Adulting - The Best Is Yet to Come

It was only a month ago I was back at home in PA vacationing. So much has happened since then...

My Birthday,

My sweet housemate, Maggie surprised me with a balloon and some decorations!

an awesome Ballet Magnificat reunion, 

Rehearsals for our new Christmas ballet have begun (already!)

#itsbeginningtolookalotlikechristmas #themostwonderfultimeoftheyear #newchoreography #stuckinmyhead #myfeethurt #mybrainhurts #thisisfun #isthereafiltertohidemysloppytechnonique #ballet #balletmagnificat #Christmas #dance #dowhatyouloveandlovewhatyoudo

A video posted by Lillian Ortiz (@oqpiedoptimist) on Jun 15, 2016 at 6:42pm PDT

...and now that the workshop bible study materials have been passed out, all the lesson planning for our summer workshop is underway. 

I've been meaning to write this post sooner, but upon my return to Jackson MS, we've hit the ground running and I have been quite busy. Even though some time has passed, I'd still like to tell you about some of the things that the Lord had begun teaching me during my vacation in PA.
I never really realize how much growing-up happens in me until I step back into my old environment; my old hometown and into my parents' house, which is where I stayed for my 2-week vacation. It was no problem. I love my parents, and despite physical distance, we are really close in relationship. I always look forward to spending time with them. Sadly the world does not stop for me when I return to PA. I had the house to myself fifty percent of the time, isolated, as my parents would leave for work during the day and leave behind no vehicle for my use. I was home bound. I tried to be diligent with my time. I formulated a plan as to how I was going to responsibly spend all of the time I had to myself in hopes of not sleeping it all away. I can sleep in until 2:00pm if I let myself! ^_^ Most of my local friends worked during the day too, so little ole' me had lots of time to be all alone and introverted which I honestly always enjoy anyway, so it was no problem!
I would spend the first bit of my day reading my bible and spending time with the Lord. I also did have tons of time for leisure reading as well and began plowing through my summer reading list. I was faithful in doing my daily body workouts, but don't worry! I didn't work too hard. I made sure I had some moments for some R&R too! 
During my two weeks of vacation, I had lots of time to spend focusing on improving my blog and writing new blog entries. Blogging has become such an endearing hobby for me. Thanks to all of you that read my blog entries and support me in it. Aside from the fact that I find writing to be therapeutic, I also enjoy it because I find it so thrilling to watch the charts about how many views my blog gets, rise and fall! I love receiving comments and gaining new followers, but the Lord had a lesson to teach me this past month concerning all of that. Just as I was getting all wrapped up in my blog stats, the Lord was reminding me to be careful not to base self-worth on the success of blog stats, the frequency of comments, or on any of the accolades received while blogging, being on any other social media or in life in general! Truth: Our self-worth is based on what God says of us; we're precious, invaluable, and incomprehensibly loved. I began acting as if 'What the world thinks of me' was more important to me than 'of what the God of the entire flipping Universe, thinks of me!' Honestly evaluating myself, I'd say that for me, it is a challenge to not allow the earthly things that I love consume me! My prayer is that nothing would be more all-consuming to me than the love I have for Christ Jesus. I am easily distracted...with myself. I struggle with being vain, selfish, and boastful when I find success in the things that I love. I easily become puffed up with pride, and go as far as even exhibiting false humility at times. It reminds me a lot of some of the antagonist characters I am reading about in 'Pilgrims Progress' right now. The bible calls us to deny ourselves which is a hard thing for Christians to do in this world that teaches you the opposite. The Lord gently exhorted me and helped me to correctly reset my priorities, reigning my enthusiastic self-pride back in. Not that it is wrong for me to be proud of my accomplishments, only that it creates problems if my accomplishments begin consuming me and become what I live for.

In the evenings I had occasional outings with some of my good childhood friends. I also had the great opportunity to have some good bonding time with my grandparents who live in town too! It is cool that in the recent years they have been opening up more to me in conversation. Perhaps it is because I am at that age where we can level more with one another. Regardless of the reason, I really cherished the moments we had together and hope that there are many more moments like that with my grandparents to be had! I learned so much talking to them about life, God, and my family. Some of our conversations were very enlightening and gave me more understanding as to the reasons why my family is the way they are in some respects. I encourage you to talk with your Grandparents more if you don't already! They will love it, and you will find out that you will too! If they are anything like my amazing grandparents, they will have a lot of good things to say in which you can glean from!
While in PA, I got the chance to reunite with several old acquaintances I hadn't seen in years. After catching up, sharing about our lives, our jobs, and exchanging stories about our accomplishments, I found myself falling into the trap of comparison. When I looked at the lives of these people who were earning "good" money, owning houses, having families; the enemy used it to discourage me and sow discontentment in my heart for where I'm at, and for the ministry that the Lord has called me to do with my life. The enemy introduced to me (unnecessary) stress, worry, and doubt concerning the direction of my life and my financial status.
The topic of finances and security began weighing heavy on my mind since then, and also for many other reasons. Running in the Alumni of the Year Campaign which has me striving to raise $1500 for the CPYB scholarship fund, has been a contributing factor to focusing my mind on money. I don't think that that is necessarily a bad thing. It has been interesting to see how my supporters choose to spend their money, and has also challenged me in how I do so. This month I will be dropped from my parents' health insurance plan as I've just turned 26, and now am forced to enroll in a health insurance plan for my very own. Man do I ever feel like an adult now! Some good news is that this month my car loan has been finally paid off and finished! Wahoo!
It is easy to get all worked up about having security in this world, concerning future and finances, especially when playing the "comparing game". Though the life of being in ministry and being an artist for that matter, are meager, I am confident that this is what the Lord has called me to for this season in my life, and I can not allow the enemy to steal my peace, joy or my desire to be obedient to the Lord's will for me and my life. It is easy to want to get attached to the things this world has to offer, but I remind myself that eternal matters are far more important than the temporal ones. Christians are called to live counter-cultural (Romans 12:2). It is not that everything in this world bad (John 17:15), it is just that we mustn't allow ourselves to start living for them, worshiping them, or holding on to them to tightly. As believers in Jesus, we know that there are far better things coming, far better things to look forward to for us!

• Ephesians 4:1 "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. "


• 1Timothy 6:6 "But godliness with contentment is great gain." *excellent chapter in the bible to read concerning money

• Matthew 6:25-34 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."


• John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

Now after having returned back to Jackson MS, I find myself processing these things. I am asking God to give me an increased faith and trust in who He says He is as my merciful loving father and provider, and that I'd have a more undivided, wholehearted devotion to Him as I recognize that I have been "straddling the creek". Having one foot in the world, and one foot in the kingdom as I have been doing, cannot be so. With each passing year, the longer I live in this world, and with all the responsibilities and stress that comes with becoming more 'adult', I realize it is all the MORE necessary to press into the Lord and seek Him as the source for strength, wholeness, peace, and fulfillment. He has faithfully sustained me thus far.   So far in my growing-up, God has blessed me with:

1. Great mentors, parents, and role models to look up to, in getting the hang of this "growing up" thing.


2. A wonderful job that gives me the opportunity of doing what I love.


3. Wonderful friends and housemates to journey alongside with.


4. The opportunity to travel the world at such a young age.


5. A paid-off car.


6. The gift of the knowledge and truth of his Word.


7. Freedom of speech, life, and faith here in America.

I know there are still more things coming my way in the near future; things that require the attention of all young people our age. I will have to rely on the Lord for guidance and help to accomplish those things such as:

1. Getting health insurance! Honestly, at first, I had no idea what I was doing, but after research and seeking counsel from people with more adulting experience than myself, I've gained better understanding. I have found a good alternative to Obamacare that I am looking into, called Christian Medishare.


2. Retirement planning. I feel like no one talks about it. I don't know much about it; what to do or how to start but I do know that it is wise to start preparing early while we are still young. I am saving money, I just don't know exactly for what.


3. Pursuing higher education. I never went to college after high school because I knew I didn't necessarily need to in order to pursue a career in dance. I figured that school would always be there for me, but that my body would only be able to handle dancing while I am young, and only for so long. I jumped right into the dance world and figured I would worry about furthering my academic education later, but more and more lately I have been thinking about what I want to do after dancing and whether or not a degree would be necessary for whatever that may be. I love learning but collage seems so daunting, I have been unschooled for so long now, it seems so unaffordable, and many people I've talked to have said that they don't even use their degree. I am all over the place when it comes to what degree I would even want to pursue... ministry, business, hospitality, arts, language... I guess I'll have to figure that out first.


4. I think it would be cool to get a Pilates teaching certification in the future someday!


5. Having traveled with the ballet company all over the country and world, I have made a number of friends scattered all about. I would love to save up enough money to visit them again someday!


6. I've never dated before, but more and more I am desiring to find a significant other. Relationship building and investing in people other than my fellow dance company members, can be a challenge due to the life of touring, and always moving around. Lord knows I will need his help and guidance in accomplishing this one. (and if that wasn't me being transparent enough, I don't know what else is!)


7. My dream is to own a pet pig and name it Jehoshaphat, but because I am currently always touring, and because micro pigs are a pretty penny, I deduct that it will probably be quite a while until this one happens. ^_^

At times, growing up and spreading your wings can be fun, and at other times it can present it's challenges. 'Adulting' is not to be underwent without a bit of growing pain, but we can do it! The Lord is on our side!

What kind of tasks would you like to accomplish in your adulthood? Thanks for reading! comment, follow, subscribe, and don't be shy! 


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7 Schemes of the Enemy You Need to Be Made Beware Of

Life is full of yo-yo-ing; from mountain tops to valleys, happy times to sad times, good times to bad times, times of war and times of peace, etc. As Christians, we are called to live victoriously regardless of whatever your season presents, and we are given everything we need to do so.

2 Peter 1:3 "His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence."
1John 5:4-5 "for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith.Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

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The first step to overcoming struggles is identifying them! The Word of God concludes that subsequent to the fall and corruption of the world, Satan was given the authority and capability to attack us externally (through the world), internally (through our flesh) and infernally (through the work of himself and his demons). All throughout the bible Satan is referred to as " the ruler of this world", "the prince of the power of the air", and “the god of this world” (John 12:31, Ephesians 2:2, 2 Corinthians 4:4) Beware! 

1Peter 5:8 "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Galatians 5:19-21 "The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God."
1John 2:16 "For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world."
John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy..."

But let us also remember:

Matthew 28:18 Jesus said, “All authority in heaven and on earth on belongs to me."

 Even Satan must bow submissive to our Lord's will!

Below I have chosen to share with you just a few of the enemy's schemes in which I have been tripped up by recently. I was really tempted to tack on "when you are in your 20's" to the title of this blog post. I only have 26 years worth of experience in this world but it seems to me as though these specific tactics of the enemy have hit me hard within the past couple of years. Once I had highlighted these issues in my life and was able to recognize Satan, the mastermind behind it all, I was able to take heart and be better prepared to combat these spiritual attacks that plagued my soul, and I hope now you can too!

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." Ephesians 6:12

ONE. The lie of loneliness. Being single doesn't help. It is amazing, cliche, sad, and true that sometimes in a big crowd of people, loneliness  can seem to be my only friend. In times of discouragement and insecurity, it is easy to find myself vulnerable to believing the enemy when he taunts me with lies that I am unloved, unappreciated, and not valuable to the people around me. Sometimes this loneliness is legitimate, living out a set-apart life, being 'in the world, not of the world'. Instead of drawing closer to the Lord in times like these like Jesus did, we allow Satan to use this against us. At other times, the problem procures due to the fact that I fail to value the relationships I do have with all my Christian brothers and sisters around me. I fail to see the proper function of the Body of Christ and what a blessing it can be. If you struggle with loneliness be sure to check out this outstanding article by Dr. Ken Matto HERE.

• Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." 

TWO. Discouraged in my uniqueness. Perhaps better described as an identity crisis, if you will. I become unconfident in myself and in who I am feeling worthless. I become unable to recognize my value and purpose in the body of Christ. I doubt the value of my own unique abilities, talents and giftings that the Lord has given me and get caught up in comparing myself with other people's abilities, talents and giftings, which is no bueno.

