KEEP ON DANCING!

Do you feel sometimes as if you're stumbling backwards during this pandemic?

My "feelings" are trying to keep me overwhelmed, anxious, frustrated, IRRITABLE! (note all CAPS)

As I pulled out a napkin for my morning cuppa, from my "clean out/use up Cover-19 pare down stuff stack", I was astounded.

Like a tap on my shoulder, the napkin said it all. I was soon tapping my toes and humming, "Lord of the Dance". "Dance, then, wherever you maybe, ..........I'll lead you all, wherever you may be,....I'll lead you all in the Dance, said he" (S. Carter's English Hymn with melody from Shaker hymn, "Simple Gifts")

Don't give up when you stumble. Remember who your dance partner is---look up, not at your feet, and let Him lead with a new unique step, turn or dip.

Don't quit! Just keep on dancing with your eyes on the LORD. It's when we look down at our feet, (those overwhelming, anxious, frustrating, irritating, circumstances) that we stumble. Turn up the music so you can hear from Him not from the discouraging words in your head.

Though he (she) may stumble, he will not fall (be hurled headlong), for the LORD upholds him with his hand. (Psalm 37:24)

Remember who has your hand in His when you're dancing, allowing Him to guide you with His righteous right hand and...............KEEP ON DANCING!

CHOOSE: MY OWN LANGUAGE

Music, as termed by many is the universal language. For me, "dance" is a language of its own!
It's my language! Analogous for my own life's journey language. My dance with the "Lord of the Dance." 
My beautiful Ukrainian friends use "language of dance" in their worship movement. Sweet Lynn H. uses "language of dance" in her art.
I use it in my faith based writing as I reflect on the One who leads me as I put my (the follower) right hand in His. Looking up. Focusing on Him---not my feet. (circumstances)
Can your visualize the "closed" position of dance?  The leader puts His right hand on the follower's back and uses it to guide her so that she does not stumble and fall head-long. (That is so biblical-- Psalm 37:24)

Whatever is one's chosen language, may it clearly express praise in His name. (2 Chronicles 5:13)

Dance, then, wherever you may be,
I am the Lord of the Dance, said He,
And I'll lead you all wherever you may be,
And I'll lead you all in the Dance, said He.

Just click here-- Choose the language of children and dance in your heart! --and listen.

CHOOSE: FELLOWSHIP

There's friendship and then there's fellowship---friend Ellen has taught me all about the "Dance of Fellowship." Her wisdom continues to give me glimpses into the various positions in the dances we choose throughout our lives.

Closed position. I know about that "dance." It's the position of believers leaning in on the Lord and allowing Him to lead in the "Dance of Life"---the unique dance He has for each of us. 

Circle Dances. A dance of unbroken faith held together by those who come around you---not offering first hand knowledge of your struggle but being there anyway. Encircling you with prayer and calling others to join in,

Line Dances. Those dances where believers line up in support because they all know this dance---every single step. It's the "struggling" dance available to those in fellowship on the same side of the suffering.

Whether we walk through life (started 27th year of walking in February '17)....

.....or dance together through our struggles, we've been there for each other. 

That's what the "dance of fellowship" is all about. 

It's easy to choose fellowship with Ellen.

D is for…………

12/2/09…………….DANCING PARTNER! You probably already knew that, but I didn’t. It was revealed to me in the middle of the night. Of course, it has to be that characteristic. It’s the way I‘ve known Him best this year.

The term doesn’t exactly resonate with spirituality but it clearly expresses the year I’ve had in His presence. It’s been a way to celebrate life when it seemed so tenuous. The beauty of dancing with Him is that’s it’s a forever dance and it just gets better---I hope to keep dancing.......as the "gift" sign above our fireplace reminds me.

Last week Larry and I watched a “Dancing with the Stars” recap. What a difference from those first weeks. As the dancers began to know and trust their partners they seem to meld. It took lots of daily contact and hard work. At the end, the top 4 partners (even those who stumbled miserably at first) showed that all that time together, even enduring pain during the practices, paid off---it was as if they were one. Is that the way it is for you? Are you one with Him? Is your time on earth a dance rehearsal for that eternal dance with Him?

It’s not too late to learn. Just turn toward Him. Step out there and take His extended hand. He’ll hold you in His embrace and be with you through those spins and dips and turns that life sends your way. You might get dizzy, or stumble a little but He won’t let you "fall headlong"---and that’s scriptural. (Psalm 37:24)

Each person’s dance is different. Looks different. Feels different. Tempo is different. Steps vary from easy to complex. As in life, we are all at varying levels of knowing Him. But all of our dances have one thing in common---a celebration of life in Him! Let Him whisper in your ear as you dance.

This weekend I hope to be dancing on the mountaintops with Him. How about you? Are you dancing with the Lord?

It’s never too late to begin your dance with God.

You have turned for me my mourning into dancing;…….and girded me with gladness. (Psalm 30:11)

........I hope you Dance!!!