Watch Us Rock The House!

The h2 unlimited dance team! From L-R: Lydia, Robyn, me, Tatyana, Alexis

Front: Zoie, Melissa (also our wonderful teacher!), Olivia, Josh, Shameer, and Nick

Yes, it's true.  God moved through us yesterday and not only did the church really seem to enjoy the experience..we had a blast! I am so grateful to have been part of this, and hope you'll enjoy watching the video.  I think all of our hard work was definitely rewarded!



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How It Rolls

Since I'm horrifically tardy in doing so, I'll start off by announcing Sarah M. as the winner of the Art And Prophecy giveaway.  Congratulations Sarah and thanks to all who entered!

For those of you who may have wondered what in the world I've been up to lately, I'll give you a quick run down:  I was sick for almost 2 weeks straight, busy revamping my son's entire homeschool plan based on the Charlotte Mason approach I've fallen in love with, dealing with feelings of sluggishness and insomnia (adrenal fatigue perhaps?) and preparing to lead worship for the first time for a weekend retreat with my husband.  (Awesome by the way..more on this very soon!!)  I would be remiss not to mention one of the key factors that has held me back from popping in though, which is separate from (but a direct result of) the many things I just shared with you, so here it is:

Since I changed focus here at Dance And Be Glad awhile back, I began feeling like I did not have a solid foundation to build from, in the sense of really conveying just what true worship is all about and why it is so important.  Writing a post to this effect would serve as a heartfelt and (hopefully) spirit-led attempt to answer some of those questions, and in turn, would release me to continue writing about other related topics once again, something I've very much been looking forward to!  Ok, so I am in the midst of pouring into this post, plan to complete it by weeks end, and then on we'll go.

Just had to give you a quick update, and I will be back soon.  I promise!  Love to all :)

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Image by Amy Guth

Art And Prophecy

Today I have another delightful post brought to you by my dear blogging friend, Barbie, a new monthly contributor here at Dance And Be Glad!  If you'd like to read the story behind her original art work pictured above, read this!  A long overdue post by yours truly is in the works..

Post by Barbie Swihart

I was so honored when Leah at Dance And Be Glad asked me to guest write on her site again.  I hope to encourage you as you grow in the creativity that the Lord has given to you.

I have been asked several times about my prophetic art.  You can find it here.  I have never had any training in drawing or painting.  But as a person who often sees pictures, given to me by God during times of worship and prayer,  I began to wonder if maybe God would give me the ability to paint what I saw.  Over the last few years,  the Holy Spirit has been doing a work in my heart and has given me so much freedom as I embrace my creative side.  Many have been encouraged through my art.  It's all for His glory!

The church that I attend has an ongoing Prophetic Arts ministry.  Do not let the word "prophetic" scare you.  Although I do not feel qualified to teach about the prophetic, I love to share my experience with what God reveals to me and how it transfers to art.   

Prophesy.  In simple terms, prophecy is a message from God meant to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others.  Most often, prophesy comes through divinely inspired words, spoken to breathe life and hope into another individual, though it can also be expressed in various other artistic forms as well. 

But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.  1 Cor. 14: 3

I have been privileged to serve on the prophetic team at my church, and it always amazes me how God will meet me when I am obedient to step out in faith with what He gives to me.  I remember one time the Lord showed me a picture of a flower.  I was ministering to a young girl and I asked her what her favorite flower was.  It was the exact flower that the Lord had shown to me!  From there, I was able to share with her God's heart towards her; how He saw her.  It was very touching.  

It was a simple picture, given to me by God, yet combined with my act of obedience, it was used to bring hope and healing. 

Art.  Art is a universal language.  I love that art can convey different meanings to each person who sees it.  I have had the experience of walking by a painting and bursting into tears as God brought healing to me through it.  I believe that God desires to use art in the Church to bring hope, healing, and encouragement to His children.  

So how to prophecy and art work together?  Simply, the Father desires to express His heart to His children.  We serve a creative God who is always speaking.  God desires to (and does) speak through art.  As an artist, he desires to open our eyes and ears to see and hear what He is saying, and then transfer that onto canvass.   We do this for the Glory of God first and foremost.  If no one said anything about any of my paintings, it wouldn't matter.  I do it for God.  Do I want others to be blessed by it?  Absolutely.  But I do it out of obedience to what God has put on my heart, and leave the rest up to Him. 

