Dance With Me Ministries

We are all on a journey.  It will take us to the end of our worldly life.  Some of our journeys are long and some are short.   At the end of our road is a bright Son.  I will encounter mountains, valleys, sunshine, storms, fog, deserts, accidents, flowers, detours, dead ends, and stop signs on my journey. This is a part of living.

Let me illustrate a drive through life. Mine will begin with my first car, a 1974 Volkswagen Rabbit.

As I start my long trip, I will encounter many different people. Some will be my companions. Some will be ready to help me when I need it. Some will be fixing my car. Some will be cheering me on. But some will be kicking my tire. Some will try to stop me from my trip. All types of people are part of my journey.“

I will also hit valleys.  It will be hard to see the Son in that deep dark valley.  I will feel lonely and defeated.  I want to stop.  But l I look and see that the road only goes up from here.  Soon I will be on the mountain top again.   Do I stay in the valley or put my foot on the gas pedal and go?

Storms will happen during my journey. The storms bring the needed water to make things grow. The strong winds will strengthen the trees. I will be scared when I hear the loud clap of thunder and the bright zig-zag of lightning. It will be hard to see out my windshield as the heavy rain pours upon the earth. But storms always end. Soon I will see colorful wildflowers and the grass will be greener. Beauty comes from the storm. Storms are a part of my journey. I must stay strong and know that the Son is beyond the clouds. I can’t let the storm stop me from moving forward.

There will be four seasons. Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Each season the world around me changes. The Sun will shine longer and brighter in the summer. But winter will come with less Sun and more cold. Will I be able to adapt to the changing seasons? Will I stay on the journey before me?

What is this I hear? Is that my smartphone ringing? I reach over to grab it out of my purse. Now I am no longer looking at the road or the Son. I am checking to see my messages. Who is calling? There is so much to see on this little screen. If my focus remains on this screen, an accident could happen. I could lose my life. I could destroy someone else’s.

As I go on my journey, there will be side streets that will try to get my attention. I will be tempted at all times to take a detour off the road map set before me. Big lights will catch my eyes. Is that Las Vegas in the distance? Or is it Chicago, New York City, or San Francisco? These cities will entice me with every worldly desire. I can have it all if I just turn down that road. I will be promised a fancy car, success, peace, and love. No more driving in the VW Rabbit. I went down this road for a while. But the road was gravel with big potholes. The rocky road made it difficult to drive. It eventually put a toll on me and my car. My VW was breaking down. Rust set in. I had hoped that this route would be smoother than it actually was. The rough road convinced me to turn around. My car was not running well. Smog hovered over the promising cities.

I have an owner’s manual for my car. The One who made my car knows everything about it. Inside and out. The manual shows me how to take care of my car for best performance. Will I take the time to read it? My road trip will be smoother if I do.

As I draw near to the end of my journey, the light is only brighter. I now see how the Son has guided me all the way, even when I couldn’t see it. I have learned where to go and where not to. But this was a part of my journey.  

God’s Word-2 Corinthians 4:16-18

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Living on this earth we are guaranteed hardships, difficulties, and sorry.  Some of us will experience pain beyond measure.  What can we do?  How do we mentally step forward? 

I wanted to share some of my favorite promises from God’s Word.  He is our hope and rock. He will walk alongside you no matter what this life throws at you. Place His Word all around your house.  Put it into your heart.

God’s Word

Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 25:4-5 Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. 5 Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior

 Psalm 46:1-3 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.

Psalm 55:22 Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.

Psalms 71:20 Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up.

Psalms 119: 27-28 Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word!

Psalms 119:75-77 I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me. 76 Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.77 Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

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.

Jeremiah 17:7 “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. 8 He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. 13 You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. 

John 16:33 (Jesus speaking)I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

Romans 8:28 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.

I Corinthians 4:16 So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.

1 Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

1 Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.

Spring is a time of new beginnings. It is the time to begin the seed-starting process. I have collected, shared, and bought seeds to begin. I remember my parents would receive a seed catalog in the mail. They would get so excited. I thought to myself, what’s the big deal??? Now I know. : ) 

Tiny little seedlings need to go through a process called hardening off. As a flower gardener and a seed starter, I soon learned about the process plants need to go through to make it in the great big world.

You have planted your seeds indoors. You make sure they have everything they need to begin their journey. Plenty of light, good soil, and water.  The plants are very protected and babied.

