CHOOSE: TO CELEBRATE...

I chose to celebrate dear friend Ashley Bryan's life via "Ma Bell," as today is his 94th birthday! We always try to chat on my birthday or his and either bless my heart immensely! Ashley is one of my "Hebrews 10:24 friends"---as he "stirs me up"with his encouragement "to love and good works."

This morning was no different even though we shared grief in the loss of his "Soos." 

Susie/Susan Valdina, an Isleford resident, Ashley's precious friend and his "tech" connector with the digital world, died 2 months ago after 18 month struggle with pancreatic cancer. There are not enough words to tell all she meant to the Cranberry Isles folks, especially Ashley. Often, she was the go between for us as she handled both slug mail (as Isleford post mistress, and emails on his behalf. She made sure I received a birthday hug and e-mail blessings from him on my birthday last year.
As our chat continued we shared much good news.

One of the biggies was the stage performances of his "Dancing Granny" in Alliance Theatre in Atlanta.

To see and hear this amazing video, click here alliancetheatre.org/granny.
It will be inspirational to all!!
Of course, it truly warms my heart as I have the original "album" (remember those?) signed by Ashley to me,

Ashley was thrilled that we are going to the High Museum in Atlanta Ashley Bryan's  current exhibit, which is causing quite a "stir" in Atlanta. (All the MARTA buses have signs depicting the exhibit, "Painter and Poet: Wonderful World of Ashley Bryan") Above link also has a 6 minute video of Ashley.
Friends from North Carolina are going with us at the end of the month and I am so-o-o-o excited!

Ashley and I both choose to celebrate life each day God gives us, and today we chose to hope to see each other next year on his 95th---as hubby and I plan to go to his island!

CHOOSE: TO BE A DANCING GRANNY

Choosing to dance---as dance is a "positive" metaphor for fully living the life the Lord has chosen for one, regardless of the "happenings" which come one's way.
Most people assume the "dancing choice" is easier the younger on is. 
However, experience is important as well. The experience one receives as she ages can bring an awareness of the importance of staying on the dance floor. Showing up counts. Being present in the midst of all circumstances. Trusting the One who leads you to keep you

Used by permission of the author/illustrator.

Choosing, always requires intentionality. For the "elder" set it can requires fitness, both physical and spiritual. It also requires energy. ENERGY to keep up with the younger set.

Let them praise His name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre (Psalm 149:3)

A "Dancing Granny" cannot be a wallflower. A true "Dancing Granny" needs to keep in step with the One who is her perfect partner so that her grandchildren can see and learn from her as she focuses on Him (not her feet/circumstances) and depends on His lead.

Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy; I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow.(Jeremiah 31:13)

Maybe that verse could be an answer to the prayers of a grandmother who chooses to be a "Dancing Granny!"

DANCE TO THE MUSIC

Working on acceptance while waiting, I've been discovering the importance of "celebrating moments. "There's a world of activity. A life worth celebrating.

The Lord Himself seems to invite me, this Dancing Granny, to get up and move.

Turn off the TV. Turn off the laptop.

Put down the book. Silence the phone.

Dance to the music. The music that's been playing since the beginning of time!

Feel it in the rhythm of the wind. Hear it in the rain on the roof. See it in the sunrise. 

Know it! Move to it. Sing a-long. The Lord puts new songs in our mouths. (Psalm 40:3)

We all dance every day to the "tune of life" but the most important choice is our partner!
Always choose Him!

Dancer's Delight

1/19/12 Psalm 87:7 says, "They that sing as well as they that dance shall say , All my fountains are in thee." (ASV)

---Singers and dancers alike say, “All my springs are in you.” Psa. 87:7 (ESV)

May I be one who, though she can't sing a lick but loves to dance, recognizes the LORD as the source of living water. May I be one who declares, "springs of spiritual peace and refreshment are available to all who believe." May my delight in my "Lord of the Dance" overflow to others.