Before I paint, I spend time in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit what He desires to show me.  God will often give me a picture.  I then ask for the Holy Spirit to help me to transfer the picture onto canvass.  Since I am not as skilled as some artists, I must surrender and rely 100% on the Hoy Spirit to move through me.  And there are times when God doesn't show me anything beforehand.  Imagine walking up to a blank canvass during a Sunday morning worship service and being completely oblivious as to what direction to go.  It's a humbling experience as I take God's hand and say, "Okay Lord, You've got this one."  I love to feel His presence moving through me as I paint.  

My desire is that God would use my art for His glory!

I would encourage you to begin developing your gift at home during your private worship times.  Or quietly in your seat during a worship service.  Maybe the church you attend is not yet at a place where they can be free to express themselves through art.  It is very important that you come under spiritual covering and leadership before attempting to develop an arts ministry in your church, or any ministry for that matter.  But what is stopping you from bringing a sketchpad and colored pencils with you to church?  Developing your gifting as an artist takes time, commitment, patience, and practice.  

God created us to partner with Him in releasing His glory on the earth!  He has given each of us a measure of creativity.  If you have a desire in your heart to begin drawing or painting, invest in some simple, basic tools and go for it.  And do not become frustrated if you do not see doors opening for you right away corporately.  Be faithful first in your own private life.  Cultivate your gift when no one else is watching.  God will be faithful to bring it into the light at the right time.

Below are some great resources if you would like to find out more about art in the church:

Theresa Dedmon Ministries

Theresa is a very gifted artist.  She has visited our church with her team on several occasions.  Take a moment to view her gallery, and read the testimonies of hope and healing that have been released around the world through there art listed there.

Awakening An Arts Renaissance

A very reasonably priced mp3 download of teaching and encouragement about prophetic art by Theresa Dedmon. 

Art for God's Sake: A Call to Recover the Arts 

A great book about using your artistic talent for the glory of God.  Written by Philip Graham Ryken.

Leah here:  Would you like the chance to win your own copy of the last two resources?  (Of course you would!)  Simply visit Barbie's worship arts site, Expressions Of His Beauty, and subscribe by email to receive updates of new posts (or let me know if you already do.)  Though infrequent, they are beautiful encouragements for the body and spirit.  You may receive additional entries by tweeting, posting on FB, following her (or me) via GFC or on facebook, or by following Barbie's main site, My Freshly Brewed Life.  Please leave a separate comment for each thing you do.  Giveaway ends this Friday at midnight (est).  Best wishes!

***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED***

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A Prophetic Art Journey

Today's post is compliments of my sweet and talented blogging friend Barbie, who I would highly recommend you get to know!  The painting featured here is one of her own, and you can read more about the story behind it here.  

Post by Barbie Swihart


I was so honored when Leah asked if I would share my journey of prophetic art.  I pray that you will be blessed by what you read and understand that you are beautiful, artistic, and creative. 

My journey in art began several years ago. I am privileged to belong to a church community that embraces the freedom of expression in various art forms such as worship, media, dance, drama, painting, or sketching.  Although I have been involved on worship teams and led a worship dance team, I never really considered myself an “artist”.  I did not have an understanding as to what true creativity was, but desired to be creative.  I began to pray and ask the Lord to release His creativity through me.

A few years ago, I traveled with the leadership of my church to the Kansas City International House of Prayer.  I remember as I sat in the room, overwhelmed by the worship, that God began to give me some amazing pictures of what was on His heart.  My prophetic gifting is as a “seer”, which means that God often shows me pictures during worship, or during my prayer times, both for me personally and for my local corporate body.  

While I was in Kansas City, I had an opportunity for the first time to sketch some of what the Lord showed me, and although it wasn’t perfect, it was very freeing. I desired more.

In my local church, there are artists of all different abilities- from beginners, to those who have been formally taught, to those like me, who have no formal training but have a burning desire to express God’s heart through the arts.  Because I never considered myself an artist, by the world’s standards, I had to overcome some obstacles.  The fear of man and the need to compare my art to others were two of my biggest challenges.  Also, I had to learn to accept and cultivate my unique bent as an artist.  I don’t use brushes.  I use my fingers, and for a while, I thought that was weird.  But one day God said, “use your hands and do not pick up a brush”.  So to this day, with the exception of texture or background color, the majority of my artwork is painted with my fingers.  

