Is attending dance class getting you down?

I think i've mentioned the fact that for a long time i was running away from class, especially ballet class, but God called me back. Why? Because it was time to put into practice things that i had been learning.
Often we see performance time or ministry time as the time to worship and do intercession or warfare. Class time, to many of us is just the time to focus on ourselves and get our technique up. ive been discovering that the more we focus on self in that negative way, the worse class gets. The more you enjoy the class, the better you do. Things start to come together, and you dance better than you'd ever imagine.
So how do we start enjoying class again, one thing is to realise that class time is also worship time, as you take class, you're being faithful to what God has entrusted you with. You're taking care of the temple of God, and being good stewards of what he has gifted you with. The greatest form of worship is obedience, and by going to class and being disciplined, you are being obedient.
Secondly, don't think of class as the time to focus on all you're faults, yes you're striving to do better, but also remember that God provides. In our weakness he is strong, think of class time as your time to enjoy with God. you're dancing just for him and he's enjoying watching you, and you know what? he is dancing with you. Use class time to praise him, change your minset and heartset of what class time is. your treasure is God's love.Focus on that. Not some future fame or your own pride.
Thirdly,Class time is also spiritual warfare. You go into class with a different minset from others, Just by being there with a heart of worship, you do damage to the prevailing attitudes in that class. you wil see a difference. Bring God into that class, bring a God centered attitude to those around you. often learning technique we are in an environment that is toxic to us, there is a lot of pride, low self-esteem, vanity, even ballet comes with many problems, such as eating disorders. Satan has corrupted dance for many years, and by being in class and dancing for God you are taking ground. You are there in class with a purpose bigger than yourself. When you come into it with the opposite spirit refusing to be taken in by these things, you are doing battle. For you and for the kingdom.
Fourth, come to class with a spirit of gratitude. You'll be surprised how gratitude and thanksgiving change your attitude. Be grateful for what God has done in your life, be grateful knowing that he is going to use the class for your good. then begin to dance in joy. it will lift your spirit.
Also remember that just as you prepare your body for class with warm ups, you need to prepare your mind and spirit for class. Think on the word of God, and as you dance be in a continual attitude of prayer. This is your communion time with God. Do pray before you go in.
Be excited this is an amazing time. You may find that when you're done you're more tired than usual, but that's because you're engaging all of you and not just your body. You wil also find that at the same time you wil be really encouraged.
Try this and see the change in yourself and in those around you.

Worshipping God- dancing in the spirit and not in technique.

I had a really good talk with a friend today and one of the things that she said was "you don't worship God with technique".
At a recent Night of worship service, her daughters who love God and who definitely can dance, they've had years of training, were rooted to the spot, they couldn't move and all they could do was raise their hands.
Why? You'd think they'd outdance the aunties and uncles and people there who have no training, but really all that technique was getting in the way.
So often as dancers, all the training we've been through makes us so self conscious, we're too focussed on self and not on God. The focus of worship is God. So that's why she said you do't worship God with technique.
We need to learn to let go of this self image, of the things that we've been imbibing in technique class, and let God take all our attention. Just as we can speak in tongues, pray in the spirit, be led, you can worship and dance led by the spirit. That is one of the most freeing things.
Wouldn'y you like to experience that? And just see hundreds of people worshipping, praising and interceding through dance. Imagine what that would look like, and you could experience that, and i really believe God will set you free to dancce for him, what a break through that will be.
there is a fireworks conference led by Shachach ministries at expo hall 2 Aug 9-11. From 6pm onwards it's the free evening session, with worship, word and warfare. Dancers i think this will give you a new direction in dancce and a new desire. or renewed desire.
Their website is www.shachach.org.
Check it out. Light that fire again.

Read the other post first, it explains in detail what i am saying here.
However simply put,

as dancers we often question our calling. Just because we're not well known, or we don't have legs that go up to our ears.
If you know for sure that God has called you to dance, then dance.

God did not call you to be the best in class. He did not call you to win competitions.
He did not call you to be famous. he just called you to dance. So do the best with what you have. Be a good steward of the body and talent God has gifted you with. Work hard, eat well, take correction, but don't question your calling just because thiongs don't go the way you think it should.
Do not judge by man's standards. Judge by God's.

