I DON'T dance in public. Not because I am against it. It is just not my style. (In other words, I'm not very good at it.) However, I DO dance at home. When my children are grown, I suspect the fondest memories of their mother will be the times that she danced with them. Last night we were due for a dance session. The moment was right. I am ashamed to say it had come before and I had let pressing matters take precedence; not this time.We don't often have the opportunity to buy new music or books. So, on Christmas morn, our family was very happy when we unwrapped a package of four new music CDs sent to us by loving friends across the ocean. Last night, I put one in the player and cranked up the volume. My youngest child's mouth dropped open as he watched his mother cut loose and fly. Soon after, they all joined in the fun. We laughed and fell repeatedly, trying out new movements, while listening to various styles of music. Our focus eventually changed from fun and frolic to joyous praise. After awhile, I changed into a twirly skirt. Immediately, my children followed suit. Before long, skirts were swirling and banners waving. (I won't tell you what my 4ds came out of the bedroom wearing) As I raised my hands to heaven, the children did the same. We sang, our hearts bursting with gratitude. After an hour of wild abandon, we put in a different CD. One that was slower, with words that spoke to the deeper places of our hearts. While singing a love song, I noticed that my children were worshiping with tears in their eyes and upraised hands. I could almost see Heaven's angels dancing with us.
Do you desire for your children to love God? Do you want them to REALLY love Him with all their hearts? All that we do for our children, all that we teach them- the Bible stories, catechisms, memory verses, Sunday School classes, all that we protect them from- the evil outside our doors, the educational system, or the television screen; NONE of it will cause Jesus to be dear to our children's hearts if they do not see that He is dear to our hearts. It is NOT what we DO, it is WHO WE ARE that will attract them to our Source. We need not be perfect, only devoted.
Mothers, dance with your children.
"Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things;
... Burst into jubilant song with music!" Psalm 98
one step at a time...
*reposted from Jan 07
My blue suede shoes are never in the closet. We school in the art of dancing with Mom. (Dad will slow dance but no cuttin' the rug for him.) What seems only innocent fun is so much more. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI know I won't be the only one to ask..... what Cd's were in the package?
AMEN!!! Even my 6 month old bopps up and down in my arms! We are made to worship! My prayer is let Jesus be real to me so He can be real to them!
ReplyDeleteYour children are blessed to have you as their Mommy!!!
love, Christy
Dear Linda,
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by my blog and encouraging me. I'm sure my daughter will find a good friend in time. And for now she is learning how to be alone. I do think that will be of benefit to her.
My little ones and I enjoy dancing too. I actually grew up dancing and went to theatre school for dancing, acting and singing. I wasn't all that good, but now I use what skills I do have to entertaining my children - it is a lot of fun.
I was excited to hear about your move. I know that will be a real blessing to you and your family.
Have a wonderful week.
Stacy
Love the comments, dancing moms!
ReplyDeleteDana, my lips are sealed, but think...rock, soul, slow, fast, hip hop. Can you believe it? I even danced to hip hop! That is sooo not me.
Top of my list for tomorrow...thanks for the encouragement toward things that are true and lasting.
ReplyDeleteMy oldest just loves dance and takes classes. I love to make up silly dances at home and make them laugh. I really enjoyed your post.
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! ;)
ReplyDeleteHow are you coming along in your move home to the states? Have you found any good turkish restaurants or grocers?
I'd love to have some of your authentic recipes.
Ahhh, I miss the days when I used to hold my wee ones and sway and spin and laugh till we (I) couldn't stand up anymore! Some of this must have rubbed off onto my now 20yo son because he recently took dancing lessons!!
ReplyDeleteSo when are YOU going to learn the Texas Two-Step? :)
Donna in Tx
Great post! Sounds like a super fun bonding time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful reminder. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWe do some crazy dancing here! There is a Christian group called Iona which has a song without words called Reels that we just love to dance to. I love dancing with my children. My favorite is dancing and singing to Barber of Seville, opera.
ReplyDeleteMy boys and I love to dance and sing together. We worship the Lord with dance and joyful noises daily!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this!
Sheila
Kids seem to love it when we just cut loose and act crazy with them. What a special memory you created.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful encouragement. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful, encouraging post! I love to dance with my four little ones (in the privacy of my home). I have two left feet and no rhythm, but they don't care! The Bible is full of joyful celebrations of life, we should remember that and praise God with singing and dancing every chance we get!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful moment you had with your children.True and pure worship!.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely beautifully and perfectly said, such wisdom. I often talk of the same in regards to nature study; when my children see my passion and excitement over what God has created, they ALWAYS follow suit.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Melissa
In the Sparrow's Nest
www.homeschoolblogger.com/melissal89
Beautiful,
ReplyDeletereminds me of a song:
http://www.leeannwomack.com/mediaPop/lyricsPop.asp?mediaBase=a0302
I promise if someday I'd be a mother, I'll dance with my childern :D
ReplyDelete