It took me a while, but I am finally at a place of freedom in my creativity and it doesn’t matter what others may think or feel.  It only matters if I allowed God to move through me.  

The more I step out in obedience and allow God to cultivate my gifting, the more I am amazed at what I can do. 

The Holy Spirit has been the best teacher!

When I paint, I first pray and ask the Lord if there is a particular scripture, word or picture He would like to show me.  I then ask Him about color – what colors should I use and how many?  I seldom receive anything concrete from the Lord until just before I paint.  And it’s normally just a sense or a feeling. I then pray and ask the Lord to anoint my hands for worship as I begin to paint. As the Holy Spirit comes, I often feel as if I am in another time and place, like it’s just Him and me in the room.  When I paint, I feel in complete unity with the Lord and close to His heart. 

My desire is to be used as an instrument for His glory.  It is not about wowing the congregation, or having someone want to purchase my art.  It’s about being obedient to the Holy Spirit.  I believe we were all born to create.  We serve a very creative God.  

"In the beginning God created..." (Genesis 1:1)  

If you have never “created” in the presence of the Lord, give it a try!  Turn on some worship music, grab some colored pencils or watercolors and ask the Holy Spirit to move through you.  What are you seeing?  What are you feeling?  Let Him guide your hands and do not get caught up in technique. 

It’s not about perfection. It’s about your heart connecting with God’s heart.  And I guarantee you it will be beautiful because it was inspired by the Holy Spirit.  You cannot fail.  God gave you the desire.  He is waiting for you to create so that the entire world can see His beauty!

Barbie lives in Northern California with her husband and four children.  She works full-time as the Pastoral Administrator of her church, and desires to be used by the Lord to express his heart through the arts.  To see more of Barbie's art, visit her blog at http://www.myfreshlybrewedlife.blogspot.com

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A Lifestyle Of Worship

Do you enjoy Dance And Be Glad? Why not subscribe by email  so you won't miss another post..it's easy and free!  Or, you could always add us to your reader.

I came across this video last night and my husband and I both thought it was worth passing along..so here it is!  Great message with a challenge by Kim Walker- Smith.  I love how she explains that, "Worship is simply our connection to Him..that's it."  What do you think?

Worship Is The Key

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Today I was thinking of how sometimes life just doesn't seem to make sense.  The rain falls in downpours; difficulties come crashing in as mighty waves.  Nothing can quite prepare you for the unexpected events the days may bring, and yet when we commune with God, it quiets that restless, uneasy spirit within us and allows us to simply be His.

No matter what kind of chaos enters our lives, He remains unchanged.  I believe that making the time to worship Him from the very essence of our being is the key to releasing the outpouring of His presence into our lives, and providing the truest sense of stability that we so desperately seek.

So...that being said, I'd like to present to you a challenge: to take hold of all that God-given creativity within each one of us and just let Him have it..whether you sit down to write a poem or story, create a beautiful piece of artwork, or offer Him a dance of praise.  When you turn your passions and abilities toward Him, He will meet you and  draw you in deep.  Think of it as a jump-start for your spiritual journey.  Just don't forget to read the road map (aka thebible) before you set course.

So, are you up for it?  I'd love to hear from you how this plays out in your life...and I plan to share my own story with you soon.  If you've had a deep encounter with God that you'd like to share as a guest post here, please let me know so I can get in contact with you.  Blessings!!

Sharing A Bit Of His Plan

Tonight I share with you some news.  Before I do, though, please know that I have enjoyed the journey we've shared together over these past 11 months so much.  And no, I'm not giving up the blog.  *Insert toothy grin here* However, lately I've felt like what I really need is to focus more on the Lord and just be willing to surrender the things that make it difficult for me to walk in the path he's called me to.

As I've prayed and sought His direction in my life, one thing has been becoming more clear to me than I'd like to admit: (but here it is anyway, since I'm putting myself out there like that)

I think about this blog too much.