• 1 Corinthians 12:14-25 "Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other."
• 2 Corinthians 10:12-18 "We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise. We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you. We are not going too far in our boasting, as would be the case if we had not come to you, for we did get as far as you with the gospel of Christ. Neither do we go beyond our limits by boasting of work done by others. Our hope is that, as your faith continues to grow, our sphere of activity among you will greatly expand, so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we do not want to boast about work already done in someone else’s territory. But, “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends."
• 1Peter 2:9 "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."

THREE. Consumed with people-pleasing.  In doubting my unique abilities, talents and giftings, I become overly concerned with how other people view me and if I am being accepted by them, craving their love, affection, and approval. Almost as if doing whatever I have to do to please others, is more important than pleasing God and being accepted by Him. The truth is humans are just human and it is impossible to make everyone happy.

• Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ."
• Ephesians 1:4-6 "For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves."

FOUR. Condemnation. Satan tries to convince me that I am not good enough and condemns me for it.

• Romans 8:1 "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."
• 2Corinthians 7:10-11 "Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. See what this godly sorrow has produced in you: what earnestness, what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what alarm, what longing, what concern, what readiness to see justice done."

FIVE. Exhaustion/Sleepiness/ Physical ailments and indulging in slothfulness. Sometimes Satan plagues us physically as he did to Job, but still we must lift our eyes unto the mountains, to our Helper. And despite sadness, depression, or discouragement we must choose not to give into slothfulness. 

• Job 1:21 “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
• Proverbs 20:6 "Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer, and gathers her food in harvest. How long will you lie there, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest, and poverty will come upon you like a robber, and want like an armed man."
• Hebrews 6:10-12 "For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love which you have shown toward His name, in having ministered and in still ministering to the saints. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence so as to realize the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you will not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises."

SIX. Being distracted and neglecting the Word. Satan tries deceiving me into believing that I have better things to do with my time rather then reading my bible. Consequently, reading the Word of God less and less will slowly cause us to drift further and further away from soundness, truth, and our Lord, which is what Satan wants.

• Mark 4:19 "But the worries of this world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful."
• Matthew 4:4 “But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
• Romans 10:17 "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ."

SEVEN. Discouragement to change. The concept of this scheme has to do with the times when one is convicted of a certain sin or sins in one's life, and after repentance, has an inward heart change; desires to have an outward change in lifestyle and paradigm but faces adverse opposition among people around that aren't expecting the change. do you know what I mean? It seems as if people (intentionally or unintentionally) impose on you what you once were, not relenting, nor accepting or allowing you to change. This manipulation of Satan can bring about discouragement easily, perhaps simply through the form of a joke or sarcastic statement made by another individual (words have weight). Or maybe one just grows weary of the natural resistance of the world, and all the effort it takes in pursuing righteousness.

• Romans 8:31 "If God is for us, who can be against us."
• Galatians 6:7-10 "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..."

And the GRAND FINALLY of Scripture:
"But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." ~1Timothy 6:11-12

"I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead."  ~Philippians 3:10-11 

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~John 16:33

For authoritative and empowering scripture for waging war against the enemy and fighting spiritual battles check out my blog post Waging War.

Thanks for Stopping By! Did you enjoy this post!? Would you share and 'like' this on Facebook?! Can you relate to any of these things? Leave a comment below!
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On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand

TESTIMONY TUESDAY!

“Return home and tell how much God has done for you.”

~ Luke 8:39

Presenting with excitement, I introduce to you Testimony Tuesdays!!! A testimony by definition is: a formal written or spoken statement, a public recounting of a religious conversion or experience. The Bible commands us in numerous places to bring praise, glory, and honor to our God by proclaiming, declaring, and telling about His marvelous works to others. That is the purpose and heart behind this installment for my Tuesday posts. Each Tuesday (more or less), a testimony will be shared here involving the recounting of salvation, redemption, overcoming, and/or healing just to name a few; A story that brings glory to our God and in which we might be encouraged, spurred on, and challenged with at the same time.The stories that will be shared will either be of my own personal experiences, excerpts from books, testimonies I find via youtube or other media sources, as well as YOURS! I would love to know and give you the opportunity to share here with us a testimony of your own, of whatever fashion that involves the Lord doing a transforming work in your life. Just email me or use the contact me form over in the sidebar to shoot me your testimony and I will see what I can do about posting it on a future Tuesday! You may choose to have your name be known or anonymous. I look forward to hearing from you!

