CHOOSE: TO DANCE

Dance Lesson to follow...............

Sometimes its hard to even take that first step on the "Dance floor of Life" especially if the tune is unfamiliar or the lyrics to the song are ones you don't want to hear.

If first step hard to take, just hold out your arms and your dance partner will meet you more than halfway because He is already on thence floor. He can give clear direction----more than once, if needed. Many dancers have to revisit this first step often in order to clearly learn the lesson the Lord has for them.

But....when the "Lord of the Dance" is your partner and you are allowing Him to lead your steps, it's easy, not only to choose to dance with Him, but to be the first one to hit the dance floor.

DELIGHT---FUL prospect

8/21/10 Damson Plums----just those 2 words from yesterday’s Felder Rushing’s “Southern Gardener” column in the CA brought delight to my thinking. Damson plums equate to damson preserves and no one took greater delight in making them and sharing them than did my mother. Dark plums bubbling and splattering as they simmered in her dented dutch oven on the back burner----what a smell! She would “put them up” in small Mason jars and give as birthday gifts to her Tuesday bridge club, all of whom delighted in the gift. Mother found delight in sharing lots of things; slips from her garden, her sweet and sour pickles and homemade mayonnaise. For the family we would delight in her Gigi biscuits and fried apples- ---frozen “go boxes,” of sorts. Quart jars of her custard to take home after Christmas were worth fighting for and nephew Bryan almost OD’d on his take. (Mother always made sure he got his share.)

He brought me out into a spacious place; he rescued me because he delighted in me. Psalm 18:19

What is this spacious place? What can it be but God, Himself----(Madam Guyton---Streams in the Desert, 8/21)

It delights me to ponder the truth that God delights “greatly” in me. (Zephaniah 3:17)

So how am I going to apply this info? How am I going to “Dare to Dance”? (D2D) Maybe I need to give up my “Debbie Downer” role and start “delighting” in doing for others.

Delight seems to be 2-edged---somewhat equal for the giver and the receiver. A “back attcha” type equation. (dg+ dr = D) Delightfully given plus delightfully received = total delight.

1, 2, 3….............

8/19/10……………look at Me. (Me meaning the Lord) That’s been my customary reaction to spiritual things----sort of like a “rule.” Instead of 3 strikes you’re out, when something intersects with my life 3 times that means, a heads up for ole Dots.

As a result, I’ve been meditating in Psalm 71. This is a psalm of lament that expresses the faith of an older person, who has trusted God for many years but is still feeling attacked whether verbally or physically or both. I, as well as most folks, can understand his need for God as a refuge.

As I first began meditating on this psalm, I was indeed seeking solace---and not because of aging or gray hairs. (v. 18) My strength, both physical and emotional was spent. I was hurt. I needed a rock, refuge, Someone trustworthy on whom to lean.

On Sunday, Cole concluded his sermon suggesting this psalm for consideration---that for me was affirmation #2. I decided to camp out there a little longer. Affirmation #3 came in the Tuesday’s Upper room devotional reading, Psalm 71:17-21. God began to change my focus. He has been with me when I (Isaiah 43:2) “passed through the waters….and was not overwhelmed.” (I only temporarily felt as if I were drowning) This new focus in the same psalm reminds me that there is none like God---God who has seen me through many troubles and calamities will revive me again. Now I must continue to proclaim his wondrous deeds and ask him, “ do not forsake me until I proclaim your might to another generation.” (Psalm 71:18) My grands come to mind.

The Upper room gives a L2L (Link2Life) as way to encourage practical application of the scripture’s teaching. I’m calling mine D2D (Dare to Dance) to encourage myself and others to dare to go forth and dance (celebrate) these life truths with others. I’m going to pick up the phone and call a friend.

1,2,3….and....1,2,3……………….doesn’t it make you want to dance.