Determined to Dance Podcast: Recent Episodes
Jennifer Hallmark
The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Stay Determined to Dance, encourages everyone to move out on the dance floor of life.Show Notes: Stay Determined to DanceI need to step back for a moment, back to March of 2021. The year when this podcast began. Its creation has involved study, learning tech stuff, lots and lots of it, and perseverance. Think back with me to the first episode. I said, “I’ll never forget the day that the thought, the God-nudge flooded my mind in that deep, quiet part within. God whispered that I had marched for Him and that was good but now he wanted me to dance with him instead.Dancing, the kind I knew God was talking about, would be very different. I was being asked to join and not take the lead. I wouldn’t know exactly where on the dance floor I might end up. Maybe a quiet corner, or in a group of other dancers, or even in the center of the room, drawing every eye to us. I would follow God’s dance, His lead, His music, and go to the part of the dance floor where He led. At times, I could be asked to sit out a dance and rest.”I didn’t know how true those words would become. God has taught me so much through the creation of the podcast. I have learned to dance better and freer than ever before. Even though many circumstances for me, probably for you too, have been so difficult since March 2021.For me, it’s time to sit out for a while. Not from life or God but from podcasting. About halfway through this season, God impressed on me that it’s time to take a break.Rest. Recharge. I’ve dealt with health issues this year, more than usual, and I need time to recover. Focus on me. So hard for a driven person to do. But God is helping and I’m trying so hard to listen to his voice. Follow his lead. And quit running off on my own.You can enjoy all three seasons of the Determined to Dance podcast on my website. Just check out the label “podcast” on the menu. And share the episodes with your friends. They are short, encouraging, and certain to brighten your day.I’m also so excited to mention that my YA novel, Smoking Flax, will be released in January 2024. I can’t wait to share Reed and Talitha’s story with you. With interesting characters like Mamaw Cora Belle, Poppi, and Aunt Lula to round up the book's cast, how could we not be entertained?Think Southern time-shifting. Yes, that’s a thing I made up but it’s still a thing.DISNEY’S THE KID MEETS BACK TO THE FUTURE.Southern-style. My story takes place in 1984 and 1978. Here’s a little more:Almost nineteen-year-old Reed Anderson wants to belong in a world where he hasn’t always fit. Three days after graduation, he decides to ride a bus back to Louisiana and deal with the events of his thirteenth summer once and for all. Back then, he’d stood up to his abusive Pa, protecting Momma and his sister, taking control of his life. But who was the faded image of the child he saw that day? Aunt Lula predicted his life would shift and change. Something about space-time-continuum and the fourth dimension. He tucks her words in his heart. If he survives the shift, this could be his chance to start over. But the ghost child still haunts his dreams. Even though six years have passed, does he want to confront the lies he’s always believed?Do you want just a little more? Let me share the first scene in the story. (Subject to further edits)Chapter OneA bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench;He shall bring forth judgment unto truth. (Isaiah 42:3 KJV)May 27, 1984I turned Aunt Lula’s Dodge Aspen off the gravel road onto the driveway leading to Golden Marais Baptist Church. The mimosas had grown tall since I’d last been here, the two magnolias missing entirely. The sun peeked above the horizon, but daylight was not my friend.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Too Tired to Dance, looks at what to do when we’re exhausted from dancing.Show Notes: Too Tired to DanceOkay. I admit it. I’m too tired to dance. After all, this is episode 31 of the weekly podcast. I’ve edited my novel which will release in January. Working hard on book two of the series. And then there’s church, kids, caring for Mom, and six grandkids under the age of fifteen. I have a house to clean, yard work, had a garden…Oh. My. I’m too tired to foxtrot. Too weary to do the macarena. And much too pooped to even try a tango. What’s a Christian to do when they reach the end of their energy?Jeff Walling shares his thoughts by looking at Elijah. “The prophet was tired—bone tired. With the Almighty’s help, he had brought fire from heaven, ended the drought, and nuked the prophets of Baal—it had been a busy day. He had danced with God until his feet ached and his sides burned. But he had also made Queen Jezebel mad enough to lose the little religion she had. In her anger, she had sworn to see Elijah dead, and Jezebel was not a woman of idle threats. So; he did what any sensible man would do: he went to a quiet place and lay down to die. He was through with dancing, praising, and anything else that took more energy than breathing. ‘Stop the music!’ he pleaded. ‘I can’t dance anymore!’ That’s not exactly what he said, but it’s awfully close: I Kings 19:4: ‘I have had enough, Lord,’ he said. ‘Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors.’” NIVI’m glad God had given examples in the Bible of people who have felt like I feel. David shows lots of emotions in the Psalms. Jeremiah is sorrowful. Mary ponders things in her heart. Paul wrestled with life and his ministry.And I’m tired. Sure, a lot of my problem is my own fault. Not setting boundaries and listening to God, not even asking Him at times if He wants me to engage in another activity. I’m a helper and it’s hard to get off the hamster wheel of drivenness that I’ve fought against my whole life. But God doesn’t leave us without aid.He gives Elijah two reminders in I Kings 19:11-13:“The Lord said, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.’ Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind, there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake, after the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper…Then a voice said to him, ‘What are you doing here, Elijah?’” NIVI’ve never thought of why God showed all the great, mighty forces before the gentle whisper. Walling hints that God is simply reminding Elijah that God is greater than anything. Especially anything that fights against us. whether it’s a true enemy or ourselves. A reminder of God’s greatness. Perfect.The second reminder is of our purpose. We can rest but not lay down to die. We can take a few days or weeks or months to regain strength, but not quit altogether. God has a purpose and plan for each of us and if we’re still on planet earth he’s not done with us yet.I’m going to take more time in the months ahead to rest. To reflect. To enjoy. I hope you do too. Dancing, remember, is not a duty but a joy. We get to whirl and twirl with Father God every day of our time here on earth. And beyond.Let’s pray: Father God, I’ve overdone it again. Haven’t taken time to hear your voice and I’ve overcrowded my life and overwhelmed my soul. Help me to recover. Show me the right way to rest and enjoy You and Your presence. I want to continue to fulfill my purpose on earth and I can’t do that when I’m burned out. I lift my hands to You in praise and in worship. You are good beyond measure. In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Is Death a Mystery? looks at what God’s Word has to say about death.Show Notes: Is Death a Mystery?Today’s episode brings us to myth number 3 in Jeff Walling’s book, Daring to Dance with God. He says: “Death is a mystery we can never understand.”I have found throughout my life that few people like to discuss death. If you want to clear a room, just make dying, hospitals, and funeral homes the topic for conversation and people will ease their way to the front door. Death is a difficult discussion.Could that be, as Walling points out, because there is such a mystery associated with it? People have seances to try and speak to the dead. They pray for loved ones who have passed away. They try many ways to find out what exactly lies at and behind death’s door.Except they don’t look at what the Creator of the universe says in the Bible. God’s Word is full of scriptures giving us a peek behind death’s door and if you’ve given your life to Jesus and are following closely after Him, you’re going to like what you see. John 3:16 tells us: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” We are promised eternal life if we believe in Jesus. (NIV) John 11:25-26 confirms this: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?’" Jesus said we will never die. (NIV) John 14:1-4 goes a little deeper: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.” Jesus is preparing a place for us and He will be there. (NIV) Luke 23:43 is reassuring: “Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’" This verse in reference to the thief on the cross is very comforting when you wonder if people can get saved when at the point of death. Revelation 21:1-7 shows the end: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” And he also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty, I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. All who are victorious will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be my children.”Wow. Everything will be new. Fresh. Clean. And no death, sorrow, crying, or pain. And it’s true. I’m ready for no more death. This past week, our dear sweet puppy we’d had for two months got away from us and took off after a truck. He ran under the wheel, and his life ended. I was so angry at death, stealing such a joyful life away from us. But one day, death will no longer have a say. Life in heaven will be eternal. Are you prepared to meet God today? If you’re not sure, why not stop by my website at https://www.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Death and Priorities, looks at another myth associated with death.
Show Notes: Death and Priorities
Last week, we started looking at myths about death. Myth number two: Thinking about death will spoil your life. Most people, including me, don’t like to talk about death. We’d rather focus on positive conversation and sweep the “D” word under the rug. But God feels differently about the topic. He says in the book of Psalms: “Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 NLT
Father God actually wants us to consider death. To look not only at heaven and the afterlife but to reflect on the last few years, months, days, and moments of our existence.
Why? So that we may grow in wisdom. Hmm. That’s a new angle for me. Reflecting on death may make me wiser.
But how? By teaching us the value of time. If we pretend that we’ll live forever in these earthly bodies, we’ll procrastinate. Why not play the video game for twelve hours? Or binge-watch television all weekend? Or put off visiting your relatives or friends? I mean, we’ve got all the time in the world, right?
Wrong. Our days are numbered. I remember when I turned fifty, how I began to realize life was short. This year, I turned sixty and really wrestled with this birthday. I can’t believe I’m this old. But time has become easier to prioritize because I know there are far fewer days ahead than there are behind.
Jeff Walling says: Though death is an enemy of God, it has a wonderful power for highlighting what’s truly important. The statesman Samuel Johnson said, ‘It’s amazing how it orders a man’s thinking when he discovers he is to be hanged in a fortnight.’”
Priorities. That’s the greatest lesson we learn when we look at death. What are some questions we should contemplate when it comes to end-time thinking?
Am I right with God? Do I have a relationship with the Father or is it just religion? Am I right with people? Do I hold grudges or unforgiveness against anyone that I need to deal with? Are my core values—what I believe—in line with God’s word? Does what I do conflict with what God says? Is what I’m doing in life lining up with God’s plan for me or am I just drifting through? Have I asked God if I’m in His will? Am I enjoying life? Saint Irenaeus said: “The glory of God is man fully alive.” (ear a nI is_ Have I prepared for the end of life? Have I created a will, considered my last wishes, organized my finances and possessions, and talked to those closest to me about these preparations?
Now, I realize if you are thirty years old or so, number six might not have entered your mind. But the other five questions are ones we should look at from time to time, no matter what our age.
When my father passed away, I wasn’t even thirty years old. His passing was sudden and horrible in every way. But it did teach me some of these important lessons early in life. I learned not to take life for granted, that it was short. Much shorter than I thought. And it helped me to deal with the first five questions more fully than ever before. And that is something I’ve never regretted.
One last word: Don’t become obsessed with death. Reflection can be healthy but obsession never is. God has not given us a spirit of fear but power, love, and a sound mind. If you are struggling in this area, find a safe loved one or therapist to talk over your feelings with. Don’t go it alone!
Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for the life You’ve given us. Please help us to consider death in the right way. Not dwelling morbidly on the negative but prioritizing our life day to day. You alone know when our time on earth will be over so show us how to number our days. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Reflecting on death in a healthy way will genuinely help us to...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Dance at Our Funeral? looks at myths associated with death.Show Notes: Dance at Our Funeral?For the next three weeks, we’ll discuss a difficult topic and I want to do it with grace and love. But death is not something we can look at lightly. Death of any kind—whether the death of a loved one, pet, dream, business, marriage, etc.—affects us deeply. Jeff Walling ends his book, Daring to Dance With God, with a chapter titled “Save the Last Dance for Me.” Walling says:“It is God’s desire that we face our own mortality with courage and confidence. Through learning to trust in God’s love and Christ’s grave-defeating resurrection, we can gain the knowledge that allows us to dance at our own funerals. But three myths about death must be banished so these truths can shine through.”We’ll examine each of these myths on the podcast. Myth #1: Death is a blessed gift from God. We’ve all heard it and maybe even said it. God needed another angel in heaven. God called them home. Words that sound “right” but are they? How come we have death in the first place?Death did not come about until Adam and Eve sinned. Their action brought death into our world. Walling said, “…the Garden of Eden had no cemetery.” We were created to be eternal and through the shed blood of Jesus and His resurrection, we can once again be eternal if we give our lives to Jesus, making Him our Savior, Lord, Master, and King. But death is still a river to cross, even though it was not part of God’s original plan.Death is not fair. I hate it. I didn’t want my father to die when he was only fifty-three. Or to miscarry my first pregnancy. Or to lose my best friend when she was only fifty. The good thing is I know I will see them again for they loved God as I do. But it doesn’t make my absence from them any easier to swallow.What is a better way to look at death and share comfort when someone passes? Be a good listener. Most people want to talk so let them. Resist the urge to tell too many of your own stories. I’m guilty of this. Don’t be corrective. Now is not the time. When people are hurt, they don’t always know what they are saying. Choose love. Show support. Send a card or text. Make a phone call. Carry food and maybe a gift card to a restaurant. Offer to help. Study the situation and do something tangible. Don’t say the wrong thing like God needed them, At least they’re older, better off, their own fault, or Be strong.All of the above ways are important, but it’s crucial not to say the wrong thing. At my father’s death, someone told me I needed to be strong for my mother. They meant well but it sent me in a bad direction. To me, being strong meant not showing emotion or grief. So, I tried not to. Four months later, I broke down and cried for three days. All because I was trying to be strong the wrong way.I found out it’s okay to grieve and be mad or sad or even unsure of everything. Find someone to talk to who is safe and release your emotions as you are able. Lean heavily on God, His Word, and prayer. Listen to soothing music and surround yourself with beauty as much as possible. God heals, but it takes time and not all healing occurs on this earth.I will always have a place in my heart that hurts for my dad, my child, and my friend. And so many others. But one day, it will all be over.Revelation 21: 4 says: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” NLTNow I know I use this verse a lot in the podcast but it means so much to me. Let it bring comfort when you are struggling with death.Let’s pray: Father God, we love You but despise death. Our sin brought it into the world but one day we’ll join you in heaven and death will be banished forever.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world.Show Notes: An Interview with Jeff Walling Part 2Today I’m honored to share part two of my interview with Jeff Walling: author, speaker, and the Director of the Youth Leadership Initiative at Pepperdine University. We’ve spent this season learning from his wonderful book, Daring to Dance with God. Now on to part two…Jennifer: One thing I wondered about because it’s something as a fiction writer people ask me is what is your favorite quote in the book? And I know there are probably tons of them. But is there one that really stands out?Jeff: I may have to get back to you on this. That’s kind of a frightening thing after thinking back all those years. I know there are some quotes in that passage on letting the Lord lead, you know, the importance of doing that and how control is the hardest thing for us to let go of.Ideas, yeah. Quotes? As a writer, you’re just busy trying to get it from your brain out through your fingertips. You challenge me to go back and say is there a passage where I say, “Oh, God, you did a good job on that one.” I’ll get back to you.Jennifer: My favorite story in the book is the one about you manning the record player. That one stood out to me more than any of them.Jeff: Yeah, a few years ago, quite a while now, I found a time in my life where I was burned out, tired of marching, I knew it was because I was tripping over stuff I shouldn’t be tripping over. And I remember going to a therapist, a Christian therapist, and telling him about that experience and about the record player. And he gave me a new perspective. He said, “Wow. That was your way of hiding and coping. That was your way of making a joke out of it. Let’s somehow make this fun.And you talk about a quote, he said, “Jeff, you like many people don’t enjoy sitting in pain.” We learn so much more, I know this, through pain than we ever do through pleasure. And yet we try to eradicate pain just as quickly as we can. I have probably eight different kinds of Advil or Tylenol or aspirin in my cabinet because why should we hurt, even for a moment? Spiritually, oh my goodness, to be able to just listen to the voice of God in the pain.That’s the only reason that the prodigal son got home. If he had managed to make himself some kind of pig slop taco, he’d have stayed where he was. But the pain, the agony of man, this is not what God wants for me is what helped him make the turn.Jennifer: I totally agree. It seems like, especially when I’m frustrated when I finally get to that point of saying, “Okay, God. I don’t know what I’m supposed to be doing here. He says, “Okay. I’ve been waiting for you to say that. Now let me tell you what you’re supposed to be doing here.” Pain, aggravation, frustration—all of it brings me to that point.Jeff: Amen. We need to be like the woman who had spent all her money on the cures, right? Who was still bleeding. Who’d gone on the misery-go-round over and over and over again, and finally, she was willing not only to go out in public in a crowd—where she wasn’t supposed to be—but to just reach out and touch the hem of his garment. I love that picture. I hope your listeners will hear the voice of God saying, “Don’t be ashamed. You might not dance like somebody else, and somebody may look at you like you’re goofy but just look into my eyes and dance with Me. Let me guide you in celebrating life, using your gifts and skills even when dancing through the pain.”Jennifer: That was a good chapter. And we have about six or seven more episodes on the podcast. I plan on doing some filling in and at the end, I’m going to deal with the last chapter. We’ve already been touching on a lot of trust and faithfulness. This week’s podcast was on the end. The end time. Getting ready to meet our Savior, tying on to where I’m going.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world.
Show Notes: An Interview with Jeff Walling
Today I’m honored to welcome Jeff Walling: author, speaker, and the Director of the Youth Leadership Initiative at Pepperdine University to the podcast. We’ve spent this season learning from his wonderful book, Daring to Dance with God. Jeff, I’m so glad you’ve joined us today.
Jeff: Well, thank you, Jennifer. It’s a blessing to be with you and so encouraging that your podcast listeners have been walking through the book. I do pray that God used it to bless them.
Jennifer: It has. This has actually been my best season yet as far as downloads and stuff. I think a lot of people have listened to it and also the podcast is heard on internet radio, Christian Mix 106, in over fifty-five countries. So, there is no telling who all is hearing it.
Jeff: Wow. I wasn’t nervous about being on your show until that moment. Thank you.
Jennifer: Anyway, so who knows? Someone over in Ethiopia or China could be listening and buying your book right now.
Jeff: Well, God has a way of putting us where we need to be, and in this wonderful day and age something I wrote—oh goodness, I hate to even think of it now—twenty-plus years ago continue to resonate and has people reach out to me about it. God deserves all the praise.
Jennifer: Amen. First, go ahead and tell us a little about your ministry and your family.
Jeff: Sure. Sure. I am blessed to have been a preacher for forty years now. And my sweet wife, she and I are celebrating forty years together also. We have three sons; one of which is a minister himself, Taylor. He is about to start a new ministry out here in California: a church focused on reaching young people here on the Pepperdine campus. My middle son and Taylor will both be living here in Southern California and my youngest son is in Denver. They are all married and I am blessed to have four grandkids and two granddogs. It’s a lot of fun. I work here, trying to raise up the next generation of young Christian leaders. I preach as a teaching pastor for Shepherd Church about eight to ten times a year which is a church here in the Los Angeles area.
Jennifer: Okay. That sounds really interesting and like a much-needed mission in that area.
Jeff: Blessed to be involved with it.
Jennifer: Going back to the book—as I was telling Jeff earlier—the book meant so much to me when I was younger and I read it. I’m so excited to do a podcast about it. Can you explain to my listeners the central idea discussed in Daring to Dance with God?
Jeff: Well, I’ll give it a shot. The very first chapter of the book tells about how I was raised in a home that believed that dancing was not a thing that Christ would want us to do. And it was a big shock to me and I immediately called my mom the first time that I really took a look at the beautiful parable called the parable of the prodigal son. When the father comes out from the house, where there is the sound of music and dancing emanating. And the scripture uses the word there for dancing. And that father has always represented to me: God. So, here is God coming out here to this older son, who doesn’t want to come in and celebrate what has happened to his younger brother. To think that God would come out and say, “Come dance with Me. Come dance with us.”
This idea that God invites us, not into a drudge march or inviting us to get in line. But this idea of dancing. Dancing to me has always carried a sense of joy and getting connected with something bigger than yourself. I mean, if you’ve been to a wedding recently, right, you see a lot of people who never dance any place else dancing at a wedding. And quite frankly, I’m one of them. It’s wonderful to see folks who are all connecting in different ways to the same piece of music. And I guess that idea of trusting God enough to step ou...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Our Temporary Life, focuses on what’s really important in the world.
Show Notes: Our Temporary Life
I struggled to open this podcast. I mean, life is temporary? That’s deep, to me anyway. Probably to you also. If you are a Christian and you’ve given your life to Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your life changes. Christians believe that life is eternal. Once life is over on earth, our spirit moves to heaven with a new body to spend eternity with Father God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, angels, and all the other believers who have gone on before.
We live on the earth and our existence in earthly bodies is limited. One hundred and twenty years is about the maximum, though the average would be more like seventy to eighty years. And considering the rapid pace that I’m moving toward those ages; life seems very temporary.
II Corinthians 4: 14-18, Paul says: “We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus, will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself together with you. All of this is for your benefit. And as God’s grace reaches more and more people, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day. For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So, we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” NLT
That is such good news. God is planning to raise us with Jesus. His grace will spread and God receives more glory. Our bodies might die but our spirit is constantly renewed. We don’t have to focus on our troubles all the time. We can gaze toward the unseen through the eyes of faith.
Jeff Walling says: “One family I know wrote down their ‘core values and displayed them on their refrigerator door. One of them read: ‘People are always more valuable than things.’ I certainly agree with that statement, but Paul would attach another clause to it: The invisible is always more important than the seen. Anyone who chooses to dance with God knows this instinctively because the unseen universe contains the eternal treasures that will never fade or depreciate.”
Walling goes on to say when we focus on Jesus, we see three eternal things:
The love of God. The words of Christ. The life of the soul.
What wonderful promises. We might not be able to load our pickup truck for our heavenly journey but we don’t go alone. The love of God which lives in us and the words of Jesus stay with us through death and beyond. Our soul, the deep inside part that is truly us, will travel too. And we can witness to those around us and see many believe and follow the journey to heaven. Praise God.
By faith. We see the invisible by faith. We ask God to help us each day to walk by faith and strengthen our faith walk by the Word and prayer. Sometimes I’m frustrated when I look at my life. I have so many books inside me I need to write and such limited time. But if my life is eternal, who’s to say I won’t be writing in heaven? So, I turn my back to frustration and focus on the unseen and my eternal future.
Let’s pray: Father God, we turn to You as we examine our lives and admit our time on earth is limited. You alone can help us see the unseen and focus on what’s really important here on this earth. People. You love people and want them to spend eternity with You. We do too. Strengthen our witness each day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
As we keep our focus on God, we remember what is important in life. I’m excited to announce that I have a new young adult novel, Smoking Flax,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Reflect on God’s Goodness, discusses how to fight despair, disappointment, and apathy.
Show Notes: Reflect on God’s Goodness
The last three years have been difficult, to say the least. A pandemic, masks, businesses failing, a faltering economy, and gas and food prices on the rise daily. It would be easy to find ourselves fighting despair over the world we live in. Disappointment with life in general. And a feeling of apathy, that it’s all downhill from here.
But God is still good. His goodness, kindness, mercy, and grace still abound if we only take time to look. To take our focus off of all the negative around us, and focus our eyes instead on the God of the universe. The Alpha and the Omega.
My natural bent is toward being pessimistic and melancholy. I wrestle often with fear and dread, waiting for the other shoe to drop. But that’s not how God asked us to live. He wants us to remember His Word:
“I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” Psalm 27:13 NKJV “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:6 NKJV “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for His is good! For His mercy endures forever.” I Chronicles 16:34 NKJV “I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.” Psalm 145: 5-7 NLT
His Word is good and true and full of wisdom. As we immerse ourselves to study and remember scripture, our natural bent can become positive and our focus true. God has taken a person like me, prone to depression and fear, and molded me into a person of encouragement. I still struggle but have many more good days than bad. All because of God and His unfailing love and goodness.
What has helped me most?
Reading His Word often. I use study guides, read different translations, and listen to sermons to help me understand what His Word is saying to me. Listening to uplifting music. I listen to Christian music, and also to positive secular music, including classical and movie soundtracks. Surrounding myself with uplifting people. One thing I cannot do is stay in the company of people who are always negative or gossiping or downing others. It pulls me down and hurts me emotionally. Communicating with God constantly. I need Him every moment of every day or I quickly sink into being overwhelmed. Writing down my feelings. Often, I journal the good, the bad, and the ugly. But I focus on what He’s done that has made my life worth living.
Jeff Walling says: “So what about you? Can you make your own list? Reflect on the good things God has put in your life. Don’t overlook past experiences and precious memories. Consider faithful friends and loving family. And when your list is done, don’t hide it in a drawer; keep it handy for emergencies. Post it on your bathroom mirror. Tack it on your dashboard. You never know when the crowd may attack or the day go sour. Then make a commitment. Take a solemn vow that you will dance with God even when you don’t feel like it.”
Just last week, I found myself experiencing that sinking feeling. Nothing was wrong. It was rainy and the writing wasn’t coming easy and I just felt a little frustrated. So, I drew a deep breath and began to list all God was doing in my life. Before long, I was okay again.
One last thought. If life is hard and I can’t seem to find any good, I can focus on my future. A wonderful time that will be spent with God. Throughout eternity.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Trusting God’s Lead, discusses how to follow God when the path leads away from our own.
Show Notes: Trusting God’s Lead
Sometimes, I get a tiny bit aggravated at my husband when he is driving. Now I know that none of you ladies out there, experience this but try to imagine. We are shopping, say at the sporting goods store. We then decide to go across town to the grocery store. The best way to get to said grocery store—in my opinion—would be to take the winding path through obscure lanes and back streets driving slower but avoiding the traffic and loooong traffic lights.
But no. He’ll follow the main roads every single time, and wait through all those lights. It makes me want to scream. I mean, if he’d only listen to me…
Hmm. Kinda ties in with today’s topic, huh? How many times has God asked me to stay on the boring main roads and follow His direction? I occasionally listen but often get lost on those side roads, experience a breakdown, or even find myself in a really bad place. All because I couldn’t follow God’s lead.
Jeff Walling reminds us why it’s wise to trust God and not ourselves: “Having put the steering wheel and our trust firmly in the Father’s hand, good things will happen. Old habits will be conquered and new challenges will be met. Opportunities will knock, and doors will open.”
I love the thought that God can and will help us deal with habits, challenges, and opportunities. Doors will open. Have you ever been in a large medical complex trying to figure out where a specific doctor’s office is? First, you need to find the right floor, then the right hallway, and finally the door. Depending on how well instructions are set up along the way determines how fast you find where you need to go.
God is saying to us, “I’m the guide above all guides, including yourself. I’ll not only show you the pathway, but I’ll be with you every step of the way. I’ll constantly find ways to garner your attention so you won’t miss anything that I have for you. Follow me.”
Isaiah 58:11 tells us: “The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in drought, and strengthen your bones; you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.”
All because we trust the Lord’s guidance. What else does God say about following His lead?
God will make our path straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 God will uphold us. Psalm 37:23-24 God makes sure we hear him. Isaiah 30:21 God will give us peace. Luke 1:79
And these are just a few of the many promises in His Word. So, the next time I want to take a shortcut and skip the path God is so clearly pointing the way to, I’ll recall the words in the Bible. Maybe the red lights won’t last quite so long.
Let’s pray: Father God, thank You that You love me even when I struggle to follow Your leading. My way seems to make sense but You are the ultimate Guide. I’m tired of being lost and stranded on my own. I’ll wait for You, Your will, and timing. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
God will lead me along the best path if I’ll only follow Him. Today’s featured author is Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a Southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she loves.
Determined to heal from her past, Jessie initiates a search for her father. Can a sliver of hope lead to everlasting love when obstacles–including a spurned woman and unpredictable weather–hijack Jessie’s dream wedding? Learn more at jenniferhallmark.com/books Next week, we’ll learn how to reflect on the good. Until then, stay determined to dance.
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Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, God’s Faithfulness, focuses on finding safety in God’s hands.
Show Notes: God’s Faithfulness
This week’s episode could be considered the second part of the dance of trust. God is faithful and longs for us to trust Him. In Daring to Dance with God, Jeff Walling tells the story of his family visiting the ocean when he was a boy. He was afraid of the big waves. His father convinced him to walk into the ocean while holding his hand. He felt fear in the beginning but ultimately enjoyed the ocean and its waves.
Walling then says: “Those memories are so much like the way God deals with us. He offers his hand, and we fearfully take hold. But our lack of faith and trust keeps us from enjoying the water. What might happen tomorrow? What if it brings a really big wave? (In Psalm 139) David reminds us that God’s hand is strong and sure. There is no wave that can tear us from his loving grip.”
God is faithful. But even the strongest Christian can struggle at times to believe this. Here are four ways the enemy tries to pull our focus from the Father.
By temptation. 1 Corinthians 10:13: “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” NKJV By trials and tribulations. 1 Peter 4:12-13: “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” NLT By distraction. 1 Peter 5:8: “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” NLT By fear. Psalm 34:4: “I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears.” NKJV
I’m sure there are other ways but I find these four rank pretty high in my daily life. In one day, I might be tempted to bad mouth someone, take care of a sick grandchild, binge-watch a TV show, and fight against fear over an unexpected bill.
Am I the only one who’s had a day like this? I didn’t think so. Sometimes my focus remains on God despite the ploys of the enemy, but at times I lose my train of thought. It’s like when I start to say something and forget right before I get the words out of my mouth. One minute I know what I’m going to say, the next the words are gone. Into thin air.
The main lesson I’ve discovered through it all is no matter how I react to struggles, positively or negatively, God is still faithful. If we run into the waves by ourselves and find we are floundering, we just need to reach out a hand and God is right there.
Every single time. Let’s pray: Father God, we love You and thank You for being faithful. No matter how the enemy tries to turn us away, You never leave us. Your hand is outstretched and You are waiting for us to call. There is nothing greater than being Your child. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen. Today’s featured author is Fay Lamb, author of The Ties that Bind romance series. Looking for some good summer reads. Take a trip to Florida and fall in love with four Florida natives, Charisse, Libby, Hope, and Delilah. These books, and all of Fay's books are available on Amazon and at all book retailers. Learn more at FayLamb.net. Next week, we’ll talk about trusting His lead. Until then, stay determined to dance…
Click to tweet: Today’s episode of the Determined to Dance Podcast, God’s Faithfulness, focuses on finding safety in God’s hands. #ChristianPodcast #faith Links: My website
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Determined to Dance Podcast Video of the week:
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, The Dance of Trust, focuses on the secret of dancing in the dark.
Show Notes: The Dance of Trust
Have you ever struggled to trust people? I have. People are very human and sometimes by accident and sometimes on purpose, they lie, manipulate, scheme, and we are left broken, afraid to trust again. As a child, another kid I hoped was nice teased me for crying during my first day at a new school. As a teenager, a pastor told me to join his church if I wanted to see my dad healed. And as an adult, I’ve met people in the community, school, family, and church who were not who they pretended to be.
It left me jaded. Bewildered. And most of all, afraid to trust anyone again. I believe you totally understand where I’m coming from. Some of you listening are nodding your heads, an image conjured in your mind of untrustworthy people.
How can we trust in a world with crooked politicians, business leaders, and even church leaders and people in education who go astray? What does God say?
John 2:23-25: “Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew all about people. No one needed to tell him about human nature, for he knew what was in each person’s heart.” NLT
Jesus knew all about people. Some might be evil, but many were probably just weak, shy, nervous, or busy. Just like us. Jesus still loved people. But He put His faith in God, not those around Him.
Here are three verses I love to read when I have trust issues.
Psalm 56:3: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You.” NKJV Isaiah 41:10: “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” NKJV Isaiah 26:3: You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You because he trusts in You.” NKJV
God says don’t fear or be dismayed. He will strengthen, help, keep, and uphold. In other words, we can trust Him. It’s found again and again throughout the word of God. God is trustworthy.
So, what can we do to twirl and whirl with God, trusting Him with everything in our lives?
Spend time with God in prayer. We learn to trust as we draw closer to Him. Spend time in God’s Word. We study and learn what a mighty God He is. Surrender our will to Him. We follow Him, who knows us best. Remember the ways God has shown up when we needed him. Find wise counsel when you struggle. A trustworthy friend or family member is worth more than gold.
Understand now that there will be struggles. People have disappointed me before and it will probably happen again. My focus is to love people the best I can, separate from those who have violated trust and are not repentant, and find wisdom and discernment through prayer, the Word, and honorable people who love the Lord.
We must make sure to take time and heal after trust has been broken. Many relationships can be mended if the other person is willing to change. We should seek any fault we may have ourselves so the relationship will be whole and fulfilling to both parties.
We’ll never find a perfectly trustworthy person on this earth, but Jesus lived a sinless life and is ever interceding for us in heaven. The Holy Spirit resides in us and can help us avoid unfaithful people if we seek His wisdom.
Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You today and thank You for being a trustworthy God. We’ve been hurt and disillusioned by unreliable people and need your healing touch in our lives. Show us our faults so we can repent and move on. Thank you for Jesus who prays for us daily and the Holy Spirit who helps us along life’s paths. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
People can disappoint us, but God is always there,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, The Storms of Life, looks at times when our world falls apart.
Show Notes: The Storms of Life
Life is tough. Bad things do happen to good people. You know it and so do I. And I believe the storms of life are hardest to take when they immediately follow a good season. You know, when everything is going right, the grass is greener on your side of the fence, and dreams are being realized right and left. You’ve fought the good fight and won.
In his book Pursuing the Will of God, Jack Hayford said: “Spiritual warfare will culminate in victory when we war in the will of God. But you will always find that after the victory there will be another subtle approach of the enemy—in a very different sort of attack…while we’re wrapping up with our victory lap, waving at the cheering crowds, the serpent slithers in again from a totally unexpected angle. While we’re celebrating and feeling good about the outcome of the great battle, the enemy immediately sets to work contriving another—and usually very different—sort of trap. It’s oh-too-easy to fall flat on our faces right after we have won a victory and our face is aglow with joy.”
This is oh-so-true. And at times I find myself in the middle of enjoying life waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, life is good, calm, and peaceful. Instead of relaxing and building up myself in the Lord, I’m worrying. Anxious. Stressed.
No wonder God says that sufficient for today is its own trouble. Why can’t I believe that?
Maybe because:
I trust in my ability to control my life. I find it hard to hand over the reins of life to God. I’m afraid if I don’t handle it, who will? I mean, God’s busy, right? I believe in the lies of the enemy instead of the word of God.
Now I’m really depressed. How can I change?
I can start by admitting my pride, and my need to control. It’s a daily battle, but one I must fight if I'm to stop the anxiety. I can then hand my fear to God. Let faith answer when fear knocks. God is interested in every facet of my life, no matter how small. And get into God’s word. The word is the sword and how can I fight lies if I don’t know the truth?
Jeff Walling says: “…He calls out to the Lord. And God’s response is shocking in its consistency…He just does what God does best—he loves him forever…Like Jesus on the boat with his disciples, God stills the waves and brings peace.”
I still struggle when the storms hit, especially when I don’t see them coming. But I'm learning more and more to turn to God and watch him meet my needs.
Let’s pray: Father God, we love You and need You every day, especially when we are facing storms in our lives. Help us to remember to turn to you and not get caught up in pride, fear, and deception. You are our only hope. Thank you that you can handle every problem that comes our way. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Today’s featured authors, Deb, and Bruce Potts, wrote Love on Life Support, a second-chance romance. Chris and Amy’s on-again, off-again faith leaves them unprepared when the unthinkable happens. As calamity topples their world, Chris and Amy struggle to deal with the greatest trial of their marriage. Learn more at http://marriagementoring.info.
Next week, we’ll discuss how to whirl and twirl like a child. Until then, stay determined to dance…
Click to tweet: Today’s episode of the Determined to Dance Podcast, The Storms of Life, looks at times when our world falls apart. #ChristianPodcast #faith Links: My website
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Determined to Dance Podcast Video of the week: I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together...
https://youtu.be/6sqy1URx4mg
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Choices: Right or Wrong? focuses on how God loves us despite our wrong choices and helps us choose wisely.
Show Notes: Choices: Right or Wrong?
I am an adult. One of the things I never really considered when I married and moved away from my folks was making my own choices or decisions. As a know-it-all eighteen-year-old, (yes, I married too young) I felt ready to leave my mom and Dad and all their rules. I would be on my own, me and hubby, and do what we wanted.
Except that’s not how it works.
With adulting came bills, a job, and lots of unsolicited advice from both families. I quickly realized that we had a lot of choices to make, decisions that would determine our future. And suddenly, I wanted to move back home, crawl into my four-poster bed, and pull the covers over my head. What had I done?
But I stayed and together, we made decisions. Some good, some foolish. We made purchases that got us into debt. Like the quarter horse, we had to have when we’d only ridden horses a few times. A silly choice.
Then when we struggled to pay our bills, we felt more than foolish. We suffered from guilt and shame. We didn’t want anyone to know about our bad decisions.
Proverb 13: 10-18 has so much good advice when you struggle with choices:
“Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. Wealth from get-rich-quick schemes quickly disappears; wealth from hard work grows over time. Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a dream fulfilled is a tree of life. People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. A person with good sense is respected; a treacherous person is headed for destruction. Wise people think before they act; fools don’t—and even brag about their foolishness. An unreliable messenger stumbles into trouble, but a reliable messenger brings healing. If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored.” NLT
Let’s break this down and find out what advice the writer of this book, King Solomon, gives:
Pride only hurts. It’s okay to ask for advice from wise people who’ve already experienced much of life. But this doesn’t mean advice from your friends who are making the same mistakes you are. Hard work is the way to go, not get-rich-quick schemes. Shortcuts in life usually lead to roads that you don’t want to travel. Respect those who offer advice even if you don’t agree. While thinking it through, you might change your mind. Think before you act. Ponder major decisions for days or weeks. It might save you a lot of heartache. Live a disciplined life.
When making decisions, we want to ask, think it through, and make choices with the future in mind. Have you heard the expression, “Would you like a quarter today or a dollar tomorrow?” Kids tend to want what’s right in front of them. As do we, adults.
So, what do we do if we’ve already made a foolish decision? Or maybe a better question is what does God do?
Jeff Walling says: “God is ready to forgive even the most foolish of sinners. If we will only be smart enough to call out to him in the darkness, he will restore hope and joy to a heart full of shame. It is this message that Christian families must embed in their children’s minds. The love of the Lord endures forever! It’s never too late for him to restore the prodigal who’s willing to come home. And he will do it with the simplest of remedies.
“He sent forth his word and healed them; he rescued them from the grave. Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” Psalm 107:20-21 NIV
It is the truth of God that the fallen fool needs to hear: his love never fa...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, God’s Forgiveness, focuses on our failures, His forgiveness.
Show Notes: God’s Forgiveness
Sin. Not my favorite subject for a podcast. That’s probably why I named it God’s forgiveness. I’d much rather focus on His forgiveness than on the reason I need it.
We all sin.
It says in Romans 3:23-26: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.” NLT
Made right by believing. What glorious news.
Every year, I choose a word or phrase to focus on. I pray and ask God to point it out and at some point, in November or December, the word or phrase shows up. This past December, I was reading a devotional, and all of a sudden the word honest seemed to leap from the page. I cringed. That’s my word for 2023? Some of you might say ‘No biggie,’ but it is for me. I don’t like to confront or upset people, so sometimes I might say a little less than is true to keep the peace. I can also exaggerate. I knew God was calling me to consider my words in a different light than ever before. It’s been difficult and I’ve had to backtrack a time or two on what I’ve said but I’m learning an important lesson. Telling a little white lie or omission is just as bad as someone who is deceitful and always lies. Scripture says that Satan is the father of all lies. Yipes. Let’s go back to my earlier statement. We all sin. Surely God is yelling at us for our mistakes, after all the blessings we’ve received from Him. But God…
Jeff Walling says, “No wonder we try to crawl away and hide when sin brings us down. If that’s the kind of response we imagine from God, we’d have to be crazy to call out to him for help. But the writer of Psalm 107 stands by his first verse: “The love of the Lord endures forever.” Even the willful sinner can dance in the dark if he will look to the Lord. And when he does, he will find grace, not disgust, in those eyes.”
The blood of Jesus is such a beautiful truth in scripture. The fact that He loved us as sinners, died on the cross and bore those sins, and covered them with his blood is truly miraculous. He loved us when we didn’t even acknowledge Him. Hallelujah.
Our part is to believe. And to keep seeking Him over and over to grow so close to Him that we don’t sin as often. We aren’t repeat offenders, not caring how we live because if we ask, He’ll forgive. We want to walk free from sin.
I John 1:7: “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
We believe, we are cleansed, and we walk by His side, crucifying our flesh every day. We all sin but we can all be forgiven.
Let’s pray: Father God, we’ve all sinned and fallen short but You chose to send Your son to take our place. We believe in You and Your Son and the Holy Spirit. Thank you for a gift that is beyond our minds to truly comprehend. We love You, staying close so we can always walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
God forgives when we ask.
Today’s featured authors, Deb, and Bruce Potts, wrote Love on Life Support, a second-chance romance. Chris and Amy’s on-again, off-again faith leaves them unprepared when the...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Tough Times, looks at what we can do when our world is rocked by pain and darkness.
Show Notes: Tough Times
Tough times. Calamity. Crisis. Trouble. We all long for a world free from suffering and pain, and those who surrender their lives to Jesus will one day enjoy a heavenly home spoken of in Revelation 21:3-4 NLT
“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”
It’s hard to imagine such a place but it is God’s promise. But what do we do in the meantime? I believe it depends on the severity of the tough times that you’re dealing with. There are everyday troubles we deal with: a stomach virus, a broken appliance, a problem at work, or an upset child or spouse. A lot of the time we can handle these on our own or find help from our family or friends.
What about when life rachets it up a notch? A cancer diagnosis, house fire, lay off from your job, or your spouse leaves you. What then?
I’ve not always handled tough times in a good way. I tend to stuff everything, pretend it doesn’t matter, and only when I totally fall apart, admit that maybe I need help. Here is what has aided me when trouble strikes:
Admit my feelings to God, then to a counselor, trusted friend, or family member. I quit pretending that I’m not sad, angry, disappointed, troubled, anxious, or depressed. So, I start by owning my emotions. Think about the issue and see if there is a new perspective or way to solve the problem. Often, I overreact and overlook a simple solution. Ask for help from family members or friends. If it’s a large problem, like extensive medical bills or natural disaster destruction, often local organizations, churches, and whole communities are willing to carry the load for you. Pray often. Two things I need during times of distress are wisdom and discernment. If there are multiple ways to look at the issue, I need God to speak to me and direct my path. Give myself and others time to heal. With major problems, we often have to trust God day-by-day, hour-by-hour, and minute-by-minute. Make self-care a priority. Make gratitude a way of life. Instead of always looking at the negative, try to see any nugget of good—no matter how small—and concentrate on it. Thank God that He never leaves us or forsakes us, no matter what.
And there is nothing like scripture. I find so much comfort in Psalm 23. I’ve memorized it and I sometimes lay in bed at night and repeat it to myself. Six simple verses that bring calm and comfort to my heart.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Jeff Walling says: “Maybe the best rule of thumb is that our cry of thankfulness to God today should be as loud and long as our cry for deliverance was yesterday. All the better for others to hear and God’s name to be praised.”
Ouch. I’m afraid my thankfulness is not as loud and long as my whining but I want it to be. When I follow the steps above, praying and showing gratitude, I find peace, even when my problems don’t get better. Losing my dad when I was twenty-eight years ol...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, The Problem of Pain, focuses on how hurting can move us closer to or farther away from God.
Show Notes: The Problem of Pain
Pain. It comes in many forms: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. I’ve dealt with it all at one time or another and I’m sure you have also. Pain can be a problem because it has a tendency to either push us closer to God or pull us far away from our heavenly Father. There is no neutral “resting place” when you are experiencing pain.
Dealing with the hurt is like being in a dark room alone. Others could be in there with you but no one can know exactly where you are. Take a broken leg. Five people could break their tibia and each would experience different levels of physical pain from the break, mental pain from dealing with loss of motion and stability, emotional pain from lost activities and possibly job-related issues, and some could even note spiritual pain when dealing with the question of “why did this happen to me?”
Pain is experienced by everyone but no one can truly understand what you are personally going through. Except for God. Jeff Walling says: “…one of life’s really big questions…comes in various forms, but the bottom line is always the same: “Will you catch me?” “Are you gonna walk out when the going gets rough?” “Will you love me tomorrow?” “Can I really trust you?” If anyone knew how to answer these queries, it was the psalmist. He understood the fears of little boys and big men who look down the dark passages of life and pray, “Father, will you see me through?” He understood the challenge of dancing in the dark, the struggle of trusting and obeying when things look bleak.”
Psalm 34:18 is an example: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” NLT
Isaiah 41:10 is one of those verses that helps me through painful times. “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ NKJV
The Message Bible says it this way: “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”
When I’m hurting, I need a firm grip. Strength. And the peace that keeps me from panicking. Don’t you?
When pain attacks, how can we make sure we turn in the right direction, toward our heavenly Father?
Take all your questions and concerns to God. He is big enough to hear all you have to say. You can be honest with the Father. Take all your anger, sadness, and remorse to God. He is compassionate enough to bring comfort. After you’ve poured your heart to Him, listen. Take time to hear the directions He may give you in pointing to friends, remedies, and advice to help you in this distressful time.
Back in December, I woke one morning with ringing in my ears. The doctor gave me antibiotics, figuring it was a sinus or ear infection issue. It didn’t go away. Over the next months, I read everything about this annoyance that gave me mental and emotional pain. Many tests of my hearing (it is excellent) and an MRI of my head showed nothing out of sorts and there has been no explanation of why I have this problem. It is a day-by-day walk as I deal with the “cicada” noise in my head, sometimes soft and often very loud. My mind is slowly learning to tune it out for much of the time and I am grateful. I pray for healing and the ability to deal with the emotional stress that bothers me, especially at bedtime.
For now, when I’m struggling most, I go through the three steps above. I want to cry out “Why me?” but we live in a fallen world and there will be pain of all types until we finally make it home. Dancing in the dark, and deciding to trust God is the only decision that brin...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Don’t Give Up the Dance, focuses on sin and how it can move us off of the dance floor.
Show Notes: Don’t Give Up the Dance
I am not perfect. In fact, I’m far from it in thought, word, and deed. Yes, Jesus lives in my heart, the Holy Spirit is within me as the helper, and God listens to my prayers, but I still mess up. Often. I sin.
What is sin, exactly? The most basic meaning is to miss the mark. Fall short of a goal. Mess up. I have to admit that sometimes I’m jealous, I gossip, I follow thoughts I shouldn’t, and I can hurt others with my words and deeds. I miss the mark.
And what usually follows close behind sin? Guilt and shame. I believe God lets us experience a godly sorrow so we can turn back to Him, the only One who can forgive our sins. Jesus lived a perfect life, then died and was resurrected so we could experience forgiveness. We have only to ask.
II Chronicles 7:14 shows us the right way to move past sin. “… if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
We have a part to play:
We humble ourselves, admitting we need God. We pray to God, asking for forgiveness. We continue to seek God’s face so we don’t fall back into sin. We turn from sin and wickedness. We don’t put ourselves in the position to sin again.
God takes it from here:
He hears. Our cries are never ignored. He forgives. He removes our sin as far as the East is from the West. He heals. He makes our broken parts whole.
What a great God we serve. But sometimes the guilt and shame try to hang around. Jeff Walling explains what has been done: “Shame from sin doesn’t just evaporate. It can’t be expelled by wishing it away. In the court of God’s will, someone must answer for the crime. Jesus was willing and able to be that someone. He allows me the chance to dance again, even after I sin—if I will give him my shame. Having faced and acknowledged my culpability, I hold out my guilt, which he graciously accepts … It is essential that once shame has been acknowledged, it be released to Christ. I must trust him with my shame. Only through allowing Jesus to bear our shame are we free to dance…”
For the shame and guilt to disappear, we must first admit the sin, then give it to Jesus and refuse to hang onto the guilt and shame and the self-pity that tends to go along with them.
To continue to dance with God, we must do this. No one can dance while carrying the burden that comes with sin. It’s just too heavy.
Let’s pray: Father God, we humble ourselves before you and admit we have sinned. We have followed our own way instead of your way. We ask for forgiveness and will seek Your face daily so we won’t get pulled back into wickedness. We turn from our old ways and follow your ways. Every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
I might miss the mark but God forgives me when I ask.
Today’s featured author is Rosemary B. Althoff (ALL’-TOFF), author of the Christian sci-fi novels in the Soul’s Warfare series. Rosemary wants to show God is active in science and working for people who need recovery. In Book 2, THE CAVE CHAMBER, Lewis tries hard to stop the enemy from conquering two worlds—including Earth. Meanwhile, his little brother Patrick wants to be a hero, and his friends want to find and help him, but as for his sister Gracie, … how can a little girl save the universe? Rosemary B. Althoff’s books are available to order from Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and Target.
Next week, we look at the problem of pain. Until then, stay determined to dance…
Click to tweet: Today’s episode of the Determined to Dance Podcast, Don’t Give Up the Dance,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. On today’s episode, How to Deal With Envy, we’ll focus on being grateful for what God has given us.Show Notes: How to Deal With EnvyWhen I decided to create a podcast episode on envy, I thought I’d better look up exactly what it means. Jealousy, envy, coveting: they all can get mixed together. Dictionary.com says that envy is a feeling of discontent or covetousness with regard to another's advantages, success, possessions, etc.That makes sense. Who hasn’t been discontented over someone else’s life at one time or the other? Envy is a tough vice to overcome. Just this week, I heard that a friend of mine had won a big award for her novel. And deep down, I’m so happy for her. But the first thought that jumped into my mind was “I read her book. I don’t think it was better than mine. Why didn’t I win?”Ouch. That’s envy showing its ugly face in my thoughts. My next thought was “Okay, now how am I going to deal with this?”How do you deal with envy? Do you stuff it deep inside, praying it won’t surface? Do you talk to three people about why it isn’t fair? Do you whine? Whining is what I tend to do. But I want to change, don’t you?Jeff Walling uses the example of envying others' gifts. He says: “God gives his gifts in the way he chooses. While I must never close the door of my heart to what God may wish to provide, I cannot spend my spiritual life trying to attain what someone else seems to have.”I didn’t win that particular award. But that doesn’t mean I won’t someday. And if I spend my life trying to win that award instead of following the direction that God is leading me in, I’ll miss his purpose for my life. And that would be beyond sad.Walling goes on to say: “Keep your eyes on the One who deserves your attention, and keep your attention from the ones who don’t need your scorn. You will be helping their dance by honoring the freedom that Jesus died to give them. And you’ll be aiding your own dance…”How do we stop envy in its tracks? Get close to God and find out what His plan is for your life. Then focus your energy in that direction. When the temptation to compare yourself to others attacks you, focus on what God has already done in your life. Remind yourself that you are an individual in His eyes. When envy is difficult to overcome, purposely bless the person you are envious of. A kind word, a card, a note of congratulations, or a job well done. We do unto others as we would have them do unto us. If you’re still struggling, make a list of the many ways God has blessed you and the gifts and blessings He has bestowed on you. Gratitude can stomp out envy.There is still a part of me that wishes I could have won. Or placed higher than I did. I realize that is my flesh and for the rest of my life, it has to be put in its place. But I have God on my side, helping me in every way. I have only to ask…Let’s pray: Father God, we love You so much and the blessings You’ve bestowed on us but we still struggle with envy. The grass looks greener on the other side, but it's not on our side. Help us to be grateful for where You have placed us and the gifts and talents we have. We want to focus on Your plan for us and not compare ourselves to others. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.Envy will always be around, but we can overcome it with the help of our heavenly Father. Today’s featured author is Lane Jordan, author of Evangeline, a historical romance novel.Take the beautiful, biblical story of Esther, change the lead character’s race from Jewish to biracial, place the location in New York City during the 1960’s era of turmoil at the time of the civil rights movement, and you have a modern-day parallel to the story of Esther. King and Evie beautifully portray this timeless tale of romance and righteousness in action.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. In today’s episode, How to Face the Critics, we’ll focus on how to deal with the people who aren’t pleased with our dance.Show Notes: How to Face the CriticsLet’s get one thing straight right now. There will always be critics. I’m not talking about constructive criticism delivered with kindness and a genuine desire to help. I’m speaking of people who just enjoy being critical. Whether you’re dancing with God in ministry, raising a family, working at your job, or even buying groceries, these people are lying in wait to ruin your day. They could even think they’re doing you a favor, with words like: Why don’t you pray an hour a day like me? Don’t you think you should homeschool? Or go to public school? You aren’t as efficient as our last secretary. You don’t seem to be qualified to lead this ministry. Why in the world aren’t you clipping coupons to save money?Does it drive you to distraction too? I want to scream, mind your own business instead of mine. How in the world can we face these critics that seem to be everywhere? First, we can keep our eyes on our dance partner. Jeff Walling says: “Training the eyes of our heart on God will free our dancing in more ways than one. First, keeping your eyes solidly on your dance partner keeps you from being distracted by onlookers.Hebrews 12:1-2 says: “Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of our faith.” NIVDistractions are endless and people will try to pull us from our focus on God. Keep the eye of your heart on the One who loved you enough to die for you. He is truly for you.Secondly, don’t keep your eyes on others. You can doubt yourself if others aren’t doing what you are or the way you are doing it. As a writer, I study and read a lot. Sometimes, I’ll read a novel and think: this is the best book I’ve ever read. I wish I could write like that. Or I wish my podcast was as popular as so and so’s. Or my website looked more professional. Maybe I’m too weird or subtle or boring or something. Before I know it, I’m depressed, throwing a pity party, and not following the path that God laid out for me.Jeff Walling says: “…we are judged by God alone. He is the only audience that matters. His opinion is the only one we should constantly poll.”It’s extremely important to keep our eyes on Jesus and off of others. What else can we do to help us dance with abandon? We walk in love. God calls us to love Him and love our neighbor. That’s not only our best friend neighbors but the grumpy ones too. We can pray for God to help us to be more loving. We walk in truth. God’s word is true. If someone slanders the way we worship, we look to God and His Word. We pray. We follow truth and not what might be popular opinion. We walk in faith. We believe God has a plan and purpose for us and He will light our path. Sometimes we might have to sit and wait but we trust in the One who loves us most. We walk in hope. There is never a reason to abandon hope when the critics are harsh. “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40: 31 NIVLove, truth, faith, and hope. When we walk with these virtues in our hearts, we can face the critical with heads held high.Let’s pray: Father God, we come to you with hearts often burdened by critics. We want to be teachable but many want to drag us through the mire. Give us the wisdom to discern what we should do. Fill us with love, truth, faith, and hope so we can follow your path daily. In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. On today’s episode, Avoid the Routine Rut, we’ll focus on how to keep from getting stuck in a routine while dancing.Show Notes: Avoid the Routine RutThe Oregon Trail. A two-thousand-mile trail from Missouri to Oregon that covered wagons followed for many years. My kids used to play the video game of this event at school and we owned a newer version on my old Gateway computer.Today, the furrows left behind are five feet deep in places and you can walk in the ruts of history. Amazing.While these wagon tracks are a historical treasure, the ones we can forge in our spiritual life are far from good. Jeff Walling talks about staying spiritually awake. He says: Patterns of behavior that are familiar are comforting. That’s why folks get really pushed out of shape when someone tinkers with the order of worship at their church. Yet there’s more to ‘sleepy faith’ than falling into a worship rut. Religion that becomes routine leaves the participants sleepwalking through their faith life with half-lidded spiritual eyes. Scripture, inspired by the Spirit to pierce their hearts, ends up bouncing off their sleepy souls amid thoughts of ‘Boy, my cousin Ed ought to read that verse. He really needs it.’ Joy and exuberance are replaced with a soul-numbing lethargy; these sleepwalkers don’t get too excited about anything, for they’ve seen it all before…twice. And effectively sharing their faith is hard to do while trying to swallow yet another yawn.”I so understand what he’s saying. I’ve been pretty consistent in church since I was nine years old and sometimes, I feel like I’ve heard it all before. Which is unbelievably silly. God’s Word is living and will become fresh every day if we allow it.Walling says like crossing the street, we need to stop, look, and listen when it comes to a boring routine. We stop and take inventory of areas of our life that we’ve let grow stale. Routine feels safe but it can damage our relationship with God.Look. See with a child’s eyes. Hear with their ears and take note of all your senses. I’ve been taking time each day to listen to the birds sing outside our house. They’re always there but I haven’t always taken notice of the wonderful blessing of birdsong.Listen. Take time daily to listen to God. He speaks in so many ways and longs for us to know His heart, His will, and His wisdom. And I need that so badly. Don’t you?You would think the people listening to Jesus in His day would be astounded and many were. However, in Matthew 13: 14-15, Jesus spoke to the Pharisees: “In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah: You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise, they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.” NIVThe Oregon Trail. The pioneer wagon ruts can still be seen in all six states that once encompassed the trail. I’m sure many wagons were actually stuck in muddy places all along the road. We don’t want to be stuck in the rut of religion. Ask God today what is next and don’t be afraid to step out.Let’s pray: Father God, we love You and worship You with all our hearts. Help us to see when we are falling into the ‘same old, same old’ and deliver us from boring routine. We want to dance freely with you and not play it safe any longer. Protect us as we follow You. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.Move away from any spiritual ruts while you can.Today’s featured author is Dawn Shipman, author of Kingdom Lost, a YA fantasy novel. Princess Lyric doesn’t know that non-human, intelligent beings—some of them savage—live in her world. When her kingdom is torn from her,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Judge or Dance? looks at how easy it is to judge others who don’t express their faith like we do.Show Notes: Judge or Dance?It’s easy to judge others, especially Christians who act, think, or worship differently than we do. Sometimes, I’ll see someone at the store and catch myself judging their clothes, hair, jewelry, or tattoos. Pharisee would have well-described me in my early Christian years and I’m glad to say that God has delivered me from much religious judgmentalism. But it’s easy to fall back into old habits if I’m not careful.I forget what Paul said in Galatians 5: 1-2, and 6: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all. For in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” NIVJeff Walling follows through with this thought. “Did you catch that last phrase? ‘Faith expressing itself through love.’ There is something fundamentally wrong with a faith that isn’t ever expressed. The meaning of the word connotes letting something out that is inside, as in expressing your feelings. Though the style may vary, expressions of faith and joy in Christ have long been part of the fabric of Christian worship. I remember growing up in a church where hardly a Sunday would pass without someone saying ‘Amen.’ But in some religious circles, these spontaneous expressions of faith have become so metered and subdued that they are almost nonexistent.”My faith should be expressed through love. Looking down on or talking about others who don’t act, think, or worship like me is the opposite of love. There is only One who has the right to judge and it’s not me.Walling goes on to discuss how in Luke 7, Simon the Pharisee judged the woman with the alabaster box because of her extravagant expression of love toward Jesus. Simon had rules to live by and this woman was not following them. How could she embarrass him like this? How could Jesus not know who she was?Jesus did know who she was and accepted her worship. He said in verses 44-47: “Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”I don’t want to be like Simon. I’ve been greatly forgiven and you have too. We all need to bring our alabaster box; our expression of faith shown through love to Jesus and lavishly break it at His feet. God understands each of us—our past, our raising, our hangups—and He still accepts us. How can we not show our love to Him?Mother Teresa said: “Do not think that love in order to be genuine has to be extraordinary. What we need is to love without getting tired. Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”We can’t judge others and dance. Let us pray for others and leave our questions to God. He’s waiting on the dance floor for us with His hand extended.Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for Your great love. we want to express our love and faith but we can’t do it while we condemn others. Help us to see people as You see them. Through the eyes of love. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.God asks us to be faithful to love Him and others. Why not express our faith through love this wee...