Returning to my writing has been so therapeutic for me in many ways.  The problem is...I can write about whatever I want to here.  That doesn't sound like it would be a bad thing, but for me, it gives me far too many opportunities to lose track of what is going on right now- in this moment.  My mind tends to run on overdrive as it is, and then to constantly have these ideas popping into my head throughout the day about what would make a great topic for a post, or maybe a good category, or series....well, frankly it's just too distracting.  I am blessed to have a wide variety of interests and abilities, but perhaps it was premature to think I could find the balance in sharing them all in this one place.

There's also been that instinctive writers "thing" creeping in where I start seeing the story in everything that happens rather than simply living it and allowing God to work that beauty into me on His own time. Have any of you ever experienced this?

So here's what I've decided to do (totally based off of the Lord's leading at the present time):

I will be streamlining Dance And Be Glad to be focused primarily on the "arts" of worship: with an emphasis on my growing passion of worship dance.  Living a lifestyle of worship is something we should each strive towards, but I've got a really strong desire to encourage the body of Christ to experience God on a deeper level.  By reclaiming the arts for His glory and creating our own passionate responses to Him, I believe we can do just this.  Just thinking about this gets me excited..very excited!!  Plus, the ideas I have for the topic seem to flow together seamlessly, while leaving my adventures with herbs, married life, motherhood and homemaking mostly off the hook.  *Big sigh of relief* For those of you who would like to continue reading about these things, here are a few great sites worth checking out (A few of my favorites and some of the first blogs I started reading):

Domestic By Design      
This girl and I share the same heart, I think!  I also have a guest post here talking about dance.

Keeper Of The Home     
Very helpful natural living blog.  I have written two articles featured here, including Better Bedtimes For Little Ones and Making Mom's Health A Priority.  Also, a collection of my natural remedy posts can be found at the Home Remedies Carnival here (numbers 31-37), along with many other posts worthy of your perusal.

Passionate Homemaking
All about the home, and living simply.

Inspired To Action          
Intentional motherhood- I befriended this girl, and she is legit :)

A Holy Experience        
The way this woman reflects on life is life changing.

Meanwhile, I will continue start writing our own personal family journal, including filling the empty pages of my children's memory books with all the sweet, quirky, and wonderful things they do which are all too quickly forgotten.  Maybe write some longer articles as I feel released to do so, in the forms of e-books, guest posts, or the like.  Eventually I'd even like to write a book, but that is something I'm putting out of my mind at the present time as well.

I'd like to thank each one of you for being here and caring about me and what I've had to say these past months, and I do hope that many of you will stick around and see how God is going to revamp this site to bring Him deeper levels of glory!!  You're support has been so encouraging to my soul, more than words could say.

In His Presence: A Poem

photo credit

Inspired by my recent encounter at The Relevant Conference.  Many more stories of His moving to come...

Moved to tears

Brought to my knees

Restless spirit quieted  

Callouses gone

Inspiration found

Joy and faith intertwine

His truth revealed

My identity restored

Shame left behind 

Truly yours

Deeply blessed

I will ever praise you 

A Sunday Meditation For You, From Faith Imagined

This morning I felt led to share with you a beautifully moving article, written by the oh-so talented Alisa of Faith Imagined.  I encourage you to read it today and glean from her Holy Spirit inspired perspective on the return of our King.

Here is a snippit to peak your interest:
I imagine myself as a frail, old woman. It is dusk, and I'm walking outside amongst strangers along the street. I have nothing left of value. My money has been passed along to my kids and God's service. My youth and beauty have died long ago. My body is broken, and my five senses have faded. My mind is forgetful, and I can't keep a schedule. I can barely muster the energy to complete the daily tasks of living. I live each day longing for my Love's return.

I hear a scream, and see people running away in fear. I look to the heavens just in time to see the star sprinkled night sky rip in half. The black drape ripples like a blanket and falls on either side of the earth. All around me is the absence of darkness. I could have never comprehended such light. 


Click here to continue.

God's blessings to you, and have a wonderful extended weekend, everyone!

