Dance with Me

Dance with Me

by | Mar 22, 2022 | Hope, Joy, Obedience

I have a secret . . . I can’t dance. No, that’s not the secret. If you know me well, you know dancing is not a natural ability for me. That footwork gets me every time. I’m a dancer wannabe. So, I’m taking dance lessons, but I’ve not told anyone, so it’s been a secret. Until now – I finally dropped my guard and told two people after seven weeks of lessons.

I’ve always wanted to dance well. I figure if I’m going to worship and dance before the Lord in Heaven, I’d better go ahead and learn here on earth. (Just kidding)

One lesson was on what would have been my 26th wedding anniversary. Memories came flooding back of the few times my husband and I danced at weddings and symphony pops concerts. That man could dance. Me? I would become a bumbling, stumbling, giggling mess. As I giggled, he would tell me to follow his lead. If I would do just that, we were in good shape. If I lost my focus and got out of step, graceful did not describe us.

My instructor reminds me to wait, saying he will guide me in what to do next. I succeed for a while, but when I begin to anticipate his next move I get out of step and stumble. If I’ve heard the word once, I’ve heard it a hundred times. Wait.

That’s what God asks of us too, isn’t it? Wait. Follow His lead. Don’t get ahead of Him. When we wait on his next move, our steps flow as they should. When we anticipate what’s next, and move ahead on our own, we falter and fail.

When we’re in sync with God, life is beautiful. That is when we hang on and enjoy the experience.

My friend, moments of joy await you when you’re in sync with the Father. Imagine yourself in the arms of Jesus, waltzing through life. Let his strong arms and hands guide you. Let his feet take you to places of inspiration and beauty. Let His words give you hope.

____________

Romans 10:15
15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

Ecclesiastes 3:4
a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance,

Psalm 30:11-12
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

Psalm 27:14
Wait for the Lord;
Be strong and let your heart take courage;
Yes, wait for the Lord.

Psalm 130:5
I wait for the Lord, my soul does wait,
And in His word do I hope.

Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”

Exodus 15:2
“The LORD is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; He is my God, and I will praise Him; my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”

Laughter is Good Medicine

Laughter is Good Medicine

by | Mar 16, 2022 | Joy

I wrote “Laugh every day” as one of my new year’s resolutions. Yep, right up there with lose 15 pounds and write an encouraging note to someone every week. Crazy to think that I need to remind myself to laugh. But with my tendency to stress and worry, it fit.

Sitting in my favorite chair with a cup of tea in hand, I researched Bible verses about laughter during my morning devotion. A quick Google search also informed me of the health benefits of laughter. What did I learn? I need to stop taking myself so seriously and laugh more.

Sometimes that’s easier said than done. After the loss of a loved one, holidays often are downright depressing. I try to stay upbeat but they can just get me down. I miss what I no longer have. I grieve for my boys because they’ve missed the influence of their dad. Seeing others enjoy holidays with ALL their family can sometimes lead to a downward spiral.

Have you been there? Are you in a season of disappointment and pain? Are you sleepless from worry? Does grief have a grip on you? Maybe you’ve lost your joy, and laughter is a rare occurrence in your life.

My late husband loved to laugh. I mean, a good belly laugh most of the time. He teased, he laughed, he smiled. He loved being with people and laughing with people. I, on the other hand, have resorted to reminding myself – in writing – to laugh.

Oh but it’s good to laugh. Research says that not only is laughter a result of comic relief, but it provides stress relief, among other health benefits. It’s good for us spiritually, emotionally and physically. While high stress levels disrupt our sleep – making us too revved up to sleep – laughter can bust up that stress and bolster us into getting a better nights’ sleep.

Proverbs 17: 22 agrees. “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” This “medicine” is free and available anywhere, anytime and to anyone.

Funny thing is, now every laugh reminds me of the promise I made to myself. And that brings joy to my soul.

What makes you smile? Write it down; keep it close to your heart.

Live. Breathe. Enjoy the day and be thankful for God-given moments to laugh and de-stress. Give it a try.  Allow yourself moments of joy and laughter.

Restore the joy in your life and renew your mind . . . And laugh.

___________________________

 

Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.

 

Psalm 126:2-3

Our mouths were filled with laughter,

our tongues with songs of joy.

Then it was said among the nations,

“The Lord has done great things for them.”

The Lord has done great things for us,

and we are filled with joy.

 

Luke 6:21

Blessed are you who hunger now,

for you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.

 

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