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Dance of Stillness, focuses on our need to rest and relax.Show Notes: Dance of StillnessThis week’s episode is for me. I hope you enjoy it too, but I so need to learn to rest and relax. To dance the dance of stillness.To be quiet.Take a moment to rest.Psalm 46, verses 1-3, and 10 are words for a weary heart. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah...Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” NKJVHave you noticed that it’s difficult to rest in today’s world? There is much to be done in our busy lives, and many people that need us. And we have plans and goals we want to meet.Heavy sigh. How can we get it all done? Or maybe a better question is “Do we need to get it all done?” Is Father God waiting with crossed arms and a tapping foot for us to finally finish that mile-long to-do list?I think not. Most of the time when I’m overly busy and overwhelmed, it’s because I’m listening to my wants and needs and everyone else’s without taking a moment to ask God what His plan is. Yes, it’s time for me to bow my head and ask for forgiveness. Again.I’ve run off and left God behind and can’t figure out why my life is no longer working.God, forgive me.But let’s not forget we also have enemies, demonic forces that do not want to see God’s will accomplished on this earth. In John 10: 9-10, Jesus says: “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” NKJVDid you catch those three words? Steal. Kill. Destroy. The devil is out to get all of God’s children. Our Lord Jesus is so much greater. He gives life to the full. And that’s what I want.But life to the full doesn’t come without seasons of rest, times of relaxation, moments of deep conversation with God.Jeff Walling shares this thought: “Stillness of soul and body is hard to come by for those of us given to chronic busyness. Its value is hidden by our productivity-tinted glasses. ‘Sabbath’ can sound so outdated and ‘meditation’ too Eastern. Yet God patiently invites us again and again with that still, small voice to a place where, like Elijah, we will come to our senses in a moment of clarifying stillness. In that stillness, we can once again see the glory of God and bask in his power. We can be caught up in the blessed reality of his sovereignty and our servitude. But that place is not found without discipline…Prayer time must move from the ‘When Available’ column to the ‘Must Do Today’ list.”Wow. I want to learn but how? Set aside time for God’s Word, prayer, and simply to sit and listen. God speaks every Set aside moments each day to catch our breath. We can’t go at full speed all day long without paying the price of stress later in life. Set aside time in our schedules for what is relaxing for us. Whether it’s reading, a manicure, tinkering with the car, a hot bath, or a long walk, figure out what works and pencil it in. Often.I’ve not done well in this area for a long time and am now paying the price physically. You can only push yourself so far before you crash. I’m learning the hard way the price of busy. One day, I will be myself again, but for now, I’m looking at every single thing on my list and ridding myself of a lot. I have no choice.Learn from my mistakes, my friends. Learn the dance of stillness today.Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You today in repentance.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. In today’s episode, Fear of the Unknown, we’ll discuss how to experience boldness when we dare to move forward.Show Notes: Fear of the UnknownI like to have a plan and to be organized and prepared. All the time. Why? I admit that I do like order and find it hard to work in clutter. Deep, deep down inside, though, is that trepidation that likes to sneak up on me: Fear of the unknown.Mix that with a melancholy personality and I can start counting the ways why this new thing or that new event will probably ruin my life. It’s easy to think of twelve reasons why I’ll crash and burn. And I can’t pull together a single thought on a positive note. But I am working hard to change.My hair has always been dark brown, the classic brunette. The problem with that was I started graying at twenty-three. So, I put rinses on my hair to cover the gray but by the time I was in my late thirties, I was adding blond highlights to blend in with the gray. My daughter was in cosmetology school and suggested I just go blond.Fear of the unknown attacked. I instantly had tons of reasons why it would look bad, everyone would laugh and point, and I’d be disgraced forever. While debating within myself, I heard a tiny whisper inside my soul, “But what if you like it?”Oh, my. Once again, I’d let fear take over and didn’t consider even one good thought. I took a bold step (for me) and let my daughter fix my hair. I kinda liked it. On Sunday, I crept into my church, waiting for the criticism. Instead, three different people asked me if I had new glasses.Go figure. I tell myself this story every time I feel God calling me to a new place on the dance floor. Or a different dance. Or to just sit out for a while and drink a glass of punch.You might say, “Well, my problem is a lot worse than gray hair.” I totally understand. But the principle is the same.Jeff Walling says, “At its root, the problem for many is the fear of the unknown. When some say, ‘I can’t dance,’ what they are really saying is ‘I’m afraid of what will happen if I do.’ They stand frozen, unprepared to turn loose and let God be God. Don’t expect them to put it in those terms; but if given the choice, they’d take a safe walk with Christ over a surprising dance with him, any day. But miracles and life without limits are only available in the realm of the unexpected, the jubilant, the outrageous. As in music, the ad-lib sections are always the most exciting… if you’re ready for them…God gives each of us moments to take the stage and boldly play our song. Whether in exultant praise or solemn testimony, the Christian must be ready for the unexpected chance to dance with the King. And he must step out with boldness to do it.”That is really hard, isn’t it? Leaving our comfort zones for the unknown, the unexpected, and the unexplained. In the book of Acts, the early Christians understood this fear and prayed for boldness after being threatened by the religious council. Acts 4:29-31 says: “… Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants with all boldness they may speak Your word, by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus. And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.”They asked and God immediately answered. And sometimes that is what happens, an immediate response. And other times we move slowly in faith and trembling. But God always comes through.Our part is to fill ourselves with God’s life-changing word and to pray for boldness. Then we move in faith and trust. I have to believe that God is big enough to stop me from making a catastrophic mistake.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, I Can’t Dance, focuses on how fear can keep us from stepping onto the dance floor.Show Notes: I Can’t DanceJeff Walling shares a story of how he went to the Senior Sock Hop as a teen. He’d grown up in a household that didn’t believe in dancing so when asked by a girl to dance, he had to admit that he didn’t know how. He left embarrassed.He goes on to say, “I share this to assure the reader that I understand the frustration and embarrassment that can flood one’s soul when a fellow believer says, ‘Can’t you just relax and celebrate your Christianity? Can’t you just turn it all over to God and trust him? Can’t you quit worrying and start praising? … Breaking the barriers that keep us from dancing with God in celebration of life is not for the fainthearted. Criticism and pressure will soon come to bear from without and within. When our hearts aren’t warning us that our faith is just too much fun, our Christian friends will be. And the danger of losing our focus and allowing freedom in Christ to become a license for licentiousness is a constant concern. But if you’ll brave those dangers, there are cures for the maladies that keep us from dancing with the King.”When I first started attending a new church, I noticed some people raised one or both hands during the singing part of the service. Why were they doing this? Was it okay? Biblical? I wasn’t going to unless I knew it was all right with God. During a television sermon by one of my favorite pastors, he talked about all the ways in the Bible to praise and worship God. One was raising hands. Psalm 63:4 says, “Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name.” NKJV Since I knew it was all right, I started by bending my hand at the wrist where no one could really see. Fear tried to stop me right from the beginning.Fear will try to keep you from praising and worshiping God freely. Fear will also keep you from hearing what the Father is trying to speak to your heart. A low rumbling of terror will grip your soul and before you know it, you’ll be shouting, ‘I can’t dance,’ whenever the opportunity to love, grow, and serve the people in your community arises.Opportunities like: Visiting the unchurched, sick, or those in a nursing home. Being part of a community outreach to the poor or homeless. Attending church regularly. Helping with VBS or church camp. Teaching Sunday School or life groups. Ministering to the people you work with.Fear says, ‘You can’t. Don’t even try.’ God is holding out His hand, gently beseeching you to step out onto the dance floor of life. While opportunities like those above can make us uncomfortable and fearful, they will build our faith and in the long run, we receive more than we give.In II Corinthians 9:6-8, the Word says: “But this I say: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.”We reap what we sow. If we step out, letting cheerfulness outweigh the fear, God says He’ll give us an abundance of grace for every good work. Every single one. We need faith and a good attitude. God can take the little we have to offer and make much from it.At the age of 12, Mother Teresa felt the call of God on her life to be a missionary. I’m sure she had no idea that accepting this call would change the world, especially India. She began by teaching at a Catholic school in India and at the age of 38 felt led to minister to the poorest of the poor without any financial backing.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, The Steadfast Love of God, focuses on how unwavering His love is, especially when we can’t see what is ahead.Show Notes: The Steadfast Love of GodGod’s love never gives up, never slows down, and never backs away. No matter what I do. No matter what you do. His love is who He is so even if we run as far as humanly possible from God, He still loves. And this resonates in my heart deeply during the Easter season.“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3: `6 NKJVGod loved the world. That encompasses everyone. Not a single individual is exempt from the great love of the Father. We must, however, believe. An act of faith. To not perish; to share forever in eternal life, we step out in faith and believe His word in our hearts and confess this with our mouths. And once we do, we are His.I love the words of Paul in Romans 8:38-39: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” NKJVI am a fairly nice person (now close friends, don’t laugh) I really am. But start talking ugly about my children or grandchildren, and I’ll get riled. Angry. Try to hurt them and I can become a Mama bear in a hurry. If you have loved ones, you understand exactly what I mean.God loves us a million times more than I love my family. Cares more. And has a plan and purpose for each of us. I still can’t fathom that God has counted the number of hairs on my head. (Luke 12:7)Jeff Walling says: “Truly dependable love is a rare commodity, and no one offers it like the Lord. He never, ever gives up on us. His secure and abiding love gives the believer a solid platform from which to function, an unshakeable truth on which to stand. ‘My God cares for me. My God is committed to me. My God will never stop loving me.’ With that verity written on our hearts, we can step out in faith to dance through circumstances that appear as impassible as the Grand Canyon.”We learn to dance this way by storing up God’s word in our hearts. The ‘impassible’ times might not find us with a Bible in our hand but we can still remember the words in our hearts. The Holy Spirit will help us recall the goodness of God when we ask. Whether I’m in a hospital room, praying for a prodigal, struggling with anxiety, or just feeling alone, the love of God never leaves me. And never leaves you.St. Augustine said, “God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.”Wow. This quote always leaves me breathless. As I near one of those “big” birthdays that end in a zero, I’ve realized that I will never be perfect. No matter how much I want to be just like Jesus, and never say a wrong word or think a wrong thought or act in a wrong way, it’s never gonna be like I want it this side of heaven. And sometimes that makes me sad.Until I remember that God loves me anyway. He wants me to be obedient and live in excellence but he also understands that I came from dust. And dust is, well, kinda messy.Like me.The next time you’re struggling, take a moment to bask in God’s love. Read some scriptures, listen to music, and explore nature. Let His love, the steadfastness of it all, overwhelm you for the good.Let’s pray: Father God, thank You for the everlasting love that You bestow on us daily. You gave Your only Son for us, and treat us as Your own. My heart sings its praises to You now and forever. When life is hard, show up in a mighty way in our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.May the love of God abound in your heart, now and forevermore.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Dancing When It’s Not Easy, is about dancing with God in spite of our circumstances.Show Notes: Dancing When It’s Not EasyI’d had a difficult four months, starting in October of 2022. My husband had an unexpected surgery, the holidays arrived, then my Mother had a heart ablation. When February showed up at last, I was tired, down, and ready to give up. I mean I could barely keep up with it all. I woke up that morning and decided to play some music and worship God. I wanted to dance and sing with abandon to the One who’d been right by my side through it all. But as the first song ended, I struggled to even sing or clap, much less let go of all the weight.Thoughts attacked. What a failure you are. Can’t even praise God. Why do you even try?As I sat on my bed, unable to persevere, a different voice whispered in my soul. “It’s okay. I know your heart. I love you anyway. I still care, and I appreciate your effort.God embraced me in such a beautiful way.Paul and Silas understood what I was going through. In Acts 16, they were preaching the Word and seeing people come to Jesus. God had specifically called them through a vision to that area. So, what could go wrong? A woman with a spirit of divination constantly bothered them so Paul cast in out of her in the name of Jesus Christ. You’d think people would be happy when this miracle took place. Instead, verse 22-25 tells us: “Then the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded them to be beaten with rods. And when they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them securely. Having received such a charge, he put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks. But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.”Wow. Talk about dancing in the worst circumstances imaginable.Jeff Walling says in Daring to Dance with God, “They (Paul and Silas) had exercised one of the greatest abilities the creator has afforded us: they had chosen to rejoice and dance with God despite their surroundings. Let me be clear. This is more than making lemonade when life gives you lemons. It is the capacity to dance when you can barely crawl. It is the choice to sing when you feel like crying. And it is doing so not out of ignorance or blind faith but because of an awareness of God’s sovereignty and your confidence in him.”Paul and Silas could dance because they knew God. He had proven himself over and over. We can dance too. By remembering what God has done for us in our past By believing He still has plans for our future. And by realizing we don’t have to perform to a formula or routine. The way we danced in the past can change at times and it’s okay.They probably had little strength and energy by the time midnight rolled around in the prison, but they did what they could. They lifted their voices to God. Didn’t seem like much. But God knew their hearts and before the night ended, their chains were loosened through an earthquake and they led the jailer and his family to salvation.Something I forget over and over is that God is patient and full of lovingkindness, mercy, and grace. He is for me. And He is for you.When circumstances are difficult, dance the best you can. God is watching and will and can truly turn your mourning into dance.Let’s pray: Father God, we praise and worship you for who you are. A God that understands, who doesn’t place cumbersome burdens on us, and instead loves and cares for us where we are. A thousand years of praise, worship, and thanks will never be enough to repay you for giving Your Son for us. We want to know you more and more each day.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Following God’s Lead, teaches us the importance of submitting to His will.Show Notes: Following God’s LeadGod is in the GPS business. No, we don’t have an external guidance system that we can carry around with us, to help direct our steps in God’s way. Or do we? God has given us His Word in the form of a Bible, full of wisdom and knowledge to light our path every day.Jesus mentions an internal GPS in John 16:13; “However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.”Jesus says the Holy Spirit will guide us, tell us what He hears, and things to come. After we give our lives to Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and we can pray and ask for wisdom, knowledge, and guidance.What a promise. What a privilege. There is one problem, though. When we receive wisdom, knowledge, and guidance, we must submit to God’s will. I have a tendency to mention to God what I want and then hope He will line up His will with mine. I mean, I’m a Christian and if I have an idea, it’s probably good. I’m not trying to make things difficult or go against what the Bible says.But when it comes down to it, I want my way. I don’t need help. Period.Jeff Walling says: “…God wants to take our scheduling pen in his hand, but only when we admit that we can’t handle it on our own. But once again, it is often my ego that stands between me and this all-important admission…But we will never be able to follow the lead of the Lord while believing we don’t need his leading. Like a drowning swimmer who doesn’t believe he’s drowning, we can’t be saved until we acknowledge our own inadequacy. And God refuses to force me to surrender. I must choose freely to do so, based on the knowledge that I am desperately in need of his hand on my rudder.”Ow. That’s me. Self-sufficient. Sometimes, I sound like a toddler who yells, “I do it myself.” If I allow God or anyone else to “assist” me, then I don’t get the credit and applause that I so crave. The truth is I am trying to receive confidence and worth through things I do instead of the One who is waiting to bestow confidence and worth on me that comes from knowing God and being His child.And that’s what following His lead is all about: It’s following His wisdom and guidance instead of what we think we know. It’s surrendering to His way instead of following our own system. It’s asking for His schedule instead of trying to figure out our own.What does it all boil down to? Trusting God. Believing that He has a plan and purpose for our lives. Knowing that He is good and longs to give good things to His children. No matter what we see.I tend to be so afraid of “missing” it. Missing what He says to me. The direction He’s pointing. Sometimes, many times, my life is busy. Family. Caregiving. Job. Church. Writing. Podcasting. Life. Can I really hear when He speaks to me? Whether it is that still, small voice, or a message through a person, an event, or a song.There are many scriptures comforting us with the thought that God cares for us much more than we can imagine. Isaiah 49:15-16 is one of my favorites. “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; your walls are continually before Me.”If we miss Him, He will find us. Luke 15:4-6 says:“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home,
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, God Restores, focuses on the ways God reestablishes our lives.Show notes: God RestoresThe word restore has many possible definitions in Webster's 1828 dictionary. Among my favorites are: To bring back or recover from lapse, degeneracy, or ruin to its former state. To heal; to cure. To repair; to rebuild. To revive; to resuscitate; to bring back to life.I need restoration. The longer I live, the more I long to see God recover areas of my life. Ones I felt could never be brought back to their former state. When I was a child, around six years old, my father became very ill with a spinal disease that left him in a wheelchair for life. We moved to Alabama to be close to family and the distress changed me in many ways.Before we moved, Mom said I was a more outgoing, talkative child. In our new home and lifestyle, I became shy, timid. I poured myself into study, discipline, and rules. I gave my life to God a few years after the move but never seemed to be able to recover the way I danced through life before the trauma.God, however, had a plan. He began to heal, cure, repair, rebuild, revive, resuscitate, and bring me back to life. He understood my need to hide at first and step by step, inch by inch, rescued me. He used many ways, some you might relate to: My relationship with God. Through the Word and prayer, He beckoned me to His presence where healing is found. Family and friends. Countless people spoke into my life in positive, affirming ways. Church, sermons, conferences. Sometimes, I couldn’t focus on much but one word of a sermon would sustain me in difficult times. Music, worship, and praise all played a part in my restoration. Repentance, confession, and receiving forgiveness. I needed to repent of my sin and shortcomings, then receive the forgiveness offered.And that brings us to Jeff Walling’s quote of the day: “Our weaknesses and mistakes are what sent Christ to Golgotha. If we do not freely bring them to the Father and allow him to renew our soul and restore our balance, we rob the cross of its power.If your knees are bruised from stumbling and your shins are bloody from an unexpected tumble, don’t let embarrassment or fear cause you to slink off into the bushes to mope. Reach out for the tender hand of one who knows and cares. He is aware of your every misstep and loves you anyway.”What a beautiful truth. And it’s not just for me. Everyone can call on the name of the Lord for help. Psalm 145:17-19 says: “The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them.”Did you notice how the verse kept saying all? That leaves no one out. Now the path to restoration is not easy. I’ve tried to restore furniture before and usually made a mess of it. A person needs specific tools and skills to do the job right. It takes patience and a steady hand to strip a table, bench, or chair down to its foundation, then rebuild it, adding stain, paint, and repair.God steps into our lives when we ask and begins the same process. Sometimes, the pain seems too great and we don’t think we’ll ever be who God says we can be. But He never gives up, never gives in, never turns around.For He is God, the creator. And whatever He chooses for me, chooses for you, is good. So, step up and enter the restoring process. You’ll never regret taking His outstretched hand.Let’s pray: Father God, we come to You today in need of rescue, and restoration, to be brought back to life. We want Your life. We repent of our sins and ask You to cleanse us. Recover what we’ve lost. Restore us to the person you meant for us to be.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Our Security in Father God, focuses on the only One who can keep us safely on the dance floor of life.Show Notes: Our Security in Father GodSecurity. Safety. Certainty.Words that can sound flat in our world filled with chaos: wars, pandemics, natural disasters, and lawlessness spiraling out of control. Is it even possible to feel a little safe when we leave our homes?I live in a farming community in rural Alabama. You would think we sit around on the front porch swing singing Amazing Grace and sipping lemonade all the live long day. And while there is much good around me and I love where God has planted me, bad things happen, even here. In the last year, our small county has dealt with more than one shooting, missing persons, lockdowns in the schools, flooding, tornado damage, and drug and alcohol abuse.And when I hear of people being shot at Walmart, in their cars, or in schools or churches around our country, I experience a tug of fear. I go buy groceries, see my children leave for work, and my grandchildren board the school bus and wonder how has our country drifted so far from its roots. Is there a way to combat the fear?It’s time to turn to God’s Word. Psalm 139: 7-10 says: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.” NIVJeff Walling quotes this verse and then goes on to say: “ … David finds a wonderfully comforting truth: The same God who knows everything and is everywhere will hold me and guide me, no matter where I am. ‘Your right hand will hold me fast.’ How good it is to know that we are never far away from his guiding hand.”When fear strikes me the hardest, I can simply call out to God and receive His comfort. I can turn to passages like this in His Word and know that I cannot get away from God, even if I wanted to. He is guiding me, holding me, safely and lovingly in His arms.What a wonderful truth. But what about the times when I don’t particularly want to go in the way He is guiding me? I tend to look for the easy road. I want to do my easiest chores first, and never do anything difficult. My biggest whining over the years has been: “I can’t do that. It’s too hard.”But God loves me so much. He knows if I only do easy, I’ll never learn, grow, and stretch. I’ll never realize the potential He’s given me to love, encourage, and help those around me. Be the best me I can be. So, He reaches out His hand and though it looks totally terrifying, I take one step, then another, and suddenly I’m dancing on top of the waves, amazed at what God is doing for and through me. Because He loves me so much.And it is satisfying. Whether it’s having children, taking a new position at work, writing a novel, finishing school, or planning your retirement, new steps are hard to take. But what rewards wait for us when we let God whirl and twirl us around the dance floor.My writing life had all but creaked to a halt by the end of 2022. I’d about given up. While I love what I do, the past five years have been hard. I released my debut novel right before the pandemic. My publisher then sold to another publisher. Two different books I’d written afterward received positive, but numerous rejections.I’d hit the ceiling, so it seemed, and I couldn’t make headway. I doubted myself. Couldn’t make decisions on what to do next. Floundered, whined, then stepped out again. Door after door closed. Was it the end?I sat one day and poured my heart to God. Asked if there was something I needed to do instead of writing. Was this season in my life over? Already?
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Learning to Let Go, focuses on the fear that says we always need to be in control.Show notes: Learning to Let GoHow many of y’all like things to go your way? Like to row your ducks? A place for everything and everything in its place. You know, the job, the spouse, kids, grandkids, church. And let’s not forget the house, neighborhood, and school. So many that need our help—uh—advice—our control?I’m raising my hand. I sure would like for God to ask me at the beginning of each day about my plans and how he could help them come to pass. But it doesn’t quite work that way. I mean, where would find the faith that we need to please God if it’s all up to us?“But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 NKJVWe are back to believing that He is God and big enough to handle our lives and that we are to be seeking, not taking the lead. Ouch. Again, I repent and give it all to Him. Often, several times a day.Here’s our episode two quote from Jeff Walling. “Dancing with God is allowing him to take our breath away as he whirls us through the dark and light places that life leads us. It is relaxing into his embrace and trusting fully in his strong arms. It is releasing the power of the Spirit within us to give us joy beyond measure. It is reveling in the unexpected and celebrating the divine surprise that is each new day. It is rejoicing out loud at the grace and beauty God provides and ignoring the calls of the crowd to sit down and quit grinning. But above all else, dancing with God is learning to let go.”Why do I even want to be in control? Usually, because I feel afraid. Sometimes, because I feel guilty or ashamed for something I’ve done or didn’t do. There are days when I’m afraid and guilty for sins I’ve committed and things I didn’t do all wrapped up in one.Not what Jesus went to the cross and died for—this state of mind where my focus is once again on me, me, me. A couple of weeks ago, I had one of those days. I needed to cancel a family member’s minor surgery and reschedule it again. Mainly, because I’d come down with Covid and they’d been around me. So, we had guilt right off the bat. I waited for the nurse to call me back but she didn’t.Fear instantly attacked. What did I even say to them in my feverish condition? Did they not understand me and go ahead and set up for surgery because of my botched-up state of mind? Fear, guilt, and all kind of junk piled on me. I wish I could say that I stopped it right then, called on the name of Jesus and the power of the blood, and went on my way singing Onward, Christian Soldiers.That probably would have been the right thing to do but instead, I wallowed in self-pity for a few days, then finally stopped what was going on. God knew I tried to do right and I had to believe that he was in control. If I messed up, I’d apologize to whoever I could and try to make it right. But ultimately I needed to leave it in the hands of a mighty, caring Father who has my back. And yours.So, remember: Give your life, and your control to God, the only One who can truly make it right. Give your fears to God and watch Him turn them into faith. Give your guilt/shame to God and hear His sweet whispers of forgiveness.I find it much easier to dance when I’m not juggling the suitcases of fear, control, guilt, and shame. Grabbing hold instead of grace, love, peace, and faith makes more sense and is a much lighter load.Let’s pray: Father God, we come to you with overfilled hands, minds, and hearts. We can’t bear the heavy burden of control that we lay on our own lives. Take it all, Father. The good, the bad, the sin, the joy, everything we hold dear, and much more.
Welcome my friends to season 3 of the Determined to Dance podcast. My prayer is that you’ll be encouraged to persevere daily in our chaotic world. Today’s episode, Let’s Dare to Dance with God, starts a thirty-episode season where we dig deep into what it takes to excel during the dance…Show notes: Let's Dare to Dance With GodStay determined to dance. On the podcast, season one, we learned what exactly it is to dance with God and how to persevere where we are, no matter what the circumstances. Season two was spent discussing prayer, since learning to talk and listen is essential when it comes to being in step with the Father.Season three will be a study in the book that started my road to God’s great dance floor: Daring to Dance with God by Jeff Walling. While re-reading this book about stepping into God’s embrace, I decided to take twenty-eight interesting points that Walling makes and bring them in for discussion.Only twenty-eight, you might ask? I thought you said a thirty-episode season. I did, my friend. Two episodes will be reserved for a special interview with the author himself. Jeff Walling has graciously consented to talk about his work in greater detail. You won’t want to miss these two episodes, I know.Our first episode quote from Walling? “Don’t you want to dance? I do. I want to be swept away on a cloud of music and laughter. I want to experience the sheer bliss of waltzing and gliding across the room to the sound of an orchestra in full swing. And not just with anyone. No, I want to dance with the one who invented dancing. I want to dance with God. And guess what? He wants to dance with me. And he wants to dance with you too.”As we dare to dance with the Father in greater ways than ever before, I’d like to share an example that stood out to me one day at church. During the worship music segment of the service, my eyes were drawn to a young mother and her three-year-old child. They were a delight to watch. The child jumped up and down, twirled in her dress, and waved her hands in the air. She clearly enjoyed dancing with God in her own special way. Her mother stood singing, eyes raised to the sky and hands lifted, palm up, at the waist. She worshiped in a different fashion.Do you think God accepted only one or the other? I believe God is equally pleased with our worship if it is from the heart. The Word says in Matthew 15:8: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me.” NKJVGod clearly states that He looks for a heart that is drawing close to Him. It’s not the outer appearance that counts. I Samuel 16:7 says: “But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the LORD does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” NKJVSo, let’s begin this season with a glimpse at our hearts. Not the blood-pumping organ in our body. The 1828 Webster Dictionary has several thoughts on the heart besides the physical: The seat of the affections and passions, as of love, joy, grief, enmity, courage, pleasure, etc. The seat of the understanding. The seat of the will; hence, secret purposes, intentions, or designs.The seat. When we look at that word, it says: The place where a thing is settled or established.When our hearts draw close to God, we seek Him with our affections, passions, understanding, and will. We don’t do this once a month or once a year. We want our drawing close to be a settled, established part of our lives.Now, Father God is not looking for robots. Routine and order aren’t bad as long as we are drawing near out of love, and affection, to be safe in Abba’s arms. If I dare to venture out onto the dance floor of life, especially during difficult times, I need to know the outstretched hand of God is strong. Mighty. Safe.In John 10:28-30,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daring to Dance with God, focuses on season three and what happens when the dance and ministry join hands.Remember: Daring to Dance with GodTwenty-five or so years ago, a guy at church handed me a book. “I think you need to read this,” he said. That book was Max Lucado’s When God Whispers Your Name. I devoured every page, totally unaware that there was such a thing as Christian non-fiction books. For the next ten years, I read little fiction, my reading confined to the Bible and books by authors like Max Lucado, Billy Graham, Joyce Meyer, Tommy Tenney, Jack Hayford, Stormie Omartian, and Jeff Walling. Jeff Walling? You may ask. Who is that?He is a motivational and inspirational speaker and former pastor. He wrote three books, from what I can tell. And one changed my life. Daring to Dance with God. Honestly, all the books I read over that ten-year period were like pieces of the puzzle slowly fitting together to point me more toward who I was and the purpose and plan that God had for me. But, in my early thirties, dancing with God was something I’d never heard of. Never considered. Wondered if it were even possible.And slowly. One pirouette. One twirl. One faulty step and tumble on the dance floor followed by a flawless plie’ followed by me whining to God about why in the world I ever thought I could dance. How could I flow and enjoy something so difficult at times as dancing?But Father God didn’t give up on me. He still doesn’t.On the very first episode of this podcast (which is a dance all by itself) I shared the initial analogy that brought me to this point:“I’ll never forget the day that the thought, the God-nudge flooded my mind in that deep, quiet part within. God whispered that I had marched for Him and that was good but now he wanted me to dance with him instead.That analogy meant so much to me. I wept, then trembled with fear. It was one thing to march. If you’ve ever watched a high school band at a football game, you’ll notice a set pattern. They’ve perfected their routine before the game. And practiced as often as they could. Got the steps down pat. Totally prepared.Like I tended to be.But dancing, the kind I knew God was talking about, would be very different. I was being asked to join and not take the lead. I wouldn’t know exactly where on the dance floor I might end up. Maybe a quiet corner, or in a group of other dancers, or even in the center of the room, drawing every eye to us.As the orchestra played in the background, it would change and so would the dance. A fiery tango. A beautiful waltz. The Macarena? Even line dancing wouldn’t be out of the question.Some parts would remain the same. I would still need the determination, the perseverance I’d learned over my years of marching for God.But it wouldn’t be the determination to follow the patterns and stay in perfect line and timing. Instead, it would be the determination to surrender to God’s will.Every time. Like writing a novel. Starting a podcast. Obedient, step by step.I would follow God’s dance, his lead, his music, and go to the part of the dance floor where He led.”Dancing with God, following His will and way spontaneously, without thought for what others think hasn’t been easy. But it has been the best decision I ever made next to asking Jesus to be my Lord and Savior.I hope to take the next step in season three. For myself and for you, the listener. I plan to challenge us both to a deeper relationship with God, more chances to make a difference in the lives of others, and more joy.Who couldn’t use more joy in our chaotic world?In the words of Walling, “He (God) demands that we open ourselves to the unexpected, the unpredictable, and even the unexplainable. The Bible is full of instances where God chose to work in ou...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, A Prayerful Podcast Season, wraps up the 2022 year.Remember: A Prayerful Podcast SeasonNext week’s episode marks the end of season two but not the end of the podcast. I’m already in the planning stages of season three and we’ll talk more about that next week. If you haven’t already, please go to jenniferhallmark.com, scroll down to “Subscribe to My Monthly Email Newsletter” and sign up so you won’t miss any information about the new season. You’ll also receive three free gifts that I hope you’ll enjoy.I’d love to connect with you on social media so please explore today’s show notes for the links. Facebook Facebook author’s page Twitter Pinterest InstagramOn social media, I share my faith, writing, fun memes, recipes, and my Southern life. And of course, this podcast. If you’ve missed an episode or would like to listen to any of seasons one or two, go to the Subscribe to Podcast page at jenniferhallmark.com and scroll down.I’ve so enjoyed this season of prayer and I hope you have too. The first five episodes covered the basics of prayer, while episodes six through ten talked about specific prayerful situations. Check out those show notes for printable resources you can keep handy at your favorite prayer spot.Then we talked about the benefits of daily prayer and the joy you receive when praying for others. Some of my personal favorite episodes came next when we examined praying like Jesus. The research I did in the four gospels pointed once again to what a wonderful Savior we serve. Then followed intercession and specific ways to talk to God when it comes to our family, community, city, state, nation, and world. A thought about praying in the Spirit ended this season and I can’t thank you enough for listening.Three of my favorite prayer quotes from season two are: “Prayer can change anything. The impossible doesn’t exist. His is the power. Ours is the prayer. Without Him, we cannot. Without us, He will not.” Pastor Jack Hayford “If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before men and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayer for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.” Jonathan Edwards “Spiritually, we have wandered far from the faith in our fathers… no nation which relegates the Bible to the background, which disregards the love of God, and flouts the claims of the Man of Galilee, can long survive.” Billy GrahamTwo beloved scriptures on prayer to me are:“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” II Chronicles 7: 14-15 NKJV“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6 NKJVSeason two to me has been a time to dance with God, twirling and moving to heavenly music while He patiently listens to me chat about the people, places, and problems nearest and dearest to my heart. My joys. My struggles. My pain. Times of peace which settle my heart. Made possible by the greatest Father of all.Let’s pray: Father God, we are so thankful that You taught us to pray in Your Word and listen to our chatter the same way a parent listens to a toddler. We don’t always know what to say but You still understand. Thank You for giving us Jesus as our Intercessor, ever praying at Your right hand. Thank You for the Holy Spirit. You are worthy,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying in the Spirit, focuses on prayer and the Holy Spirit.
Show Notes: Praying in the Spirit
After thirty-seven episodes of prayer, you have probably figured out that I love to pray. To talk to God about anything and everything. He is truly the only one who totally “gets” me: my quirks, my weirdness, my pain, my joy. I don’t know how I would get through one day without talking to my Father.
I found through my study that the term “Praying in the Spirit” means a lot of different things to different people. Especially among various denominations. In Ephesians 6:18, Paul says: “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” NLT
Jacob Gregory said, “No human can pray without divine help.” I agree that we can do nothing in and of ourselves. We need God every second of every day. Praying in the Spirit is basically God enabling us to pray through His Spirit. I found three ways to pray in the Word:
In your native language. In a spiritual language. In groanings too deep to utter.
Here are scriptures I found to support this:
“Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” Romans 12: 10-13 NKJV
“Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand.” I Corinthians 14:15 NLT
“Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Romans 8:26 NKJV
“Therefore, brethren, desire earnestly to prophesy and do not forbid to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order.” I Corinthians 14: 39-40 NKJV
My times in prayer are deeply personal and uplifting to me. I want to be as close to God as possible while on this earth and look forward to an eternity spent with Him. I don’t understand life as much as I would like to but I know God loves me and is even pleased with me. Years ago, I thought of God more as a judge than a Father. I know now that He is both and his judgment is tempered with mercy.
I really can’t wait until the day when we will really know Him:
“For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known.” I Corinthians 13:12 NKJV
I’ll leave you with this thought. When comparing prayer in one’s native language or a prayer language, Jack Hayford says, “Each form of prayer is at a different dimension, and neither should be described as “less than.” How can the Grand Canyon and the Swiss Alps be compared? It’s impossible and unnecessary to do so. Rather, be it languages we employ or creation we behold, let us all be humbled before all manifestations of His Majesty’s glory. Let us rise together to praise the Creator of all prayer as readily as we worship the Creator of all things. To do so is to be open to experiencing the enjoyment and the blessing available in exploring the dimensions to which each realm invites us.” From The Beauty of Spiritual Language.
Let’s pray: Father God, we thank You for the Holy Spirit and the gifts He bestows on Your children. We love talking and singing to You in all ways and forms. You are good and love each of us as individuals, and that is amazing. We are never a number but are chosen, accepted, and deeply loved. You are awesome beyond words. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our World, considers the world we live in and how to focus our prayers.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our World
“Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders,
Let me walk upon the waters,
Wherever you would call me.”
The words above are to one of my all-time favorite Christian songs. What does part of the bridge from “Oceans,” have to do with praying for the world? When preparing for this episode, I thought, “God, the world is so big. There are so many people. So many needs. Besides people struggling, there are environmental issues. The continents. The oceans. The world is immense and so are its struggles.”
Then, on Sunday morning, we sang “Oceans” at church. “Spirit, lead me” is the answer. We can’t take on world prayer alone or even know where to start.
It truly takes two to tango, waltz, or rumba. The Holy Spirit is our dance partner in prayer. When we give our lives to the Lord, the Holy Spirit comes to reside in us. John 14:26 says: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” NKJV
The Holy Spirit will point the direction in which we are to pray for the world when we ask. Needs will be evident. Sometimes, we see these prayer focuses through:
Watching the news. Prayer requests made at church. Social media. A missionary or visitor from another country. Dreams and visions.
Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia calling for help which led to prayer and a mission trip. God uses many means, through His Spirit, to teach us and bring thoughts and ideas to our remembrance.
I’ll never forget a day trip we made to a major city in another state. We enjoyed the short holiday, then decided to return home a different way. We drove through the west side of town and what I saw broke my heart. We passed mile after mile of empty malls, apartment complexes, and shopping centers. Places boarded up. Not a soul in sight. We wondered what happened and it led me to pray for renewal in the west side of this city. Years before, we’d stopped for gas while driving on the interstate and saw an empty mall. Abandoned.
The Holy Spirit pointed it out and I prayed. Will these sections of cities ever be repopulated and renewed? I don’t know but I can still lift them up. We can pray, noticing the part of the world where we are and its needs.
Remember in Romans 8:26 Paul says: “Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.”
He longs to help us but we must first ask. I love this quote from John Bunyan, the author of Pilgrim’s Progress: “Prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of the soul to God, through Christ, in the strength and assistance of the Spirit, for such things as God has promised.”
We pray to God, through Jesus, assisted by the Holy Spirit. How can we not succeed when praying for the world with their help? Here are a few ideas to think about:
Pray for specific countries during specific seasons. Our church has focused a lot of prayers for Ukraine because of the war they are fighting. Pray for world leaders. Find godly leaders to lift to the Lord. Pray during natural disasters. Hurricanes, tsunamis, blizzards, earthquakes, and other traumatic events can affect nations for weeks and months. Pray for the peace of Israel. We are specifically told in scripture to remember Israel. “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.” Psalm 122: 6 KJV
Praying for the world is possible when the Holy Spirit assists you. Today’s featured author is Izzy James, author of Rita: A Yorktown Christmas Time-Travel No...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our Nation, looks at prayer when it comes to the nation in which we live.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Nation
In 2021, there were 694, 050 violent crimes and over 800,000 offenses in the United States alone. Venezuela, Papua New Guinea, and South Africa boast the highest crime rates in the world. What can we do for our nations in the face of such evil?
“…if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to prayer made in this place.” II Chronicles 7: 14-15 NKJV
When praying for our nation, this is a scripture often turned to and taught. What is God saying?
If my people…
Humble themselves Pray Seek God’s face Turn from wickedness
Then God…
Hears Forgives Heals
Many people miss the next verse 15 which states that God will be attentive to their prayers. I want Him to have open eyes and attentive ears to my prayers. If I repent, pray, and seek, He is there and hears me. What a peace-giving thought.
Our nation needs God. We need to be heard, forgiven, and healed. But we all have gone astray like lost sheep, looking for fresh grass in the wrong pasture. How can we pray for a nation when so many people say they don’t need or want God?
Billy Graham said, “Spiritually, we have wandered far from the faith in our fathers… no nation which relegates the Bible to the background, which disregards the love of God, and flouts the claims of the Man of Galilee, can long survive.”
The nations of the world are reaching a breaking point. But we can still pray. You and I have been strategically placed in our nation to make a difference. Peter said in I Peter 2:9: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” NKJV
We have a testimony of how we left the darkness of sin and shame and moved into the light of God’s glorious grace. Hallelujah! Father God took us by the hand and led us onto His great dance floor and we can call others to follow Him too.
How? We can:
Testify to others of God’s salvation and continued provision. Pray for God to send others to the ones we cannot reach in our nation. Live as children of the light; following the example Jesus set before us. Encourage, love, bring hope, heal, and forgive those around us.
In other words, live like Jesus. As we read and study the four gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we learn about His life, the way He treated others, and the way he communicated with His Father. Jesus is our greatest example. Luke 13: 34-35 shows his intensity in prayer: “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate; and assuredly, I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!"(NKJV)
Our nations need God and prayer. Will we answer the call?
Let’s pray: Father God, we stand before You, entreating You on behalf of our nation. It is no longer godly and people no longer look to You. We repent and pray and mourn and cry for these people. Bring them back to You; to their senses like the prodigal son. You left the ninety-nine to save the one. Do this again. We praise You for who You are and all You do. We love you. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
No matter what nation we reside in, prayer is needed and we can pray today.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our State, explores different ways to lift the state, province, region, or republic you live in, to the Father.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our State
I remember, years ago, a time when I carried my teenage children to a youth service in another town. Imagine a concert atmosphere with many youths, loud music, and special effects. We enjoyed the music, but what came next caught me off-guard. The leaders began to pray for our state, Alabama.
And not a little “bless us” prayer either but a cry from the heart to God. Reminding Father God that our state had a plan and purpose in the will of God. Repenting for our past. Embracing our future. Everyone joined in interceding for a state that, in the past, had oft been belittled, mocked, and ridiculed. The place we lived.
God sees differently than we do.
“Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him,
because we have trusted in His holy name. Let Your mercy, O Lord, be upon us,
Just as we hope in You.” Psalm 33: 18-22 NKJV
The people at the youth event were dancing with God exuberantly and my children and I became part of something beautiful. Whether we live in a state, province, republic, or region, God has a plan and it is good.
