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ARE YOU DISENGAGED?

4/11/2020

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During this holiest week that looks and feels like no previous Easter that I've experienced, I was praying for a word to share with my small group. I heard God say, "disengage." As I often enjoy doing, I looked up the word in the dictionary to obtain the fullest understanding and application of it.  
Disengage (verb) 1. separate or release (someone or something) from something to which they are attached or connected.

As I prayed and meditated upon this, I began to gain more clarity. I want to share my thoughts with you, and I pray that they are beneficial.  

We are currently forced to disengage from most of the joy-filled, meaningful, and powerful traditions that we are accustomed to. These traditions and customs, many carried on for centuries, can sometimes steal the attention and affection of our hearts. This year we have an opportunity to reflect upon the preeminent cause for our celebration; God loved us so much that He gave His one and only Son to die for our sins so that whoever believes in Jesus would not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). Jesus lovingly submitted Himself to judgment, crucifixion, and death for us. He conquered the grave, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. We no longer have to live as "foreigners or outcasts," but we become children of God with access to Father God through Jesus the Son, and we are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live in victory.  His great love never ceases to blow me away; it causes me to wonder how we can ever say "no" to Him?

What are some things that we all need to "disengage" (separate or release from) as a prerequisite to an intimate relationship with God?
  • Unrepented Sin. References: 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, Colossians 3:5, Ephesians 5:3-6, Revelations 22:12-16, Matthew 25:41-46
  • Refusal to forgive. Reference: Matthew 6:15
  • Other "gods" / "things" that we have put before Him. Reference: Exodus 20:3-6

God is inviting us to disengage from the things that are pulling us away from the relationship with Him and to engage (or reengage) intentional and passionate pursuit of Him. 

We do not have to stay connected to sin, past failures, shame, unforgiveness, or regrets. We have the gift of free will and the power to choose to remain connected to these things or to become free of them.

What do you need to separate from or release? I encourage you to make time to pray and meditate upon this quietly until you hear God's loving, gracious, and merciful voice that whispers to enlighten and empower you. 

We have great news! We can gain freedom through TRUE confession and faith in Christ. 
References: 1 John 1:9, Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:18-19, John 8:36

As we prepare to celebrate our Savior's triumphant resurrection tomorrow, will you consider further reflection and preparation of your heart through contemplation and prayer?

Suggested Prayer:

​Dear Heavenly Father,
I know that you love me. I believe that Jesus died for my sins. I am sorry for ________________, please forgive me as I choose to forgive _____________. Empower me by Your Spirit to sin no more. 
Thank you, God. I love you. Amen.

​
​Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos


Photo by Pablo Heimplatz on Unsplash
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FIRST LOVE

3/29/2020

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DO YOU MISS GOD'S TOUCH?

Are you married? If so, do you remember the dating/courtship phase of your relationship? The honeymoon phase? In these early stages, did other people have to encourage you to make time for one another, to make the relationship a priority? I'm guessing that they probably did not, but it is natural for the excitement and passion to fade as time goes by. Although, if a couple continues to pursue intimacy as they mature, the relationship and affection only grow deeper. 



It is the same with our Divine relationship. Our spouses aren't always there for us, nor are they meant to be, but God is ALWAYS there. We are the ones that wander, grow cold, and permit other things to take precedence over our relationship with Him. Even "good" things can become "bad" for us if they are taking precedence over our relationship with the Lord. He wants to spend time with you, intimate time, times of deep knowing.


The Lord is inviting us to remember Him as our first love. Will you accept the invitation from the preeminent, most significant, and most excellent lover of your soul?


In Luke 10:38-42, we gain direct insight and instruction from Jesus about how to prioritize our time and focus on a relationship with Him, over other "good" things. I encourage you to take time to read and reflect upon this passage.  
  • We can do "good" and still miss the mark. - Ref. Revelations 2:1-7, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Jeremiah 11:7-8, 10
  • Divine Law- 1st and Greatest Commandment- Ref. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 & Luke 10:25-28


How do we love God will ALL of our heart, soul, strength, and mind?
  • We must understand that our hearts are deceitful, but the Lord searches and knows our hearts and minds. Ref. Jeremiah 17: 9-10
  • We must acknowledge that "The Law of Sin" dwells in our hearts; sin comes from our hearts (it is called "the seat of sin"). We must continually confess our sin and desperate need of God's grace; pray like David ("a man after God's own heart") "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. —Psalm 51:10-12 Ref. Romans 8:13, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Psalm 139:23-24, James 1:14-15, Mark 7:20-23
  • Jesus said, "that which comes from within a man's heart defiles him" Ref. Mark 7:14-23
  • What are you thinking? How can that give you insight into the condition of your heart?
  • Only the Holy Spirit can purify a heart and set us apart to God. Paul calls this change "circumcision of the heart." Ref. Ephesians 2:8-9
  • "Good treasure" comes by grace. ref Luke 6:45
  • For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8


Will you accept this gift into your heart, in all of its fullness, today and every day?