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My Dear blog readers, 

How has life been treating you lately? I hope you are doing well! 

Today I would like to talk to you about life, specifically mine! Being in the age of my youth, I have only just begun to discover, understand, and come to terms with all the many facets of life that there are that we can be confronted with. Life has its good times, hard times, happy times, sad times, and all the while we deal with whatever life personally presents us with, elsewhere the world is seemingly going crazy all around us! It can all seem so overwhelming, but no matter what life throws at us let us remember that we can find consolation, rest, and peace in one thing, in our one Lord and Savior and in all the many enduring promises that He has established for us.

"His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay."

So far, it has been a great year for me, characterized by growth and new birthed motivation. This year marks my fourth year being a member of the touring ballet company and ministry Ballet Magnificat. As I commit to another season with them, I would like to share with you that after much seeking of the Lord over the past couple months, He has very clearly confirmed to me my calling, which remains in ministry and has been so sweetly encouraging me in it. He has affirmed me in continuing with Ballet Magnificat, but has also recently been highlighting to me the other giftings, talents, and desires I have, that I never before perceived could be used for His glory. Through an arduous process of sanctification this year, my eyes and heart have been opened up to the fact that aside from only just my dancing, God would like to use me in ministry in so many more/other ways than I have previously, narrow-mindedly comprehended.

Transparently I will explain to you that this year has been a battle for me in fighting off distractions of the world, false idols, vain hopes, and complacency. You see, I have been doing this dancing thing for several years now and I have found myself in a very stable, secure and smug place. Sometimes I believe that is when the Lord likes to shake things up the most.

-Destractions of the World: With the constant adverse change and discontentment that our society seems to sow more and more of these days, it is hard to not buy into all the worry, and fret, and complaining that goes on, and is easy to get distracted, carried away, and sucked into the fear and drama of it all. But I know what God's word says:

John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

-False Idols: Surely I am not the only one who struggles with the temptation of idolizing my career, my possessions, my accomplishments, my achievements, myself ? But I know what God's word says:

Mark 8:36 "What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?"

Jonah 2:8 "Those who pay regard to vain idols forsake their hope of steadfast love."

-Vain Hopes: Similar as of that above, I'd simply get caught up in putting my hope in finite, fleeting, worthless things. Perhaps you can relate. But we know what God's word says:

1Peter 1:3-4 "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade."

-Complacency: It is a sneaky monster. Remember how I mentioned earlier that I've found myself in a very stable, secure and smug place? Well that is the place where complacency breeds. Prohibiting me from going deeper in with the Lord, I can now see how pride and complacency has the power to compromise the value of my ministry. I touched on in further detail my experience with complacency in the blog entry HERE But I know what God's word says:

Revelation 3:15-20 "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see. Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."

Those these struggles seemed to be crippling for a time, I can see how it was all a part of God's process of sanctification for me. As metal get's refined and purified under fire, so my faith was also refined and strengthened by the adversity.

"My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly trust in Jesus’ Name."

I can not give you a summary of my year without failing to mention the brief but intense bout of doubting my faith that I underwent. Yes, you could have called me 'Doubting Thomas'. I am sure there were several things that instigated my storm of confusion, like the weariness produced from the battles I was fighting mention above, but also nearly abandoning prayer, and not spending enough time in the word of God. It was as Mark 4:13 says: 'the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things came in and choked the word, making it unfruitful.' I think visiting a number of 'diverse' churches while being on tour this year also sparked some questioning in me, which actually was really GOOD though! Basically, I was challenged to rediscover the reasons why I believe what I choose to believe, but let me tell you with excitement and confidence that it was the Word of God that carried me through that storm and helped me to see clearly. I now have a new found appreciation and passion for the Bible like I've never had before...as maybe you have already begun to gather. ^_^ 

"When darkness seems to hide His face,

I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil."

I don't think I have ever experienced anything more faith-building, then doubting! I do feel a little like a new baby believer all over again, but I am encouraged reading 1 Peter 2:2-3 which says 'Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.' I am currently, humbly and carefully rebuilding my faith in accordant with what the word of God teaches me, block by block, truth by truth. I can't put into words just how marvelously Jesus has revealed himself to me through His word. He is the Word! He is eternal, ruling, reigning, and coming back! And now that I have snapped out of my daze, I know more confidently than ever that I am ready for his coming, and I am ready to make sure other people are made aware and ready too!