How can we pray specifically for the area that we live in?
Begin with repentance. Acknowledge the sins of our forefathers and the sins of today. Ask God to cleanse, renew, and heal. “Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Your lovingkindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalm 51: 1-2 NKJV Move then to salvation. Many don’t know Christ as their Lord and Savior. They have no clue what they are missing. Pray for laborers and outreach, then we make ourselves available to God’s leading concerning our part in bringing salvation to our area. “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” II Peter 3:9 NKJV Pray God’s purpose be revealed. We need to seek God and ask for His will and way to shine strongly in our area. Ask for revelation knowledge so that we see our, our church’s, and our communities’ part in seeing His will accomplished. “For whoever does the will of God is My brother and My sister and mother.” Mark 3: 35 NKJV Pray for safety and protection. Our enemies do not like to see people following hard after the heart of God. Pray for protection over cities, towns, and rural areas. Pray for people to have discernment concerning the plans of the enemy, especially people in government and emergency services. “So, you shall observe My statutes and keep My judgments, and perform them; and you will dwell in the land in safety.” Leviticus 25:18 NKJV
I want to pray for my region as we did at that youth service, lifting words of hope and encouragement over the place I call home.
Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our state, region, the place we live to You. We come first and repent of any former sins perpetrated here and for any today. Forgive us and bring salvation to the people who need You. We pray Your purpose is revealed and that You will protect us all. Lead us in the way everlasting. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Let us continue to pray over the area where we reside. Today’s featured author is Izzy James, author of The Woodcarver’s Snow-Kissed Christmas, a Christian Historical Romance novella. Troublesome Reed Archer has come home claiming new-found faith.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for Our Towns and Cities, focuses on prayer for larger communities.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Towns and Cities
“If you gotta start somewhere, why not here? If you gotta start sometime, why not now?” These words from Toby Mac’s song, “City On Our Knees,” often move me to tears just with these words. I’ve often prayed the words: God, start here. God, start now. And when we consider the towns and cities, we either live in or near, it’s a great place to focus our prayers.
Cities or towns can be small, like my nearest town’s population of 3000 or the largest city in Alabama, Huntsville, with approximately 222,000 citizens. Regardless of size, we talk to God about our towns and cities like we did our small communities in some ways. We pray for our schools, churches, civic organizations, businesses, and families. We then add in:
Government Transportation networks Housing Utilities Emergency services Sanitation Entertainment Retail businesses
We could take one of these a week to lift to God during our prayer time. Let’s look at emergency services, for example. We can pray for our fire and rescue teams, police personnel, ambulance services, and hospitals. Emergency services need to be fully staffed, with working equipment, and be well-connected within the town or city to the people. When it comes to large cities, we never run out of requests to share with our heavenly Father.
In the book of Daniel, the king has had a dream and he wanted someone to not only interpret it but also tell him what it was. The wise men of the city cried that it couldn’t be done. But Daniel prayed to God, along with others, and that night, God revealed it to him: “Daniel answered and said: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him.” Daniel 2: 20-22 NKJV
Daniel realizes that he doesn’t have to figure it all out himself. God has promised to be with him and reveal deep and secret things that he needs to know. God will do the same for us. As we develop a relationship with Him and speak with Him often, He will show us specific ways to pray for our city. And it will be different for each individual. He might lay on one person’s heart to pray for growth in the city. Another might intercede often for the fire departments, while another could pray for homeless shelters and food kitchens. If you ask, believing, God will bring the needs to your attention.
One specific prayer that’s been on my heart for cities and towns around me is whenever I see an empty building or one that’s went of business. I pray for God to bring new businesses into our area that are necessary and helpful to its citizens and not harmful or derogatory. I love the feeling of dancing with God that I get when He points out areas for me to pray in agreement with Him. Often, I’ll mention it to others and we’ll pray together, believing God will move.
God is no respecter of persons. You have the same ability to pray as I do. God is always listening for us to intercede on behalf of others. Listen to how Daniel prays in Daniel 9:18-19 in the New Living Translation: “O my God, lean down and listen to me. Open your eyes and see our despair. See how your city—the city that bears your name—lies in ruins. We make this plea, not because we deserve help, but because of your mercy. O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act! For your own sake, do not delay, O my God, for your people and your city bear your name.”
What a beautiful cry for help from Daniel’s heart for his ci...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for our Community, focuses on prayer for small communities.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Intercession for Our Community
Paga. The Hebrew word for intercession. Last week, we learned that an intercessor is one who acts, pleads, or prays on behalf of another. We are all called to stand in the gap for others. Small communities need someone to lift them up. It’s estimated that 37% of the people in the United States live in unincorporated locales.
My family is one of the 37 percent. Our small community boasts of a school, two gas stations, a dollar store, several hair salons, a nutrition drink shop, and several other small businesses. Probably close to a half-dozen churches are scattered throughout. The biggest events we host are a homecoming and Christmas parade (which circle the school campus), a car show, and a fifty-mile-long yard sale that cuts right through the heart of where I live.
I’ve lived here for forty years and want to do what I can to make it a wonderful place to reside. God’s dance floor for me is in small community Alabama. Next week, we’ll discuss towns and cities, but if you live unincorporated as I do, how can we pray and where do we even start?
We can focus on specific areas when we pray, like:
It can be an elementary, middle, or high school, a daycare, or homeschooling. Many communities have places to congregate and worship. Civic organizations. Even small communities can host local service clubs, veteran’s posts, or volunteer fire and rescue departments, to name a few. People meeting the needs of customers in their area. Communities are made up of families.
Another thought here is to pray for events when several small communities gather together for the greater good. Our church recently joined in with many communities in our county to host the Special Olympics, an event that gives children and teens in our county a chance to compete, thrive, to feel special. We came together to help with athletic events, run concession stands, work with specific athletes, and overall, make sure everyone enjoyed the day. Many banding together for a specific cause.
Romans 12:9-13 in the New Living Translations says: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically. Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying. When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
What great scriptures point us to how we should treat those around us. Now that we know what areas to focus on, what can we pray specifically? There are more than I can name during this podcast but here are my top five:
We want to see every person who makes up our community come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Loved by God. People need to feel loved and when a person discovers the love of God, it truly changes them from the inside out. Servant’s-heart. We need the people in our area to have a servant’s heart so they can look at ways to help others and make a difference. Protective of others. My mind goes to Neighborhood Watch, which works to prevent vandalism and crime in specific communities. We can also help those less fortunate and pray we all have a mindset to protect the lives and property of those around us. A smile goes a long way. We can find ways to give support, confidence, and hope to those who live in our area.
I Timothy 2:1-4 in the New Living Translation says: “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Intercession for our Family, looks at what intercession is and how we stand in the gap for our family.
Show Notes: Intercession for Our Family
Intercession. It’s a big word and when I was a younger Christian, I really didn’t understand what it meant. I figured people who were often called “intercessors” prayed for hours on end and covered tons of countries and people groups like Israel. I pictured a white-haired saint on bended knees in a prayer closet in their home. Intercessors danced on a dance floor much too grand for me.
I was wrong. While someone who intercedes could fit the above description, it doesn’t have to.
What is intercession and who are intercessors? Dictionary.com says: an act or instance of interceding. An interposing or pleading on behalf of another person. A prayer to God on behalf of another.
So, an intercessor is basically one who acts, pleads, or prays on behalf of another. Wow. That means I’m an intercessor. And you are too.
In Hebrew, intercession is "paga," which means to encounter, meet, reach, entreat, make intercession. Ezekiel uses the term, stand in the gap, in Ezekiel 22:30: “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found no one.”
I love this word picture. Imagine a wall protecting a person, castle, or town. Now picture a place where it’s been broken and the enemy has easy access inside. A mighty warrior stands in this broken place and fights anyone who tries to get through.
The mighty warrior can be you. Or me. People, communities, cities, nations, and the world are filled with brokenness. We can be the intercessor, the warrior, who pleads on their behalf. We need to put on the armor of God (Galatians 6) and talk to God about the broken people and places around us.
We are going to dig deeper into intercession over the next six weeks and see how we can make a difference in the lives of others. We’ll start with our family.
I pray more for my family than anyone. Well, except maybe myself. My family is the people I’m closest to. Some are kin to me by blood: my mom, children, grandchildren, brother, nieces, nephews, and those related through marriage. My family also consists of various friends and neighbors that I consider part of my tribe. While I love them deeply, they can also be the people who aggravate me the most. What can I pray when it comes to people I’m deeply vested in?
I pray for their relationship with God. If they are saved, I pray for their relationship and knowledge of Him to increase daily. If not, I pray for their salvation. I pray for safety and protection. I lift them up and pray that God and His angels will guard over them as they work, play, rest, and travel. I pray for wisdom and discernment as they make decisions daily. I ask God to put the right people in their life to help them grow closer to Him and remove those who hurt them. I pray for their relationships, jobs, hobbies, ministries, and recreation activities so that they will be full of life and help them continue on their journey with God. I pray for blessings and healing where they need it most.
I don’t necessarily pray for each of these things for each person. My prayers are specific and targeted at the individual needs of each person. I firmly believe in specific prayer and ask God to lead me as I pray for my husband, mom, children, and others.
An important thought to keep in mind as we pray is not to take on guilt or shame. The devil will pound our thought life with condemnation like you don’t pray enough, you don’t pray the right way, you don’t pray the right things.
God is big enough to let us know if we’ve veered off track in our prayers and will point us to the prayer path that we need to fol...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer, focuses on Jesus’s attitude of surrender.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Surrendered Prayer
Many men and women in the Bible are wonderful examples of how to live life, seeking hard after God. No one, however, tops the example of Jesus Christ and the way He lived His life on earth as a model to pattern our life after.
If any one word could sum up His years on the earth, it would be surrendered. Jesus totally gave His all for His Father and for us.
In many places in the Word, Jesus gave up time to be alone, to mourn, or rest because of His compassion for people. In Matthew 14: 13-14, Jesus went to be alone after hearing of the beheading of John the Baptist. “When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out, He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.”
He not only taught and healed them but also took time to feed the people before they left. Jesus followed the Father and His will even when it caused Him trouble or made Him unpopular. John 5:18-20 says, “Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him because He not only broke the Sabbath but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” NKJV
I don’t know about you but often I would rather follow the popular way than God’s way. It’s hard to tango when everyone else is waltzing. Fitting in seems easier and it is so hard when people don’t understand you or your choices. In times past, I haven’t spoken up like I should because of peer pressure. People often look at you like you’re a bit odd when you are seeking God and His ways as much as possible. Probably some of you listening have lost family, friends, positions, and even jobs over your choice to be led by God.
Jesus told his disciples: “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19: 29 NKJV
So, rejoice, my friends. There is much good in your future when you surrender. What does it mean to surrender to God? First, we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and then:
We release control of our lives to God. As humans, we want our own way and it’s difficult to give control to anyone. But we can trust Him. We walk in faith, believing that God has our best in mind. He alone knows what we need. We follow where He leads. We take time to read the Word and pray, listening for God’s nudges. Then we go…
We can trust Him in surrender. Numbers 23:19 says, “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
Jesus prayed the ultimate prayer of surrender in Mark 14: 32-39: “Then they came to a place which was named Gethsemane; and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” And He took Peter, James, and John with Him, and He began to be troubled and deeply distressed. Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch.” He went a little farther, and fell on the ground, and prayed that if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me; nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” Then He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? Watch and pray,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer, will look at how to be powerful when we pray.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Effective Prayer
Jesus is the perfect Son of God and everything He does is wonderful, efficient, on time, and effective. Especially prayer. In earlier episodes, we looked at the Lord’s prayer and how few words can be powerful. How to be effective when tempted. To enter the secret place and to be thankful.
How can we make a powerful difference when we pray? Let’s go to the Word.
Be in right standing with God. We get in right standing by our faith in Jesus Christ. James 5:16b says: “…The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” NKJV Worry less, thank God more. We are less anxious when we trust God and thank Him ahead of time. Philippians 4:6-7 says: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” God’s timing, God’s mercy. We are patient when we pray, believing God is merciful. Psalm 69:13 says: “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in the acceptable time; O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me in the truth of Your salvation.” Pray constantly and rejoice. We speak with the Father often, rejoicing in His goodness. I Thessalonians 5: 16-18 says: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
I want my prayers to make a difference. I’m sure you do also. But we can’t doubt. Study the Word and be aware of prayer already answered to build your faith in Him. It’s not our fancy words or repetitious chanting that catches God’s attention. It’s our belief in Him; that He is good and ready to answer in His will and His way.
God has strengthened my faith through answered prayer so many times I’ve had trouble choosing one to share. My husband and I have been praying about moving. He wanted more land in our county to raise cattle on when he retired. Nothing fit our needs and after several months of looking, we gave up. I prayed God would show us what we needed to do. Months later, the land right next to our house became available and we were able to purchase it. God had a plan way beyond what we could ask or think. I mean, we didn’t even have to go through all the trouble of moving. We just fenced the land in and dug a pond. God truly can be trusted. He’ll take our hand if we let Him, and lead us to the right spot on the dance floor of life.
When we pray powerfully and effectively, God gets the ultimate glory. We realize that our part is to ask and He does all the rest. We keep asking and believing, knowing that He is good and faithful, and kind.
I love this quote from Corrie Ten Boom: "The wonderful thing about praying is that you leave a world of not being able to do something, and enter God’s realm where everything is possible. He specializes in the impossible. Nothing is too great for His almighty power. Nothing is too small for His love."
Let’s pray: Father God, we believe that You hear our prayers and that You answer according to Your will and way. Take our words and make a difference to the people we lift to You. You ultimately make our prayers effective and powerful. We give You all the glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
We can pray effectively and powerfully by keeping our eyes turned toward Him. Today’s featured author is me, Jennifer Hallmark, the author of Jessie’s Hope, a southern family novel. Years ago, an accident robbed Jessie Smith’s mobility. It also stole her mom and alienated her from her father. When Jessie’s high school sweetheart Matt Jansen proposes, she worries that she cannot hold on to those she love...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness, focuses on Jesus and his example of being grateful.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: Thankfulness
Jesus is the ultimate example of how to dance with God. He talked to and listened to His Father during his short time on earth and then moved accordingly. He went where God sent Him and did what God told Him to do. The perfect dancer performing the perfect dance. We can learn a lot by reading the New Testament, especially Jesus’ prayers of thankfulness.
Throughout the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus thanked His Father often. In Matthew 11: 25-26, He spoke to the crowd about John the Baptist and then about the generation and cities that would not repent. Right after this strong rebuke, He stopped to talk with His Father:
“At that time Jesus answered and said, ‘I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to babes. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight.’” NKJV
Jesus took time to focus on the positive, the ones who did seek truth and to be grateful for them and the Father who cared so much. Later on, in John 11: 41-42, we see Jesus visiting the grave of Lazarus after speaking with Mary and Martha. He takes time to weep, then speaks with God:
“Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” John 11: 41-42
Jesus also gave thanks before He fed the crowds of four thousand and five thousand. At the last supper, He gave thanks before handing around the bread and the cup. How could He be grateful with full knowledge of the betrayal of Judas, the abandonment by His disciples, the trial, beatings, and the cross that loomed in the future?
He knew His Father and had complete faith in who He is. Jesus put Himself completely in God’s hands and rested in the knowledge that He could trust God. Wow. I’m reminded of the faith of the three Hebrews in Daniel 3: 16-18 after they’d been told to worship a golden idol or be tossed in a fiery furnace:
“Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. If that is the case, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. But if not, let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve your gods, nor will we worship the gold image which you have set up.”
The faith that says, “We trust God more than we fear man.” I’m not there yet. I still worry and fret when life is difficult, especially when it concerns my family. At times, I have faith and at others, I doubt. I’m afraid I’m more like the disciple Thomas than the three Hebrews.
But God knows my heart. I’m digging into His Word, which is where faith comes from, and giving thanks when those terrible doubts come against me, often during times of prayer.
When Jesus went alone to pray, as we discussed last week in Episode 28, I’m sure that thankfulness was in abundance as He talked with His Father. When we’re thankful, it pulls our attention away from the problem and to the only One who can truly solve it. God, the Father.
This summer has been one where I’ve dealt with physical issues with my hip and with asthma. I’ve been whiny to my family and friends as I’ve sought ways to better handle aging. Thankfulness has helped more than anything. Taking time to focus on the good things in my life and the fact that God saved me when I could not save myself brings perspective to my issues.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place
The secret place. I love the scripture, Matthew 6:6, that mentions this phrase and the thought behind it. “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” NKJV
Our Father is in the secret place. Now technically, He is everywhere but this thought. As a child, I enjoyed building forts, houses, castles—anything I could make with large boxes, blankets, tree branches, etc. I wanted a place all my own; a hideaway where I could dream and plan and giggle.
I’ve carried this into my adulthood in my writing. I’ve written stories and a novel-in-progress with a secret place. My hideaway is my study, the recliner in our little living room, my car, and the back deck. Sometimes, under the covers late at night. Any place where I converse with God about my day, my life, and the future.
Think about this. God has a secret place. Maybe it’s the place we go and He meets us. We go, believing He hears us and that we don’t have to perform to gain his attention. My favorite way to dance with God is on the solitary dance floor called prayer.
Jesus often left his disciples and the crowds to go alone and meet with His Father. It says in Luke 5:16: “So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” He is the perfect example of living life. What benefits are there to praying by yourself?
Strength to battle the enemy and avoid temptation. Luke 4:1-2 Rest during seasons of ministry. Mark 6:30-32 Space to grieve or mourn. Matthew 14 Freedom from distractions during decision-making. Luke 6 Dealing with personal agony. Luke 22 Focus during busy seasons. Luke 5:15
I need a secret place. Too often I get busy and tired and bored with the hurry-scurry of life and God is quietly calling me to meet with Him. Sometimes, I hear and go but other times I cringe and shake my head. I’m feeling unworthy or shamed or guilty or any number of things that attack my thought life each day. Why would the God of the universe want to meet with me? It’s not like I can do anything for Him.
God knows more about me than anyone and He still loves me more than anyone. Let that sink in for a moment. He desires to meet me in the secret place. Let’s go there now: Father God, I love You so much. I feel guilty and ashamed that I don’t pay enough attention at times to meet you in the secret place. The negative emotions snowball until I hide from You instead of meeting you in a hideaway. Thank You that I’m deeply loved and You are forever waiting for me. Drawing me by Your Spirit to time well-spent with You. Abba, You are more than I could ever deserve. I adore You. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
Remember, God knows more about you than anyone and He still loves you more than anyone. Today’s featured author is Betty Thomason Owens, author of Still Water, Home Found Suspense, Book 1. When crime reporter, Jake Bradley, stumbles onto a suspicious accident, clues lead him to Lisa Oliver, the daughter of the victims. After the FBI warns Jake off the case, he is more determined than ever to find the truth and keep Lisa safe. Learn more at https://bettythomasonowens.com/ Next week, we’ll look at what Jesus says about thankfulness in prayer. Until then, stay determined to dance…
Click to tweet: Today’s episode on the Determined to Dance podcast, #Praying Like Jesus: The Secret Place, focuses on why it’s important to take time to pray alone. #TuesdayThoughts
Links: 6 Times When Jesus Chose Solitude Over People
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Determined to Dance Podcast
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes, focuses on prayer, being addicted to approval, and forgiveness.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: When Temptation Comes
I am human. I want people to like me. I struggle with approval addiction. The book by Joyce Meyer of the same name stripped me bare when I read it. I want people to be proud of me and even brag on me. I am human.
My problem is turning to people for approval instead of God. Ouch. Jesus pointed out people who did charitable acts to be seen in Matthew 6:1-4:
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.” NKJV
Jesus said these people received their reward from men. If done in secret, God rewards greatly. Why would I think man’s rewards would be greater than God’s?
Jesus goes on in verses 5-8 to like it to prayer:
“And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words. Therefore, do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” NKJV
Wow. How does Jesus say to pray? First, go into your room and shut the door. Shut out distractions. Then, pray to the Father. Pour it all out to Him in private. And lastly, don’t repeat the same thing, using many words to get God to hear you. He does hear from the first and knows what you need. Keep to the point in your own words.
Jesus takes prayer one step further in verses 14 and 15: “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” NLT
He clearly states that if we want God to forgive us, we must forgive others. And I often wrestle with forgiving others, especially if they hurt my children or grandchildren. I prefer Matthew 18:6: “But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea.”
But way back in Matthew 6, Jesus says forgiveness in necessary. Vital. The only way.
In a book by Tim Sledge called Making Peace with Your Past, Sledge says, “Forgiveness means that you no longer regard the offending person as indebted to you.” How can I release someone and forgive?
Give the person and the offense to God. Admit how you feel because God knows anyway. Write in a journal or confide in a trusted friend. Then hand it over. You might have to repeat this step often. Ask God to help you to forgive. You can’t forgive without God guiding you, step by step, to the place you no longer feel the need for revenge. Make a decision to forgive. Recall how God has forgiven you. Back it with scripture about forgiveness and forgiven people. Pray for the offender. It is super hard at first, but I truly believe that no one, not the most terrible person,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer, focuses on the most repeated prayer of Jesus, delivered during the Sermon on the Mount.
Show Notes: Praying Like Jesus: The Lord’s Prayer
Jesus delivered what many consider to be his most memorable teachings during the Sermon on the Mount. He sat on a mountainside and began his teaching with the Beatitudes, a series of eight blessings, and concluded with his thoughts on listening to and following His teachings. He compares someone who listens as wise and building a house on solid rock and those who don’t to someone who builds on sand. Matthew, chapters five through seven, are filled with wisdom and encouragement from Jesus.
He also spoke of prayer. The Lord’s Prayer is repeated in churches, on ball fields, in hospitals, in war zones, and everywhere in between. Only five verses long, the beautiful language is filled with nuggets of truth and simple enough for a child to understand.
Here is the New King James Version:
“In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Matthew 6: 9-13
Jesus is teaching the disciples, the crowd, and ultimately me and you, the model of prayer. What can we learn from these five verses?
We pray to God, the Father, and recognize that His name is holy. We ask for the kingdom and His will to be established on earth as it already is in heaven. We ask for our daily needs. We ask for God to forgive our debts or sins, and we make sure to forgive people who sin against us or our family. We ask to be delivered from evil and not to be led into temptation. We praise and worship the Father, acknowledging everything is His and He deserves all glory. We end the prayer with the word amen or so be it.
Wow. Jesus showed us how to communicate with the Almighty God.
Basically, we recognize who we pray to, ask for His will, and our needs, to receive and offer forgiveness, deliverance from evil, and end by praising the One who made all things. We put the prayer in our own words, fleshing out our understanding of God, our needs, and giving glory to Him.
It reminds me of dancing. We follow basic steps, but add who we are, our understanding, and make it our own. A wonderful analogy of the most important part of our day.
And if this wasn’t awesome enough, let’s look back to verse eight. “For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.” Father God already knows what we need. He could just go ahead and meet our needs with no conversation at all. But instead, He gives us the privilege of speaking to Him and listening for those gentle whispers of love.
Let’s pray: Father God, we recognize who you are, the Holy One, and ask for your kingdom to be displayed here on earth. Let your will and ways be done and please meet our needs every day. We love You and ask that you forgive our sins and help us to forgive others, for sometimes it is very hard. Don’t lead us into temptation and save us from evil. For you are marvelous and glorious and worthy of all praise. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
I want this simple and profound prayer Jesus taught to be part of my prayer life. Don’t you? Today’s featured author is Terri Wangard, the author of Roll Back the Clouds, a historical novel. Geoff and Rosaleen Bonnard sail aboard the fabled Lusitania. When a German submarine hurtles a torpedo into the grand ship, Rosaleen makes it into a lifeboat, but where is her husband? Rosaleen sinks into depression, haunted by the battered faces of dead babies.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Mature Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have been long in the service of God.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Mature Believers
Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve focused on praying for non-believers in Jesus and those believers fairly new to the kingdom of God. But what about the more experienced believer? Who exactly is a mature believer?
Maybe an eighty-year-old man who has studied the Word, prayed, and ministered in a local congregation from his youth. Or a young mother who prays with her children and teaches Sunday School. How about a young married couple who read the Bible together and are training to be missionaries?
All of the people above could be mature Christians. Now I don’t consider new Christians immature. They are young in the Lord and should focus on learning the basics of the Christian life, the art of prayer, repentance, faith, and connecting with a church and other believers. Hebrews 6:1-3 says in the New Living Translation: “So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely, we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.”
Paul is admonishing followers of God who are stuck in the basics, either too afraid, lazy, or passive to make Jesus not only the Savior but Lord over every part of their life. Philippians 3: 12-15a says “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Let all who are spiritually mature agree on these things…” NLT
Paul admits he will never be perfect, complete, or reach full maturity here on earth. But he lets us know that the spiritually mature are forever moving forward, giving the past to God, and looking with anticipation to the future. The spiritually mature want to finish the race or follow God’s leading throughout their life, whether it’s ministering, raising a family, resting, or praying for those around them. They seek the heart of God and like Jesus, do what they see the Father doing. (John 5:19)
Now that we have a definition of a mature believer, how do we pray for one who has learned the basics and is following hard after the heart of God?
We pray for strength, stamina, and God’s anointing. Mature believers often do a lot of ministry work in churches or in the community. Relying on God’s strength, energy, and power is crucial. We pray for a close relationship with Christ and discernment. Mature believers often pray as a ministry to the church or community and need to know God’s heart and His direction as they lift others to Him. We pray for wisdom. Mature believers can have the opportunity to mentor younger Christians and need knowledge of the Word and the ability to share wise counsel. We pray for their physical and emotional health. Mature believers can be an encouragement to the church but older mature Christians especially can suffer physically and, in their emotions, as they age.
We also need to pray because sometimes, as one matures in the Lord, we can be tempted to turn in the opposite direction and:
Try to control or be the boss in our church or the community.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: New Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who have recently accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: New Believers
Last week, we discussed praying for people who didn’t believe in Jesus and those prayers are more important than we’ll ever know while here on the earth. But what about new believers? People who’ve just given their hearts and lives to the One who died on the cross for them. I remember the time I realized that I needed a Savior, someone to take my sin and cleanse my mind, emotions, and will. I was a child but still needed Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of my life. It’s the most important decision I have ever made.
Shouldn’t giving our lives to Jesus make everything perfect? Why should we pray for new believers? The most crucial time for a new Christian is at the beginning. The devil fights hard to pull them back into old habits and ways. He tries to plant fear and disbelief in a new believer’s mind, causing them to doubt their salvation. Specific ways to pray for recent converts include:
For support-that new Christians will find encouragement in the Word, through church and ministries, and through other believers. For positive influences and against negative ones-pray that these new believers will be aware of the people in their lives. Those who point them to God and who point away from Him. For the courage to share the gospel-they will not fear sharing their testimony of how they found God and what He means to them. For the ability to minister-they can learn by watching other loving, mature believers and reading the Word and the way Jesus lived His life. For growth- new believers won’t feel condemned and discouraged as they grow. They will learn about the grace and mercy of God. For peace-New Christians won’t live in fear of falling back into sin. When tempted, they’ll pray, go to the Word, and find a safe believer to confide in.
Besides praying for new believers, we need to encourage every baby step they take, share the way God helped us when we first received Jesus, and listen to any fears or concerns, pointing them to Jesus constantly.
There are two other ways to pray I want to touch on specifically:
First, that a new believer will be able to conform to the image of Christ. We are called to be like Jesus. Philippians 2: 1-5 says in the New Living Translation: “Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” We pray that new Christians can learn to be Christ-like through spending time praying and listening to God, reading and studying the Word, sitting under sound teaching and preaching, and listening to uplifting music.
Second, we can pray a new believer will know the will of God and how it pertains to their lives. You can see God’s will throughout the Word. Following the Ten Commandments is in his will. Also, loving God and our neighbors. Caring for widows and orphans. Repentance. Being a growing disciple of Christ. Believing. Having Faith. Showing the fruit of the spirit. Praying. All these things and much more are the will of God for everyone. Then there are gifts, talents, and direction given to each individual. Some people are called to full-time ministry. Many are called to be a witness at work, in the community, and at home. Some to be missionaries.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Non-Believers, focuses on how to pray for people who don’t have a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Non-Believers
Do you have family or friends who do not believe in God, His Son Jesus, and the Holy Spirit? I do also. Nothing should be more heart-breaking to a Christian than an unsaved person. The Bible says in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” In II Peter 3:9, he says: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”
God sent His Son so people could believe in Him and have life eternal and He wants all people to repent and turn to Him. He has opened the door. The unbeliever needs to step through the doorway and then the angels rejoice. “Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Luke 15:10
What can we do to reach out to people who do not believe?
We can live a godly life before others. People notice when we are different in the way we talk, act, think, dress, and react. Colossians 4:5 says: “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.” We can talk about our relationship with Jesus, without being judgmental or using Christian jargon that is hard for a non-Christian to understand. Colossians 4:6 goes on to say: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” The Holy Spirit will give us the right words if we only ask. And we can pray.
Prayer is a vital piece to seeing people find God or receive salvation. I love that God gives all Christians, whether a new convert or one who has been in the kingdom for fifty years, the opportunity to plead for the lives and hearts of others through prayer. There’s nothing I want more than to see the dance floor of God filled to overflowing with people who’ve accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
What should we pray for people who don’t know Jesus?
Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit to draw non-believers and convict them of their lostness and sin. He can soften their hearts and give people the faith to trust God. Pray for non-believers to be brought into contact with the people of God. I pray for people in other states and countries who I cannot physically meet. But I believe God can and does place people to reach those we pray for. Pray that non-believers will recognize God in nature. Romans 1:20 in the NLT says: “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God.” All nature points to God and we can pray that eyes blind to Him will be drawn through everyday encounters.
My dear friend, Joyce, had attended church occasionally as a child and youth but made no commitment. As an adult, she turned from God and made her own way through the world. But her parents and others prayed, especially her mother. Joyce’s boys started attending a local church at times and during a birthday party, she met several parents who were Christians, one being me. We talked to her, tried our best to model a Christian life, and invited her to church. She would drop in at church and before long, at the age of forty-five, Joyce gave her heart to God. She’s had the joy of leading many to the One who changed her life. And it began with her parent’s prayers.
What joy there is in heaven when one sinner repents. What joy there is on earth when someone gives their life to Jesus; the Way,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: The Local Church, focuses on how to pray for the churches around the community.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: The Local Church
I drove my granddaughter to dance lessons yesterday. She’s taking ballroom dancing and it was my first time to see her practice with the instructor. They’re working on three dances: the foxtrot, tango, and rumba. Basic steps are involved. The way she walks and glides is more important than I realized. She enjoys the practice but isn’t quite ready for “Dancing with the Stars.”
The evening reminded me of the local church. Two or three people gathered in the name of Jesus. They meet in brick buildings, storefronts, and houses and offer a variety of ways to worship and learn about the God of the universe. You probably have several in your community. Each congregation can make a difference to the people around them, but like my granddaughter isn’t dancing on television yet, most aren’t fifty-thousand-member megachurches.
Instead, they are community-oriented, often with many members of the same family. From twenty to two hundred or so people, they can better the area around them by sharing the love of Christ. And it all starts with prayer.
The apostle Paul worked with churches scattered throughout Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. He encouraged, rebuked, exhorted, and prayed for each one. If you belong to a local body of believers, you need to pray for them. But you can also pray for other area churches who reach out to the lost, the hurting, and the broken.
In Ephesians 1:16-19, Paul mentions a prayer he is lifting up for the church in Ephesus. I like the simple language The Message Bible uses: “That’s why, when I heard of the solid trust you have in the Master Jesus and your outpouring of love to all the followers of Jesus, I couldn’t stop thanking God for you—every time I prayed, I’d think of you and give thanks. But I do more than thank. I ask—ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory—to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of his work in us who trust him—endless energy, boundless strength!”
Paul prays specifically:
For the people to know God with intelligence and discernment. For the eyes or vision to be focused and clear. The church will know its part in the community. They’ll understand the wonderful way of life that comes from following Christ. They’ll see His work in them as they trust Him.
What a wonderful prayer focus for the church. Each body of believers knows God intimately, their vision is clear and focused, and they follow Christ in trust as He works in them and through them. The community church, made up of men, women, youth, and children who live nearby, can touch lives, sharing acts of love and kindness to people who need to know there is a God in Heaven who cares and a church that does also.
We planted a community garden at The Bridge Christian Fellowship this year, the local church my husband and I attend. When you look at worldwide, often chaotic events around us, it seems like such a small way to reach out. But people have been blessed with fresh vegetables such as corn, okra, peas, squash, cucumbers, and tomatoes. Church members tilled, plowed, planted, hoed, and harvested food. A beautiful expression of love that reveals the heart of Jesus. Other churches in our community facilitate a clothing closet and canned food ministry. Some reach out to widows, orphans, local families, and schools.
Again, it starts with prayer. The church prays, and the members pray. We lift each other up because we’re on the same team.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries, looks at how prayer for church and ministry leaders is for the good of the body of Christ.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Authority in the Church and Ministries.
“Power Through Prayer” by E.M. Bounds is the book I studied for this podcast. It’s a classic and I’d highly recommend it, especially if you’re a pastor or ministry leader. In Chapter 12 titled What God Would Have, Bounds quotes Jonathan Edwards, a respected theologian, and philosopher in the 1700s. Edwards said: “If some Christians that have been complaining of their ministers had said and acted less before men and had applied themselves with all their might to cry to God for their ministers—had as it were, risen and stormed heaven with their humble, fervent, and incessant prayer for them—they would have been much more in the way of success.”
The more I study prayer, the more I realize its importance in seeing the will of God enacted on earth. And we’ve been given the privilege to pray for men and women of God, who lead churches and ministries and are responsible, to some extent, for the condition of the Church.
What is the job of these leaders?
To pray. To preach the Word. To steward God’s resources. To reprove, rebuke, and exhort. To love.
We emulate Jesus, the head of the Church. He prayed, preached the Word, stewarded what God gave him, rebuked and encouraged people, and loved all.
Ephesians 4: 11-12 says “And He Himself (Jesus) gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ…” NKJV
Jesus placed people as leaders to equip us to carry out the work of ministry and edify the Church. What a responsibility our leaders have. But what about the leaders who abuse people, steal money, or corrupt the work of the Lord? We’ve all heard or know of people who’ve dishonored the Church through word or deed. God is the ultimate judge and I believe in the law of sowing and reaping.
But the subject of today’s podcast is prayer. E. M. Bounds says “It is absolutely necessary for the preacher to pray. It is an absolute necessity that the preacher be prayed for…Gifts, talents, education, eloquence, God’s call, cannot abate the demand of prayer, but only intensify the necessity for the preacher to pray and to be prayed for.”
Since Jesus Himself placed people to equip and edify the Church, the need to lift these men and women to God in prayer is great and for the good of the Church. What can we pray for our church and ministry leaders?
Steadfastness-they won’t be discouraged by the battle. Perseverance-they can draw strength from God. Confidence-their trust is to be in Christ. Encouragement-people will speak life to them. Wisdom-they’ll look to God for understanding. To stay the course of Scripture-they’ll read and meditate on God’s Word. To be equipped-they’ll be endowed with what they need. Protection-God will watch over them and their family.
Leaders of the body of Christ need grace, love, mercy, joy, and peace. They need to abound in the fruit of the Spirit. I Thessalonians 5:12 says “And we urge you, brethren, to recognize those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. Be at peace among yourselves.” NKJV
We can recognize them for all they do and respect them in love. I believe one of the greatest gifts we can give any church leader is to all get along. To be at peace with others in the Body. To love each other in spite of our differences and opinions.
We’re back to what Jonathan Edwards said: We need to complain less about our leaders and churches and ministri...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Those in Authority, looks at how prayer for leaders is essential for the kingdom of God.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Those in Authority
We have reached a time in history where we need to pray for people in leadership positions as never before. Strong and courageous authority figures, who are willing to follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, are needed as we move closer to the end of the ages. But do we complain about the leaders around us? Or do we pray for them?
First, it must be understood that God created everything and He alone holds it all together. God never shakes his head in fear or wonders about people who lead. Every person has a purpose and plan from Father God and even if they turn from Him and His ways, He can work all things for good. We’ve been called onto the dance floor of life to flow with God, but He allows us the option to refuse. “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him, all things hold together.” Colossians 1:16-17 ESV
We may not always understand why leaders can be ineffective or greedy or even evil, but God’s ways and thoughts are above ours. We are to pray and believe.
We’ll focus on four types of leaders:
In families- which can include parents, grandparents, and guardians of children. In business-owners, chief executive officers, managers, administration, shift leaders, and trainers. In churches or ministries-pastors, teachers, evangelists, ministers, administration, small group leaders, and chief executive officers. In government-kings, queens, presidents, senators, governors, representatives, ambassadors, prime ministers, chancellors, or mayors.
So many types of authorities around the world. Some kind, others cruel, many good, and many wicked. But God has a word regarding our prayer role when it comes to regular people and leaders.
I Timothy 2: 1-4 says: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” ESV
How do we pray?
We start with the phrase “all people.” No picking and choosing according to gender, race, position, or whether a person is what we consider good or evil. God will place a person or leader on our hearts and we pray. We can also lift any leaders in our country, church, business, or family to the Lord. God even tells us in verse one what kind of prayers: supplications or humble pleadings, prayers, intercession or standing in the gap, and thanksgiving. So, we plead, pray, intercede, and then are thankful that God hears.
When we pray for people sincerely, whether we agree with them or not, God changes us. Wow. Those we pray for have the choice to change but I don’t believe anyone can truly intercede for another and leave unchanged. God said it helps us to lead a peaceful and quiet life with dignity. And it is good and pleasing to Him. Why? Because He wants to see everyone saved and living in truth. Including us.
Specific prayers can include:
Following God closely or for salvation for the leader. For health and well-being: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. That their conduct would be pure and above reproach. For wisdom and discernment in their decision-making. A good work ethic and the ability to persevere. For a servant’s heart and attitude toward others. To display the fruits of the Spirit: love,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: Pressing In, looks at how prayer can take new ground for the kingdom.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: Pressing In
Throughout this series of praying for others, I’ll refer to scriptures and also different books I use as resources. Today’s book about prayer is Penetrating the Darkness by Jack Hayford. The Hebrew word for intercession is pagah which means “to impinge, by accident or by violence.” The concept can include taking territory, pressing in, and praying through. Through prayer, we and those we lift up, can see the fullness of the boundaries that God intended for us to reach. We can be all and do all that God intends for us in His will. But not without prayer.
Intercession and prayer are not interchangeable words. Intercession is a dimension of prayer. When we intercede for others, we seek guidance from the Father about ourselves or another person and their needs. What does interceding for others do?
Intercession helps us align with the will of God. Jesus prays according to God’s will. We find His will by seeking Him through His Word and prayer. “Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8: 26-27 Intercession fights against the attacks of the enemy. When we or others struggle, we pray against the work of the enemy and his advancement into our world and to see the love, mercy, and grace of God. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 Intercession takes new ground for the kingdom. We pray to see people brought to Jesus through salvation, experience a deeper relationship, and push the enemy back. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” II Corinthians 5:17 Intercession places us to respond to the unexpected. We can be at the right place and time to pray if we are sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” John 14:26
One evening, I was returning home after taking my granddaughter to the doctor. As I drove through town, I had an overwhelming sense to drive slower. My speed was normal and there were no cars close to me but it was such a strong nudge that I did just that. Right before I reached the next intersection, another car ran a red light and three cars collided. I was able to swerve past the accident, keeping me and my granddaughter safe. If I would have kept my normal speed, we would have been in the middle of the wreck. It also placed me where I could immediately pray for help to arrive timely for the people involved, peace and comfort in the chaos, and healing for those hurt.
This isn’t an example of an overwhelming miracle just for me. God speaks to all of us softly every day to aid us in life and place us to help others. I don’t always take the time or limit distractions so I can hear His gentle voice, but I’m so glad I did that day.
Jesus pressed in to accomplish the will of God through intercession. A most beloved part of the Bible, Isaiah 53: 5; 11-12 says: “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed … He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Praying for Others: A Gift, focuses on the most important act of love you can share with another.
Show Notes: Praying for Others: A Gift
Presents. Cards. Flowers. I love giving and receiving gifts. So, it’s no surprise that in Gary Chapman’s book, The Five Love Languages, the top way to say you love me is to give me a gift, followed closely by words of affirmation. But even if presents are not what you enjoy most, many people still like the time, effort, and thought that goes into gift-giving. It’s like dancing with a friend who has taken the time to figure out and then learn your favorite dance. What a wonderful surprise.
How is praying for others a gift? Intercession is the word used in the Bible to express praying for others. The New Testament shows that Jesus intercedes for us. “Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:34
Our Savior and Creator of the universe prays for me. And you. We are so special to Him that His time and energy are focused on lifting us up to the Father. What higher calling could we have than to imitate Christ through prayer? In the book, The Power of Simple Prayer, Joyce Meyer mentions two distinctions when praying about people.
We pray for people. We pray with people.
I’d not looked at intercession in that way, but it’s exactly what we do. We pray for people who, many times, will never know we did. We see or hear of people who don’t know God and we lift prayers for them to experience the same wonderful relationship that we have. We talk to God for people who are so overwhelmed or grieved, that they cannot utter a word. We give them a gift of love through prayer. Often, when people are very ill like many were with Covid, they are not able to pray. Through prayer, we take their hand and God’s hand and connect the two. Ezekiel says it best in chapter twenty-two, verse thirty-one: “So I sought for a man among them who would make a wall, and stand in the gap before Me on behalf of the land, that I should not destroy it, but I found no one.” God looked then and seeks now for people to bridge the gap between Him and man. We can be that bridge.
Sometimes, we pray with others. We receive a phone call. A friend mentions someone who’s been in a car wreck, has a sick child, or needs to pass a test for a new job. We stop and pray with them. We lift their need to the Father and ask for His help, healing, and wisdom. Whether we are beside them, lifting up needs in agreement, or a half a world away, we intercede on behalf of those who need our prayers. Needs in our community, state, nation and world are endless, and what an honor it is to be able to bestow a gift of intercession to another.
Many years ago, we discovered my oldest child had a heart defect when she was in her early twenties. It hadn’t been detected before but when she became pregnant with our first grandchild, she started experiencing a racing pulse, shortness of breath, and other scary issues. After our granddaughter was born, we set a date for a heart surgery similar to an ablation to correct the problem. I was very anxious about her on the day of surgery and when the surgery went over the allotted time with no word from the surgical team, I became frantic and could not pray. It was all I could do to sit in the waiting room and not have a full-out panic attack. It was so important that people were praying when I couldn’t. People were in agreement for my child and my family. For me. We found out later that the first method the surgeon tried was unsuccessful due to the proximity of the problem and they had to try a different method. The second was successful and she came through the surgery with flying colors.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind, looks at how God longs to relieve us of our anxiety and worry and give us peace that passes understanding.
Show Notes: Daily Prayer: Peace of Mind
Peace of mind. Rest. Contentment. Three words that have eluded many of us since 2020. Or maybe even further back than that. I’ve grappled lately to find peace of mind because of a bunch of things that have added together to cause stress. We have ants in our house. Especially in my study where I create these podcasts. There’s no food in there so I don’t know what they want. Have you noticed the price of gas? And everything else? I’ve also had a toothache that won’t quit. The dentist will probably have to pull the tooth. And there are so many tragedies happening to children and adults alike throughout the world.
I’d rather hide than go out on the dance floor. Just pull the covers over my head and stay inside. The problem is that does nothing to relieve the stress. The anxiety. The loss of peace. Peace is not found in hiding or a fabulous vacation or binge shopping or the perfect job. Peace is found in a person.
Jesus Christ. He alone gives peace and rest. Matthew 11: 28-30 says, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
What a lovely, poetic word from the Savior of the world. What is Jesus saying to us?
Jesus calls for us to come to Him. He calls all who work hard, to the point of exhaustion and are burdened by the cares of the world. Jesus offers to give us rest. Rest in this verse means refreshed again. What a wonderful thought. We take His yoke and learn from Him. The key to rest is coming to Jesus and receiving from Him by faith. Jesus is gentle and lowly of heart. He meets us where we are in our weary, stressed-out condition and offers rest. His meekness is controlled strength. He moves when the Father says to move and stays when He says to stay. We should do the same. Jesus’ yoke is easy and His burden light. We follow Jesus, walking or maybe dancing in his steps, staying close, and being submissive to His will for our lives. He knows what we need even when we don’t have a clue.
Jesus is the true peace that is as essential to our lives as oxygen. Or food and water. A peace that passes understanding. I’ll never forget when my dad died and we gathered at the funeral home. We were all so devastated but at the visitation, I had the strongest sense of peace I’ve ever experienced. I don’t remember asking for it but Jesus saw my need and carried me through a difficult time in my life.
And He’ll do the same for you. John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
And Romans 15:13 tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Daily prayer is for us. As we follow the example of Jesus, knowing God listens, we confess our sins, then thank, praise, and worship the God who cares and loves. Peace follows. The kind that lets us know that God will never leave us. Won’t you join me today and have a heart-to-heart with our mighty God?
Father God, we come to pour out our hearts to you today. Thank you that you listen and gave us an example in Your word and through Your Son of how to pray. Forgive us our sins and help us to forgive others. We praise you and worship your splendor and glory. We ask for Your peace to overflow us every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Take time to speak with God each day. You’ll be glad you did. Next week,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship, centers on taking time to acknowledge and focus on God.
Show Notes: Daily Prayer: Thanksgiving, Praise, and Worship
I’ve been pleasantly surprised as I’ve studied the subject of daily prayer. I keep seeing the same thing. Daily prayer benefits me more than it does God. That sounds obvious since God is all-mighty and infinite in power. But I still need to translate that knowledge from my head to my heart. Daily prayer is part of the great dance with God. And daily prayer is for me.
When discussing daily prayer, we’ve seen that God gave His Son as an example, He listens and forgives our sins. And now we include giving thanks, praising, and worshiping God as we pray each day. Surely, this is all for God. And on the surface, it might seem so. God enjoys each time we take a moment to thank Him for something in our lives. Each time we praise the many wonders around us. And worship the greatness of who He is.
He loves it but giving God thanksgiving, praise, and worship still benefits us. How?
It strengthens our faith. When we’re reminded of how big God is, what He’s done in the past, and how much we need Him, we become stronger. It shows our obedience. Hebrews 13: 15 says, “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” The Bible points out in many verses that God rewards obedience. It brings us peace. God sits in the midst of our praises, worship, and thanksgiving, enabling us to focus on Him and away from our trials and tribulations. It defies Satan. There is nothing the devil hates worse than to see God’s children pressing in to seek the Father through worship, praise, and gratitude. So many of our trials and tribulations are the result of the devil’s work in this world and we can rejoice each time we press through and honor God, no matter what. It helps keep the past from dragging us down. All of us can easily be pulled into regret, shame, and guilt from past actions. Turning to God and focusing on Him keeps us in the present, and away from memories and events that we can’t change.
And I’m sure there are many more benefits that we receive from seeking God. But what if we’re so overwhelmed by life that we don’t know where to start? How can we thank, praise, and worship when our mind, will, and emotions are buried by the problems of the day? When we’re just trying to survive and have lost the ability to dance.
I’ve been there. Survival mode is real and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Sometimes, I have to step away for a short time and focus on my needs, making sure I’m connected with friends that can help me see through the seemingly impenetrable forest of doubt, despair, and discouragement.
But how do we seek God in these moments? We realize that God hasn’t left the room, no matter what our feelings say. We ask for His help. We seek Him by faith.
We simplify.
We pray simple prayers. Whisper a two or three-sentence thank you when you first awake. “God, thank you that You are holding me during these struggles. You make a way where there is no way. I rest in Your promises.” Something to-the-point but meaningful to the Father.
We praise with simple songs. When life is crushing me, I hum or sing. Straightforward words like “God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He’s so good to me.” This song from my childhood means much to me. Also, for me, the hymn “Trust and Obey” and the worship song, “Jireh” often lift my heart during dark seasons.
We worship in simple ways. When overwhelmed, I might close my eyes and say, I worship You, God. You are worthy of all worship.” I often look up and tell God I love Him.
It’s all by faith. Not faith in ourselves, but faith in Him.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daily Prayer: We Confess, focuses on bringing our failures, sin, and shortcomings to God.
Show Notes: Daily Prayer: We Confess
Confession. First, I want you to know that I hear you. The topic of sin again? We discussed this in April during the Prayerful Situations series. Wasn’t that enough?
I totally agree. I don’t enjoy the sin that so easily besets me or having to confess, apologize, or swallow my pride.
However, since we’re discussing praying daily, we need to stop here and dwell a moment. I mean, Jesus included sin when He taught us to pray the Lord’s prayer. That makes it vital to understand.
He said “Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.” Matthew 6:9-13 NLT
In the 1828 Webster’s dictionary, sin is the voluntary departure of a moral agent from a known rule of rectitude or duty, prescribed by God; any voluntary transgression of the divine law, or violation of a divine command; a wicked act; iniquity.
Ouch. The word that stood out to me is voluntary. Nobody makes me sin. When I do, it’s a departure from God. I move away from Him. The other word that caught my attention was wicked, which means to turn, depart, fall away.
Jesus points out the solution:
We need to ask the Father for the forgiveness of our sins. We need to forgive others when they trespass or sin against us.
Sin happens every day. Either by us or against us. Just yesterday, I got angry during a discussion with another person. Now the Bible says to be angry and sin not. It depends on what we do with the anger if we move into sin. I should have let it go. But I meditated on it, and it led me to feel bitter and hateful toward them. And proud that I wasn’t like that. I had my act together.
Or maybe not.
Time to bring my failures, shortcomings, and sin to the Father. I need to tell Him how I feel. That I’m upset and mad and bitter. He already knows so confession is really for me. It somehow lessens the pain and helps to bring what I’ve done into perspective. He cleanses my heart and once more I’m in right relationship with Him. Then I need to forgive the person who upset me. Romans 5:8 says “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
If God showed that much love and forgiveness before I even asked for it, how can I not forgive others? It’s not easy but God will give us the power to forgive if we ask.
How? People differ on ways and steps to forgiving others. I don’t think any are necessarily right or wrong. It really depends on the individual. Here are my thoughts. You can take them and tweak them to help you.
When I’m hurting, denial doesn’t help. I tend to excuse others or pretend I’m not bothered but the first step every time is to stop and admit I’m in pain over something said or done. I ask God to make me willing to be willing to forgive. I tend to want justice or judgment right away so I need God to start by helping me be willing. I then realize that damage has been done. The other person might or might not change. I accept where I am and know that no matter what, I can make right or wise choices concerning forgiveness. I need to decide if a discussion with them needs to take place. Let go of the offense. This involves deciding whether to stay in a relationship with the person in the future. Sometimes, separation is better when there is a refusal to change. I picture myself physically handing a bundle of offense to God. I release it and know He is big enough to handle it. Choose forgiveness and move on.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daily Prayer: God Listens, looks at the privilege of praying to a God who hears our every word.
Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Daily Prayer: God Listens
One of my favorite books in the Bible is Jeremiah. Yes, I know that’s odd because it’s the story of a prophet called to deliver a message to a people who didn’t want to hear it. Later, part of the Israelites would be taken captive to Babylon. The rest, along with Jeremiah, would remain under Babylonian control at home. The prophet continued to deliver a message that was widely ignored. What I enjoy so much about Jeremiah is the passion of the man. He seemed moody and melancholy (I can definitely relate) but still had a poetic and intriguing style of writing. Listen to Jeremiah 29:11-13:
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” NKJV
The people ignore God but He hasn’t forgotten them. I’m sure at times Jeremiah wondered why God kept sending out the message. The king even took Jeremiah’s handwritten words, cut them into small pieces, and tossed them in the fire. But God still wooed. And called. And extended His hand. He still wanted them to join Him in the dance of life. But most of all, He listened.
I want to lift my chin and say, “I would have never acted that way if God listened to me.” The problem is, I already have. Many times. God says believe and I doubt. He says move and I hide. He says love and I don’t.
He loves me anyway.
Let’s take a closer look at these verses. What is God saying about prayer and listening to these stubborn people?
God is thinking of their peace. God wants to give them a future and hope. God is listening.
Wow. God has the Israelites on his mind and heart. And the Old Testament was given as an example for us. God is also thinking of our peace, and future, and gives hope while He listens. To us. What more could we ask for? Nothing. But these verses also point out what God wants.
He wants them to call on Him. He wants them to pray to Him. He wants them to seek Him with their whole heart.
And I believe He wants the same from you and me. Daily. No, we don’t have to join a monastery or move to a mountaintop. But we can call to or acknowledge God every day. We can take a moment to thank, praise, intercede, and ask Him for what is on our hearts. And the seeking. Not a half-hearted thought amongst all the busyness. Instead, we need God like the air we breathe.
When my dad was in his early thirties, he contracted a disease similar to Muscular Dystrophy. It left him paralyzed and in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. He sought to disprove God during this difficult time in his life but found Him instead.
Dad spent the rest of his life seeking God. Daily. I remember him studying the Word for up to eight hours a day in the recliner or laying on the couch. My dad had more faith in God than anyone I’d ever met. He sought and God listened.
What’s so cool is God listens to me even though I don’t study for super long stretches of time. He meets me where I am and He’ll meet you where you are. The more time we spend with Him, the more we want to. His beauty and glory draw us and slowly, like a flower opening to the sun, we become like Him.
What a glorious thought. What a glorious God.
“So, all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like Him as we are changed into his glorious image.” II Corinthians 3:18 NLT
Let’s pray: Father God, thank you for listening to us.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Daily Prayer, focuses on why talking to God every day is in our best interest.
Show Notes: Daily Prayer
When I first considered a new topic after the Prayerful Situations series, the thought of daily prayer came to me. But then I almost changed my mind. I mean, I don’t sit down every day at the same spot or prayer closet and pour out my heart to God for a certain length of time. For me, there’s no preconceived place, time, or method. Maybe I should just let somebody more qualified tackle this topic.
But what is prayer again? Talking to God. And I do speak with Him every day, throughout my day. In the morning, I read a devotional, usually from my You Version Bible app or a devotional book. I ponder what I’ve read and express my thoughts to God. If I’m on social media or watching the news, I lift people, countries, and situations to the Father. When I’m driving, I often chat with God about my family and friends and their needs. During the day, I might feel conviction over a wrong thought or action and ask for forgiveness. Often, I ask for peace in the midst of the hustle and bustle of my day. So many different ways and times but all feel like I’m dancing on the ballroom floor, having a heart-to-heart with my dance partner.
For five episodes we’ll discuss daily prayer in-depth and cover why praying daily is in our best interest:
God asks us to and gave His Son as an example. God listens when we pray for ourselves and others. God forgives when we confess sin. God enjoys our thanksgiving and worship. God relieves our stress by giving us peace of mind.
Prayer is a privilege. Our relationship with God is strengthened as we communicate together. On July 3rd, my husband and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary. I’m absolutely amazed that two people as different as we are have survived and actually thrived after all this time. We often finish each other’s thoughts. We still argue and disagree at times but one thing that has helped us stay together is daily communication. I don’t think a day goes by when we don’t talk to each other in person, by phone, or by text. In the crazy busyness of an average day, we still try to find time to discuss ideas, exchange our schedules, and share any worries that might be dragging us down.
Why would we think God wouldn’t want the same? Romans 12: 9-13 is a great passage admonishing us to behave like Christians. Verse 12 says, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer…” We are to be continual and steadfast in prayer. Jesus was constantly in contact with His Father and only following where His Father led Him. John 5:19 states, “Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.”
The only way Jesus could do nothing of Himself was to be in constant communication with God. And He was. We see Jesus rising early in the morning to commune with God. We see Him praying in the garden. He often prayed out loud like at the tomb of Lazarus so that the people around could hear. And he taught the disciples the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6: 9-13 saying at one point, to give us this day our daily bread.
And do you know what the most awesome thing about God wanting us to pray daily is? It’s for us. God already knows what is in our hearts before we pray. So, even though He delights in our words like a parent delights in their children, our interactions with Him are mainly for us. We can talk, cry, rant, praise, thank, worship, chat, and sometimes sit quietly with the Creator of the universe.
What a wondrous God we serve. Suddenly, we realize that His commands are actually promises. Ones that protect and embrace and heal.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayerful Situations: Death, focuses on praying for the dying and those left behind.
Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Death
Death. The last topic in my Prayerful Situations series. We’ve looked at how to pray when it comes to:
Natural disasters Money problems Sin War Illness Pain
And now one of the most difficult subjects for people to discuss.
Death or dying.
Most people, including myself, don’t like to think of the end of life for ourselves or others. But the truth is we start dying the day we are born. Job 14: 1-2 says, “Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. He comes forth like a flower and fades away; he flees like a shadow and does not continue.”
Job dealt with tragedy himself and understood the brevity of life. If not for the promises of heaven and eternity, it would be easy to live depressed and fearful. But our dance with God continues when we step into eternity. John 14:1-3 says:
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” NLT
Jesus has prepared a home for us. God is ever-present here on earth. How do we pray for others when it comes to taking that last step? And how can we intercede for those left behind?
Many times, I’ve prayed for people who were in their last days while I was at home or in church. Even in my car. It’s essential for Christians to lift up people to God for healing. We can’t know if it is that person’s time, so we pray in faith for restoration, knowing that whether they have more time on earth or step into eternity and God’s presence, they are healed.
What do we need to consider when praying for the dying? I asked Roger Boswell, the pastor of The Bridge Church where I attend, for his thoughts. He gave me three.
Tie in God’s will. Our days on earth are numbered and only God knows each person’s needs for our time here. The Bible verse that brought me comfort when my father passed away suddenly at the age of 53 was Isaiah 57: 1-2: “The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” Be merciful and kind. If you’re praying aloud, give thanks for their life. Remind them that God is near and pray for their soul to be calmed. Let the person know they are greatly loved. Pray for less pain and suffering. Not only in the physical but near the end of life some people struggle with regrets, shame, or guilt. Pray for peace and the ability to release the past and trust God with the final part of life’s journey.
What do we do if we’re not sure the person knows Jesus and heaven is their destination? First, let them know they are not alone. God and their friends and family will be with them to the end. If they are conscious, you can then ask them in a kind and gentle way.
If they seem unconscious, they may still be aware and hear you. Either way, the example of the thief on the cross with Jesus gives us hope that even at the end, anyone can change and be with Him. I found this prayer on Christianity.com for those near death:
“Lord Jesus, come into my life. I believe you died and rose from the grave. I believe you live eternally in heaven. Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. Forgive me of all my sins. Move into my heart. I make you my Lord and Savior. Thank you for your sacrifice. I accept your gift of eternal salvation. Amen.”
Twice, I have prayed for dying people on the scene. The first time,
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayerful Situations: Pain, focuses on different types of pain and how to deal with them through prayer.
Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Pain
Suffering. Distress. Pain. Wow. I don’t know if anything messes with our emotions and mental health more than pain.
I experienced several types of pain last week. My husband and I were camping about an hour away from our home when urgent phone calls came from both children. My mother was having a heart episode and they were taking her to the hospital.
Instantly, emotional pain struck me with a hollow feeling inside, tears trying to form, and my mind racing as I had several decisions to make. We hurried to close up our campsite for the night and then work our way to the hospital. On arrival, I had to gather information and make decisions regarding care. I then spent an uncomfortable night in a chair, half-asleep at times, while they stabilized Mother’s heart rate and rhythm and made her comfortable. By morning, I’d experienced physical pain from the chair, emotional pain because she was my mother, mental pain from decision-making, and even spiritual pain as I felt hopeless at times to intercede.
Hurting, whether on the outside or inside, can break through our willpower and self-confidence quickly, like the demolition of a building. During times of hurting, we desperately need God.
We, humans, are subject to physical pain, mental pain, emotional pain, and spiritual pain like I experienced last week. Some studies link mental and emotional pain and explain them as one but I wanted to explore some different ideas.
Physical pain-Unpleasant bodily sensation causing mild to severe discomfort, usually caused by injury or disease. From a toothache to cancer, pain affects each person differently. Mental pain- discomfort, dysfunction, or distress of the mind. Decision-making, mental tasks, and studying can bring on mental pain. Emotional pain- pain or hurt that originates from non-physical sources. Divorce, death, or something as simple as an unkind word can produce emotional pain. Spiritual pain-Pain within one’s spirit. For those who don’t know Jesus, the pain can be spiritual distress as in feeling lost, without direction, or a sense of emptiness. For those who know Him, the pain can come from unforgiveness, sin, or unanswered questions.
How do we pray when we’re in pain? Are there specific ways to intercede for our friends or loved ones or even total strangers when we see them suffering? The Bible shows people from Moses to Jeremiah to Jesus and Paul, constantly lifting up others in prayer. We’re encouraged to do the same. Here are some examples to aid you when you pray. As always, seek God and let Him lead you when you address specific situations and the people involved. (Including yourself)
For physical pain-Begin by asking for complete healing of the sick or injured person. I ask this every time, knowing that healing might occur here on earth or as one enters heaven, completely healed in an instant. We can pray for the specific area of the body affected and speak comfort and peace from God to flood over the person. Pray for strength and perseverance as the person heals and against anxiety, depression, and hopelessness.
For mental pain-We can start with a prayer for peace of mind, then ask for clarity and wisdom over any root cause of this pain, for forgiveness and release from any guilt or shame involved, and the ability to let go of whatever is out of our control. Also, for relaxation of the mind and the wisdom to allow the mind to rest. Many times, I add the ability to sleep because this can be difficult when we are in mental pain.
For emotional pain-In Psalms 34:18, God says He is near the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayerful Situations: Illness, focuses on how to pray when you or others are sick.
Show Notes: Prayerful Situations: Illness
Today’s episode is the 45th one since I began the podcast over a year ago. And I’ve struggled more over this topic, illness, than any other. How do you pray when every person in the world deals with sickness themselves or in their family? And the disagreements among Christians on what is right or wrong when it comes to praying about illnesses boggle my mind. How do we pray with empathy and kindness when people are suffering?
James Robison, of LIFE Today Ministries, said something that has stuck with me for years. He said he prayed for people who were sick or injured because that’s what Jesus did. And the Bible is full of scriptures that encourage us to pray when people are sick.
“These twelve (disciples) Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.” Matthew 10:5-8 ESV
And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.” Matthew 4:23-24 ESV
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord… Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” James 5, verses 14 and 16. ESV
James Robison went on to say that he prayed for the sick and left the results to God. He said if every sick person he prayed for died, it still wouldn’t stop him from praying. And that’s where I am when it comes to this topic. When people ask me to pray for them or I see a need in the community, on social media, or on television, I pray in faith for healing. I truly believe God can heal anyone the same way I believe he can save anyone. But all are not healed on this earth and some die cursing God. So, I’ve decided to leave the results to Him. I’ll never stop praying, no matter if I see the outcome I want or not.
Illness comes in many ways and forms but today we’ll focus on physical healing. Four categories come to mind: common illness, chronic illness, injuries, and life-threatening/catastrophic illness. What are ways we can lift up ourselves or others when our health is in jeopardy?
Common illness-Colds, flu, stomach virus, headaches, allergies, etc. They tend to be more disruptive than life-threatening but can often turn into greater problems if not dealt with. Pray for healing and comfort. Often, people don’t take time to heal during a minor sickness. Pray for others or yourself to be patient enough to slow down and take care of physical needs. I remember Jim Henson, famous for the Muppets, who died of pneumonia at the age of 53 because he didn’t take the time for treatment until it was too late. Chronic illness-heart disease, arthritis, asthma, lupus, diabetes, etc. Chronic illnesses tend to linger over time and require long-term management for a better quality of life. I suffer from asthma, which must be managed if I’m to enjoy my life to the full. Pray for the ability and perseverance to take care of one’s self over long periods of time. Pray for financial resources to manage doctor bills, medicine, and medical equipment. Pray against stress, depression, and the hopelessness that often accompanies a diagnosis of chronic disease. Injuries-Sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, burns, cuts, etc. We can be injured by playing football or raking leaves. Swimming or taking a shower.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayerful Situations: Money Problems, looks at ways to pray when there are financial needs.
Show notes: Prayerful Situations: Money Problems
Money. If I had a dime for every time I prayed about a money situation, for me or others, I’d probably be debt-free. Few things can mess up our world like a shortage of money. Too much debt. Unwise spending. And even loaning to others too often. And how can you find enough joy to continue dancing when bills pile up in your mailbox?
Money. Early in our marriage, I prayed a lot about it. As a stay-at-home mom with two babies, I skimped and saved and sought ways to live on my husband’s income. Then we began to raise chickens, part-time work for me, and my husband found a better job. So, I never had to pray about money again.
I see those smiles, especially from those who know me best. We actually struggled more, for a while, and I couldn’t understand why my prayers weren’t answered. Then a solution tugged at my heart. Could it be unwise decisions were the problem and not a lack of money? Hmm. Could be. But let’s dig deeper. Here are a few points about money management:
We can’t spend more than we make. No matter how you try to tally it when your budget is unbalanced, you can’t manage your finances. We might need to work more or get a different job. In our case, we began to raise chickens when our children grew out of the diaper stage as a supplement to our income.
Our problem wasn’t money. It was the mismanagement of what we made. My prayers shifted and I took steps to reverse our direction and set off on a new path. Jesus spoke wisdom in Luke 14:28-30 NKJV:
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it--lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, 'This man began to build and was not able to finish.'”
I needed to count the cost. Was my problem the lack of money or the fact that I didn’t think ahead? Then I needed to rework my prayers accordingly. And if the prayer is not for you, but for a friend or family member, it will work the same.
Prayerful focus:
Start by asking for an increase of faith for you or others. Search the word for passages on the vastness of God’s resources and His ability to save, both spiritually and financially. Pray believing God is able to order your life/other’s lives.
Then ask for you/others to gain wisdom and discernment regarding money. For eyes to open to the root of the problem, whether lack of money or mismanagement. To be able to make the right decisions and follow through. For wise investments.
Last, pray for confidence, courage, and commitment. If a new job is needed, the confidence to change. If the problem is overspending, the courage to say no and see the bigger picture. The ability to commit to a new lifestyle, one that will ease financial burdens and increase generosity.
For generosity is key. I believe it’s the cornerstone that we build financial independence on. Find ways to be generous. Start by praying for others' finances. Be generous with your time and give to your family, your church, and your community the gift of being there, lending a hand when needed. Give away what you don’t need. Give when it’s comfortable and when it isn’t. Tithe your resources.