Suggested Application:
Memorize Psalm 40:12 by practicing Breath Prayer.  
Inhale: I desire to do Your will, my God  
​Exhale: Your law is within my heart.

Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

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YIN YOGA SEQUENCE FOR BACK RELIEF

3/25/2020

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YIN YOGA REMINDS ME OF FLOATING IN WATER; IT SIMULTANEOUSLY REQUIRES EFFORT AND EASE WITHIN THE BODY.  IN A YIN CLASS YOU PASSIVELY HOLD VARIATIONS OF SEATED AND SUPINE POSES BETWEEN 3 TO 5 MINUTES.  

YIN YOGA POSES APPLY MODERATE STRESS TO THE CONNECTIVE TISSUES OF THE BODY (THE TENDONS, FASCIA, AND LIGAMENTS) WITH THE AIM OF INCREASING CIRCULATION IN THE JOINTS AND IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY.

IT IS ALWAYS VERY IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, BUT IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER HOLD POSES BETWEEN 2 TO 3 MINUTES INSTEAD OF 3 TO 5. LOOK FOR YOUR "COMFORTABLE EDGE"; NEVER STRETCH TO A POINT OF PAIN.  YOGA SHOULD NEVER CAUSE PAIN.

​YOU WILL NEED A TIMER, BLOCK, AND BOLSTER (OR PILLOW) FOR THIS SEQUENCE.  TO ENJOY THIS TIME MORE FULLY, LISTEN TO MY YIN PLAYLIST WHILE ALLOWING YOUR BODY TO SOFTEN AND LENGTHEN. 

REMEMBER TO BREATHE...
THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER BECAUSE THERE IS A TENDENCY TO HOLD BREATH IN YIN WHICH WILL WORK AGAINST YOU.  
​
XXO RONI

Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

YIN PLAYLIST

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS SEQUENCE.

STRAIGHT LEG SUPPORTED BRIDGE POSE

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3 MINUTES 
To Begin...
  • Lay down on your back with your legs straight along the mat.
  •  Slide your block under your sacrum (the flat space behind your hips) below the lower spine.  
  • ​Relax your arms to each side.
You can keep the knees bent or extend the legs straight. Allow your body to fully release into the support that the block provides.  Enjoy this deep release for the lumbar vertebrae.

SEATED AND SUPPORTED BUTTERFLY POSE

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5 MINUTES
  • Gently remove the block from your sacrum and return your back to the mat in a fully extended, lying position.
  • Bend your knees and roll onto one side in a fetal position, feeling the effects of the supported pose your body was just in.
  • Press your way up to seated and position yourself so that your knees drop out and the soles of your feet come together.
  • Support yourself with props as needed (i.e. bolster in lap, blanket under hips, etc.) and begin to fold forward. ​The upper back and neck can round if that is comfortable for you.

SUPPORTED CATERPILLAR POSE

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5 MINUTES
  • Slowly rise up from Butterfly pose and begin to extend the legs straight in front of you.
  • Invite gentle movement and release into the legs and hips in whatever motion feels good in your body.
  • When you feel settled, begin to fold yourself toward your extended legs, again using props where you feel they will benefit your pose for today.

SUPPORTED SPHINX POSE

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5 MINUTES
  • Rise out of your fold and give yourself a moment to rest with the head above the heart, then gently make your way to the belly.
  • Come onto your belly, legs extended, tops of your feet and pelvis pressing into the mat. Place the bolster under your chest, letting your forearms rest on the floor in front of the bolster.
  • ​Prop yourself onto the forearms so the elbows are right beneath or just in front of the shoulders.
  • Legs extend straight back behind you; glutes should be relaxed. 
  • Check for a mild sensation of compression in your low back. If it’s too intense, remove the bolster, bend your elbows out to the sides, and rest your forehead on stacked hands or fists.​
  • Head can stay lifted or you can drop it to hang forward or rest it onto a block.
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​If you don’t experience sensation in supported sphinx, you could remove the bolster and adopt a traditional, unsupported sphinx pose with the forearms on the floor. You could also use the bolster under the forearms themselves for still more intensity.

