Dance Step "N"

Book: When Wallflowers Dance: Becoming a Woman of Righteous Confidence

Author: Angela Thomas  A springboard for "Dancing with the Lord" Discussions 

There is….a time to dance….Ecclesiastes 3:1,4 (NKJV)

**Because you asked for info--- "Dancing in the Chips" story is from And God Said...Let There Be Laughter by Mary Hollingsworth.

Dance Lesson --N

D ecide (Joshua 24:14) Delve (Psalm 119:169) & Discover  (Psalm 119:130) 

A cceptance and Attentiveness (1 Thessalonians 2:13)

N otice God's hand in ALL areas of life (Genesis 50:20 & Romans 8:28)

C ....

E ....

Noticing involves intentionality. It seems that the more one “notices”, God’s hand in her life situations, the more God allows her to really see. Awareness becomes more constant/consistent. 

“Notice” verse--Come and see what God has done, his awesome deeds for mankind! (Psalm 66:5) Begin to LOOK for it!

Noticing involves focus and sometimes even positional change can give a new perspective.

Focus and position are essential in our "dance" especially in times of struggle when the "closed position" is needed, both in stance and time away from distractions. Focus on your "dance partner." Time in His Presence. Remember the One who is leading. See self as the "follower."

• ·      Close contact is employed as two dancers face toward each other.
• ·      A sense of connectedness occurs as the “leader’s” right hand is on the “follower’s” back, offering “step” security.
• ·      The “follower's” left hand is on the “leader's” right shoulder or upper arm near the shoulder, allowing an extra sense of directional change.
• ·      Palm to palm in an upper-hand clasp, the “follower’s” right hand is in the “leader’s” left hand, providing guidance.
• ·      Feet are often positioned slightly offset so that the right foot of either partner can step between the other partner's feet, aiding in transition.
• ·      Eyes are lifted thus the focus is away from the feet and ears are open for “whisper” clues.

D2D Dare to Dance

Upper Room

10/9/10 Doing some catch up reading from The Upper Room devotional in order to keep “on the same page” with Daddy, I noticed several things. First, this little publication and my church, First Evangelical, are celebrating 75 years of existence. Both this guide and my church emphasize the importance of using prayer and Scripture for lectio devina. (sacred reading)---these aspects of time with the Lord which are intended to promote communion with Him.

Then I noticed a sub title, “Your Place to Meet God.” There are lots of places to “meet” God but I’ve found that for seeking His presence, it helps me to have that one special place that will remind me to commune with Him. Just seeing my place “draws” me.

Where do you meet God? One friend actually meets with the Lord in an upper room of her house. Another has a kneeling prayer bench. For the Mexican women of El Llano it was under a prayer scarf on their heads. My “upper room” is just a big old chair downstairs---but it works for me.

D2D--- this next week’s practical application (Dare to Dance) is to find your “upper room” and meet Him there. He’s already there---but a designated place could remind you to join Him.

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.