I could just stop there in reference to my adventure in tithing. Seriously…this is just way cool…the way tithing is working in my life.

Since my last update I have received more money than I’ve received in years over the same amount of time, and I have tithed on every penny of it.  I’ve tithed to family members and to friends for the amazing spiritual food that they so lovingly give.  The major blessing in this has been feeling their joyful & surprised hearts as I hand over the checks/money and explain what exactly I am giving them.  It is that feeling…the combination of feeling their emotion, combined with my own, that keeps me doing this.  My heart’s empathy neurons (or, mirror neurons… see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirror_neuron ) fire up like crazy & create this amazing feeling of actual bliss…which feels totally GREAT, besides sending all kinds of beneficial chemicals coursing throughout my body…healing and renewing.  I highly recommend this practice simply for that experience, alone!

But, besides that…some really cool stuff has started to happen.

Last week I found an old birthday card from my deceased but still dear mother-in-law…randomly opening it (I was clearing out old stuff to make room for the new) I found a $50.00 bill! Now, this card was I don’t know how old, but way over 10 years, since it’s been at least that long since I’ve been through that stuff, and why I didn’t take that money out when I received the card, I just don’t know…but I’m glad I didn’t.  To find the money now, after her death in May, was such a beautiful thing…I felt like she was smiling down on me and my husband, telling us she is still with us, supporting & guiding us, just like she always did.  Thank you, Pauline!

And another example…

One of the reasons I began to tithe was hearing Edwine Gaines say that if we don’t tithe, the Universe will make sure that it get’s it’s own, anyways, and we’ll find ourselves either being audited by the IRS, or our washing machine will break down just after we got our car fixed, or someone will steal from us. My experience was the last one…I had $100 stolen from me by someone who had been hired to do some work in our house. We reported it to the foreman, just to let him know in case it happened again on another job, but I totally never expected to ever see that money again.  Guess what?  On the last day of the job, the foreman gave the money back to my dad & today my dad returned it to me!  Now, THAT is just amazing…but you know, I’m beginning to EXPECT amazing in my life…because it’s happening so often!

(Note:  I’ll be tithing on both these surprise “gifts!”)

Today I told my father that now I get excited about tithing! It’s actually FUN!  To think of whom to tithe to, even before the money has become manifest…to think of how wonderful it makes other feel to receive…I really look forward to the experience!  When I was a child, I was forced to tithe 10% to the church, and I hated it.  I was so resentful of giving up that portion of my small weekly allowance…that money was MINE…I had earned it (seriously…we kids did a lot of chores around the house) and even 10% seemed like way too much to give away to something I really didn’t even care for.

Now, I give with a joyful and happy heart, and it makes all the difference in the world!

I have created a “tithing jackpot”, into which I’ve put all the names of people who have fed me spiritually.  These include some very well-known spiritual teachers, some totally unknown folks that had inspired me that I do not know personally, along with friends and family.  I’ve decided to randomly pull out one or more names when it’s time to tithe and send or give them a check, along with an explanation of what it is for.

So, who knows…you might be receiving a tithe from me someday in the future, for you might be one of the ones who spark my fire and fill me up spiritually!

I’ve been paid twice since I began a week or two ago, and both times I received more pay than I expected!

I have also received more opportunities for work!

And heaven has, indeed, opened it’s doors and showered blessings in so many other forms, including being gifted with a whole computer set-up, furniture, books, dvds, coupons for Chik-fil-A, and soooo much more!

I think what has impressed me the most about this little test of mine is that the more I lean into faith that I am being taken care of and that everything I need is right at my fingertips…the greater my faith becomes.

Leap, and the net will appear, so the saying goes.

I’ve leapt…and found the old adage to be Truth. With a capital T.

Oh, yes…my first tithe went straight to Edwine Gaines, who inspired this adventure in tithing. Thank you, Edwine!