To increase the intensity of the stretch, bend your knees.

​After five minutes, remove the bolster (if using) and release onto the mat, forehead supported on stacked hands, elbows out to the side.

SUPPORTED CHILD'S POSE , TAD POLE OR FROG

​​5 MINUTES
Place your hands under your shoulders and gently press up into tabletop. You may wish to turn to face the long edge of the mat so that your knees have more padding. Place the bolster lengthwise with one end between your knees. Release your hips toward your heels and your torso onto the bolster for supported Child’s pose.
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  • Remain here, or, to move into supported tadpole, lift up your torso and move the bolster farther forward.
  • Bring your knees wider and lift your hips and shift them forward, so they’re about in line with your knees.
  • Bring your big toes to touch, and check in here to see if you have found your "edge".
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For more sensation, move into supported frog: Separate your feet, turning them out and flexing them, and adjust so that your shins are parallel to each other, hips in line with knees,  knees in line with ankles.
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You can turn your head to one side or, if you need to shift the bolster farther back to support the pelvis or hips, rest your head on a block placed in front of the bolster. Blankets or towels under your knees or ankles can alleviate discomfort. You can dial the sensation up or down moving hips closer to or farther from heels.
  • To come out, press back up into tabletop, shifting the bolster forward as necessary. 
  • Invite gentle movement and release into the legs and hips in whatever motion feels good in your body.

SUPPORTED SUPINE TWIST

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3 MINUTES (EACH SIDE) 
  • Begin by lying on your back, extend both legs straight along the mat.
  • Extend your hands out into a “T” shape, or bend the elbows to 90 degree, making a “cactus” shape.
  • Place your Rectangular Yoga Bolster (or pillow) along your right leg, lengthwise along the ground, in line with the edge of your mat.
  • Hug your left knee into your chest, bending at the knee, and gently lower your leg across your body so your shin comes to rest on the bolster.
  • To intensify this twist, turn your gaze away from your leg, and to reduce the intensity, or change the location of the twist in your spine, move the knee closer or further from the face. Keep both shoulder blades grounded to the mat.
  • Feel your spine lengthening as you spend more time in your twist.
  • To come out of the twist, extend both legs long along your mat, bring the bolster to the other side of your body, and repeat.

BANANA POSE

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3 MINUTES (EACH SIDE)
​
  • Begin by lying on your back, extend both legs straight along the mat.
  • Begin to stretch out long, taking the arms overhead and legs extended. Walk the feet over to the right, crossing the left ankle over the right (if you’d like additional stretch).
  • Stay here, or begin to reach the upper arms over toward the right side as well.
  • ​Adjust your head and shoulders but be mindful to keep the hip stationary to create maximum space on the left side, in the shape of a crescent moon (or banana).
  • ​Send your breath into your left waist. and feel the left side body growing longer with each and every round of breath.
  • Allow the weight of the body to settle for the next 3 minutes.
  • Make your way back to neutral and then repeat on the opposite side.

Waterfall (Legs Up the Wall) Pose

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8 TO 10 MINUTES
SAVASANA


This pose is an important inversion that helps to reduce stress, quiet the mind, lower blood pressure, and induce relaxation. It also reduces swelling, improves circulation, and may prevent varicose veins. 


  • Lie on your back facing a wall, feet on the floor and knees bent. Have your bolster or pillow at your side.
  • Raise your legs and slide your body forward until your bottom and the backs of your legs are resting against the wall. Wiggle and adjust as needed.
  • You can choose to leave your hips on the ground and close to the wall, or you can elevate your hips on a bolster/blanket, take the comfortable resting position that works best for you today.
  • If you are choosing to use a bolster, bend your knees so that your feet are against the wall.  Press your feet to raise your pelvis, and slide your yoga bolster under your bottom. Gently straighten your legs.
  • Relax your arms to the sides, releasing your shoulders. Or place your hands on your abdomen and feel your breath.
  • When you’re ready to come out of the pose, hug your knees to your chest for a few breaths, then roll to one side to in a fetal position, release completely.