If he has called you to dance, JUST DANCE.

Along the way God will lift your head, but He will lift your head. Not man. Keep your eyes on God not on man, and not on yourself. Focus on Him, delight in HIm, because he is definitely delighting in you.

DESTINY IS NOT A DESTINATION

Too often we think "when will i arrive at my destiny", well we're all interconnected and so the final completion of God's plan isn't going to be until Jesus comes again. So we can't just be lying around until that time comes, God said to wait expectantly, to be ready for it.
It is not to mark time until our "destiny" arrives, God wants us to live our lives.

Your Individual Destiny, is not a destination. A final place that you come to. It is the network of paths that God leads you on so that you become conformed to the image of christ.
Ever notice how with God it is often more about Process than Product. God doesn't just want your money or your time, he wants you.
So your destiny is really the route on which you are most likely to get to know him better, and make him known. it's not a destination, a place where you suddenly burst onto the scene, all lights blazing, shouting i've arrived, and suddenly impacting the world.

"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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and i will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you" declares the Lord . Jeremiah 29:11-14a

See the plans the Lord has for us are ultimately so that we will seek him. He wants to be found by us, he WILL BE found by his children.

And also "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it to completion until the day of Jesus Christ." Philippians 1:6

Your Individual destiny is like this "good work" he will carry it to completion, but it is an ongoing process. You're not just done when you arrive. You individual destiny is that sanctification process that you go through to become more and more like jesus.

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. " Romans 8:28-29

What is the "good" being talked about here?
It is being conformed to the likeness of his son. The good isn't health or wealth, because that would go against so many things we see today. You can't say just because a person is poor that they don't love God. However we can all see how God uses poverty or illness to help draw us to him and to make us more like Jesus.

That is why your destiny is not a destination, but a process, or a tapestry or continual weaving, to create the beautiful final picture at the end of it all.

We are to be a light in the darkness. Here are some verses that express it beautifully.

"Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.
See the darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn." Isaiah 60:1-3

"you will be a crown of splendour in the Lord's hand, a royal diadem in the hand of your God." Isaiah 62:3

Key words: glory and splendour.
Often we can interpret these to mean beauty. We are to bring the beauty of the Lord into these dark places, and this will bring joy and rest to those who see.

God has made each and every one of us beautifully, intricately, such attention to detail.
God himself is described as beautiful, so don't think that this beauty is only for women to share.
Man and Woman was made in the likeness of God, so we express different aspects of Him and different aspects of His beauty.

So notice that there is an overlap in the beauty of creation, how you're made ,"fearfully and wonderfully made", and you're purpose (particularly) as artists to express that beauty.
See how well suited you are for the destiny God has set out for you.

See how his glory rises upon you, and it becomes your light, to be shared with others. You are called a crown of splendour in the Lord's hand. Take delight in that. Shine bright guys. Shine bright.

Something that was sent to me and which is in keeping with what i've been meditating on as a christian dancer, and i think is something that will help all of us
"I thought these words from Dean Sherman on the arts and creating will encourage all of you dancers.

For your reading and encouragement.

Comments from Dean Sherman

God is a creator. The devil is a destroyer. God is light. The devil is
darkness

God is the source of all that creates order, beauty, light and fulfillment.
The enemy takes what has been created, destroys, confuses, deceives and
brings bondage.

This is why the ARTS are at the forefront of the spiritual battle for
society and the dignity of humans. The original performance of God was to
bring light into darkness, and beauty into chaos. This was done by
declaring verbally "Let there be______" and by the power of his spirit to
bring forth expression of truth, of his nature and character in what was
made. God fought the darkness, by replacing it with light. Every time we
create artistic expression that reveals what is true, fulfilling and
dignified, darkness is displaced. This lifts up all that is attractive
about God, (we call it glory) and people hunger to experience it and live
in it.

Our mandate from our founder is to bring Good News, to heal and to drive
out demons. By expressing who God is in nature and character, by expressing
how man and society can live in love, generosity, dignity and serving (this
is kingdom coming), we accomplish the mandate, because light and truth
comes, man is healed from his broken image and limitations, and demonic
lies and bondage are pushed back.

