart and mind.
Feel all the emotions.
What sensations do you feel in the body?
Where do you feel these sensations?
Label your emotions with one word.
Label the sensations felt with one word.
Tuck these words deep into your memory account of PATIENCE.

CLOSING MEDITATION

“Wait quietly in my presence while My thoughts form silently in the depths of your being. Do not rush this process, because hurry keeps your heart earthbound. I am the Creator of the entire universe, yet I choose to make my humble home in your heart. It is there where you know me most intimately; it is there where I speak to you in holy whispers. Ask My Spirit to quiet your mind so that you can hear my still small voice within you. I am speaking to you continually. . . words of PATIENCE. Tune your heart to receive these messages of abundant blessing. Lay your requests before Me, and wait in expectation.”
(Adapted from Jesus Calling, September 21, by Sarah Young)