Take a moment before slowly coming into a Comfortable Seated pose.  When you feel ready, slowly come to standing. 

​
Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos
Pose Photos by: Yogi Approved, Seattle Yoga News, Yoga International, and ShopHalfMoon.
DISCLAIMER: As with all exercise programs, when engaging in our exercise tutorials, or exercise videos, you need to use common sense and listen to your body. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of any online fitness tutorials, videos, or information shared on our websites or social media accounts; this includes emails, videos and texts. Thank you for your understanding.
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BREATH = ESSENCE OF LIFE

3/20/2020

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Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash


DEVOTIONAL​

BREATH = ESSENCE OF LIFE
By: Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos


WHEN IS THE LAST TIME THAT YOU REQUIRED A REMINDER TO BREATHE?
OR HAD TO PAY FOR A BREATH OF FRESH AIR?

BREATH IS A FREE, LOVE-GIFT FROM GOD TO YOU.  FROM YOUR FIRST TO YOUR LAST AND EACH ONE IN-BETWEEN, GOD IS BREATHING HIS LOVE INTO EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY.

“And the Lord God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4

“Thus saith God the LORD, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5


HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED CPR? OR BLOWN ON A LOVED ONE TO COOL THEM DOWN OR TO DISLODGE AN EYELASH?
BREATH IS INTIMATE.

“In whose hand (God’s) [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10

“All the while my breath [is] in me, and the Spirit of God [is] in my nostrils;” Job 27:3

“…He (God) set his heart upon man, [if] He gather unto Himself his spirit and his breath;” Job 34:14

“Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:” Ezekiel 37:5

“And I will lay sinews* upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” Ezekiel 37:6
*Sinew- def. fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament, also known as fascia.


After the resurrection, Jesus came to visit His disciples and they were overjoyed to see Him.  He said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”  (John 20)

“As God breathed life into Adam, so Jesus, “the last Adam,” breathes new life into His people. Jesus becomes, in Paul’s language, “a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).-Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas

The breath of God = Imparting the nature of God. There is a sanctifying effect to the breath of God—in receiving it you are made to reflect God’s likeness. The Christian life, then, is a life powered by the breath of God, transforming a person more and more into the likeness of God. How can we obtain this life? The “man of dust” obtained life because God breathed into him. Where is the breath of God given to us?

“Paul’s phrase in 2 Timothy 3:16 the Bible is “breathed out.” God’s Word is God’s breath to us, bringing us life, making us more like Christ.  The Bible has the power, through the work of the Holy Spirit, to both teach and demonstrate all the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” -Davis Wetherell

SELF INQUIRY:
  • Are you routinely reading God’s Word so that your life can be renewed by His breath of life?
  • What do you need to eliminate from your schedule so that you prioritize time and space to receive more breath of life from God?
  • What are you willing to give up so that you can get more life from God?

APPLICATION:

Practice Mindful Breathing:

Sit quietly, bring your awareness to your inhalation and exhalation.  As you slowly and fully inhale, imagine that you are literally breathing in the love, goodness, and grace of God.  As you slowly and fully exhale, imagine that you are literally breathing out negative thoughts, emotions, and words/labels that attempt to steal your life.

Breath Prayer:

Inhale- “I receive Your (God’s) breath”
Exhale- “Your Spirit transforms me.”


Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos
RONI'S PLAYLIST
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Honoring Your Older Mom On Mother’s Day: Focus On Gifts That Connect And Pamper

5/4/2018

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BY: Hazel Bridges
Chief Wellness Coach for Seniors

hazel.bridges@agingwellness.org  
AgingWellness.org
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Mother's Day can be a time of joy and cheer for families, but for many older moms, the day can be emotional and painful as well. Depression and stress are common challenges that many women face and no matter how old they are or how old their children are, they often neglect self care. Whether an older mom has grandchildren or not, they deserve to be recognized and pampered on this special day so they can take a breather from everyday stressors and focus on their mental health.

The stress of parenthood lasts beyond the childhood years
Being a mother has many joyful moments, but it is stressful too. The stress of parenthood continues even after children have grown, as moms never stop worrying about their kids and having adult children or grandchildren brings its own set of concerns. Adult children may be making decisions that are difficult to understand, or may be dealing with addiction issues or mental illness, and it can be hard for older moms to know how to navigate these issues.