Express the light and beauty of truth and God. People will be attracted and
desire to come into relationship with Him. Overcome that which destroys, by
declaring what true freedom and fulfillment is.
J"

I want to encourage you guys that as artists our art is to create beauty. It reflects the splendour of God.
I have been learning that the purpose of beauty is to give rest, relaxation and restoration to the soul and spirit.
it also brings joy to both the receiver (audience or spectator) and the giver (performer/artist/creator).
Who likes leaving a show feeling depressed and dark. i'm not saying it has to be happy, happy, but edifying. that's our purpose.
Just as all creation shows the glory of God so our performance and work should edify and display the glory of God.
If you come out from a piece of work feeling discouraged, downhearted, frustrated or drained, then chances are you're not drawing on the strength of God, the joy of the lord is your strength, and you're also probably not in the right place. it may not be the work god has called you to, or it may not be a piece that is edifying to god.
Everything God calls us to, draws us into a closer walk with him and into a more intimate knowledge of him and his character, if what you're doing right now is not doing that, then you're robbing yourself of what God wants for you, and you're draining your spirit.
when you are where God calls you, he will give you hinds feet in high places. "you broaden the path beneath me, so that my ankles do not turn." psalm 18:36
how apt is that for dancers.
God providess.
he is also the one who trains and prepares us. "it is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like the feet of deer; he enables me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; { my feet for pointe work or my hands and feet for the stage} my arms can bend a bow of bronze." psalm 18:32-34
So be encouraged, God prepares you, and don't think that art should provoke you only, and only feel uncomfortable.

What have you been mandated to do?

Mandate from the latin mandatum meaning "something commanded"
basically there are two parts to a mandate

1) It is a command, when you are ordered to do something by someone in power.
An official order or commission to do something.
When God has required you to do something.

2) It is authority given so that you may act in a certain way.

Often we think we know where we can contribute, sometimes jumping in wherever there seems to be a vacancy or need. However, many times we're not called there and you find yourself fighting a tide and feeling frustrated or drained instead of contributing. Other times, God may use you in that time and place, He may bless what you have chosen to do, but...
but to be really effective and affective we need His anointing, and anointing comes when we are doing/being what we have been mandated to do.

Where God has called you to be, He gives you the authority to act, and you can and should ask for His anointing.

Don't settle for less than what God has and wants for you.

here is an example someone gave me.
As a dancer if God has called you to dance, thenyou are meant to dance.
The dancing is the end not the means to an end.
So if you have to decide between practicing for half an hour to hone your art, or taking the half hour to counsel someone, you should actually be practicing and refining your art, because that is what you were called to do, and ultimately the dancing itself is the counsel.

So seriously ask God what he has mandated you to do, and act on it.

just a quick note, many of these lovely pictures are from www.freephoto.com

i don't know if anyone has been reading this blog, but I had a sort of revelation recently about the christian dance community in singapore. Many people before me have been trying to get dance professionals/practitioners together on a regular basis for spiritual nourishment and to help address their specific issues. I know that it was difficult for them to get everyone together, and they did such a good job providing platforms for everyone.
So I've been trying to get a regular group together to meet on a regular basis, but it's been very difficult to get everyone to come, even once a month. It is hard because we all go to different churches and serve in different arenas, schools, age groups etc. However that's how it should be, that's what is beautiful about us as christian dancers, the body of christ we have different roles and different ministries.
This is our weakness as a community that we are so busy in so many different places that we cannot meet regularly, and being in different churches we have varying committments. However it is also our strength.
I know that unity in the body is God's will for us as dancers, to support, encourage and uphold one another. yet how to do it if we never see one another, that's the problem. I've seen others before me get discouraged, and knew myself to be frustrated, if we couldn't meet then how were we to grow, and minister to one another? Why was God allowing this.
I was getting a group of four dancers together to meet weekly, and then one by one God was giving us other opportunities, one had another rehearsal, one another class and finally one went abroad. It was not that we were putting God in second place, it was just that God was opening these other doors. So why was God stopping us from meeting?
Then it hit me, perhaps a concrete meeting ground and regular meetings was not God's will for us. Yes we should meet to fellowship. Yes we should pray together, but we can pray together on the phone, stay in touch on the internet.
We are strongest in our flexibility. Fluidity is our strength and not our weakness, as long as we use it correctly. We are to reach out and encourage one another. Listen to each other, pray for one another, but we can do this one on one. So reach out, call a friend or email. Share what God is doing in your life, share the visions and the miracles.
If each of us just calls 1 or 2 others to encourage and support their vision, and those 2 call another 2 we can continue to share what God is doing in Singapore, and we can keep our fingers on the pulse of what is happening. In fact we will be more in touch with what is happening and where it is happening, as opposed to meeting in a remote place isolated as a group.
So do not be dismayed or discouraged, just call someone or 2 and encourage them and yourself.