God has gifted us everything we are and everything we own. Do you believe that? Remind yourself of this as you pray and it can transform your prayer life. So, remember to count the cost, pray in faith, and ask for wisdom, discernment, confidence, courage, and commitment when it comes to your finances or the finances of friends and family.
I still don’t do everything right when it comes to money. Sometimes I fret over issues but I’ve learned over the ...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, The Necessity of Prayer, dives deeper into the question of why we pray.
Show notes: The Necessity of Prayer
Is prayer really necessary? I mean, God knows all so why can’t He just fix things as He wants and make everything turn out perfect?
In God’s perfect plan, He decided to give man a choice. We were made in His image and given the command in Genesis to subdue the earth, be fruitful, multiply, and have dominion. Our heavenly Father wanted us to partner with Him in our day-to-day lives.
One of our choices is whether or not to communicate with God. Do we share and listen? Or live life without His input? To navigate the dance floor of life, we must stay close to Father God.
I wear many hats. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, author, podcaster, website designer, blogger, housekeeper, church member, caregiver. The list goes on and on. I bet you have a similar list. In my get-it-done, planner mentality, sometimes I lose sight of the bigger picture. I trade time with the Father for a checked-off to-do list. It often takes me crashing from fatigue, stress, and burnout to stop and realize I’ve quit talking to God and moved way ahead of His plan.
Prayer, communication is my means to sanity once again. Why pray?
We live in a fallen world, full of potholes and the snares of the enemy. If we don’t take time for God, we can’t know which path to follow for safety. Struggles within. Shame, defeat, sin, failure. Time spent with God puts the inner life into perspective once again. Struggles without. War, sickness, finances, weather. Time spent with God can help with decision-making in a world where so many voices vie for our attention. Family, friends, community, nation, world. Needs are everywhere.
Because we live in a fallen world, have struggles within and without, and intercede for others, prayer is vital. But essential as these reasons are, the absolute main reason we pray is:
Relationship.
We need a close connection with God and that comes from time spent talking and listening. The same way we build and keep any relationship with others.
The longer I live, the more desperate I become to hear His voice, follow His ways, and work by His side. I talk, listen, love, and accept the Fathers’ love for me. All through prayer.
The apostle Paul, in the New Testament, writes a letter to the people of Philippi. In the fourth chapter, verses six and seven, he gives us a powerful thought on this subject:
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” NKJV
What does Paul say prayer does? It helps with anxiety by giving peace no matter how difficult situations or people can be and guarding our hearts and minds.
Jesus gives us the ultimate example in the Garden of Gethsemane. He is in the darkest hour leading up to the crucifixion. He goes to a solitary location and places His life into the hands of His Father by praying. He asks for the Father’s will instead of His own. I love the fact that God cared enough for us to give us the Bible, full of instances of prayer like this one. Stories about a wide variety of people praying for various reasons.
If Jesus took the time often to pray, we should too. So, let’s go to Him now:
Father God, thank you for Your Son and Your Word and the way they show us by example the importance of prayer. Help us fight against the busyness that seeks to overwhelm us. We want to accept your invitation to sit at Your feet, listen, and learn. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
Communication is necessary for a vibrant relationship with God. Join me over the next four weeks as we learn about prayerful situations: specific prayer...
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Pray? looks at prayer and questions.
Show notes: Is There a Right or Wrong Way to Pray?
Our question for today. Is there a right or wrong way to pray? I didn’t think so as a child but in my late 20s and early 30s, I became unsure. A struggle had begun in my heart as I searched for my identity. Who was I, really? My children were older and I started searching for more of God.
If the devil can’t hold you back, he’ll push you too far. That’s what happened to me. I searched and studied and read and listened. Too much. Confusion crept in and I wondered and worried about everything. Including prayer. I spent several years working through the questions but God patiently led me back to the childhood wonder I’d felt so long ago. The freedom and joy of each aspect of God. Prayer again became a time of sharing and listening.
What did I learn during those years? I’ll take the question words to explain my findings on prayer.
Who? We pray to God. You might say of course we do but I found myself at times praying to the air because I didn’t believe I was heard or would be answered. Sometimes I prayed to my ego by asking for things clearly not in the will or Word of God. Take a moment when you begin and focus on God. How? Use words. Or groans. Or tears or cries or even screams if necessary. God created us and understands our conversation no matter what form it takes. Make sure you ask the Holy Spirit to help you. One of His jobs is helper and advocate. Remember also that Jesus is always at our side, pleading in intercession for us. So, when we can’t find words, He can. What? We ask, intercede for others, praise, worship, plead. Our prayers can be one word like help or please. They can be long conversations discussing our feelings, our day, or the problems we face. Whatever you say, say it believing that He is and that He is who He says He is. God. When? Morning. Noon. Evening. Midnight. At one point, I’ve prayed at every hour. Interceding for myself and others in the dark of night. Praising Him in the morning. Long afternoon talks. Whenever you need Him, He’ll be there. Where? On your knees, in the car, at church, during a ballgame, while walking, in a designated place in your home. My favorite place to pray is while driving. I carry on a conversation with God like He is sitting in the seat beside me. And I believe He listens and nods, just like a friend. Because God is everywhere. Psalm 139:7-10 says, “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence! If I go up to heaven, you are there; if I go down to the grave, you are there. If I ride the wings of the morning, if I dwell by the farthest oceans, even there your hand will guide me, and your strength will support me.” NLT Why? Because it’s a necessity. Next week, we’ll discuss “why” at greater length. We can’t live without oxygen, water, or food. Or conversation with God. Yes, we can survive, maybe, but not truly live.
When I was twenty-eight years old, my mom called. She thought my fifty-three-year-old dad had had a stroke. It turned out he had an aneurysm that burst. He lived for five days. During that time and the months that followed, my prayers consisted of help and why, and grief compounded with more grief. God heard all my muddled groanings and cries and responded, pointing out Bible verses, and sending encouragement through friends, family, and music. One day at a time. He was there for me when I was hurt, sad, angry, confused. Don’t worry so much about a right or wrong way to pray. Just talk if you can and listen. God is big enough to sort it all out in the end. He is extending His hand, waiting to share the next dance.
Father God, we thank and praise You again for the privilege of prayer.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Prayer People, focuses on becoming a people determined to pray.
Show notes: Prayer People
“If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” II Chronicles 7:14.
If my people … pray. I debated on a title for this episode. Person of prayer or people of prayer? Prayer people? I went with prayer people because, even though we often pray alone, there is power in corporate prayer. Matthew 18: 20 says, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.” What could be more powerful than God in our midst?
Churches, groups, and individuals are praying in agreement in 2022 concerning issues like COVID, inflation, supply shortages, and the war to our east. I’ve prayed with friends at church and on social media, believing that God has the chaos in His hands and hears every word I lift to Him.
If we want to dance or flow in the ways and will of God in today’s volatile world, we’ll not only seek God in a one-on-one conversation but wherever two or more are gathered together. How?
Physically praying with others. Whether in person, during a Zoom meeting, or on a social media app like Messenger, nothing compares to being present with someone and seeking God in real-time. At my church, The Bridge, prayer requests from the congregation and community are lifted up each Sunday morning and Wednesday night. The pastor and others lead, but we all pray together. Our individual focus is different as each person follows the leading of the Holy Spirit on exactly how to pray. But we’re united. Praying in agreement. I love specific, focused prayer best with a friend or small group. I belong to Word Weavers International, a writing organization. Their mission is to help members find their unique voice, strive for the exceptional and not settle for the mundane, and to raise the quality of their members’ writing to a publishable level. Though some groups meet in person, the two small groups I belong to gather via Zoom. My favorite time is at the end of each meeting where we share any problems or needs, then present them to God through unified prayer. Though our homes are in the United States, Canada, and Brazil, I feel an unrivaled closeness to my friends when we communicate with God. Praying for others. Prayer people intercede for each other. At The Bridge on Wednesday nights, we pray for family, friends, and neighbors in our community, as well as national and international needs. Our list has over 70 individual names or groups. We add to and take away names weekly but we never run out of people or situations that need God’s touch. I pray at home and in the car, my favorite places to commune with the Father, but group intercession for others is special.
To me, there’s nothing more important that we can do than pray for others. Missions, outreach, in reach, and small groups are necessary but prayer is vital. The growth and spiritual health of any individual or church depends on whether or not we are reaching out often to the Father on behalf of ourselves or others.
I’ve learned much about prayer from Pastor Jack Hayford. He said, “Prayer can change anything. The impossible doesn’t exist. His is the power. Ours is the prayer. Without Him, we cannot. Without us, He will not.”
God wants us to invite His rule into our world through prayer. What a wonderful privilege we’ve been given. An opportunity to be prayer people. Will you accept the challenge today?
Let’s pray: Father God, we come before You today and thank you for allowing us to be a people of prayer. You not only listen to our every word but You answer us through many different avenues.
Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, The Eternal Difference of Prayer, looks at Hannah in the Old Testament and her joyful prayer.
Stay determined to dance. Those are the words that end each episode of my podcast. I want to cheer on our perseverance in a chaotic world. From what I’ve seen, the unrest isn’t going anywhere soon and we need all the encouragement we can get.
But can we do more than just survive, only hang on? I believe so. We can learn, grow, even thrive when part of our world is in shambles.
How? It’s simple but not easy. Our relationship with Father God, surrendering our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe it’s possible to keep going without this relationship.
One imperative in our ability to dance with God is prayer. Two-way communication. We bare our hearts to God and then listen for His response.
In my life, prayer is so important that I plan to commit this season, 40 episodes, to the back and forth talks between God and us. No matter how many books, articles, or short stories I write, or how many podcasts I make, nothing will make an eternal difference more than the prayers I lift to Him. It’s the same for you.
The long prayers and the brief prayers. Joyful ones. Grieving ones. The hopeful and the I’m-about-to-give-up ones. Prayer makes more of a difference in our own lives and the people around us than we’ll ever know here on earth. I truly believe we’ll be astounded when we reach heaven.
Picture a couple on the dance floor after their wedding. The young man leads his beautiful bride around the room, swept up in her splendor, wanting the world to see her but then again for her to only have eyes for him. They are so close; he feels each of her heartbeats as if it’s his own.
There is laughter, intimacy, words exchanged between pulses of music, and intricate dance steps.
What we don’t see if the groom doing all the talking. Or the bride. It’s a time of sharing with each looking to the needs of the other. They are one.
And the wonder of it all is that God longs to have such a relationship with us. The creator and God of the universe wants me. You.
But we have a choice. Do we dare to dance with Him? Or should we simply make our way through life on our own?
I love the story of Hannah in the Old Testament. She is the mother of the soon-to-be prophet, Samuel. After praying for a child while in the temple and promising to dedicate her firstborn to the Lord, she became pregnant with Samuel. She kept him until he was weaned and then presented him to the prophet Eli, to be raised in the house of the Lord.
You would think she would be devastated, depressed, and ready to change her mind. But no. Scripture records her prayer song as she joyfully gives her son to God. I love the thoughts shared in the Message Bible in I Samuel 2:1-10:
“Hannah prayed: I’m bursting with God-news! I’m walking on air. I’m laughing at my rivals. I’m dancing my salvation.
Nothing and no one is holy like God, no rock mountain like our God. Don’t dare talk pretentiously—not a word of boasting, ever!
For God knows what’s going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces, while the weak are infused with fresh strength. The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts, while the hungry are getting second helpings. The barren woman has a houseful of children, while the mother of many is bereft.
God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave, and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun!
For the very structures of earth are God’s; he has laid out his operatio...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles, shows us how God will lift us over blockades through hope and faith in Him.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles
God is big enough. Let that sink in for a moment. God is bigger than my problems, my worries, my fears, and all obstacles. He is greater, more majestic, and above all. He is God.
So why do I have so much trouble when it comes to surrendering? I’ll be honest. I didn’t realize that this episode would be about surrender. Two weeks ago, when I scribbled notes on episode 35, it was about God lifting us over blockades through faith and hope. Sounded good. I could relax and let Him work.
But…
On Sunday, during the music portion of the service, we sang the song, “Sweetly Broken,” by Jeremy Camp. My favorite song by this artist. I’ll share the video at the end of the post on my blog. The end of the chorus says, sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.” Wholly surrendered.
Hmm. Something I haven’t done lately. When I hurt my shoulder, my thought was to push through and ignore the pain. I could get in forty episodes and end the podcast season, add all my blog posts, and catch up on everything. Maybe even work some on my new novel.
When the worship team started the chorus of the song, I realized I hadn’t surrendered to what God wanted. He’d whispered to my heart, even before my diagnosis, that I needed rest. I was too stretched out, too weary, just too much going on. I thought He meant after I worked my plan and got all my ducks in a row.
I mean, I am a planner and don’t like change. Remember, God?
He remembered. And during that song, mentioned rest again. I lifted my hands in surrender and repented. His plan is better and if He says rest, He can hold onto everything until I’m able to function normally again.
What does this mean? Well, to start with, episode 35 will end my first season. I’m planning on being back in February. Taking three months to heal will be tough on that driven part of me but very needful. I hope you all will join me then for the second season of Determined to Dance, where we’ll begin with communicating with God. Prayer. We can’t dance if we don’t listen to our All-Mighty dance partner.
We’ll discuss topics like:
Types of prayers. Ways to pray. Ways to listen. Praying with others. Intercessory prayers.
And lots more. I plan to spend a season on this topic so vital to the times we live in. I hope you’ll join me. One more thing. Is there something God is laying on your heart that you need to surrender? A loved one, job, hobby, an attitude, or maybe like me, you are trying to push through when God is saying slow down. We can trust God through hope and with faith.
Let’s pray: Father God, we love you so much and trust you with our lives. You are big enough and we believe. Help our unbelief. We surrender everything to You today and place it all in your loving hands. You are enough. And if You are enough, then we are enough. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.
I know, in the long run, surrender will work for my good. Yours too. Until February. Stay determined to dance. Links: My website
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Remember: Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles Video of the week: I absolutely love music and each week I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.
https://youtu.be/BD_GMwH0O7Q
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Praying Through Obstacles, focuses on how time spent in prayer, both talking to and listening to God, is imperative when obstacles block our way.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Ordinary Life: Praying Through Obstacles
Recently, I read an article at guideposts.org that encouraged me. Praying Through Your Problems by Bob Hostetler. He reminded me of that old-time expression. Stay at the altar until you pray through. Until you feel released to move forward. Until the peace of God envelops you and you know that no matter the outcome, God’s got this.
Not a regimented routine. If I’m dancing, I want to become one with my dance partner. I know the way they move and twirl and even stop, by spending time with them. Sure, I can study the dance and practice over and over and do okay. But if I understand the person, I’ll always dance better.
The same is true about praying through. It’s not praying the same words over and over. It’s spending time with God, talking AND listening, reading His word, listening for His very heartbeat as we pour out our requests to Him.
Perseverance. It’s not letting go. Jacob learned this when he wrestled with God until daybreak (Genesis 32). He’d cheated and taken shortcuts; never fully hearing God out. But this night, he stuck with it. He decided to hold on for dear life and listen, then put in his request for a blessing. He received a name change and a new direction, even though he was left with a limp.
Praying through will cost you and it’s always important to count the cost.
It can be days, months, even years of seeking God. I prayed two specific prayers off and on for three years. This past May, I felt God say to trust Him with these requests of my heart. Now, when I see something that worries me regarding the request, I go back to that day where I journaled and know that I prayed through. To pray through, you have to empty yourself. Like David in the Psalms, you’ll need to be totally honest with God. Express your sadness, anger, disappointment, and any other emotion that goes with your prayers. You have to give it to God by being transparent. Your belief. Many times, we need to pray through because we really don’t know God in a specific area and what His word says. Faith comes through hearing His word so we’ll need to immerse ourselves in the promises in the Bible until they take root in our hearts.
This is an important time to remember. Fear has tried to grab hold of me as I contemplate surgery. Again. I mean, I just had ankle surgery in December of 2020. My recovery then was slower than I hoped and my patience ran thin.
But I did get through it. And saw the faithfulness of God again in so many ways. I was comforted so I could comfort others. I learned to write short articles in the waiting rooms. I read several writing craft books that are helping me today.
God was faithful then and He’ll be faithful now. I’ll continue to pour out my needs during this season and I’ll listen intently, writing words and phrases and direction as it comes.
I’ll pray through. God is everything I need. He is enough, even when larger-than-life obstacles block my way. Let’s pray:
Father God, we come to You today with our focus on You. Thank You for letting me pour out my requests. Help me to hear each word You say by being still and leaning close. Your presence is all I need as I pray through to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
It’s time to pray through our problems and know that God has never left the throne. Next week, we’ll look at the way God lifts us over obstacles as we release them to Him. Until then, stay determined to dance. Links:
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Dancing Past Obstacles, focuses on the unexpected and how to move forward.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Ordinary Life: Dancing Past Obstacles
I’m at the mall, getting a pedicure, and writing this article. I really needed this because I’ve got to have a moment to think.
If you caught last week’s episode, you’ll remember I mentioned that I was in reevaluation mode. Taking time to see where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going. Sounded great at the time.
But…
I’ve just found out that time is not on my side. Let me explain. For years, I’ve had an on-again, off-again problem with my right shoulder. I blame it on softball, discus and shot put in high school track, and farming. It’s gotten much worse and I’ve had several doctor visits lately. Then an MRI.
I thought maybe I had a bone spur. Or pulled muscle. Instead, I have a full-thickness tear of my supra-something tendon in my shoulder. Ouch. I’m waiting for my specialist appointment but from what I’ve read, surgery is probably the best option.
The unexpected. An obstacle to say the least. What do you do when you’re in the middle of a boot-scooting line dance and your feet are kicked out from under you?
Wow. Insert a heavy sigh here and a wide-eyed emoji. Some whining and a tantrum. Mourning and fussing. Sure, I probably need some rest but this isn’t what I had in mind.
Surgery on my writing arm is a major obstacle to my writing, blogging, and podcasting.
So, it’s time to move to a different level of reevaluation. A different plan that I had in mind. As I wait for the doctor's visit and probable surgery date, I’m setting a deadline to get my regular and writing life in order.
Maybe my search for order can help you to if an obstacle has suddenly landed in front of you. It could be sickness, changes in your family, a loss, or moving away from where you live. In other words, a barrier to ordinary life. Here’s my list:
I’m giving myself a little time to deal with the shock. Not rushing through it. Not stuffing it. Mourning before I move on. I’m telling God how I feel. He knows anyway and saying it to Him and to trusted friends' help. I’m making a list of anything I might need to do now. Mine consists of: (a) house obligations (b) Yard obligations (c) Church obligations (d) Word Weavers obligations (e) blog & podcast obligations. Examples are: Finish painting my study, finish pruning the bushes for winter (or see that someone does it since I can’t), finish the update on the church website, and load and schedule as many posts and podcasts as I can before surgery. I’m crossing out everything that can wait. I’m taking my time as I evaluate each item. I’ve decided to postpone my fall cleaning until spring. A little dust never hurt anyone, right? I’m ordering the tasks. I like to start with the easy ones so I’ve already written and loaded my Friday Fiction blog posts through January. I’ll keep whittling away at the list. I’m setting a deadline. Delegate everything, I can. (Like the bush trimming and painting) Again, putting off what I can. Like participating in NaNoWriMo, which is writing a new novel in the month of November. My ultimate deadline to work through these steps will probably be a week before surgery. Start.
Even though I won’t be on the dance floor, in a way, I can rest, read, pray, and encourage other dancers while I recuperate. How about you? I’ve found that God can use any time and any season we’re in for our good if we’ll relax and let go.
Let’s pray: Father God, I don’t like for my plans to change. Really, I don’t care for change at all. But you know the beginning from the end and I choo...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Still Determined to Dance, is an impromptu episode on persevering when life gets weird.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Still Determined to Dance
Today’s episode is supposed to be about dancing during ordinary times. I had a plan about talking about going on with God and dancing with God when days are just day in and day out ordinary everyday stuff that doesn’t seem to be getting us closer to goals or maybe doesn’t help us in reaching our goals and the success that maybe we think we need.
But life has a way of cutting things off, mainly my internet’s been down for several days and I finally have it back today, on the day I normally load my podcast. So, I thought I’d just take some time and talk to you a bit.
Talk about dancing when things are not quite what you want them to be. Maybe it is about being ordinary because it seems like, over the last couple of years, life has been ordinary but in a different way than what we want it to be.
We still have to stay determined to dance regardless. I think the thing on my mind the most right now is reevaluation. I read this verse recently in Colossians 3:23 of whatever you do, do from the heart. I realize lately that my heart has been kinda tired. I’ve called it post-covid burnout. I’ve held so strong and kept moving and kept toward my goals and kept going in the direction I needed to go and that God was leading over the last eighteen months. It’s finally catching up with me.
I think I’ve mentioned this before and I don’t mean to whine about it (sorry about that) I’ve reached a place where I’m going to have to stop and reevaluate where I am and what I’m doing and all the things in my life. What is still needful? What is not needful? I believe that’s something we need to do, probably twice a year. And I normally do that but over the last couple of years, I haven't done it as I should have. It's going to help me; I think it could help you too.
Maybe you're at the place that I'm at, and you need to reevaluate where you are and what's going on. I was listening to an episode of Novel Marketing, one of my favorite podcasts for writers. Thomas Umstattd Jr. talked about reaching a place where basically he said he couldn’t even get out of bed and he realized he was way overcommitted. He had kept adding things but hadn't done any subtraction in the process.
I tend to be that way; the type of person that thinks I can do it all and feels like I could do it all. Suddenly, I'm so overloaded and I realize, oh, well maybe I can't do it all. Some of you might understand where I'm coming from. So, I'm going to take the next few weeks and I'm going to really evaluate where I am. I’m going to look at everything I do in my writing life, my podcasting life, my blogging, my physical health, my mental health, my spiritual health, of course, and what I do at church, what I do for my family.
I think I just need to do a little pruning. Our guest speaker at church last Sunday talked about pruning. And I thought that's where I'm at. I need to do some pruning. There are some things that just need to go. That's the only way I can put it. There are some things that need to go. I've known it for a while, and the rest of the year is going to be low-key for me. I'm waiting to hear from several publishers that have different versions of my book; have actually two books.
And the waiting game has been hard. It's been hard on my heart. It's difficult when you wonder, do people like what you wrote? Do people want what you wrote? Or do you need to reevaluate your writing? Do you need to take what you've done and maybe make it better? Do you need to put it aside?
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing, focuses on ways to support others and ourselves.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing
April 27, 2011. Alabama was hit by 62 tornadoes. In one day. 253 people died, 14 in my county alone. We didn’t have electricity for five days, and many in other areas were without power much longer than that. No one in Alabama will ever forget that day of destruction and tragedy.
We also will never forget the way people pulled together throughout our community to help one another. I saw one example after another of practical efforts that blessed others. People handed out bottled water in affected areas. Cooked food to take to workers as they cleared trees and debris. Watched children so their parents could work where needed. People blessed others regardless of race, age, gender, political, and religious beliefs.
We banded together in the weeks and months that followed.
Over the last eighteen months, we’ve seen a catastrophe on a much larger scale. Sickness, death, and lost finances have devastated more people than can be counted. And once again, we’ve seen people stand together, even if it has been in a socially distant way. People delivering food and medicine, sharing supplies, and doing yard work for their friends and neighbors.
Blessing others in practical ways.
What a perfect topic to end a series on encouragement. Small and useful acts of kindness that make a difference, one-on-one. We don’t need a natural disaster or pandemic to open our eyes and ears to the needs around us. I’ve thought of fifteen ways we can be a blessing to others.
And to ourselves. Yes, self-care is not a bad or selfish act. It’s necessary to sustain strength and stamina to be a positive influence to those around us.
First, let’s talk about others:
Write an inspiring note or card. Whether you send it by mail, text, or email, there’s nothing more reassuring than a heartfelt word spoken at just the right time. Proverbs 25:11 says “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” What a lovely word picture of encouragement. Take time to listen. Many people have been isolated and just want someone to take a moment to hear what they’ve been through. Whether in person, on the phone, or through texting or email, when you give of yourself by being present and paying attention to another’s sorrows or joys, you are being like Jesus. Help with chores or yard work. I Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” You are gifted for a reason. Offer transportation or delivery services, especially to the elderly. A lot of senior citizens are limiting their time away from home. Check on family or neighbors to see if they need something. Speak affirming words. There is so much negative talk and criticism in the world today. Be positive and speak kind words to those around you. Proverbs 15:4 in the NLT version says “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit." Smile. Wearing masks has made this more difficult but anytime you can, smile and speak to those around you. You rarely really know what people are going through. Say thank you. Don’t assume people know what you’re thinking. Be appreciative of others. Donate. Whether it’s food, clothes, household items, blood, or plasma, the need has never been greater. Be open to what you can do to help your community. Go the extra mile. This one is tough for me. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve struggled with energy and stamina, especially after my husband and I had COVID.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement: Leaving Room for the Unexpected, focuses on having a plan and also being spontaneous when it comes to the art of encouraging.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Encouragement: Leaving Room for the Unexpected
I love being an encourager almost as much as I enjoy being built up, stirred up, and lifted up by others. It’s an important part of our dance with God. And in the midst of these chaotic times, it’s more important than ever to support our family, friends, people in general. God has placed us in the world for such a time as this.
The most quoted passage from the book of Esther in the Old Testament is spoken by her Uncle Mordecai when he learned that the king’s advisor, Haman, planned to wipe out the Jewish people. He said in Esther 4:13-14, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther probably didn’t want to be where she was, ripped away from her home to a strange, exotic place in the king’s palace. But after learning that her people, the Jews, would soon be destroyed, and speaking with her uncle, she went uninvited to the king, boldly ready to die for her people.
How does this fit into encouraging in 2021? Queen Esther proved to be both spontaneous and a young woman with a plan. The balance she showed is the way we need to step out in the world today as children of the King.
Esther looked at all the facts and moved by faith when first taken to the palace. She respected her Uncle and the King’s eunuch and found favor everywhere. We also move by faith as we seek to encourage others, planning to be a light in the darkness while still reacting to the nudges of our heavenly Father, pointing out the path for us to follow. Queen Esther spontaneously went before the king uncalled for, which could be penalized by death, but found favor in his sight by her unselfish action. When we know God has sent us to reach out to others, we can move with a right heart attitude and let His light shine through us, as we focus on other people’s needs. Queen Esther had a plan to save her people and herself. She arranged two lavish banquets and first met the needs of the king before presenting her request to save God’s people, including herself. As we focus on encouraging others, we move into a place of being able to then petition our king for what is on our hearts, for ourselves and our family.
As we navigate our way through the days ahead, there are ways to achieve the balance that Queen Esther had. First, we need to allow time in our daily schedule for spontaneity. If we have already overplanned every minute of every day, we have no room to move when God stirs our hearts. I totally get that some days are going to be super busy but we can try to leave openings during our week for God to speak to us on behalf of others. Sometimes, it’s a card, a phone call, an email, or a briefly spoken prayer lifted to the One who has all the answers.
Second, we plan to encourage. We can schedule in ways to cheer, inspire, and reassure others, especially in times of loss or tragedy. God will show us the way when we take time to ask and then listen.
Small acts of kindness can be likened to a light summer breeze on a muggy, Alabama afternoon. When I’m outside on a day like that, a breeze can bring hope. Hope that it won’t always be hot and that fall is not that far away.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement is Not Always What You Think, focuses on how certain factors affect the way people are encouraged.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Encouragement is not always what you think.
Encouragement is a gift that keeps on giving, a way to enrich the lives of others. Zig Ziglar once said, “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.”
How would you like to be that someone else? You can be and I can too. But there are a few things we need to understand before we begin.
People are very different in personality, upbringing, culture, and various other ways. Each of us responds in unique ways to various types of encouragement. Let’s say you want to encourage me. Please don’t call me out in a room full of people. The introvert in me cringes. Instead, take me aside or encourage me within a small group.
When you do that, you’re factoring in the fact that I’m introverted. We also need to remember the circumstances surrounding someone’s life at any given moment. A young person getting ready to play their first ball game will need different motivation from the young person sitting out that game because of an injury.
Here are some techniques you can use:
Praise-compliment talent, ability, perseverance, or consistency in an honest way. Acts of Service-do something to help another. Empathy-try to understand another’s pain or joy. Motivation-honest feedback that points people in the right direction. Teaching-giving life or job skills to someone in need. Sympathy-feeling pity or sorrow for other's misfortunes. In the Bible, Romans 12:15 says “to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
Looking at the example of our ballplayers, the one playing their first game would probably need motivation and praise. The one injured could use empathy, sympathy, and a gentler form of motivation.
Again, it really comes down to the individual. How do they react to encouragement? Personally, I’m introverted, my love language is words of affirmation, and I tend to be overly responsible as the firstborn in my family.
So, when my father passed away suddenly at the age of 53, I was distraught and unsettled to say the least. A relative came up to me at the funeral home and told me I needed to be strong for my mother. I’m sure they meant well but didn’t know me well enough to understand how I would react. I took on a parenting role and stuffed my feelings while trying to take care of every detail. I nearly had a nervous breakdown before realizing I needed to talk out my feelings and cry with my mother as the child I was. I didn’t need to be a parent.
On the other hand, my friend Joyce knows me well. She always seems to share a word of praise or comfort or encouragement at the perfect time for the season I’m in. But more importantly, she listens to my rants or whining when I’m struggling. I appreciate her more than I can say.
How can we know which technique of encouragement to use and whether we need to speak or simply listen?
First, get to know the person as much as possible or ask their close friend for advice. Is the person introverted or extroverted? How are they doing physically, emotionally, mentally? All this needs to be factored in. Second, listen closely. Try to hear their heart and respond accordingly. Pay attention before you speak.
It all comes down to love. Jesus said to love our neighbor as ourselves. A tendency I have to watch for in myself is to comfort or encourage someone the way I would want to be comforted or encouraged. Focusing on myself again. I’ve found that if you talk with people long enough,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness, focuses on kindness.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness
Has there ever been a greater need in history for role models? Individuals who hold up a standard of strong convictions, morals, and just plain, old-fashioned kindness.
My favorite way to learn is to watch someone, in person or on a video, as they show how to do something. I can’t tell you how many podcasting tutorials I’ve watched. I love the old saying. People don’t as much listen to what you say as they watch what you do.
Titus 2:7 in the NLT says “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”
We need to be an example and model encouragement. Dwight L. Moody’s advice is to “do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”
Let’s break that down:
Do all the good you can. Opportunities are everywhere if we open our hearts, eyes, and ears to notice. People are hurting, and sometimes only need a timely word to keep putting one foot in front of the other. To all the people you can. That means everyone, regardless of race, gender, and culture. Sadly, people sometimes tie kindness to conditions, thus robbing the freedom of the act. In all the ways you can. I advocate being part of a church or community group when it comes to encouraging. Working with other people to reach out to the community helps relieve the awkwardness and fear sometimes involved. As long as ever you can. You never retire from random acts of kindness. If I’m in a place where I can’t do something physically, I can stop and pray. And prayer changes things.
What an inspiring way to add value to people. John C. Maxwell said, “People never care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
That brings us to random acts of kindness. Jesus modeled this throughout his time on earth. I believe His caring attitude is one of the reasons people flocked to Him wherever He went. Think about it. Kindness. He called Zacchaeus down from the tree. Met the woman at the well where she was. Physically touched people considered unclean. Forgave people while he hung on the cross. Died to free us so we can live with Him forever in heaven.
How can we do less? I want to learn from the way Jesus modeled his life and do the same for others. Last year, I shared 12 ideas to help improve someone’s day during the pandemic…
Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Or give a generous tip to the food delivery person. Send cards of encouragement by regular mail. Volunteer or donate virtually. I’ll add a link in the show notes about ways to do this. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a34288060/virtual-volunteer-opportunities/ Pick up trash alongside the road in your neighborhood. The walk will do you good and you’ll improve the look of your community. Send e-cards. Provide a single mom and her children a meal by having food delivered or sending a gift card by email. Read to children online through Facebook Live or another media source. And share encouragement online. Be a shining light on social media instead of spreading bad news. Give blood at the local blood bank. Call for an appointment. Send food gift cards to the staff at the Intensive Care Unit of your local hospital. If possible, offer baby-sitting services for people in health services. Send a gift card anonymously to someone you work with. During your online shopping time,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement: Active Vs. Passive looks at different ways to encourage others.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Encouragement: Active Vs. Passive
Encouragement is something we all need. While self-encouragement is necessary, I want to focus on being an encourager to others. A person who is intent on building up, stirring up, or lifting up those around them. I like I Thessalonians 5:11 in the Message translation:
“So, speak encouraging words to one another. Build up hope so you’ll all be together in this, no one left out, no one left behind. I know you’re already doing this; just keep on doing it.”
No one left out or left behind. I think of walking alongside someone, taking their hand and showing that we’re in this together. When we’re at a dance, we can’t solely focus on our ability and the part we play or we lose the ability to flow with our dance partner. We might also run into other dancers and create chaos because of our self-focus. There is a give and take in our awareness of our own ability to dance, that of our dance partner, and the people around us. We want to flow with God and be a blessing.
I believe we can build up hope in passive and active ways. When I speak in front of a group of people, many encourage me in passive ways, whether they realize it or not. Just showing up to listen encourages me as does shaking their head in affirmation when I make a point during my talk. Passive encouragement has value.