CNN details that the struggles that adult children face, whether it be related to financial worries, divorce, addiction, or other challenges, can cause significant distress for the parents too. As children transition into adulthood, relationships with parents shift in many ways and a new adult's quest for independence can mean that an older parent is facing decreased interaction or communication with their child, and any of these stressors can lead to depression or other mental health issues.

Focus on meaningful gift ideas for Mother's Day
What do older moms really want for Mother's Day? Project Legacy shares that for many moms, getting something that shows a connection to the relationship with their child is quite meaningful. For example, time spent with an older parent that comes genuinely, rather than out of a sense of obligation, creates lasting memories. The gift of time together, whether just the adult child and mom or with grandchildren if they are part of the family too, may be one of the best possible Mother's Day gifts.

Giving your mom a true day off from all of her responsibilities is another great gift, and if you want to give a tangible gift, think of ways to leave a lasting impression. For example, you can give a book or a journal in place of a card or create a memory jar in place of flowers, candy, or perfume. Take old family photos or videos and digitize them so they are safe and easy to view, suggests Love to Know, or create a photo bouquet rather than a bouquet of flowers.

Gifts that continue beyond the holiday can make a big impact
You may also look into purchasing a treat-of-the-month type of membership, so your mom can know you are thinking of her all year long. Other gift ideas for Mother's Day could involve setting up a photo shoot for the entire extended family together, or set up recurring help in the home by arranging for cleaning, cooking, or in-home care. You could also prepare some freezer meals for her, or if she still likes to cook, consider setting up several orders from a meal kit delivery service.

If there are grandchildren in the family, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your older mom is something handmade from a grandchild. Hand-drawn pictures or cards are great, or you can step it up a notch and go with some of the ideas Babble shares such as creating handprint stepping stones, aprons, decorated flower pots, or coupon books that ensure there is more time together ahead.

No matter how busy your life is on a day-to-day basis, take a step back when Mother's Day comes to consider how you can honor your older mom and make her feel special. Even once kids are grown, the stress of parenthood often remains, and it is important to help your mother find ways to take care of herself and get a mental health break when stressors in life become overwhelming. Focus on meaningful gifts that show a personal connection and think beyond the stereotypical store-bought items that may end up cast aside.

​
[Image via Pixabay]
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Grief and Wellness After the Loss of a Spouse

2/14/2018

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By: Hazel Bridges
Chief Wellness Coach for Seniors

hazel.bridges@agingwellness.org  

AgingWellness.org

Losing your spouse is one of the most excruciating experiences you will ever endure.  You may no longer feel you are a whole being, and your grief can be tangibly painful.  Your world may feel familiar and yet completely shaken, even if you are confident your loved one is with the Lord.


Grief is a part of your healing process.  We grieve to grasp the loss and to be able to move forward.  Everyone grieves differently, and you shouldn’t feel you are on a schedule or that you have a spiritual flaw for going at your own pace.  In Matthew 5:4, we are told that those who mourn are blessed and will be comforted.  Trust that it’s part of God’s plan for you to grieve.  In time, your pain will ease.

As Focus on the Family points out, there are four key phases of grieving.  First you will accept the loss, as feelings of denial are natural.  You may find the services and burial celebrating your loved one’s life helpful in this piece of the process.  Talking with friends and family members and remembering your spouse can also help in this step.  Experiencing the pain is another aspect of the journey, and avoidance is an obstacle that makes it tough to navigate.  While we may instinctively want to seek shortcuts around feeling the loss, we can’t move forward until we deal with the pain.  The third aspect is adjusting to life without your loved one.  It will involve you assuming roles your loved one filled.  For instance you maybe never balanced a checkbook before, or handled the car repairs.  Lastly, you will find you can reinvest in other people.  The energy you focused on your loved one can be used toward others, and this doesn’t mean you are disloyal, nor does it necessarily mean you’ll remarry or seek romantic relationships.  It means you heal enough that you can remember your loved one without heart wrenching pain, and that you can engage in friendships and family functions without feeling guilty about enjoying yourself.

Losing a spouse is a major cause of mental health concerns.  Psychology Today explains that some seniors can experience depression, stress, and a reduced life expectancy.  Make sure you take care of yourself while you are grieving.  Some studies show that engaging in exercise is a natural mood enhancer and can help reduce stress and fight depression.  It’s also vital to ensure you get proper nutrition so your own health doesn’t decline.  Some experts warn against a desire to self-medicate during grief.  If you find yourself turning to drugs or alcohol to ease your pain, reach out for help.