LEADERSHEEP

For a community to prosper we need to be willing to support and encourage one another.
To serve one another, and to serve each others' dreams. That is the way to realise our own destiny/dream.

To lead is to be willing to be a child of God, a follower. A sheep.

LEADERSHEEP

You have been given permission by God to Dream BIG Dreams.
You think it is just you who wants it, but God has given you your dream and you are allowed to go for it.

When you say "i no longer have a dream"
Often when you get into a steady life, with a job and commitments, you think you no longer have dreams, but

1) Sometimes, God has put you in a place that seems to take you further from the dream, and you think that the dream wasn't
from God, but often you have to take a detour so that you are more prepared for what God has in store for you.

2) Sometimes, the dream does not take the form you expect or the path to realising your dream is not what you thought it
would be, that does not invalidate your dream. It's just a different form. it's a development of the dream.

3) Sometimes the dream is not meant to be realised now. Like the promised land.
Sometimes the time is not right or our hearts are not in the right place. That doesn't mean it isn't from God.

What is a dream?
J defined it. It's not a daydream or airy thoughts without foundation. It's a destiny and direction for you. It's God given motivation. It's something to hold onto and reach towards.

From the Elijah List
Patricia King: "SEVEN PROPHETIC DIRECTIVES FOR 2007"

Prophetic insight is given by the Lord so that we will understand His heart, desires, perspectives, and promises for the future. When embraced in prayer and faith, we will see the fulfillment of those promises in our lives.
Like Mary, we will say, "Be it done unto me according to Your word" (Luke 1:38), and like her, we will experience the same results--fulfillment of prophecy. 


1. A Year of Success and Fruitfulness

In 2007, the Lord is looking for those who will invest their "talents" wisely. It is a year to DREAM BIG. It is a year of bringing forth fruit for the Lord and His Kingdom through the wise investment of the gifts He has given. 

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the master praised the servants who took the initiative to invest what they had been given, but he was angry with the one who buried his one talent. Jesus said that this parable describes the Kingdom (verse 14).


The Lord is calling His people to make investments of their gifts on behalf of the Kingdom. There will be success and fruitfulness for those who do. 2007 is a year to invest much as there will be great dividends for the glory of God.
"You will succeed in whatever you choose to do, and light will shine on all your ways" Job 22:28. (Also read Psalm 20:4; Deuteronomy 28:8, 12; Genesis 1:28; John 15:7.) 


2. Change, Change, Change 

2007 is going to meet us with great change. The face of the Church is going to change drastically. Political changes and shifts await us. Individuals will be called to make changes in their lives to facilitate the call of God. Some will even be called to make geographical changes. Many believers will have unexpected changes in vocation. Some students at the university level will suddenly feel to change their majors even after they have invested many months and years in a particular direction.


It is vital in 2007 that believers seek the Lord for confirmation during the stirrings that call for change. The Lord will confirm clearly. Great flexibility and grace will be required to move into the change that God is ordaining. New levels of dependency on God will need to be embraced during these times of transition. 


Prophetic signs of change 

Many will experience a phenomenon of finding "change" (coins) in unique places--sometimes on the walkway in front of them or in drawers or on the floor beneath them. This will be quickened to the heart as a "prophetic sign" confirming the season of change.
Another sign will be the appearance of butterflies. The butterfly comes forth as a result of metamorphosis (change). The increased and unusual appearances of butterflies will be a confirmation of the season of change. Another sign will be changes in weather patterns and unexpected winds in regions that are marked for change.


3. A Year of Covenant Blessing 

Abraham was blessed by God, and he was called to be a blessing so that all the nations would be blessed. This is our calling in the Kingdom--to live in the blessings of God in Christ, so that the testimony of Christ's glory and love spreads.