Before they are planted in the ground you have to toughen up the plants.  This is the hardening-off process.  Let us say you have to beat the plants up a bit.  While growing you should brush the plants with your hand, or run a fan so they are building strength in their stem.  Then you take them outside to get used to the fluctuating temperatures, wind, and or the hot sun.  If these steps are not taken before planting your seedlings in the ground they will not be able to survive.  They will wilt and die.  I have learned from experience.

This is a great illustration of what our lives are like. We grow up and are provided for by our parents. Housing, food, water, and clothes. Eventually, we will have to transition to survive on our own. It is through our tough times that we become strong. It is through our trials that we are being blown around, but we will stand strong if we allow it. Protecting and being babied will not allow us to grow. We will wilt and die.

Life is full of ups and downs.  It is a journey of hot sun, wind, and trials.   We don’t like to experience difficulties in life. It’s never easy. The book of James says it will make us compete and mature.  We become stronger to handle the next storm.

God’s Word-James 1:2-4

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Having good health is something we all take for granted.  When we struggle with an illness, mentally or physically we realize how valuable it is.  If we live long enough, we will all experience declining health.  On this side of heaven, it is a part of living.    

Dan and I have encountered health challenges in recent years, including kidney stones requiring emergency surgery for me in 2020 and a heart attack with 100% blockage in a main artery for Dan a year later. He survived thanks to his quick response.

Declining physically and/or mentally is a part of life that most of us experience. We can do everything in our power to stay healthy, but it is not a guarantee that we won’t experience a debilitating illness in this lifetime. Most health issues are a complete surprise. Cancer, heart disease, and strokes just to name a few.

Being one in marriage makes a spouse’s illness your own.  You feel the pain.  You are with them each step of the way.  You ache inside watching as your loved one is hurting. 

So, how do we get through if we all experience this in life?

It is called love.  God’s love will shine as we take the time to help our loved ones with what they need.

God’s greatest gift if we are going through an illness is the gift of others.   If we can show Christ-like love to those who are ill that will be a blessing that helps heal. We are the hands and feet of Christ.  We just need to put love into action. 

A balm for healing:

• A welcomed visit. Taking time to sit and listen
• Prayer
• Encouraging words
• Keeping your own problems to yourself
• A meal-homemade or carry-out
• Flowers 
• A handwritten letter or card
• Ask how you can help

Community is everything when going through any of life’s hardships.  Especially a physical or mental illness. 

God’s Word-Proverbs 11:25

A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.

Natural Disasters-Part Eight

Friends and family were telling me that my yard would be beautiful again.  I had a hard time believing it.  But I was willing to work to make it a possibility.  Spring is a time of new beginnings.  Spring would be a new beginning for Dan and me and our new sunny backyard.  We are thankful for friends and family who came and helped us with the transformation. 

The hard work included:

• In March Dan and I began starting seeds with our new grow lights and shelves.  
• Over 200 seedlings were planted outdoors in May. Zinnias, Amaranth, Celosia, Basil, Cosmos, Snapdragons, and Marigolds, oh my.  Planting so many was a bit overboard but I knew bright flowers would help ease the pain. I have a hard time doing things simple. 
• We dug out all my shady perennials and gave them away or replanted in a few of our shady spots that were left. Planted new sun perennials.
• Planted new trees and shrubs.  Hydrangeas, Smoke Bush, Crabapples, Redbuds, Maples, Oaks and Serviceberry trees. Watering through the drought. 
• Cleared away for a new prairie where towering trees once stood. Threw seeds of native plants.
• Replaced our destroyed gazebo with a lower maintenance version.  Thanks to our insurance.
• New outdoor seating rooms to invite guests to a shared meal in our new sunny yard. 
• Added new birdhouses for our birdies.  Fewer trees to nest in. 
• Fixed retaining walls
• Added a cow fence Arbor 

I have to say that beauty did come.  It came even beyond my imagination.  Nature has a way of healing itself.  And we saw this with our very own eyes.  God shines in His nature. 

In the spring a sea of purple wildflowers came alive.  New trees sprouting all over our backyard.  Pollinators visiting our new sun plants.  Wildlife coming back to visit.  Watching the hummers as they drink the nectar.  See a tiny seedling turning quickly into a 6-foot plant.  Eating fresh produce from our vegetable garden. I was surprised 2 years later with hundreds of prairie plants from our thrown seeds.  

As I write, snow is falling, wind blowing and cold bitter air is the Iowa weather.  I have already begun planning for next season’s garden.  It will be the fourth year of sun gardening. Looking forward to more happy surprises. God had brought healing to my soul.

Natural disasters are a time to show God’s goodness. Even we it’s hard to see beauty. Through His people, through His creation, and through His Son, It will be beautiful again.