Throughout your grief, allow family members, friends, pastors, and church family to support you.  You’re rebuilding your life, but you don’t need to do it alone.  You might benefit from a grief-loss support group or Bible study.  Many seniors engage with an online wellness course to help them through their loss.  It’s a way to connect.  You can receive comfort and assistance from home.

Remember to spend time in prayer and seek His guidance throughout this time.  Isaiah 43:2 tells us He will be with us as we pass through the waters, and rivers will not overflow us, we will walk through fire and not be burned.  Even in the worst of your pain, God is with you and will sustain you from within.

There is another side to your loss, and in time your pain will ease.  Don’t rush yourself through the process, and allow your support network to help.  God will never leave you, even through this difficult journey. ​
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OBEDIENCE

10/8/2017

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Obedience.  What emotions are evoked within you when you read that word?  For some, it will evoke panic.  For others, it will evoke defiance.  And others may merely dismiss it all together as an outdated concept that has no relevance whatsoever in this present culture.


I am a firm believer that it is the gross misinterpretation and related abuses that are to blame for most of the evils associated with obedience.  By our very nature, we are also resistant to obedience.  Any parent of a two-year-old can tell you that.  However, when obedience is engaged with wisdom and prudence, it is quite relevant and beneficial to those who are willing to apply it. “Wisdom is the power to see, and the inclination to choose, the best and highest goal, together with the surest means of attaining it. Wisdom is, in fact, the practical side of moral goodness. As such, it is found in its fulness only in God. He alone is naturally and entirely and invariable wise.” J. I. Packer, Knowing God
Obedience can be a beautiful, blessed, and even empowering act of our free will.

Do not underestimate the power of obedience in your faith walk.  Many people want all of the benefits and rewards of a relationship with God without obeying His commands or laws.  It is not possible.  A.W. Tozer said it this way, ”To escape the error of salvation by works we have fallen into the opposite error of salvation without obedience.”  All throughout scripture, God demands obedience and holiness from His people. Obedience is absolute.  You are either walking in it, or you are not.  

Obedience is not just about what we “Don’t Do,” it’s also very much about what we “Do Do.”   “Blessed are those who act justly, who always do what is right.”  Psalm 106:3  Jesus also said in John 14:23 “Those who love me will keep my word, and my Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them.

Jesus spoke of His ultimate free will act in John 10:17, “The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life.”  We can lay down our lives too. By our lives I mean our time which is the substance of our lives.  It is a conscious act of our will.  We exercise our free will every day when we choose to get out of bed (or not)  when the alarm sounds, spend time in prayer and meditation (or not), when we choose to exercise (or not), when we choose to eat (or not), etc.  You get the idea.  When we choose to exercise our free will and pursue God, pursue Truth, pursue love, and then pursue self-sacrifice for others, it is most precious to our Father in heaven.  In Mark 12: 30 & 31 Jesus said, “the greatest commands are first to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, and mind and second to love others as ourselves.” This is a verse that I wear on my wrist as a daily reminder. Because I don't know about you, but I need reminders (lots of them).  When we choose Him above all else, above selfish desires, other people/relationships, material possessions, fleshly desires and appetites, career and ambition, recreation, etc. only then is He truly first.  To quote a great American (tongue in cheek) “If you ain't first your last”. Will Ferrell as Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights
Is He really first in your life/your time?

I encourage you to make God first in your “Do not’s” and in your “Do’s”.  When you make Him first, when you make others first, when you choose obedience, everything else in life is so much better.  Test Him in this and see that He is faithful.  "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone should hear My voice and open the door, then I will come in to him and will dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20  In other words, when you say "yes" to God, when you become a "yes" person, you will find yourself in His enveloping, transformative, and lovely beyond description presence.

"The golden rule for understanding spiritually is not intellect, but obedience. If a man wants scientific knowledge, intellectual curiosity is his guide; but if he wants insight into what Jesus Christ teaches, he can only get it by obedience.”  Oswald Chambers

Copyright ©2017 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

For additional Scripture references regarding obedience:
http://www.acts17-11.com/obedience.html
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SEPTEMBER SURRENDER

9/4/2017

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BY: RONILYNN BRISSEY-RAMOS
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When we seek Him, He will be found. 
Luke 11:9-10 “So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."
Notice something here. There is action BEFORE the gifts are given and received. 