But what really stays with me are the active encouragers. Those people approach me afterward with a positive word, insight, or question. Or they ask about my writing, podcast, or ways to connect through social media. People who go the extra mile.
And I love to receive a physical card in the mail or an email mentioning the event and its worth to the listener.
Now I should probably stop here and mention that of the five love languages, a book by Dr. Gary Chapman, my primary one is words of affirmation. I love to be encouraged verbally and give encouragement that way.
I believe passive encouragement is needful, but I long to become a person who actively seeks out people who are hurting, lonely, or with low self-esteem and build, stir, and lift them up. Maybe you do too.
How can we do this?
Point out the talents and goodness of others. Many people undervalue themselves and feel they are nothing special. Encouragers point out their value. Focus on the goals and dreams of others. Many people are almost afraid to set goals and dreams because of their past. Encouragers ask about dreams and goals, then inspire and assist in reaching them. Being present. In this day of technological distractions, it's often hard to find someone who will set their phone, work, or day aside to simply listen. Part of being an encourager is the willingness to be fully present in a given situation with an open ear, mind, and heart.
Nothing thrills my heart more than when a person gives me their full attention. I’ve been guilty of only half-listening to people as I formulate my reply in my mind, instead of focusing on what they’re saying, I’m caught up in what I want to say, what I want to get across, my own agenda. And if you’ve picked up on that while we’ve talked in the past, I’m truly sorry.
It takes great effort to change a ‘me’ focus to a ‘we’ focus. But I’m willing to learn. First, I lay down my phone, work, or anything else aside. I try to make eye contact and focus on the words of others, not my own words. Second, I put myself in their place. How would I feel if this were happening to me? What encouragement would I need? Then I do something. Maybe a nod or word is enough.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement: Starting Within, examines how vital self-encouragement is to our dance with God.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Encouragement: Starting Within
A Bible story that resonated with me long ago is found in I Samuel 30. David, the son of Jesse, has been anointed king of Israel by the prophet, Samuel. But the reigning king, Saul, drove him out of Israel and David is now living in enemy territory. He took his fighting men and went to offer his allegiance to the enemy but is rejected. When he and his men return home, their small town has been invaded, their families and belongings stolen. His men turn on David in their grief. Now, folks, that’s beyond a bad day at the office. David’s been rejected, robbed, and renounced during a short period of time.
After all this, verse 6 says: “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” I Samuel 30:6 NKJV
What a great example. Here’s a man who had basically lost everything: home, family, friends, and possessions. I think I would have been tempted to run for my life in deep depression. I mean, how do you go dance in God’s will and way when the room is pitch black?
First, strengthen yourself. When you encourage yourself, you’re giving hope, confidence, and support. Hope in the fact you’ve been through tough times before, confidence that there’s nothing new under the sun, and support through positive words and thoughts.
Second and to me, most important, you do this in the Lord. Your hope is in who He is and what He’s already done for you, your confidence is in His power and love and your support comes through His word and prayer.
Depending on your own strength will only take you so far. And can I testify to that fact. Often, I lean on my own strength. Wouldn’t want to bother God with my problems, which most assuredly look tiny in His eyes. He has enough to worry about with all the chaos in the world. So, I roll up my sleeves and push ahead, going for all its worth until…
I run out of energy. Ability. Strength.
During the months of July and August, I was busier than usual. Birthday celebrations, doctor visits, babysitting, and extra writing work had pushed me to my limits. In the midst of it all, the housework somehow got shuffled to the end of the to-do list, then dropped entirely. My writing suffered as I don’t work too well amongst the clutter. I was overwhelmed.
After I tried everything else, I stopped and asked God for help. (Yes, I know, I should’ve done that first but I don’t always take my own advice) A day or so later, I suddenly knew what I needed to do. Ask Mom for help. She’s good at cleaning but I mean, she is 80. The thought was ‘just ask her to dust and clean the mirrors.’ Not too hard a job.
And what I found was with her at my house doing her part, I felt my strength renewed to do my part. I no longer felt alone and overwhelmed. Together, we’d got the job done. God had provided an answer.
In the future, I need to remember three things when life gets tough:
Encourage myself in the Lord. Go first to Him, humble myself, and ask for help. Be open to his answer. His thoughts and ways are above mine. He might point out a path I hadn’t noticed before. Be willing to humble myself and obey. I need to let go of my need to control and follow Him.
The keyword is humble. Why do I often act like a toddler when discouragement attacks and I need to be encouraged? I think of children and that age-old phrase, “I can do it myself.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Perseverance: Hope When We Need It Most, looks at the way that hope, more than any other virtue, helps us to persevere.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Perseverance: Hope When We Need It Most
Hope. We all need it. Hunt for it. Grab onto it in our times of greatest need. But what exactly is it? For this word, I’ve dug back into my favorite old dictionary, Webster’s 1828. It says, “Hope is a desire of some good, accompanied with at least a slight expectation of obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable. Hope differs from wish and desire in this, that it implies some expectation of obtaining the good desired or the possibility of possessing it.”
So, hope is desire. It’s belief. Expectation. It’s what we need to persevere. How can we dance in step with God if we have no hope?
But 2020 and 2021 haven’t exactly been stellar years to find bucketloads of hope waiting around every corner. No, lately hope has been pretty elusive. And its opposite, despair, is everywhere.
I believe part of the tiredness I mentioned last week could be connected to a loss of hope. Honestly, I’d really hoped the pandemic would be over by now, but it doesn’t look like it. I attended a Southern writer’s conference recently and masks and social distancing were in full force. There’s just something sad about not getting to see people’s faces and expressions when you talk with them. And I don’t know when it will all end.
But I know who does. One of my favorite scriptures is found in Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The God of hope. Abound in hope. Now that’s what I want. I need. Overflowing, abundant hope filling me so I can pass it on to others. How can I find this confidence?
Seek God. Since He’s the God of hope, I need to go to Him and ask. Sometimes, He’ll point us toward a scripture, song, or send a word of encouragement from a friend. God knows our needs and desires to fill us with more of Himself. Stay connected. I tend to isolate myself when life is tough. Since God often helps us by sending people, we need to be reachable. Don’t hide from family, friends, church, or community groups. Speak up. This goes with stay connected. If people ask how I am and I always say, “fine,” how will they know? Find safe people and talk to them about what you’re going through. And it’s okay to go to a therapist or counselor if you need help with deeper struggles. I have and it’s helped me tremendously. Be patient. Part of my struggles with hope result from my impatience. I want it all. Yesterday. And waiting is tough when it deals with my chosen career, relational issues, or times of crisis. I have to believe God hears and He has a plan. Not everything I hope for is good for me or part of God’s plan. I hope, in a wistful kind of way, that someone would build a coffee shop next door to my house. But that would likely affect my health and finances in a negative way if such a thing were to happen. It wouldn’t be in God’s best interest for me.
To find hope, I seek God, stay connected, speak up, be patient, and surrender. God has so many ways to bring hope into our lives, starting with His Son, who came into the world to save us and one day bring us home with Him. Our ultimate hope.
Let’s pray: Father God, I thank you for being the God of hope. You’ve done so much for us in the past and I believe you have good things in store for our future. You give us hope with each sunrise. Open our eyes and hearts to see the hope you’ve placed in front of us today. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Perseverance: Endurance Vs. Compliance looks at the difference between the two polar opposites and how to move toward enduring and away from complying.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show notes: Perseverance: Endurance Vs. Compliance
I’m tired. It’s been a long summer after a longer pandemic. About two months ago, it all caught up with me. The stress from an upside-down 2020, added to my personal bout of COVID and ankle surgery. Throughout the summer, I’ve struggled to keep up. To move forward. To endure.
Or has it really been endurance lately? Somehow, some time ago, I moved into compliance. Here’s a quick definition. Compliance is the act of complying with a command, desire, or rule. Mainly, it was rules. When overwhelmed, follow the ruts. It’s easier that way.
And honestly, I don’t think that’s always a bad thing. All of us have dealt with some form of survival mode over the past 18 or so months. Whether it’s been finding food or supplies, having your job suddenly change, or fighting sickness in your own body, we’ve worked hard to survive and be flexible.
I have also. The rules have helped, given me structure when I lost all control. But now it’s time. For me, and maybe for you. I’d begun to march again and realize that sometimes it’s what I must do. But dancing, flowing with our heavenly Father, in day-to-day living, is where I want to be.
I’ve lost it. I want to get back on the dance floor.
So, it’s time to stop complying and endure.
Huh?
Let me explain. It’s time to stand firm in the midst of the chaotic and not give in. And I’ve been tempted to quit.
Everything.
To retreat under the covers with my cellphone and an endless supply of coffee. I mean, it’s so hard being a human on planet earth right now. Okay, enough whining. Let’s look at God’s word:
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” - 1 Corinthians 10:13
I’ve been tempted and it’s a normal thing. I need to remember that God is faithful and that He’s the Waymaker.
My God provides. One of his names is Jehovah Jireh, The Lord will provide. I need to take a moment to be still, access my needs, then ask for provision. He understands. Jesus lived like us and He gets us. Stands ready to pour out comfort and peace beyond our ability to comprehend. He gives rest. Jesus urges us, those who labor and are heavy-laden, to come to Him. Wow. That so describes me lately. I need to take His yoke for it is easy and His burden is light.
That’s where I lost it, I think. I’ve been calling out to the Provider and know that He understands. But I’ve felt very behind after everything that has happened and I’m trying so hard to catch up. My writing, my house, my yard, my ministry. It overwhelms me. I know I’ve moved back into my own strength and it’s not working. Looks like it’s time to rest and endure. Once again.
Let’s pray: Father God, I’m sorry. I’ve been trying to live in my own strength and have failed. Now I’m tired, weary, and still behind. But You say that there is a plan and purpose for me. A road for me to walk. I just need to take Your hand and let you lead me once again. I’ll work and rest according to your direction. Help me endure today. Help us all. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.
We can stand firm and not give in. But we need one more thing if we’re to persevere: Hope. Come back next week as we wrap up this series. Until then, stay determined to dance. Links: My website
My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope
Jehovah Jireh scripture
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “Perseverance: Empathy in a Chaotic World” focuses on the part empathy plays in our learning to persevere.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Perseverance: Empathy in a Chaotic World
Empathy. The ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Now, this is a virtue so needed in the post covid world where we live. We walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. This isn’t taking someone’s place or knowing exactly how a person is feeling. If we’ve never lost a beloved pet, we don’t, per se, know how they feel, but we can relate and share the grief and loss that fills their heart. We can have empathy.
And if we are to persevere and move forward in the dance of life, we need other people. One way we build relationships is by expressing empathy. It’s so comforting to know that someone has come alongside us in our grief or sadness or anger. When a friend or relative takes time from their schedule to make a call, send an email, or even stop by for a visit, our load is a little lighter. For a moment anyway…
In the past eighteen months, there’s been so much judgment and hate that’s circulated through television and social media because of covid, racial issues, and a world that is reeling from the loss of life, security, and hope. Instead of empathy, insensitivity has taken over and is even applauded.
It would be so easy to hide our heads and hearts during these unsettling times. But now, more than ever, we need to share our hope, the one true hope, Jesus Christ. He alone can fill our hearts with love and enable us to show empathy to those around us.
How can we receive the empathy that Jesus has for us so we can give to others?
First, we ask for it. We pray for God to fill our hearts with his love to overflowing. We also immerse ourselves in the Word. As we read about the love of Jesus and others in the Bible, it demonstrates the empathy of God in countless ways. We open ourselves to safe people. We look for the people in our lives that love us unconditionally and allow them to share in our losses and pain.
When my daughter and her husband divorced several years ago, I was devastated. The last thing I needed was someone to judge me or her or him. I didn’t need guilt or shame or even scriptures flung at me. I needed empathy. And I reached out to people who in the past demonstrated that kind of love and mercy and grace that could ease my hurting soul.
You know what I’m talking about. Someone who could understand and share. It meant more to me than they’ll ever know. I want to be there for others. What are ways that we can show empathy to the hurting people around us?
When people are hurting or angry, they usually don’t want answers. They are trying to sort the situation or relationship out and the best thing we can do is listen, showing interest and support. Withhold judgment. A raw wound doesn’t need salt poured on it. As much as we might want to judge or advise, it’s better to love and pray. Be open to a future time of asking questions. Show care and concern in physical ways. Send a card. Fix a meal. Call. Offer help. Tangible help is important to people who suffer. Give them time to grieve. No matter what the issue, if you try to fix it in a hurry, it only buries the hurt and pain. Healing takes time so be prepared to give empathy often, especially after a traumatic event.
I’ve not always done this as well as I’d like. Especially when I’m also hurting. But I want to have more empathy for others. And I’ve learned that I’m encouraged to ask the Father for what I need. Let’s pray:
Father God, we come to You today with a thankful heart. Fill us with your love and help us to see Your heart,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “Perseverance: The Virtue of Courage” focuses on the ability to move past fear and why we need it to persevere.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Perseverance: Courage When You Don’t Have Strength
I googled quotes, then images when I began to study for this podcast. Napoleon Bonaparte said, "Courage isn't having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don't have the strength." Wow. Fits how I’ve felt lately, to be sure. The images I found surprised me though. I was thinking of a lion or soldier. Instead, I found a tightrope walker, someone leaping a wide ravine, a goldfish leaping from his fishbowl into a lake. And only one lion pic. But it wasn’t a lion, it was a housecat with a lion’s shadow.
I needed to readjust my thinking. Instead of courage being something or someone strong or well-trained, courage is the ordinary attempting the extraordinary. All the images I saw were attempts at something way beyond the normal comfort zone.
Hmm. Comfort zone. The perfect opposite of courage. I know that fear is probably most thought of as the opposite but for me, maybe for you, the endless search for comfort holds more truth. It is more comfortable and much easier to sit alongside the wall at the dance, sipping a cup of punch, than to put yourself on the dance floor, in front of others, where you might really mess up and fail. Flop. Draw tons of unwanted attention from another error.
Do I, do you, really want to take a chance and try to tango when so much is at stake? Like our pride, our reputation, our ability to appear in public. I don’t know about y’all, but I can make the tiniest mistake in judgment, like buying a cute butterfly T-shirt and wearing it the next day. What’s wrong with that? Only a problem when you get home and notice the clear strip of tape that shouts your size that you forgot to remove when you decided to wear it. I cringe to think how many people wondered about my state of mind. I’d like to say this has only happened once but…
Courage. Going on when you don’t have the strength. When you’re embarrassed. When you’ve failed. When you’re too tired to keep trying. I don’t think you can persevere without courage. Every morning when you wake up and decide to face one more day and do the best you can, you’re displaying courage. Like Maria in the Sound of Music:
https://youtu.be/dUFBOC6lQoo
I work on most of my podcasts on Monday. The hardest day of the week to get started. Emails are screaming for answers, the house tends to be messy, the phone constantly rings, and I just want the weekend back. Is that too much to ask?
But I’m here at my computer, mustering all the courage I can, to work on the episode and my to-do list. Why? So many times, life seems like an endless Monday. What can help me let go of the weekends of life and move forward when I don’t want to?
Remember: Why do I do what I do? I write because I can’t not write. I clean because I don’t like clutter. I love and encourage those around me because I want to be loved in return. Doesn’t always happen but God steps in and fills me when others can’t or won’t. I forget the Mondays when I failed. Flopped. Gave up. I forget the times I didn’t measure up to my own expectations. This leads me to number 3. Let go. I release the anger and disappointment I hold against myself for not being perfect. I release bitterness that creeps in when others let me down. I release all my fears and worries and anxious moments to God and take the next step.
In faith. Because that’s where we find courage. We have faith in the God who tells us we’re never alone, never without help, never left behind.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “Perseverance: The Virtue of Patience” focuses on patience and its importance to the dance.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Perseverance: The Virtue of Patience
Patience. The ability to handle or tolerate life’s interruptions without getting angry or upset. Oh. That sounds super simple, don’t you think?
I’m laughing too. Or maybe crying would be a better response. I don’t like interruptions. Remember that planner/organized part of me? Often, I can handle or tolerate what life throws at me. I can switch and swap and move stuff around to make it work. I bet you can too. Part of the time anyway.
My problem comes with the attitude. The not getting angry or upset thing. I tend to be one or the other or often both at the same time. Throw in a nice dose of self-pity and that’s me.
Angry, upset, and whiny when life’s not going my way. So, I really need to figure this patience thing out.
People have told me before how patient I am. And outwardly, I put on a good show. And in some areas, I am pretty good at being patient. You can probably relate. Slow traffic doesn’t usually bother me. I don’t mind waiting in waiting rooms too much either. (I always carry a book or something to work on so I guess I feel productive anyway) I mean if I’m working, I’m still in the dance. Does my attitude really matter?
In my search and study, I came up with three things I need to work on in this area.
I’m never patient enough with myself. I wouldn’t speak to others the way I speak to myself. I give others grace but not little ‘old me. I can be impatient with people who aren’t like me. At times, I want others to keep up with me. Often, I expect my friends to have their act together. All the time. What’s their problem? I don’t usually agree with God’s timing. After the fact, I can usually nod my head. Say thank you to God. Understand what and why he is doing something. But before…
I whine. Why is this happening? I get angry. Why can’t God fix this? I get depressed. Nothing ever works. I give up. Why try? God’s not helping.
Hmm. All right. Let’s dig a little deeper.
The opposite of patience is impatience. When I’m impatient, I’m restless. Irritable. Stressed. Anxious. Angry. Bored.
Quite a list. If I’m feeling this way and not doing anything about it, I’ll hurt my physical health. My mental fitness. My awareness of God and my part in the dance of life.
So, let’s tackle these attitudes.
How can I be more patient with myself and others?
First, stop with unrealistic expectations. Just because we wrote or exercised or volunteered a lot during a certain season in my life, we think we should keep the same pace all the time. Let’s look at housecleaning. Why would we think our house should look as good with two toddlers as it did before we had children or grandchildren? As we age, we can’t seem to keep the pace we did when we were twenty. Go figure.
Second, realize that people have different callings, personalities, backgrounds, and jobs. We shouldn’t compare and try to figure out who is right. Or wrong. If asked, we could share my opinion. Or maybe help the other person or even ourselves decide what is best. For the season we’re in.
And third. Let’s not forget my struggle with God’s timing. How can I be more patient with God?
I can’t believe I even admitted that this is a problem. I think it all goes back to me being human. I’m so short-sighted when it comes to seeing the big picture. I used to wonder why Abraham and Sarah didn’t wait on God. (Read Genesis 16) They tried to have a son in their own way and timing but it wasn’t what God wanted. How often I’ve done the same thing.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “5 Life-Changing Lessons Perseverance Teaches” looks at the virtues and their opposites when it comes to persevering.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: 5 Life-Changing Lessons Perseverance Teaches
Episode 20. Wow, I’m halfway through the first season on the Determined to Dance Podcast and I’m so thankful. God is good and has kept me on track. And I really appreciate all the positive feedback I’ve had from you, the listeners. It means more than you’ll ever know.
Back to perseverance. Last week, we looked at the definition. The ability to move forward in the face of difficulty or with little to no prospect of success. We do this daily. Raising toddlers, going to work, and managing family relationships can be difficult. Writing a book, learning a new skill, or starting a diet or exercise program can seem to have little hope of success. But we keep trying. We step onto the dance floor and take God’s hand as He leads us in His will and way.
Why? Because we want to be close to God. And we also believe that our lives can be changed for the better as we persevere. Virtues or moral excellence can emerge if we press on in spite of what we are facing in life
Five virtues we learn from perseverance are:
Patience Courage Empathy Endurance Hope
I’ve heard people talk about this before. One thing that they don’t always mention is that we can learn virtues or we can turn to the exact opposite when the pressure is on.
Instead of the positive aspects, we could learn:
Impatience Fearfulness Insensitivity Compliance Despair
I’ve experienced these myself, especially fearfulness and despair. When the going gets tough, I often want to hide in a closet, covered with a blanket, and wonder why I ever thought I could make it. My writing and the search for health are where I struggle most.
How did I ever think I could succeed as a writer? I become impatient with myself over my lack of consistency. Fearful that I won’t ever reach my goals. Insensitive to my family when I move into self-pity. Compliant because I’ll excessively obey rules to the point that it destroys my story. All this leads to despair over my chosen career.
And it's exactly the same with diet or exercise. And a lot of other things. Can you see it? Do you struggle to or am I the only one?
Perseverance is suddenly out the window and I’ve given myself over to the opposite of the virtues I want to display in my life. Like Paul said in Romans 7:15 (NLT)
“I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.”
What are ways we can tackle our go-to negative patterns when the pressure becomes great?
Go to Jesus. Paul goes on to say in verse 25, “Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord…” We cry out for help, for wisdom and discernment, and for the ability to persevere. He longs for us to ask. Talk it out with a friend. Bring the problem to light and we can find accountability and healing when we don’t hide our issues. It often helps to write; not only how I feel but the way I’d like to feel and act. Recording positive goals and giving some structure to our problems often takes away their immensity and reduces them to a manageable size.
Lately, I’m struggling to persevere when it comes to exercise. Last December, I had ankle surgery on compressed nerves, then endured three months of grueling therapy. After leaving therapy, I’ve had trouble staying motivated. It’s much easier to read a book instead of making my step count. It's more fun to float on a raft than to exercise my ankle in the pool.
I mean, I’m getting older so why keep trying?
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “Perseverance: Dancing in the Midst of Chaos” kicks off a new series of learning how to move forward, no matter what life brings.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Perseverance: Dancing in the Midst of Chaos
I persevere. I’m determined to dance in the midst of the chaos. I’ve written these words in the notebook by my bed so I can see them at least twice a day. Why? It’s an important reminder of my need to persevere. Not give up. Keep on truckin’.
Excuse my seventies cliché.
But seriously, what does it mean to persevere? My favorite definition says, “To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no prospect of success.
Yikes. The very definition makes me cringe. I mean, phrases like “face of difficulty” and “little or no prospect of success” don’t necessarily warm my heart.
But it’s my life. Your life.
Similar words for perseverance are patience, persistence, and tenacity.
Expressions for hard times. Difficult relationships. Trying circumstances.
When I think of famous people that fit those words, I consider Joseph and Ruth from the Old Testament of the Bible. Paul from the New Testament. Thomas Edison Amelia Earhart, Walt Disney. James Dyson. Bethany Hamilton, Steven Spielberg.
All are ordinary people who’ve accomplished the extraordinary. And they all had the ability to persevere in common.
Say your name aloud. Go ahead. Okay, I’ll start. Jennifer Hallmark. I’m just an ordinary gal committed to persevere and accomplish the extraordinary. You can too. And you will. Let’s start with something simple. I’ve encouraged at least one person in the last year. In the midst of the pandemic. That alone is above the ordinary. To get your mind off yourself during trying times can be hard but I did it. I know you did too. And if you take time to consider, you’ll think of many extraordinary tasks you’ve performed, relationships you engaged in, lives you’ve changed. See? You are a remarkable person.
When I first started writing as a career, I penned a medieval fantasy novel, think vaguely Lord of the Rings combined with Narnia, with too many mistakes to count. An offer came my way to self-publish so I prayed a lot, then declined it. I felt like God wanted my writing journey to follow the traditionally published road. He knew my novel was nowhere near ready and that I wasn’t either. At the time, I had no idea that it would take 11 years to be offered a contract. Then 2 more years before I would see Jessie’s Hope, my SECOND novel, come into the world. My first is still unpublished.
If I’d known this, it would have been overwhelming and odds are I’d left the dance floor of writing for God in utter discouragement and disbelief.
But a book I wrote was released so now everything is perfect. Right?
I see your smiles. Why is it that we believe if we only get that one thing, we want more than anything that life will be nothing but sunshine, rainbows, and perfect days? Well, it’s not.
Instead, I moved back into learning to persevere in marketing, writing more books, and learning lots about the writing world. I’ve gotten rejection letters and lived through days where I thought the sun would never shine again.
What advice have I learned that might help you if you’re just starting on a new venture?
Enjoy the journey. The mountain tops are awesome and worth the struggle but they don’t last long. Relish the view of each and every step. Make friends along the way. And not just people you think will help you. Pray for divine connections and you might be surprised at the variety of people you’ll meet. It’s worth it.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “How Perfectionism Leads to Procrastination” winds up this series with a look at how striving to be perfect can cause us to procrastinate.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: How Perfectionism Leads to Procrastination
Can I take a moment to be super honest? I’ve really struggled with procrastination since I started this mini-series on the podcast. Or maybe the realization hit me so hard because I see how much I tend to stall, put things off for a sunny day, even change the subject while talking.
I’m a procrastinator. Yes, I get things done but it tends to be last minute. I need to change. Why do I put things off? Father God is standing on the dance floor with his hand stretched toward mine.
And here I am telling him to wait. Again.
While I connect with everything, I’ve taught over the last eight weeks, I believe that perfectionism is the main cause behind it all, for me anyway. And as I was researching, I found this interesting article I’ll share below in the links by Meagan Drillinger on Healthline. She called the issue the perfectionism-procrastination-paralysis cycle.
A great way to explain it. I tend to look at a task, see all the ways I need to complete it, then look at how hard it will be to make it as perfect as I think it should be, then procrastinate while feeling totally paralyzed when it comes to moving forward. Does anyone else feel my pain?
I’ve heard it said that perfectionism is a good thing, people have justified their extreme behavior by labeling it as productive but I’m not buying it. I’m a recovering perfectionist and I know its destructiveness firsthand. The desire to be excellent in your life and work hard is good but trying to be perfect is futile. Only God is perfect.
I remember times when I’d spend eight hours cleaning one room. Yes, one room. I’d wipe and wash and dust and polish every single inch of every item. If I could go back in time, I’m sure I’d find reasons behind my obsessive behavior.
Most of my episodes of trying to be perfect arose from stress, anxiety. Once, while we were moving, I got so anxious that I quit moving items inside and went and painted a closet. Everything had become too much and painting helped me gain a little control back. When I feel I’m not enough, I might move toward the extreme. In my mind, if I can do it all perfectly, life will line up and I’ll get my act together. Especially if it’s something new, fear attacks that I can’t do it, I’ll mess it up, I’ll fail. Maybe I did fail while doing something so I’ll try a hundred times harder to do the next thing perfect to make up for it.
Except it doesn’t make up for it. All my strivings in the flesh might appease me for a time but it never changes anything long term. And what I’m looking for is lasting change. A new season. A new me…
Dieting. Yes, I said it. Out loud. In my forties, I started having back trouble and gained weight. Since then, I’ve battled off and on with gaining and losing weight. Most of my diets or exercise plans have failed because of my perfectionism. If I mess up one time or one day, I want to quit. Do that a couple of times and then I do quit. It’s that all-or-nothing attitude.
But I am changing. I’ve read books on the subject, prayed, and have taken a long look at myself. I believe my personality tends toward perfectionist tendencies anyway. But as a child, my dad was really sick with a disease similar to muscular dystrophy. Somehow, somewhere I picked up the notion that it might be my fault. Children tend to feel they are omniscient or all-powerful anyway and I really ran with this feeling. So, I tried to be perfect. From grades to sports to church,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Busyness Vs. Procrastination” focuses on the reasons behind being overly busy and how it feeds the procrastinating lifestyle.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Show Notes: Busyness Vs. Procrastination
I’m busy.
You’re busy.
We are all busy. Not so much in 2020 but we’re in a new year, much of life is back to a resemblance of normal and once again, I’m so busy.
I mean, look at my credentials: mom, Mamaw, cook, gardener, babysitter, taxi driver, bill payer, and church member. Add to that blogger, podcaster, writer, and we haven’t even covered my hobbies. How could I even think of procrastinating in my very full life?
Easy. Let’s go back a few days. I’m considering a major rework of my latest unpublished novel. That’ll mean a lot of mental effort and imagination. In the middle of summer. When I have more babysitting and a vegetable garden to pick, process, and put up.
So, what did I do when I awoke? I cleaned my canister set and the sugar bowl and creamer pitcher. And then started reading. Once again, drawn away from the dance by doing something safe. Comfortable. Unnecessary.
Has this ever happened to you? There’s something you need to do but instead, you accomplish something that doesn’t matter and feel okay about it because you were, at least, busy.
Busy but not productive.
I’ve thought of four reasons why I’m often living at a hectic pace:
I’m avoiding decisions I need to make or difficult tasks I should accomplish. Like when I clean or read or play Candy Crush instead of writing or working on a podcast episode. I struggle to say no. If I’m doing something for someone else, I don’t feel as guilty when I get behind in my writing or podcasting. I don’t have to think. When I’m super busy, I can ignore problems or issues. I plan poorly. Just the other day, I realized I had planned to help at Vacation Bible School, take my mom to the doctor, and work on my podcast on the same day. I didn’t write this down and my memory failed me.
When I finally crawl in bed after an overly busy, unproductive day, the guilt attacks. Shame raises its ugly head, and I beat myself up over another wasted day.
Why do I keep doing this and how can I change? I want to dance with God, not get the clean house of the year award.
If you look over my list, one thing is clear. I’m avoiding, putting things off. Mainly because they are difficult or painful. Why? I believe for me, and maybe for you too, that I haven’t made enough space in my life to breathe. Recover from the daily grind. Process life like I need to.
I need restoration.
Don’t get me wrong. I like writing and podcasting and enjoy my grandkids and the garden. But lately, it all tires me out. I’ve lost the ability to rest, recover, process, and be restored. I make my own schedule and I’m the only one who can change the place I’ve found myself in.
How? I feel the edge of a headache as I even think about thinking. Man, am I messed up?
I’ve started reading a book by John Eldredge, Get Your Life Back: Everyday Practices for a World Gone Mad. The title alone called to my tired, empty soul. I’ve started the first thing he talks about in the book called The One Minute Pause. Eldredge says, after one busy, crazy morning: “I finally do what I should have from the beginning—I pause, get quiet, settle down. I give myself permission to simply pause, a little breathing room to come back to myself and God.”
I must have more “pauses” in my life if I’m to dance with, enjoy God and all the plans and purposes he has for me. Some ways come to mind that I’d like to share:
First, each time I feel stressed or rushed, I’ll stop for a moment.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, “4 Ways to Conquer Procrastination and the Fear of Success” focuses on how our worry over the price of success doesn’t have to sabotage our future.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Show Notes: 4 Ways to Conquer Procrastination and the Fear of Success
Success. Accomplishing an aim or goal. You finished washing the laundry, the dishes, or the car. You are a success. A goal was set and reached. We were determined to dance and triumphed. Easy, right?
Yes and no. What I found in studying the fear of success is that we usually don’t fear the true meaning of success, undertaking and completing something. Our anxiety attacks when it’s something more meaningful than the ordinary. We’re not talking about chores but changes that profoundly affect our lives. Our concerns are much deeper and grounded in truth. There is a price to pay for being successful, no matter if you thrive a little or a lot.
If we're successful, we might:
Receive too much attention.
Be asked to do more than we are able.
Not be able to keep it up.
Lose friends.
Be disappointed.
And all this is true. Success can change our lives, in good ways and not-so-good ways. Factor in the unknown future of success and we…
Procrastinate. Stall. Hesitate.
The problem comes when we wait too long and the opportunity to succeed passes us by. A position at our job opens and while we go round and round trying to decide, someone else takes it. A contest that publishes short stories is perfect for our story but we keep trying to perfect our work until we miss the deadline. The local choir is holding auditions but our indecision keeps us home where it is safe.
Comfortable.
Predictable.
And many times not on the dance floor with God. Fear of success can rob us of our hopes, our dreams, our future.
I’ve struggled with the fear of success. Every time I started a new job, accepted a new position at work, or tried to go to the next level in any part of my life, doubt attacked me. The same way it does you.
When I was in preparation mode to start this podcast, I worried about everything, especially success. That might mean lots of listeners. The more listeners, the more chance for criticism. Of me. Could I handle that? What if I were misunderstood? Hindered people instead of helped them? I weighed options over and over, especially the name and purpose of the podcast. Could I continue to talk about persevering in the face of the chaotic when my life got chaotic? How real would I need to be? Did people have to see every flaw and how far from perfect I really am? After months of weighing the options, I finally took concrete steps to overcome the fear of success and move forward:
Realized that the fear of success was very similar to the fear of failure. It’s a feeling unfounded in truth. I don’t know where life will lead and doomsday scenarios rotating in my mind don’t reflect real life. A podcast is simply a podcast and I just needed to start. Began to plan accordingly. I thought of one person, my friend Joyce, and planned the podcast like I was talking to her at a coffee shop with a large vanilla latte. Words of encouragement with no pressure. Quit overthinking. It's part of that planner in me. In the Old Testament, God sent the Israelites food (manna) while they journeyed to the promised land. The part that always stood out to me was that he only gave them enough for one day at a time. They couldn’t store it up. I plan one podcast at a time, record it, then let it go until the next week. Think of others. When we experience success, we give other people permission to succeed also. And hopefully, the courage to step out on the dance floor of th...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Procrastination and a Change of Plans” focuses on how a loss of hope can stop our dancing to the point of us leaving the ballroom.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Show Notes: Procrastination and a Change of Plans
My plan had changed. When I drew up my itinerary for the procrastination series, I wanted to follow last week’s episode, Five Ways to Overcome Procrastination and the Fear of Failure, with my thoughts on the fear of success. Makes total sense.
As an organized planner. And planners plan.