As you may recall, I began my adventure with the Isagenix Cleanse for Life program back at the beginning of August. I started on the cleanse program for many reasons; to see if cleaning up my physical vibration by eating purer food would improve my brain clarity, my sensory perception, my ability to channel spiritual energy, etc. Oh and yes, to lose a bit of weight that was literally weighing me down, although I felt that the weight loss would be icing on the cake. Above all else, I wanted to expand my awareness to more than ever experience the presence of God…of Love.

Inspired by my Isagenix mentor Crissy Keye’s spiritual progress over the past year, I was guided to begin the program, with her supporting me 100% and more. She has made it not only easy to be on the program, but actually fun, educational and inspirational, as well. For someone who has never really been conscious about what food she’s ingested, (in more ways than physically,) being on this program under Crissy’s guidance is helping me to open up to the possibility of actually doing something good for my body, for a change…and that this might actually be something I can do as a lifestyle, and for a lifetime.

That is how much being on the Isagenix Cleanse for Life program has impressed me. I can only begin to tell you how much I’m loving this way of living, which is exactly what it’s turning out to be.

Some of the changes I’ve noticed since starting the program (some of which I reported previously, but are worth noting again.)

SO much more clarity of mind.

Greater concentration & focus. More productivity. More inspiration and motivation.

Greater faith.

More time spent in the present moment, with less effort.

More awareness of synchronicities, more opportunities.

Recall of dreams more frequently, and with greater clarity. Very vivid dreams. (all unusual for me for most of my life)

Deeper meditation, experiencing samadhi more often

A deeper, wider and higher experience of Unity. Oneness, completion…wholeness (holiness.)

A deeper and more profound respect, devotion, connection and Love for my teacher, my brother, my friend, my guru…Yeshua…Jesus.

A greater connection with my divine guidance, my higher self, my soul.

A greater respect, acceptance and love for my true, authentic, beautiful and powerful self.

More experiences of stepping out of my comfort zone and stretching towards expansion and growth. More depending on the Power of Love to flow through me, supporting me, giving me strength and courage…or rather, just reminding me of my own limitless supply.

More joy. More peace. More enthusiasm (a great word, enthusiasm!) More understanding. More humility. A LOT more humility. More and more surrender.

Oh, and the weight loss! As of yesterday I had gone from 134 to 121. Not being a real purist, I’ve indulged myself a few times here and there, so the scale has been quivering up & down a bit, but for the past couple of weeks I’ve been holding it within a pound or two of 122. The great thing is that although the weight loss has stabilized for the moment, the inches keep coming off! I haven’t taken my measurements in a while, but I’ve lost two whole sizes in jeans and gone from and extra large in tops to a medium, and even a couple of smalls! Jeans that fit just a couple of months ago now slide down over my hips. I’m even wearing T-shirts without a shirt on top! I feel so much lighter and more confident in my body…both clothed and not.

Funny, (or not,) it seems as if suddenly, when I decided that, since I had cleaned up my mental, emotional and spiritual vibrations it was now time to focus on the physical…when I decided to actually love my body and be grateful for it and all that it does for me…all that it empowers me to do…all that it enables me to serve…

When I began to love my body as a vehicle for my soul’s purpose…

That’s when things really began to shift.

Now, each time I drink an Isagenix shake, knowing that I am putting this amazing physical food into my body…nourishing it with exactly what it needs to do the work I & Love need it to do, I bless both the shake and my body and express my gratitude that I am now becoming whole in every aspect of my life.

I believe this combination of loving my body and myself, intending for both only the highest and best so that I can shine my light as bright as it can shine, as we are all meant to do, living the Isagenix Cleanse for Life way, cutting way down on meat, sugar, caffeine, gluten, dairy (which has been surprisingly easy…very little cravings and so much improvement in amount and type of energy!) has made a huge, huge, HUGE difference in my level of consciousness. Cleaning up my physical vibration and continuing my work on the emotional, mental and spiritual levels are the greatest acts of Love that I can do…for myself, for those I love, for the highest good of All That Is, actually.