Are you in need of a fresh word? A fresh anointing? A fresh vision? A fresh passion? Fresh love? Fresh patience? A fresh song? A fresh leap in your step? A fresh dance? A fresh drink? A fresh (fill in the blank)? 
We all are constantly in need of refreshment because we are always giving. Giving to family, work, service, etc.  

Have you ever considered that in order to receive anything, we must first press in and seek?  We must push past obstacles to find. We must be open. We must surrender. Surrender self-ish, self-ambition, self-will, self-ideas, self-wants, self-concepts, self-focus, self-desires, self-limits, self-dreams, self-hopes, self-fears, self- (fill in the blank).

Surrender definitions:
cease resistance, give up or hand over (a person, right, or possession), typically on compulsion or demand, abandon oneself entirely to (a powerful emotion or influence); give in to.

Surrender can be scary, very scary. That is where our faith and trust come into action.  Who and what do you place your faith and trust in?  If your faith and trust are placed 100% in God's unending love for you and Jesus' rock solid faithfulness to catch you when you "trust fall" into Him, then you can and will let go. You will let go with peace, joy, assurance, excitement, and anticipation.  

This September I am seeking new and deeper levels of surrender and I am encouraging you, my sister to join me. What area/s of your life is the Father calling you into new and deeper surrender? Will you bravely press in with me to the precipice and surrender,  let go and trust fall over the edge and see where God takes you? What God has for you?

Open your heart, open your mind, open your life...surrender.

Copyright ©2017 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

1 Comment

PORN IS GOOD FOR CHRISTIANS!

6/3/2017

1 Comment

 
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"Porn is good for Christians!", exclaims a modern male, "Christian" blogger with hundreds of followers.
*I have intentionally left his name out of this post, as I do not wish to direct anyone towards his wayward beliefs.

Many of us will read this statement and respond with outrage, citing scriptures about lust and adultery i.e.: Jesus said, You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell... Matthew 5:28
 
Sadly, however, many others will read it and respond in agreement or uncertainty.  For those I would like to share what my incredible daughter, Christian Apologetic and humanitarian Victoria G. Jordan and her inspiring husband and pastor Joshua J. Jordan wrote in reply to this on-line blogger:​

I read this post in its entirety, as well as your post about the 10 common arguments against porn. I would like to comment on the following statements.
First, “Christian blogger says porn use is good for Christians.”
Next, “79 percent of men between the age of 18 and 30 look at porn.”
Finally, “But then we have to ask ourselves a question. How do we know if an activity is wrong? Well for us as Christians there is one answer to this and that is we must measure our every thought, word and deed by the Bible.”

I can consent that your final statement is true. Based on the truth of the final statement, I seek to disprove the validity of your statement that, “porn use is good for Christians.” Now, I intend to lay out multiple points that are substantiated by the Bible. Since you state that, “we must measure our every thought, word and deed by the Bible.”
Based on your statements I have a question: What is the biblical purpose of marriage?
Answer this question for yourself before you continue reading.
First point:
According to the Bible, the purpose of marriage is to model the relationship between Christ and the Church. This statement is based on the following scripture.

Ephesians 5:21 and submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord, 23 because the husband is the head of the wife as also Christ is the head of the church – he himself being the savior of the body. 24 But as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to sanctify her by cleansing her with the washing of the water by the word, 27 so that he may present the church to himself as glorious – not having a stain or wrinkle, or any such blemish, but holy and blameless. 28 In the same way husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one has ever hated his own body but he feeds it and takes care of it, just as Christ also does the church, 30 for we are members of his body. 31 For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32 This mystery is great – but I am actually speaking with reference to Christ and the church.
If the purpose of marriage is to model the relationship between Christ and the Church, then Christ can be likened to the husband and the church can be likened to the wife. Since you argue that, “porn use is good for Christians” then through the use of this analogy you are positing that it would be good for Christ to take another wife, or that the Church should seek to gain pleasure from sources outside of Christ. This of course, is idolatrous.
Now before you argue that this is not idolatrous I would like to point out the biblical book of Hosea where God likens his relationship with the Israelites to the marriage of Hosea. Hosea 3:1 states, “Then the LORD said to me, ‘Go again, love a woman who is loved by her husband, yet an adulteress, even as the LORD loves the sons of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.’
You see, sexual intimacy and the relationship between God and his bride are intimately intertwined. Therefore, if you make any argument about sexuality, you must consider it in the context of Christ and his bride.
By using this argument, masturbation can be proven to be sinful as well. Masturbation of the male would be Christ pleasing himself and not seeking after a bride. Masturbation of the female would be the Church failing to seek intimacy with her Savior and instead taking pleasure in herself.
Second point:
Your sexuality is designed only to be expressed in the context on marriage.