Except when…
They can’t. There’s nothing physically wrong with me. Nope, but I’m still frozen. Knocked senseless by something I can’t quite see. Useless in the last few days of writing. Unable to dance with God. I’m trudging knee-deep in the Swamp of Sadness. (Cue the Never-Ending Story references)
https://youtu.be/vE8mFDabqD0
If you’re not familiar with this book/movie, the Swamp of Sadness basically swallows Artax the horse. And sometimes, like Artax, I lose hope. I don’t mean to. My life’s not that bad.
But my writing journey has been turned on its ear in a hundred different ways and I’m struggling. I’ve encouraged myself until I’m tired of hearing my own voice.
Why? I don’t like change. I want life to be one hilltop experience after another. I think we all do. No valleys. No pits. No Swamp of Sadness.
I want lots of sunshiny days. As I write this, it’s raining outside and inside.
You get me. Maybe there’s one or maybe two areas in your life that won’t line up with your expectations. It’s not what you pictured. Dreamed about. Spoke life into.
Hoped for.
Those endless nagging whispers grow louder. Give it up. It’s not really for you. You’ve done something wrong or you wouldn’t be here.
Surrounded by the unfamiliar. Feeling hopeless.
Several options appear:
I can give up. I can stay but wallow in self-pity. I can struggle to move forward. I can surrender.
Wait. Isn’t surrender and give up the same? Not to me. When I give up, I’m saying I can’t make this work. My efforts aren’t enough. Why should I keep trying? Lots of “I’s” in there, huh?
When I surrender, it’s not to something but to Someone. My God who is big enough to straighten it all out. Give me a glimpse of the bigger picture. And a glimpse of hope.
Along with His all-encompassing, overwhelming, reckless love for me. Even when I’ve lost hope. Lost my way. Lost any forward motion.
Today, I choose to surrender.
My plans-His are greater and better for me though I can’t see it now. My way-I can easily be directionally challenged when driving. What makes me think I can figure out my way in life without Him? My dreams-This is the hardest of all. My dreams for my family, my job, my ministry, my life. I need to place them all in God’s hands.
Losing control is so unbelievably hard for a planner. Not that I really ever had control but in my mind, the illusion is better than the loss. I need to stop and mourn for a moment, then place my plans, way, and dreams back where they belong. My life verse comes to mind:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
God not only gives me hope but wants me to prosper and offers a future. His future. But I am so often short-sighted. Surely, I’m not the only one.
My friend, where have you lost hope? Your situation might be much more dire than a job. It might be your life. Proverbs 13 says that hope deferred makes the heart sick. It truly does. I’m glad that Solomon, the writer king, didn’t stop there. He goes on to say that a longing fulfilled is a tree...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Procrastinating When Life is Difficult” looks at why we put hard chores or tasks off until another day.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Procrastinating When Life is Difficult
I’ve written a new novel and I’m so excited about the story, my characters, and a brand-new genre for me. Speculative. What kind of books are those? On my website, I call them books from off the beaten track. Weird. Eclectic. Fun. Think fantasy, science fiction, and supernatural. In terms of movies, Outlander, The Matrix, Lord of the Rings, Dune, Game of Thrones, and The Shaggy Dog.
The Shaggy Dog? Yep. Disney released this fun movie in 1959. These are my favorite kind of stories. Since I finished writing my book, I’ve worked hard on a proposal and cover letter to hopefully persuade an agent, editor, or publisher that my novel will someday be on the New York Times bestsellers list.
This task? Think difficult. Lots of work. A great opportunity…to dance. Or procrastinate. The proposal is nearly done and I need to finish and send it out. But every time I think about doing just that, my heart sinks. I release a sigh. I go clean something or eat cookies.
Why?
Why do we put things off when they’re difficult or seem to be difficult? Here’s another example. There’s a big pile of clean laundry in my utility room. Yes, I know I’ve now moved to meddling. It needs to be folded and put away after I remove any winter items from said pile. The thought of attacking the mound of clothes seems difficult.
So, I keep the door shut where I won’t see it.
Hmm. Seems to be a pattern here. Why don’t I send the proposal and finish the laundry?
The possibility of failure or rejection. In the case of the proposal, what if they don’t like it or don’t want my book? I’m tired. I don’t have the energy to deal with the pile or go through the agent, editor, publisher’s instructions on exactly how to send my proposal. I’m afraid. What if I never emerge from the utility room or someone laughs at my book idea? I’m overwhelmed. I have so many other things to do. How do I put them in order?
These are all valid responses and we’ll look at some of them in more detail in the coming weeks. Fear, rejection, priorities, and focus are major causes of stalling or postponing something we should do or need to do.
But Jennifer, how do I get past this traffic jam in my day? My life?
I’m so glad you asked.
First, start with a deadline. For my proposal woes, I decided to send it by Wednesday, the day before we planned to go camping. That gave me a couple of weeks to work on it, then live or die, it would go out into the world. And the laundry? I wanted it done now. No more excuses.
Second, I work on these tasks in small segments. I’ll work on parts of the proposal each day for fifteen to twenty minutes. The winter clothes will be pulled from the pile first and put upstairs in the big cedar chest. Making the task manageable puts me in the “I can do this” frame of mind.
And now to follow through. There’s a great feeling of satisfaction when a job is completed. I’m dancing again because I’m not stuck in the whiny cycle of “it's too hard.” I may never get caught up on laundry in this lifetime but I can keep moving forward with the utility room door open once again. My proposal will be read by someone and it’s up to them to make a decision. I’ve done my part, conquering my tendency to put things off. Are you ready to quit stalling?
Let’s pray. Father God, putting the hard things in life on hold doesn’t make our lives better. Instead, it makes us tired, feeling guilty, and out of control. You are in control and long to help us every day.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Procrastination and Conflict” focuses on the main reason I procrastinate: to avoid conflict.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Procrastination and Conflict
I don’t like to admit it but I can be timid. Non-confrontive. Reserved. These three words describe me at times. A life-long struggle with being fearful and worrying what people would think. Partly from my personality, inherited qualities, and life experiences. We all have areas that limit us from being all we can be. And being timid, non-confrontive, and reserved have tried to limit me from the time I was a young child.
What do I mean by limit? Dictionary.com mentions restricted; confined. without fullness or scope; narrow. That’s how I feel when I’m avoiding conflict. It’s like I’m trying to put myself in a tiny, narrow space where I’ll be safe. But what I really do is box myself in where I’m completely unable to dance.
My go-to verse is II Timothy 1:7. “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
The word fear in this passage is best-expressed timidity. A spirit of fear paralyzes which leads to me putting off doing what I need to do. But we read here it doesn’t come from God. So we don’t have to accept it. We can face conflict head-on with God’s help.
I needed to cancel a credit card. A simple action that people do every day. I put it off for three weeks. Finally, I sat down and asked myself why. What was my problem? Simple. I was afraid the person I would talk to might be upset by my decision, try to convince me otherwise, maybe even get angry. Unrealistic scenes played in my head of how it might go. For so long, I’ve told myself things like conflict is bad, you don’t want to upset people, I need everyone to like me that I’ve built a stronghold of fear and anxiety over seemingly simple tasks. I avoid conflict.
How did I get past my dilemma? Or any dilemma in the future where I might avoid conflict?
First, I Scheduled a time to do the task. By adding it to my calendar, I made it more important.
Second, I Prepared. I thought of why I wanted to cancel the credit card, and determined in my heart not to change my mind. I reminded myself that the person I would talk to was just a person doing their job and it was my right to do what I wished with my credit card.
Then I Carried through. I actually had sweaty palms and a fast-beating heart when I made the call but once I started talking, I calmed down. The person asked for information and read a pre-prepared form about what I’d miss by canceling. I declined, we finished the conversation, and she wished me a good rest of my day.
I confronted and won. For the moment. What happens when really difficult confrontations arise? Maybe working through a major relationship issue with a family member. Or A job crisis. A conflict at church. An internal issue with yourself. What then?
I start by reminding myself that I have a right to express my opinion or concerns. I pray a lot and ask God for wisdom with my words and timing. Then I work with one issue at a time. I don’t try to deal with everything and everybody at once. Multi-tasking tends to overwhelm me and emotional multi-tasking is the worst kind. After I confront the conflict, I give myself grace. Sometimes I have a positive ending like my credit card cancellation. But sometimes the other person is upset or angry or unsupportive. I then remind myself that I’ve done what I thought I should, mainly that I stopped procrastinating and confronted the issue.
It takes facing my fear of conflict to stop avoiding and move forward. I don’t want to be limited in my dance with God anymore.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Our Struggle with Procrastination” focuses on one of the deadliest negative actions when it comes to our dance with God.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Our Struggle with Procrastination
A few days ago, I needed to work on the upcoming episodes of my podcast. I really did. But it’s late spring and there’s so much yard work to do, not counting getting our above-the-ground pool ready for the grandkids, and let’s not even discuss spring cleaning. The deck needs some fresh paint and…
All of a sudden I’m in a major procrastination mode. I mean, who wants to sit inside and work when beautiful weather is calling? But there is a time and place for everything. So, here I am. Perched at my desk, slogging my way through an ever-growing pile of work.
Procrastination. The Merriam-Webster dictionary’s definition is to put off intentionally and habitually. Also, to put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done. Ugh. Is that what I’m doing? I think so. Before I know it, I’ve stopped dancing and moved onto my own path, far from God.
I noticed one word that’s mentioned twice. Intentionally. Now, I’ve been known to forget an appointment (if not written in my trusty Google calendar) or forget a birthday, or to schedule a blog post. But we’re not talking forgetful here. And we’re not discussing survival mode-that time after tragedy or crisis where you can only accomplish the bare minimum of everyday life.
No, intentional is on purpose. Yard work is calling my name, not because it’s my favorite pastime but to avoid putting myself in this chair and putting together a podcast. Why?
I’ve thought of seven reasons while I put off doing something and over the next weeks, we’ll look at each reason in detail.
To avoid conflict. Because something is difficult or seems difficult. I might fail. I might succeed. I’m overly busy. Loss of focus/low priority. Perfectionism
I’m sure there are many more but these are my top seven. I studied the list and noticed they had one thing in common: Fear. Some more than others but they all deal with some type of fear or dread or anxiety. And that brings us to an age-old struggle:
Fear versus faith. What’s the Bible say? A lot. I love what Jeremiah tells us in the 17th chapter, seventh and eighth verses.
“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” NKJV
We put our trust AND hope in the Lord. You’ll note it doesn’t say that everything will be fine and perfect and lovely. Instead, we read “when heat comes” and “year of drought.”
Wow. I wish He’d left those phrases out. But if He had, we wouldn’t need faith. And dancing and faith go hand in hand. Let’s pray about it:
Father God, we come before you today and admit we have fears and worries and tend to be anxious. We put off dancing with You and pursue lesser things. You understand and woo us back to the dance floor with liberal doses of love, grace, and mercy. We are so thankful that You are extravagant and kind and good. Help us learn that everything has a time and give us wisdom as we follow You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next week, we’ll discuss procrastination and conflict. Yikes. I think I might need to trim the hedges again…
Until then. Stay determined to dance. Future topics include: Procrastination.
Fear vs. Faith
Avoiding Conflict
What will people think?
Continue to dance.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Waiting: When Dreams are Delayed” focuses on continuing the dance even when our dreams are put on hold.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes Waiting: When Dreams are Delayed
I’m a planner. Yep. I’m that person that has a multi-layered Google calendar, sticky notes on the frig, and a notebook in my purse. Also in my purse is every conceivable item I might need for any situation when I leave my house. I like to plan and have a plan at all times.
In that lies the problem. God has called us to live our lives by faith. And for His plan and purpose. Not mine. I really try to pray and discern God’s will but often what I think is of Him is instead of me. Insert a heavy sigh.
And that’s why my dreams seem delayed. They really aren’t, you know. I’m just out of sync with God sometimes. Or I plain don’t understand what he’s doing. I’m sure you’ve felt the same way. When a job comes to an end, a relationship doesn’t work, or when your aspirations and hopes no longer seem to have the ability to come to pass, it might seem like a death. But maybe it’s only an interruption. What can delay dreams? Often, we wait while:
We grow. God plants dreams in our hearts when we’re young, then begins molding and transforming us with the help of our environment, personality, and life experiences. I believe I loved reading and writing so much as a child because we moved several times with my dad’s job. The school and community library became a safe place I found in each new town. We prepare. God trains us for our responsibilities. It sounds crazy but I learned to be responsible and accountable as a writer through our farm. Caring for livestock and two large chicken houses developed a business mindset and work routine that I still use today. We learn to adapt. God is busy setting people in place to join us on our journey. Like a completed puzzle, we have a place alongside other pieces. Some are closer than others but all are necessary. The people who are at the dance with us are as essential to our dreams as the dance itself in the eyes of God. We surrender. If we’re not careful, the dream can become larger than God, family, friends, and even the call of God on our lives. When the devil can’t slow us down from pursuing our vision, he’ll try to push us in the other direction. I’ve noticed this during different seasons of my writing journey. I’ve gotten too caught up in finding a publisher, going to conferences, etc., and then felt disappointed when my plans didn’t come to fruition. The keyword here is “my” plans. At some point, I’d taken “the wheel” of my life instead of following the plan and purpose of God. And I had to stop and surrender the dream all over again.
So, what about you? Have you seen dreams delayed? Or have some even died? If the dream was from God, it will come to pass in His time. Even if He has to resurrect it from the dead. He’s a big God and nothing is impossible for him.
Let’s pray: Father God, we lift our dreams to you today. We often feel they’re delayed because we can’t see the big picture. Help us turn to You during a season of waiting and to learn patience. We want to grow, be prepared, learn to adapt and surrender to Your greater will. We give you back “the wheel” and rest in You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God has given you dreams and He longs to take you by the hand and swirl you around the dancefloor of his plans and purpose. Next week, we’ll start a series on procrastination, an action that can delay or postpone your journey with Him.
Until then. Stay determined to dance. Future topics include: Procrastination.
Reflection and Prayer.
What will people think?
Continue to dance.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Vision: Dreams and Dancing” focuses on the dreams in our heart and the vision we need to see them fulfilled.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Vision: Dreams and Dancing
God plants dreams in our hearts as lights to the path of his will.
Long after I wrote this sentence, I pondered its meaning. I believe with all my heart that God gives us dreams or visions, those aspirations or hopes for the present and the future.
I’ve never thought of the path to God’s will as lit by our dreams but it makes sense.
In His plan and purpose for us, the dreams he places within are the perfect vehicle to move us forward, from one place to the next. We dream of going to school, finally getting out of school, finding a career, a home, a place, and people to call our own. We are forever fancying the kind of future we see played out in books, movies, or other people’s lives.
Dreams or visions of what could be, should be, keep us in the dance. And what a wonderful gift a dream is. Children have no trouble dreaming. Only when our imaginings have not come to pass in the way we envision do we start to lose the ability to dream.
Let’s learn from the little ones when it comes to dreams and dancing.
First, children conceive. They constantly daydream and imagine life to the full. They are wide open to accept the vision that God plants within their hearts. I’ll never forget my days as a pre-teen, imagining my future as a published author. I spent hours writing and thinking about books with my name on them and fame and fortune.
Second, children believe. They don’t overanalyze or doubt when a dream is first birthed in their hearts. They instead embrace them to the full. I’ll never consider it a waste that I once thought of being a ballerina, a singer, and an artist. It has been part of who I am. I took dance lessons at one time, sang at church, and dabbled in all forms of art over the years and though I never became what I thought I might, my life has been richer because of those dreams.
And third, children receive. Youngsters open their hearts to dreaming and allow them to light their path. Dreams grow us and enlarge our place in the world. As adults, though, we sometimes allow the lights to dim and fade. How many stories have you heard from others about the good old days? It’s easy to think about that one time we danced and how wonderful it was? But why did they retire so soon from their dreams?
What about you? Have you seen your vision of life fall to the wayside, dim beyond the point of being re-lit? God is holding out his hand, right now, as He stands on the dance floor. He placed those dreams within your heart for a reason and longs for them to burn bright again. CS Lewis said, “You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” I like that. And here’s something Allen Arnold told me years ago that I’ve kept hidden in my heart. He said, “It is time to dream new dreams and tell new stories. Keep your eyes on what is before you rather than behind you.”
A good word as we accept the outstretched hand of God once again. He is more than ready to resurrect an old dream or even plant a new one within your heart. Let’s ask him, shall we?
Father God, by faith, we take hold of your hand and say yes to your dream. Whether it’s a dream rekindled or one brand new, as long as You are with us, we step onto the path lit by the vision. Like a child, we are eager to see where you are leading. Have your way, Lord, every day for the rest of our lives. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I’m ready to dream. I know you are too. Let’s walk down the path together in childlike wonder. Next week,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.
Today’s episode, “Awaken: Dreams and Dancing” looks at the night dreams and daytime dreams that shape our lives and often show us more about the dance and our place there.
Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Show Notes: Awaken: Dreams and Dancing
There are two types of dreams. First, are Night dreams. Most people have them, some more than others. I’ve always dreamed while sleeping, often and many times with vivid details. Some good, others confusing, and those nightmares. Is there anything more frightening than being held underwater, falling from an airplane, or being chased by the Yeti on a snow-covered mountain? You don't have Yeti dreams? I’ll tell you about mine in a moment.
Then we have Daydreams or visions of what can be, might be, could be. Our goals and our hopes. God plants dreams in our hearts as lights to the path of his will. We’ll talk more about these dreams next week.
I love reading books about any kind of dream or dreams; my favorite book being “Dream,” by Mark Rutland. The tagline is “Awake or asleep, unlock the power of God’s vision.
Rutland says, “Dreams are where space and time are pushed away, where God allows our inner selves to see beyond and behind the conscious plane and where possibilities and hopes, as well as all our hidden monsters, come out, come out wherever they are.”
What do dreams have to do with the dance? When we move into God’s will and purpose, we learn more about ourselves. Like Adam and Eve, we tend to hide in bushes and with fig leaves. God slowly unwraps us from our fears and insecurities, often using both kinds of dreams.
Night dreams. Many times, our subconscious speaks to us in the night while sleeping. I often wonder if I dream so much because I have a tendency to be reserved and I don’t allow what’s deep inside of me a chance to surface and awaken. So, I dream and release the good and bad in life. Dreams have helped me in three ways:
Dreams give me hope. One dream I often had over the years was me standing in front of a group of women, bringing hope and encouragement. I was always casually dressed and confident. My introverted self does not enjoy speaking to crowds so I was puzzled by the dream. I speak to women now through this podcast, usually wearing comfy clothes and with no fear of messing up since I can edit each episode. My dream came true in a way I could never imagine. Dreams warn me. Once I had a dream where an evil man tried to break into my house. He wasn't having any trouble because the glass in all the doors was missing. When I woke and prayed about it, God showed me the glass represented hope. Because of circumstances around me, I had lost hope and that opened the door to discouragement, depression, and other evil things. I repented and began to study hope in the Bible. Dreams teach me. I used to dream every so often that a Yeti, a white furry monster was smothering me. I’d wake up out of breath and anxious each time I dreamed it. I prayed but didn’t know what to do so I mentioned it to someone at church. He said, “Did you ask God what it means? What the Yeti represents?” I hadn’t. And I was afraid to. Finally, one day, I closed my eyes and asked God what the Yeti was. Instantly, I saw the word rejection. I prayed about rejection and asked God to help me with past feelings that it brought on, those smothering feelings. When the dream came again one night, I was able to stand to my feet and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Yeti vanished. I’ve never had the dream again. God taught me something about myself and healed some old wounds from the past.
Through a dream. And if I have hope, I'm warned, and I'm taught,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Today’s episode, “How Distraction Diminishes the Dance,” looks at the battle we fight to keep focused as we dance with God in His will and way. Taking concrete steps can help us move forward and live life to the fullest. Even in the midst of distraction.
Show Notes: How Distraction Diminishes the Dance
If you look at the year 2020 in my book, one word defining that unsettled year would be distraction. Circumstances changed as many people moved to virtual schooling, Zoom meetings, work at home, and daily changes in our states and nation.
The ground beneath my feet grew shaky, unsteady in areas of my own life and at times I wanted to crawl under the refreshment table at the dance and hide. Hiding and meticulous cleaning and organizing are my go-to safe places when life is less than I want.
2021 has been more of the same. I can now see more light at the end of the tunnel but much is still evolving around me. Add in disappointments in my career, shifts in the family, and limited time for working on my fiction and I’m wallowing in distraction. My focus is out the window at times and I struggle to remember what I’m supposed to be doing and when I should be doing it.
Anyone else understand what I mean? I’m sure you do. We all want to keep moving forward, our eyes on the prize, and our steps sure. So, what should we do to regain focus and kick distraction out the door? I found a few ways to help my waning attention span.
First, I go back to my journal/planner/calendar. Right before bedtime, I think about the next day, and make a few notes on the important tasks I need to focus on. I also notice doctor appointments, taxi service for my grandchildren, and general housework. Writing it down helps me to not only plan but remember. I chart specific events in the Google calendar and make comments in my journal. My day runs smoother when I have a plan instead of relying on my memory to keep me on track.
Next, I schedule the important tasks at specific times. I block out time to write, exercise, do housework, or shop. Then I use the time wisely which leads to what I do next.
Limit social media and games. When I’m distracted and losing focus, I can easily pick up my phone and play solitaire or Township for hours, eating loads of sugar and carbs while I’m at it. It’s another form of hiding for me. When I limit these activities, my focus returns, and I can avoid procrastination.
Last but not least, I pray. As distraction mounts, I need more time with God, talking life through. He alone has blessed me with a plan and purpose and only He can place my feet on the right path. I’ve learned I can never spend too much time with God, discussing where I am and the help I so often need. Prayer helps to “center” me and move distraction far away.
Recently, my family and I spent time at the beach, a much-needed vacation. As I lay in the sun, I talked to God, whining about how unsteady and unsettled I’ve felt for a while now. He patiently listened. In my heart, I felt him saying that it was okay. He still held me and the changes I’m going through are necessary for the upcoming season. I drew in a deep breath. Necessary. If what God is doing is necessary for forward progress, I need to quit resisting and rest in Him.
I can’t see the future but God is already there. So, I’ll follow the above ways to fight distraction and limit what I can. Then I’ll move forward and take my place once again on the dance floor, holding tightly to the hand of God.
Everyone needs time and practice to embrace a new season and I’m no exception. Neither are you. So, let’s step out together and enjoy life to the full.
Let’s pray: Father God,
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Today’s episode, “The Art of Prayer,” looks at communicating with God and how it affects our ability to dance.
We hear God through the art of prayer. And yes, prayer is an art and at its most basic, it is talking to God. Show Notes: The Art of Prayer Hearing and listening to God is vital if we are to dance with Him, following His will and way. How do we hear? Through the art of prayer. Is prayer an art? You might ask. I think so. One definition I found is “a skill at doing a specified thing; typically, one acquired through practice. Knitting is an art. Conversation is an art. Writing is an art. Prayer is an art and at its most basic, it is talking to God. We start with simple prayers as a child or new believer.
When I was a child, I prayed with my whole heart, pouring out to God, in the best way I knew, all I felt and wondered and loved and hated. Then I became a teenager and—uh I became less honest. I hid things and worried and rebelled at times. Then I reached adulthood and swung back and tried to do it all perfect in the form of a prayer march. I looked at what other Christians did and tried to mimic them, mimic prayers from the Bible, and do what I thought sounded good.
I was practicing, which was okay, except when I started the deadly comparison game. Life became lots of questions. This person prays an hour. Maybe I should. This person gets up at 4 in the morning and prays. Should I? some people pray daily for Israel. Others have a specific closet for prayer. On my knees or sitting in a chair? I tried to do it all and only got tired.
And something was lost in the process. That childlike wonder and freedom of expression that I first had as a child. I’ll never forget the day I was in a ladies’ class at church and during the lesson, a major revelation filled my heart. I suddenly realized that I acted like the Pharisees, with long prayers to be seen and heard and so far away from the heart of God. I admitted this to the class and later repented of losing my first love, that intimate relationship I’d once had of a child and her father. I needed it back.
It didn’t come all at once but I began by reading the psalms. David showed so many emotions throughout this book of the Bible and God called him a man after his own heart. I finally realized that God is big enough and strong enough to handle all my emotions and quirks and fears. I can safely pour out my life to Him and he holds it all.
“You keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 NLT
My struggles are precious to God. So much so that he keeps track, collects, and records them. Not to beat me over the head with but to show he cares, to heal each one, and to avenge me of my enemies.
David ends the psalm in verse 13 by saying, “For you have recued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.
He loves us so much more than we can ever know. What an encouraging thought. I’m so grateful to God for asking for honesty from me. In myself, I would probably always cover up and hide. But I feel so much freer when I come clean. Prayer has been an essential part of my writing life. Every day there are new decisions to make.
Novel writing decisions. Agent decisions Podcast episode direction Website and blog issues
And let’s not even get into everyday life. From my job to housework to family to grandkids to time spent with my husband, I desperately need to hear God. I have perfectionist tendencies which result in me having to fight being driven. A little voice constantly whines in the background: ...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.
Today’s episode, “When Disappointment Shows Up,” looks at the way disappointment tries to discourage us from dancing and how we can be reappointed. In our last episode, I mentioned moving onto the dance floor this week. That would be going from considering the invitation to dance with God to actually stepping into said dance. I didn’t realize that my first dance would prove to be so difficult.
Show notes: When Disappointment Shows Up
A few days ago, life was great. The podcast ideas flowed, I finished the proposal on my next novel and started a new fiction work that I’m most excited about. The weather was unseasonably warm, I mean, do you get the picture here? Ten out of ten.
Then ...
The email came. As I read it, I actually took hold of the monitor, saying no over and over again. An unexpected snafu in my writing life. Didn’t really see it coming. I went from disbelief to anger to sorrow in a number of hours. I ranted to another writer friend through FB messaging. She was understanding and encouraged me. Shared some silly emojis. Talked me off the ledge. I finally calmed a little. But how could this happen to me?
I can see you shaking your head, sending hugs my way because you absolutely know what I mean. The dance has started, you’re wearing the perfect ensemble, and you feel like Cinderella at the ball.
Then bam, it’s midnight and everything falls apart. We’ve all dealt with midnights in a relationship, our job, our homes, life in general. What’s a person to do?
I began by being totally honest with myself on how I felt. I didn’t pretend it didn’t hurt or make me mad or almost drive me to despair over my chosen career. I cried a little, pouted a lot. When life blindsides us, we start, not by hiding or pretending, but by allowing the pain as part of life. I talked to friends I could trust. Ones who wouldn’t repeat those first, raw moments when hurt occurs and shared their wisdom and empathy with me. Trusted friends or family are a must when disappointments set us back. I went back to work. Within hours of my disappointment, I sat down with my laptop and loaded a couple of Friday Fiction blog posts. Checked my email. Simple tasks I could do even in my emotional state. It kept me from wallowing in self-pity. When you keep moving forward in the face of disillusionment, it lessens the pain and focuses on what lies ahead.
For there is more ahead. Later, I was able to look objectively at the situation and see positive possibilities where at first, I saw no hope. I’d made the decision to go from marching to dancing and that would involve not always knowing the next step. Having to change my plans. Becoming flexible. Ouch. Spontaneous I am not. But I am willing to learn. I feel that you are also.
To be reappointed and continue the dance, we surrender to God. Again. We hand the hurt to Him and explain how it doesn’t make us happy. In fact, it’s really irritating. But we share it all with the One who can handle it. We ask him to take the mess and turn it into something beautiful, something practical, something worthy. Then we stand back and trust that He will.
I’d like to say that everything is great again and I’m totally over my little snafu. But, I’m not. I feel shaky and a little fearful but I’ve decided not to lean on my feelings. God still has a plan for my life and it’s just taking a little different route. One I didn’t see coming.
But it’s okay. I’m back on the dance floor. A little wiser. A little more cautious. But moving forward, swaying to a different beat. Join me. Don’t let disappointment and disillusionment drive you to the chairs alongside the wall of the dance floor.
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Today’s episode, "Hearing Vs. Listening," looks at the difference between hearing God and listening to Him.
When we dance with God, we listen for His voice. Listening is an action, a conscious choice. When we really listen to God and His words, we move into a flow that is both beautiful and practical.
Show notes: Hearing Vs. Listening
As I prepared to launch my podcast on March 2nd of this year, I made a list of possible future topics that fit in with the theme, Determined to Dance. I mean, if I couldn’t think of much to say on topic, I would need to rethink my strategy. But the ideas flowed and I ended up with a long list of topics and subtopics.
I realized one of the first things I would need to discuss would be hearing God. I jotted this down on my notepad. How could we dance with God if we didn’t hear what he was saying? I then added the word listen. I stared at my sheet of paper. Wasn’t hearing and listening the same thing?
I looked it up. Guess what the dictionary said? Hearing is an event. Listening is an action. As long as there is no impairment, we naturally hear. A dog barking. A door slamming. Someone speaking.
But listening is different. It’s a conscious choice. Whose dog is barking? Which door is slamming? Who is speaking?
It makes all the difference whether we hear or whether we listen. Because the road to the dance starts with the ability to listen. How can I know what I’m hearing? If I take my time and train my senses, I’ll soon be able to tell which dog barks, the door that slams, the person who speaks.
And when God communicates with my heart, I’ll also know. His voice can be distinguished from my own thoughts, voices of the world, even murmurings of the evil one. How?
I find five ways that are helpful to me when it comes to really listening to God.
I seek to listen when I read His word. God gave us 66 books within the Bible, books that voice who He is, why He sought us, and his plans and purposes for us. A quick way to distinguish his voice from others is to see if it matches His words in the Bible. Does it line up with scripture or follow a different road? I seek to listen when I pray. I take time to commune with God, sharing my needs, desires, praises of Him, and everyday life. Listening to what He says back to me becomes a natural action as I pray. Picture a two-way conversation with a close friend. I seek to listen in reflective moments. At the beginning and end of a day is a good time to pause and reflect on what has been, what is, and what is to come. Often, I hear Him speaking during these quiet moments. I love to reflect while music plays softly in the background. Music calms anxiety within and makes it easier to listen to Him instead of the cares of the world that try to break my focus. I seek to listen through others. When the world is noisy and my heart unsettled, I often seek wise counsel from people I know to be faithful, friends who I trust to speak truth into my life. At times, I find wise counsel while listening to others through the form of sermons, podcasts, television, and radio. I seek to listen through everyday life. A sunset, a walk in the park, and time spent playing with children speak to me. God has created a wonderful world and often reaches out through his creation. Romans 1, verse 20a in the NLT says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature…”
If we plan to dance in God’s will and way, we need to know his voice. Our feet easily become tangled as we try to watch all the other dancers and focus on their...
Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Today's episode, "Nothing is Impossible" looks at the dreams we have and what God thinks about them. When we dance with God, we are letting Him lead, surrendered to His will. But He puts dreams in our hearts, desires that He longs to make happen. And when we take his hand and say yes, He can fulfill them in ways we never imagined.
Show notes: Nothing is Impossible
March 2nd was the beginning of a special day, the launch of the “Determined to Dance” podcast. But it was much more than that. Twenty years ago, on January 17th, I made a list of dreams for the future and titled it My Top Ten Dreams. The list stretched my imagination to the moon. Some items seemed unattainable back in 2001. Like going to Alaska to visit my brother or publishing a novel. But God made a way. My husband and I were able to go to my niece’s wedding in 2016. Alaska is an amazing place to see and celebrating with my brother and his family made it extra special. Also, God placed a story within me in 2009, and in June of 2019, my debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, was published.
I stand amazed at what God has done with my simple dreams, ones I believe He birthed in my heart.
On my list of dreams, I wrote that I’d like to speak all around the world to groups of women. But doors never opened. Not even local doors. I knew God had plans and purposes for me anyway so I kept stepping through doors that did open and trying to do my best for Him
I was well into 2020 and planning my podcast when God brought that list back to my mind. I found it tucked away in a drawer in my computer desk. Seven of the items were already circled. I realized He was about to answer number eight. What an unbelievably mighty God we serve. Another reminder that nothing is impossible with Him. At the same time, He pointed out that number nine is halfway fulfilled also. Joy flooded my heart
Who would’ve thought an ex-chicken farmer from Alabama could see a dream of ministering to women come true without leaving the house? The thought that my words could encourage someone halfway around the world almost rendered me speechless. When I surrendered my will and followed His, I found His way was the best way.
A way I could’ve never imagined. Did you know that Adam Curry and Dave Winer are credited with the invention of podcasting?
In 2004.
Three years after God had started setting His plan for me in place. Wow. He can do the same for you. Remember these three things.
Place your dreams in his hand. Proverbs 16:3 in NIV says Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. We step out in faith as we hear His voice and entrust our lives to God. In His timing, He’ll establish them and we’ll be amazed. Remember that the road to your dreams is a process. We don’t usually jump from A to G. God builds our path step by step and we learn valuable lessons on each step. Several years ago, I tried my hand at YouTube videos. They didn’t work out and my initial thought was that my time was wasted. But the lessons I learned in editing videos then helped me edit podcast episodes. I’d already learned that part, leaving me one less thing to conquer. When your dream comes to fruition, don’t hold back. I have to admit that the thought of a weekly podcast scared me beyond reason. But when I take a moment to step back and breathe, I remember that God initially placed his dreams in my heart. And if He begins something, he will see it through to the end.
And God is no respecter of persons so He wants to bring your dreams forth too. Are you ready?
Let’s pray.
Father God, thank you so much for planting dreams in our hearts, desires that you long to bring to pass.