I have a long, long, LONG, way to go to being enlightened. But, I, along with every one of you, am in the process of enlightening. And, that’s what it’s all about…the journey…not the destination. If, along the way I find something that works for me, I feel an obligation to share it with others. If cleaning up your physical vibration to enhance every other area of your life is of interest to you is of interest to you, please let me know. Or, better yet, get in touch with Crissy Keye. She is SO much more knowledgeable about the products and the program, and like I said, she is simply an inspiration for living life full out, on purpose, in service to others and centered in Love. Just tell her Joy sent you

Over the past few years, I’ve started giving, again.  To charities, to good causes…to teachers and to homeless people.  I’ve thought about tithing, and actually thought I was doing it, but after some research I’ve discovered that although my giving has been heart-centered and loving, it has not been tithing. 

So, what does that matter?  If you give, you give…right? 

Well…wrong.  Sorry, but according to all that I’ve been learning from researching the subject, tithe HAS to be the first 10 percent of ALL that you earn monetarily, and it needs to be given to whomever feeds you your spiritual food. 

So, why is it important to actually tithe and what is real tithing, anyways? 

It’s not only a spiritual law…it’s a metaphysical law.  It is, in effect, saying to The Universe (Divine Source/God/Love/Whatever You Personally Call All That Is) “I am doing my part, I trust “you” to fulfill your part of the deal.”  It’s acting out of abundance, thus attracting more abundance into our energy fields.  It’s surrendering to The Divine not only a percentage of our earnings, but also our resistance to receiving more.  It is KNOWING that we are not only cared for, we are also showered with blessings, for as we give, we receive and vice versa. 

It is acting from a center of Love.  It is leaving behind fear. 

According to Edwene Gaines, author of “The Four Spiritual Laws of Prosperity,” tithing is the first essential step toward coming into your true birthright, abundance and prosperity in every area of your life.  Edwene defines prosperity as:

1)      Having a “vitally alive, healthy body”, for the God-being that we are to express through

2)      Relationships that are joyous, satisfying, intimate, honest and nurturing, and that work…all the time.

3)      Work that we love so much that it’s play.

4)      All the money we can spend.

Edwine teaches that tithing is the ancient and powerful practice of dedicating the first 10% of all of your monetary gains straight back to where it came from…Source (God, Love, etc,) in the form of whomever uplifts and inspires you spiritually.  There don’t seem to be any real rules, besides these two.  Ten percent, although some metaphysicians say that the truest amount may be 25%, since we are physical, mental, emotional as well as spiritual, but 10% has been the historical amount that seems to set the Universal wheels in motion, flowing energy into positive results.  Given to whomever or whatever gives you spiritual food…who sparks your heart and mind, who makes you feel your divinity, who fills you up with inspiration, who shows you how to trust and step into your authentic beauty and power. 

(Note:  Edwine advises that giving to charity should be additional to your tithe to the providers of your spiritual food, but should not be the object of your tithe.  Similar to the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, she notes that charities represent lack and any attention/energy given to them actually increases the lack. Edwine says that by tithing to your spiritual food providers, you will be blessed so abundantly that you will have more than ever to give to your charitable choices.  My personal feeling is that is a particular charitable organization’s mission inspires you and by contributing to it uplifts your spirit, by all means, go ahead and tithe to them.)

The other three of the four Spiritual Laws of Success are (2) Forgiveness, (3) Clear Goal Setting (4) Following Our Divine Purpose. 

Now…since I’ve been practicing these other three laws or principles…I’m thinking perhaps I will try the first.  I’m a big believer in experimentation…or, some might call it “testing G_d.”  I have discovered this real need to have personal experience, or some might call it “proof,” that the practice that I am practicing is going to have real results.  I don’t think that the All That Is minds if I make up my own mind about someone else’s advice. 

Malachai 3:10 in the Bible says

“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse so there will be enough food in my temple.  If you do,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “I will open the window of heaven for you.  I will pour out a blessing so great you won’t have enough room to take it in!  Try it!  Put me to the test!” (New Living Translation)

OK, I will.  I’m going to put G_d/Love/All That Is, etc. to the test.  For the next 6 months, I’m going to “religiously” tithe the first 10% of all the monetary earnings and blessings I receive to those that feed me my spiritual food.  I am going to keep a record of what I give as well as the blessings, which I receive.

I’m going to take G_d up on that challenge.  I’ll keep you posted on how the experiment turns out.

My 30 day Isagenix Cleanse Challenge Results

(Get it…”The Scoop?” … the Isagenix shakes take two scoops of powder….oh, never-mind )

OK! Here’s the basics!

My weight loss total: 9 pounds.

My total loss in inches: 20.5.

My increase in physical energy: immeasurably great!

My increase in mental clarity and focus: amazing!

My increase in ability to be a conductor for Divine energy in my healing work (an intuitive blending of Reiki, Quantum Touch,etc.) : priceless!

And, get this…

I cheated! Yes! I didn’t follow the plan exactly as advised. One example, on the 1st day of the second week I ordered a pizza! Veggie, but still…. I also ate out on several occasions and totally enjoyed each and every bite. I did not allow myself a single bit of guilt…just enjoyed the pleasure! Even a platter full of fried seafood, overlooking the beach

And, I wasn’t exactly a purist on my deep cleanse days. For example,  during one deep cleanse, I ate a couple of servings of fruit…on another, instead of a full day of deep cleanse, I broke the fast with a shake around 8:00 p.m.

AND, I didn’t judge myself. Ever.

And, although I voluntarily gave up meat, dairy, wheat, sugar and caffeine, I indulged in each of those just a bit, over the period of the 30 days.

AND, I didn’t judge myself. Ever.

But, I must say, all in all…I am quite pleased with myself and my efforts! And, especially with the Isagenix products and plan. I have not felt this good in years!

I am sleeping better and remembering my dreams more frequently (which, for all of you spiritual aspirants out there, can be a very helpful thing!) I have greatly improved mental focus and clarity. My meditations are longer and even more wonderful than ever. My level of awareness has increased and thus, I’ve been more open to the synchronicites that guide my life, and they have been coming fast & furious. Opportunities have been presenting themselves with perfect timing. My courage factor has shot through the roof and my confidence is at a life-time high.

So, I’ve got to give the Isagenix 30 day Cleanse Package an A+++ for delivering exactly what it promised, and more! I’m so thrilled with it that I’ve invested once again in myself and am continuing the cleanse for another 30 days. If you’d like to join me, just let me know!

My affiliate link:  http://consciousjoy.isagenix.com/us/en/home.dhtml

What was I thinking?

Oh well…as I said, I’ve made the commitment, so here goes nothing.

Or…perhaps…here goes everything!

I’ve got my “before” numbers:
Total in inches: 318 (I was taking my measurements last night & needed help with my arms. My mom measured my upper arm, told me the resulting number to which I replied, “Oh man, that’s sad! That’s the same number as my upper arm!” and we both burst into laughter.)

(I’ve been experiencing both a lot of spontaneous tears of joy as well as laughter, as of late. It’s wonderful to just let these emotions flow and not question why!)

Total in weight: 134 This number is actually down about 10 pounds from 2 years ago at this time, so I haven’t been totally slacking. My yoga practice, even if it’s a bit spotty, is paying off!
Total in inches: 318 !