You see sexuality is designed only to be expressed in the context on marriage because it is meant to depict a picture of Christ and the Church. Masturbation and pornography miss this illusion because they are “solo” acts.
Third point:
Masturbation and pornography are acts that fail to meet the standard of the greatest biblical laws.

Luke 10:28-29 states, “He answered, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. ‘You have answered correctly,’ Jesus replied. ‘Do this and you will live.'”
The bible defines love saying, “4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails” (1 Cor 13:4-8).
Masturbation and pornography are not patient as they are seeking immediate personal gratification. They are dishonoring as they place your own needs above the needs of your spouse, or future spouse. They are self-seeking. Who does masturbation benefit but the one partaking in it to relieve a sexual urge?
I say this not to condemn you but out of love. I truly believe that by advocating for this teaching you are not only destroying yourself, but other Christian men and women who are misled by your teachings. I pray that they Holy Spirit will lead you into all truth and will soften your heart of stone that is caused from partaking in sin on a repetitive basis.
Additionally, I noticed that you do not have a theology degree. Additionally, you did not mention being licensed or accredited by any denomination. I hold both of these distinctions. I would say to you that while I agree that lay people can teach the Bible, I would argue that you should interpret scripture using the Wesleyan quadrilateral in an effort to make your teachings more sound. The quadrilateral encompasses: (1) scripture, (2) tradition, (3) reason, and (4) experience. You are taking a stance on an argument that is both against scripture and the Christian tradition. When one goes against the Christian tradition, that individual is more than likely wrong and the collective Church body is more than likely correct.
Finally, based on experience there are numerous harmful aspects to pornography. Secular social scientists have studied the effects of porn and I have shared a few of those studies below. You need not use the Bible to prove that pornography has harmful effects.
According to studies cited by the American Psychological Association, “those who frequent porn sites more often are more likely to view sex as a purely physical function and to view women as sex objects” (http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov07/webporn.aspx).Furthermore, “(i)n one study surveying 471 Dutch teens ages 13 to 18, the researchers found that the more often young people sought out online porn, the more likely they were to have a “recreational” attitude toward sex–specifically, to view sex as a purely physical function like eating or drinking” (http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov07/webporn.aspx).This article goes on to say, “when pornography use becomes excessive, romantic relationships can suffer. Destin Stewart, PhD, and Dawn Szymanski, PhD, at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, surveyed female college students and found that those who perceived their boyfriends’ porn use to be problematic experienced lower self-esteem, poorer relationship quality and lower sexual satisfaction” (Sex Roles, 2012, http://www.apa.org/monitor/nov07/webporn.aspx).


Additionally, you made statements saying that this behavior is not addictive in your other article and this has been proven to be scientifically untrue. According to an academic article entitled, Neuroscience of Internet Pornography Addiction: A Review and Update, “Many recognize that several behaviors potentially affecting the reward circuitry in human brains lead to a loss of control and other symptoms of addiction in at least some individuals. Regarding Internet addiction, neuroscientific research supports the assumption that underlying neural processes are similar to substance addiction” (Love, Laier, Brand, Hatch, & Hajela, 2015).
Praying for you.
​Victoria & Josh
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​READ MORE OF VICTORIA'S BLOG POSTS:

https://stylishlyjordan.wordpress.com

1 Comment

EMBRACE THE PAIN

3/1/2017

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He says, with squinty eye, "this is just what happens when...".  When flesh tears, hope falls, heart strains to breathe deep strength from above.  The question is not, "Can I get back up again?".  The question is, "How long will it take me to get back up again?"...again to fight, again to grit teeth, jaw locked look again in its face and say; "You will not rob me."  You will not rob me of life to the full, of joy.  The joy that flows from His heart, His love, His countless gifts...sweet soft baby's kiss, velvet red rose bathed in light,  true loves infilling embrace, soul-lifting words...Truth.  Truth sees beyond the veil of this natural life. Truth removes the bitter, self-righteous, pride-filled, ungrateful prism filter.  Truth frees us to see and to say, soul-flayed raw, "It is well."Copyright ©2017 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos
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