Christians will be called by the Spirit in 2007 to establish boundaries around their lives where ONLY BLESSINGS will prevail. When attacks, assaults, and trials come, they will be turned into blessings as believers stand their ground on covenant promises. Blessings will become the protective border and the covering of believer's lives that embrace this. (Read Ephesians 1:3; 2 Peter 1:2-4; Genesis 1:28; Genesis 12:2,3; Psalm 103:1-5; Deuteronomy 28:1-13; Numbers 6:23-26.) 


4. Earth Shaking Catastrophes

There will be some catastrophes in 2007 that will cause people to respond in fear. Believers are not to fear, but to rather embrace the situations, allowing them to usher in revival and harvest. The Church will be launched into mercy and compassion ministry when these catastrophes occur. Calls to prayer during these events will also be used to unite the Body. (Read Hebrews 12:26-29; Matthew 24:6-7.) 


5. Walking on Water 

The Lord is calling His Church to move in the supernatural. Many will be called out of the "boat of comfort" into "arenas of risk" in 2007. It is important to keep the focus on Jesus and His Word alone during these times. The Holy Spirit will teach the Church the importance of living in the supernatural empowerment Christ has invested in us through His indwelling presence.
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths" Proverbs 3:5-6. (Also read Matthew 14:28-31.) 


6. Bible Faith will be Challenged

The Church must remain strong in intercession in 2007 as foundations of faith and Bible absolutes will be challenged by political and humanistic spirits in Christian nations. God will raise up spokespeople who will be a voice for uncompromised truth in the nations. These ones will suffer persecution both in the world and in the Church for their righteous stands. A separation will come in the Church between those who are fully committed to Bible truth and those who compromise. (Read Psalm 1 and 2.) 


7. God's Media Army is Emerging

Many Christians will experience the call into media in 2007. The Lord is raising up an army in the area of television, radio, entertainment, internet, and print media. These warriors will be powerfully used of God to spread the Gospel and to creatively build faith in the masses. "The Lord gives the word, and a great army brings the good news" Psalm 68:11. 

Patricia King
www.extremeprophetic.com 
patricia@extremeprophetic.com 


A depressing picture made beautiful

When I asked God for a picture of dance in singapore he showed me a tree. "why a tree? what's this for?" I asked, "ok fine, let's see what happens." "press in" the moment i said it, the leaves fell off.
The leaves fell. ok i know i've said this before, but really that seemed so depressing to me. "Why not waves? something cool. You show me leaves falling."
Anyway I asked my mum what it meant, she asked me if it was all the leaves, and if there were a few leaves left. Yes, there were a few. It means dying to self. Sigh, not again.

So I shared that with EO today and she was really encouraging.
She said that the leaves dropping meant that at least God was at work in the tree.
I'd not thought of it that way. I suppose if God was not at work they might shrivel up and stay on the tree, no falling and no blooming.
Wow, that was encouraging, and a novel way of looking at it, in my case anyway.
Even though it looks bad, at least it shows God is as work, in his own time, something to remember for all us impatient dancers and choreographers who want things to happen now. As EO says, there is a bigger picture at work. I mean what is time to God. If He calls us, we're not too old/young/inexperienced for anything.

Eventhough it looks bad, at least God is at work. A father who cares for his child will protect that child even from herself/or her sins but a father who does not care or has given up on the child will leave her alone, because scolding is just a waste of breath. A father who cares, for your own good must discipline you, because He sees what will happen in the long run. Greater hurt may await you if you're not disciplined now, if we're not pruned now, if we don't lay down our desires or even rights.

What are rights? There are many things God has blessed us with, and He's given it to all humans, for instance, our free will, our right to choose. God has given it to us, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be better to lay it down and ask Him what He would choose for us. In fact He knows us better than we know ourselves, and if there is someone who knows me better, and knows all the facts, i'd rather He make the decisions.
We have a right to serve Him, in some places it's called the right to work. Well we could choose what we want to do to serve God or we could lay down that righht and let Him show us where there is a need, what we're suited to and give us the heart and desire.

So yes, it is encouraging to see that God hasn't given up on us.