"When He shall come with trumpet sound,

Oh may I then in Him be found.

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne."

I Do not have an immense amount of evidence to report to you of the Lord working through myself over this past year, as I have largely been occupied with all the teaching, rebuking, correcting and training he has been doing within me! Not to say that God hasn't been using myself, and the Ballet Magnificat ministry as a whole because He has! We set out to 'plant seeds', and if/when the Lord allows, it is always a major blessing to see the fruit of it. We have toured to a number of states this year including Alabama, Tennessee, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Florida, South Carolina, Kentucky, Kansas...and have witnessed a number of miracles and salvations! God has been ever so faithful to us this year! Praise his Holy Name with me!

Our nation wavers, truth is compromised as the scriptures predict, and things become more and more corrupt with the passing of days, but let us NOT! Let us stand firm and remain faithful to our Savior and as Romans 12:12 says "Let us be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

all other ground is sinking sand;

all other ground is sinking sand."

__________________________

Thanks for reading!
Do you have a topic idea or suggestion of something I should write about? 
Do you have a question you’d like to ask me?
Leave a comment below!

*Excepts from the Hymn “My Hope is Built” (The Solid Rock) by Edward Mote

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   Related Content  

No Pain No Game

On the road again! Today during our eleven and a half hour drive day, with the 25% left of mobile data that I have, I am going to give you an update on how tour is going. We are 5 days into the tour. Our first booking on this tour took us to Troy Michigan. We left Jackson, MS at 8 am on Sunday and drove for two days (stopping overnight in Cincinnati, OH halfway) to get to Detroit, MI on Monday by about 5:30 pm. It so happened that The Valparaiso University basketball team was having their Horizon League Semifinal game that evening in the Joe Louis Arena downtown and since our boss' daughter is married to Bryce Drew the head coach of the team, he and our tour director made arrangements to get us in to see the game. I had never actually attended a live professional basketball game before, and I have never really known much about sports in general, besides the little that I've learned in high school gym class. Basketball has always had a small place in my heart. I cherish the childhood memories I have of playing the game with my Dad, brother, and other family members while growing up. I thoroughly enjoyed attending the game this past Tuesday, more than I expected. Valpo did a great job but I will tell you more about the game later!

We performed the next day at Zion Christian Church and the performance went very well! The church did an excellent job bringing us in and sponsoring us! They had brought our company into Troy, MI two other times in years past, but this was my first time working with them since joining the company. I thought everyone there was SO kind, helpful, and welcoming; great people! One of the highlights of the night was after the performance when I got to connect with a fellow blogger in person. She decided to travel several hours with her family just to check out all of what Ballet Magnificat is about, and to see the show! It was so sweet! We talked briefly about dance, and family, and crafting, and blogging and then before parting ways they blessed me with sweet gifts; an awesome little duct tape purse (not pictured) made by the grandchild, and a book by Elisabeth Elliot that I can't wait to read. Also, my new friend made me a beautiful bookmark like the ones that she talks about on her blog. All these things meant so much to me! It is so great to make new friends all around the country and world! ^_^

Next Ballet Magnificat Alpha stopped in Kentucky for one day to teach some workshops and now we are traveling to Florida! I have some more friends AND family that I look forward to meeting there too! We will first stop in Tallahassee for a performance tomorrow, then Jacksonville, and then visit St. Augustine for two performances. We will finish our tour with a stop in South Carolina for a performance and then head back home. 

Things I Learned From Watching Basketball : 

On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to attend my very first live professional basketball game. Call me sheltered, I know. It was the Valparaiso Crusaders against the Green Bay Pheonix. It was a PHENOMENAL GAME even though the team I was rooting for, Valpo lost. I had a great time! Check out the game stats at this following link.  The moment I stepped into the arena I was captivated by all the different sights and sounds; the athletic men warming up, the young ladies with pompoms, band members tooting their horns, lots of yummy junk food everywhere, and one scary mascot. It was an exciting, thrilling, and in a funny kind of way it was a refreshing experience to watch somebody else be in the limelight of their profession for a change instead of it being myself, with dancing, if that makes sense. The profession of basketball is like a whole new concept to me. As I observed the game, I tried finding similarities between the profession of basketball vs. ballet. The Lord often gives me pictures and analogies based off of random things in life, that He uses to teach and encourage me with. This time, He used the basketball game to draw different parallels and lessons that can be applied to my life and maybe yours too! I thought to share them with you; some of the little personal revelations that the Lord gave me while I was watching the game.