It’s 4:09 p.m. and so far today I’ve had 2 Isagenix shakes and 4 of their “snacks,” (it’s a little tablet that reminds me of a fiber tablet but tastes chocolaty) one and ½ glasses of water and a couple of handfuls of mung beans (just a little cheat…all natural, although roasted & salted.) These are “shake” days and then after a few days of this there are a couple of pre-cleanse days, which honestly, in the instructions, I can’t tell the difference between the pre-cleanse and the shake days. I’ll need to check into that with Crissy. The products are really very palatable, and I’m not in the least bit hungry. I’m really not even craving a cigarette. (One thing I did do in preparation to stop smoking for these 30 days was to switch to all natural American Indian cigarettes, with no artificial chemicals or additives…easier to stop these than regular smokes, I’ve been told.) Did not miss my coffee this morning & do not have a withdrawal headache!

The amount of water they recommend to drink is definitely going to be a challenge. On cleanse days, they want you to drink a whole gallon, for optimum results. On non-cleanse days, they recommend 8-10 glasses or more a day. I’ve never been a big, or even a medium, water drinker. I’m not even a big fluid drinker. I probably average about 4-6 cups of liquid a day and that includes 2 cups of coffee. Drinks like Crystal Light, diet soda and artificially sweetened tea constitute the rest. I know I’m most likely chronically dehydrated, although I don’t really know the symptoms…will research & report. The Isagenix 30 day cleanse program comes with an all natural energy drink power that I’m going to try tonight at yoga teacher training. Maybe it will make the water go down better.

I just had my dad take my “before” pictures. Agghhhh. I look like a piece of furniture. And not one of those sexy chaise lounges, either. More like a chunky chest of drawers. Functional, but awkward. Dad asked me what my inches and pounds goals were. I told him I didn’t really have any specifics…I just wanted to see if the cleanse would make me feel better. Not that I don’t feel pretty good, already, but I am very open to seeing what kind of improvements in my life this practice will bring about. And, about the pictures…no, you won’t see them posted here. Not until I have something positive to contrast them to! What happens if I don’t lose any weight? Or if I quit the whole challenge? What if I don’t have the self-discipline to stick with the program? Why embarrass myself needlessly?

Enough of negative thinking…I’m going to ROCK this challenge because…

I love my body!

The power of Love is amazing. It is awe inspiring. It blows my mind and I want to realize it as much as possible in my life. I want to speak it, I want to act it, I want to live it, I want to be it.

I AM IT.
Already, I am It.

But, I wonder…will I be able to more fully realize this…that I am Love…if, in addition to cleaning up my mental, emotional and spiritual bodies, if I bite the bullet and clean up my physical act, too? Will becoming “pure” in flesh help me to know Love more? If I raise my physical vibrations, will my overall level of consciousness, of awareness, expand? Will I become better able to be a vessel for Love to overflow from?

So, I am going to experiment. Starting August 1st I’m going to dedicate 30 days to my physical self. I’m going to give up the cigarettes. I’m going to actually do my asanas every day. I am going to walk three times a week. I am going to give up coffee. I am going to drink water, water, water. I am going to do the Isagenix cleanse under the guidance of Crissy Keye, eat only living foods and I’m going to document my progress, or lack there-of.

It will be interesting, at least to me, to dive into this in a conscious manner. After a life-time of neglect and out-right abuse of my body, I’m looking forward to seeing what a little bit of Love can do.

If you are interested in the spiritual benefits (as well as the physical, mental and emotional benefits) of nutritional cleansing, please contact Crissy Keye at Crissy@HolisticRestoration.com , check in here as I write about my experience and best of all, join me in this challenge!

“Taking better care of yourself is not merely a matter of good health, it is a measure of spiritual evolution.”

-Neale Donald Walsh

Joy

Her power of Love, demonstrates high availability

Patience and clarity, for pure energy

Developing into your spirit

Allowing all flavors of defense

Descending and recessing, the action of the ego

Lightly, lasting empowerment

From her authentic self

To You!

By Vanessa Vendola-December 02,2008

For your very own essence poem, contact Vanessa!

www.vivavanessence.com

I’ve listened to the whole book twice and will listen again…and again. His words are worth listening to over and over….helping to program what I intuitively know as TRUTHS into this ever eager mind!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of this audio!