Freelance writer Lupie Riley 

Thought: Recharging our mind and body doesn't neccessarily mean sleep. Taking a deep breath and 20 minutes of calm can do just as well. To the believer it's called meditation , focusing on the One who is the giver of peace and dwelling upon the great I AM, Creator, sustainer and all powerful God and His Word.

In the 1950's and 60's TM or transcendental meditation was introduced into the mainstream of society under the guise of religious nuetrality and offered as a health science for self development. This movement permeated our schools, colleges, television, movies and the media. Calling it what it is as a religion would have caused conflict between church and state. However, on Oct. 29, 1977 the US District Court in Newark, NJ. ruled it as a Hindu religion. Again on Feb. 2, 1979, the US Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, Pa. also ruled it as a religion.

TM and Yoga originated from it's leader, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who was a Hindu spiritualist. Richard Hittleman, on his return from India in the 50's popularized TM as a method of relaxation. New Agers quickly embraced the technique and still use it today.

Should believers be involved in Yoga or TM? For the Christian its a waste of time. Twenty minutes of deep breathing, chanting a repetative mantra and in some cases it could be the name of a Hindu God--takes away from getting to know the God (Jesus) we worship, meditating upon His Word and calming ourselves by His presence within. Remember Jesus used only 2 words to calm the raging storm "QUIET DOWN". Even today with just these two words He can calm our storms of fear's and anxieties in our daily living. Do we spend 20 minutes breathing, chanting , worshiping other dieties or bask in the presence of His holiness, King Jesus?

Prayer: Father God, I would rather spend my time getting to know you better, meditating upon your Word and allowing my 20 minute space just for you. Amen

Verse: I Kings 19:11-13 Luke 8:24 ""Go out and stand before me on the mountain" the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there the Lord passed by and a mighty windstorm hit the moutain, it was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it he wrapped his face in his scarf and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Luke 8:24 "QUIET DOWN".

Married 58 years, four children, nine grandchildren and three greats.  I've been a freelance writer for over 40 years.  Working on a book at the present.  My priorities are God first, family, country. Look me up on Google search by my name Lupie Riley, click on first link. Faithwriters.com