1. Receiving correction. What struck me was the amount of correction and instruction the basketball players received. Grown men were being disciplined by the sound of a whistle by the referees whenever they committed a foul. Wow, it is not just ballerinas who are called out whenever we make mistakes, but basketball players too! It is to my relief that at least our dance instructors do not use whistles to do it. I was also in awe thinking about the amount of humility these players must have to always be constantly and carefully following the instructions of the coach and submitting to their game plan for the sake of the team and winning the game. I know for me, in my life, sometimes submitting to the plan of another is a hard thing to do. I don't ever really like being told what to do, and naturally my pride wants to override the advice of others. Instead, I find myself thinking "I know what is best, my way is better" not being able to trust the guidance of others, unfortunately sometimes even if it's coming from someone more experienced or wiser. But I figure if grown men can pull themselves together and be submissive, I can too! Proverbs talks a lot about the value of good discipline.

• Proverbs 10:17 "Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray."


• Proverbs 12:1 "Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but whoever hates correction is stupid."
• Proverbs 13:18 "Whoever disregards discipline comes to poverty and shame, but whoever heeds correction is honored."


• Proverbs 13:24 "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them."

2. Teamwork and respect for one another and the coach. The basketball players exhibited outstanding teamwork and exemplary team ethic. It was obvious that they had to work together if they had any hopes of winning the game. It was estimable to observe how they unitedly cooperated with one another. That is when I came to the realization that they actually needed  each other, as they all had different talents and giftings that supplemented and complimented one another. I realized that that is how my company is too and it caused me to be more grateful for my role in what we do as well as valuing the roles of my fellow cohorts. Not to mention, recognizing the important position of the coach and the role that they play, in my case our artistic and executive directors. From the outside looking in, I realized that it is as though it is the coach who bears the brunt of the weight of the game. They seemed to call all the shots and be responsible for all their players. I was reminded that "Wow, I have amazing, winning coaches" that I must be careful not to take for granted.

• 1 Corinthians 12:14-25 "Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many. Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has put the body together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other."

3. Seeking professionalism, excellency, and taking the game seriously. I was simply impressed with the appearance of integrity that the players had for their profession. Granted they had a game to win and a reputation at stake. They were also young eager-beaver college students, but that doesn't mean we can not (I can not) also strive for excellency with enthusiasm remembering my first love, why I got into my profession in the first place.

• Colossians 3:17 "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."


• 1Thessalonians 5:16-18 "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."


• 1 Corinthians 10:31 "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

4. An enduring hope that lasts till the end. I never imagined I would enjoy the game as much as I did! I was on the edge of my seat nearly the whole time! Though at some points the game would seem to drag on, at other points an unexpected wrench would be thrown into the play that would just demand all of my attention and prayers and spirit fingers. At times, the suspense seemed enough to kill me. No pain, No game. It was amazing to me how the scoreboard would just flip flop in a matter of seconds. Just when my heart would sink to the floor because I had convinced myself that my team was too many points far behind the other team to catch up or win, we would miraculously catch up by getting points by the other team striking several fowls! And towards the end of the game, just when I thought my team was going to lose, 5 seconds before the clock would run out they score a 3 pointer bringing them back up to a tie. Unbelievable! Into overtime they went. What God used this to show me about life was: Never give up or lose heart, no matter what the clock/reason says. there is ALWAYS hope.

• Hebrews 11:1 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."


• Romans 12:11-12 "Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer."


• Romans 8:24-25 "But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." 


• Romans 5:3-4 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Please be praying for the health of the dancers in my company. We have a number of people sick and injured which is never fun, especially on tour. Prayers are appreciated! 

Thanks for reading!

Please comment if you enjoyed it! ^_~