Moving Forward...

"...I'm not going back, I'm moving ahead..."

--Ricardo Sanchez

     "20X" is coming to an end. It's been a year of High Dimensional Communications for many of us, and hopefully we have been successful in communicating a clear message to others. Even if we haven't always been as successful as we would have liked, we can learn from our mistakes and improve on our shortcomings.

It’s not that I’ve already reached the goal or have already completed the course. But I run to win that which Jesus Christ has already won for me. Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:12-14 (GWT)

     Have you started thinking about some of the things you want to accomplish in the next year? It's not too early to start planning and strategizing. Too often, we do a lot of talking about what we would like to see happen, but never seem to be able to move past the initial idea. It's not about making resolutions, but setting realistic goals for ourselves that are doable and measurable. This time, let's make a sincere effort to put some of those plans into action through Prayer, Fasting, Strategic Networking and Forward Motion. What happened to that book, blog, play, choreography, ensemble, workshop, class, business plan or outreach ministry that got shelved? Let's write the vision, and make it plain so we can run with it when God says: "Move". We have so much to do, and not necessarily a lot of time left to accomplish it. No more procrastinating...'cause in 2011, it's "on and crackin'!"

Then the Lord answered me,

“Write the vision.

Make it clear on tablets

so that anyone can read it quickly".

Hab. 2:2 (GWT)

    Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to read my blog this year, and especially for you 18 faithful followers. I hope that something that I've written has challenged and encouraged you in whatever you do for God in your season. See you next year!


     Please enjoy this video of Moving Forward from last summer's Purify Conference in New York. It was a blessing to be at that praise party!

Worshipful Season

     While we are all preparing for the holidays, remember to keep the worship of God at the center of all things. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate, don't get caught up in the busy-ness, commercialism and greed that overtakes many during this time. Find someone to bless, who cannot return the blessing and continue to seek out opportunities to share whatever you have with someone else!

Being kind to the poor is like lending to the Lord;

he will reward you for what you have done.

Prov. 19:17 (NCV)

Generous people will be blessed,

because they share their food with the poor.

Prov. 22:9 (NCV)

 

When you happen on someone who's in trouble or needs help among your people with whom you live in this land that God, your God, is giving you, don't look the other way pretending you don't see him. Don't keep a tight grip on your purse. No. Look at him, open your purse, lend whatever and as much as he needs. Don't count the cost. Don't listen to that selfish voice saying, "It's almost the seventh year, the year of All-Debts-Are-Canceled," and turn aside and leave your needy neighbor in the lurch, refusing to help him. He'll call God's attention to you and your blatant sin.

Deut. 15:7 (The Message)

    

Shopping, Anyone?

   For those of you who thought that this was going to be another one of those Christmas-shopping-bashing articles---NOT! I love shopping, especially for other people. Hopefully if you love to shop, you also love to share. If you are still looking for a special holiday gift, there are  two great places to find beautiful, well-made garments and worship instruments at just the right price.

     Annette Johnson is a very dilgent garment maker in the Atlanta area, specializing in elegant, one-of-a-kind garments. She has many beautiful items on her website for large or small dance ministries and soloists. Annette speads a lot of time studying dancers' movements in order to create garments that will illustrate God's glory and beauty, while maintaining modesty in the sanctuary. Her large inventory features tunics, palazzo sets, full-length dresses with palazzos, ephods and sashes in the fabric and color of your choice. Garment of Praise gives you "...another reason to dance like David!"

     Another exciting website to visit is Foot Of the Cross Ministries, owned by Kathleen Grace Brown in Houston.  Kathleen makes beautiful tabrets, glory hoops and streamers for worship.  Her worship instruments are specifically designed and named for different types of worship dances: "Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So", "River of Healing", and "Fire" to name a few.She also makes dainty jewelry items with dancers in various poses, just perfect for that special dancer in your life. Kathleen is also a member of the NLDN and CDF, and ministers regularly in dance all around the Houston area. Watch her website for teachings on worship instruments in 2011!

   Please visit these websites while you are doing your holiday shopping, where you will find all kinds of items for everyone. Blessings!

Garment of Praise - http://www.garmentofpraisecoga.com/

Foof of the Cross Mnistries - http://www.footofthecrossministries.com/

"Non-Traditional" Tradition!

     This is a repost from December 2010:

     There are many ways to creatively share the Good News while maintaining the integrity of God's Word and communicating a clear message. There is nothing entitled "The Christmas Story" in the Bible, although the birth of Christ is clearly stated and can be told at any time of the year.  Because of this, we have an unlimited number of frameworks from which to write plays, poetry, cantatas, do choreography or create artworks that have the birth of Christ as their central theme.  Gone are the days when we are limited to basic recitations for Children's Church or re-enacting the Nativity as a period piece. These are wonderful starting points, but with the blessing of leadership and much prayer, research and collaboration, recitations can have a fresh approach and the Nativity can be brought into the modern day---remembering to maintain the truth of God's Word.

     I once attended a Christmas production where stations were placed at different locations on the church grounds, and the audience could interactively experience different aspects of the Christian walk. At the end of the journey, participants gathered to sing carols and enjoy all kinds of  Christmas treats. There was something for everyone, young and old. One of the most innovative Christmas productions I have ever been in was centered around a giant chess game with a spiritual warfare theme. The possibilities are endless! Even if we use traditional musical selections, we can choose contemporary arrangements. The important thing in this case is to  always make sure that the artist and genre of music selected are appropriate for a worship setting. When in doubt, collaborate with the Minister of Music and of course the Pastor so that no one is offended.

     With some extra planning and prayer, you can creatively present the Good News in a way that will challenge today's complex thinkers (and stay well within your ministry budget). It's time to think outside the box and get into Non-Traditional Tradition!

Please enjoy this unique Christmas presentation of music, drama and dance: