DANCE IS STILL A CHOICE!

Dance can be a divisive topic. Physically. Socially. Spiritually  

Dance has certainly changed physically and socially through the years. 

Some folks can be dismissive of dance as one ages and choose to sit out.

When people think you're too old to learn new tricks (steps)....take a "tap" class or Zumba Gold and show 'em! ) or not!

What about spiritual? Again, choices vary.

Certain congregation participants refuse to clap or raise hands within their sanctuary, regardless of the music that plays---hymns or praise songs. Others dance in the aisles. Not wrong, just different. 

Dancing is mentioned in the Bible and used in the OT as a means of worship. 

Read a few Bible verses and decide for yourself.

In 2 Samuel 6:14, "David dances before the Lord with all his might," an example of surrender to his Maker

"Let them praise his name with dancing..."(Psalm 149:3)

Psalm 150 includes ways of praising the Lord with trumpet, harp, lyre and dance, along with other instruments.

"...there is a time to dance." (Ecclesiastes 3:4)

Lamentations 5:15 illustrates, joy leaving our hearts when dancing has turned to mourning.

When you get the choice to sit it out or dance....DANCE! 

That would be my choice. What's yours?

 

Dance is still a choice....no answer is right or wrong, just different. 

D.A.N.C.E.

D.A.N.C.E.

Having a struggle....choose to "D.A.N.C.E.

• D iscover what God's word says about your situation
• A ccept the circumstances as for your good
• N otice God's hand in the midst
• C elebrate your moments
• E xtend lessons learned to others to encourage them

THX Doris for sharing this reminder to dance----It is a choice!

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!"

CHOOSE DANCING

Choosing dancing can be an easy choice when life is going well. 

It can also be an easy choice when one is at the Apple store getting help on a disabled computer while using their wifi. Apple Store wifi dances and does not drop----hooray for "dancing" wifi!"

But....do we sometimes get complacent and forget to choose dancing. Forget to celebrate. Forget to be thankful.

Dancing can be an expression of gratitude.

Gift from Ashley Bryan---Used with the Artist's Permission

A video with "my" Ukraine ladies dancing with the Lord along with their ladies from India warmed my heart. They chose to take my D.A.N.C.E. teaching to India. We often think we, the United States, are the only ones who send missionaries. At the missions conference this week the number of missionaries going out from South Korea was unbelievable.
Some are sent to the US. Just last year, I met, in Turkey, a lady from South Korea who, with her husband, had been a missionary in New York City.
Such news pleased me as NY is home to three of my most precious loved ones.

That kind of news makes it easy to "choose dancing" knowing it can be a way of praising God in worship! Toe Tapping WORSHIP from the heart! 

DANCERS

9/1/11 Can you clearly read the inscription on this "Hallmark" card? "In this world, there are DANCERS and there are critics." The inside reads, "Happy Birthday to one of the DANCERS."
Do you ever wonder how others would classify you? I do. When I received this card years ago from my friend Ellen, I was humbled. Humbled because I knew what a critical spirit resided within me and so did my family, especially my children. I think I rationalized that I needed to be realistic with them and too often I think it robbed them of the simple joy of being a child with big dreams and hopes----which I probably dashed with said realism.

So what does constitute a dancer? In my life "dancers" are defined by spirit, more than moves on a dance floor. I have many in my life and I aspire to be like them. I hope to introduce a few of them to my blogging world as I delineate just what makes them stand out in my life. The fact that I have seen two of them recently has all of this on my mind.

How 'bout you, reader? Are you a dancer? Or, do you justify criticism as you "rain on someone else's parade?" Psalm 149:3 speaks of "praising His name with dancing." I can only imagine the praise and delight that is lifted heavenward every time our steps/action are seen as a those of a "dancer" in someone's life.