PraiseMoves: A Christian Alternative To Yoga

I am smitten...and I just have to introduce you to the recipient of my newest affection:  PraiseMoves®!  PraiseMoves is the fitness ministry of Laurette Willis, featuring a collection of DVD's which promote healthy stretching, exercise, and stress relief- all while keeping you firmly rooted in the word of God!  Each posture in PraiseMoves is modeled after a biblical theme, (such as Mt. Zion, or The Cross, for example) and offers a delightfully corresponding verse of spoken scripture for you to repeat or meditate quietly on, at your discretion.  It's a perfect way to combine your daily devotion time and exercise routine into one!  Laurette has kindly agreed to supply a copy of her DVD, "Power Praise Moves" to a Dance And Be Glad reader.  (Did I mention she's absolutely a doll?!) She's also offering a $5 off special available to everyone. Read on to enter!  


Several years ago, the Lord placed an uneasy feeling in my spirit about the practice of traditional yoga.  The more I read, the more I became convinced that the potential dangers it carried far outweighed any positive qualities it had to offer.  I came to find out that yoga is an integral part of the Hindu religion, and in many cases is considered to, in fact, be Hinduism.  Despite the fact that most people in the U.S. are practicing hatha yoga, the most basic form which downplays many of it's overarching religious connections, the fact is that you cannot fully separate the act of "doing yoga" from it's Hindu roots.  Take a look at a few of the principles being taught through yoga in relation to what the bible teaches us, and think about what message we, as Christians are sending to the lost by participating in such an activity.


Yoga teaches us to empty our minds in the pursuit of peace
The bible teaches us to renew our minds (Gal 4:19) , and to continually meditate on scripture


Yoga is aimed at finding the divinity within
The bible teaches that we are to be vessels of the Holy Spirit


Yoga teaches postures that were created as offerings to the millions of Hindu "gods"
The bible warns that we are to abstain from things offered to idols, and to seek to live as children of light (see Ephesians 5)


Need more convincing, or a more thorough look at the facts?  Check out this article.


Now for some good news!  With PraiseMoves, you can get a great workout, stretching, and stress relief galore...all with NO COMPROMISE!  The Power PraiseMoves DVD offers 3 different workouts of varying lengths, and a section for abs targeting.  The other DVD I've been using, 20 Minute PraiseMoves, features workouts at 3 different fitness levels, and an additional segment for extended relaxation in the word.  Both include warm ups, and detailed instructions to perform the postures and scripture sequences.  Both are enjoyable, challenging at their own levels, and will make you "feel the burn" so to speak, in a good way!  Most importantly though, these DVD's will allow you to focus on the Lord and draw nearer to Him.  Amen?!  Seriously, these have been soooo helpful in relieving stess for me.  (I've even managed to sneak a few sessions in during our T.V. fast..shhh..don't tell!)


To be entered to win the DVD, all you have to do is visit Laurette's site, then return and leave a comment on this post! (Mandatory enty) "Like" me on facebook and/ or follow me on twitter or google friend connect for additional, optional entries. (Please leave a separate comment for each entry.) The winner will be announced Fri. Sept. 10.  Best wishes!
*THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED*  Congratulations to commenter #21: Nancy!   I'm sure you will be loving it :)

A Poem: Joy Is A Knowing

Last night as I layed in bed, exhausted and unable to sleep, and starting to feel a bit sorry for myself, I began to sense a quiet comfort which I can only explain as the joy of the Lord, working its way into me, despite all circumstances.  I was truly blessed, and deeply inspired by this answer to prayer.  I hope you enjoy my poem :)  

Joy is a knowing

Deep beneath wounded flesh

Trickling out of a thankful well

Unchanged by soulish affliction

She whispers to be heard

Offering gentle strength to a weary grasp

On her way to catch the sunrise

The essence of eternity in hand

Many a season have gone by

Yet her beauty remains steadfast

Forever radiant and fresh

Amidst the storms she flourishes

Her words are life and truth

My heart and mind asquiesce

As we meet in pure reflection

To see a child of The King!

A Poem: "When I Say I Am A Christian"

I received this poem in my inbox today, as it is apparently "Christian Women Week".  I felt it appropriate to share with all of you lovely ladies out there.  We are so blessed, are we not?!!  Enjoy, and feel free to pass it on!

When I say that 'I am a Christian', I am not shouting that 'I am clean living.' 

I'm whispering 'I was lost, but now I'm found and forgiven.' 

When I say 'I am a Christian' I don't speak of this with pride. 
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.


When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not trying to be strong. 
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on. 



When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not bragging of success. 
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess. 



When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not claiming to be perfect. 
My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I am worth it.


When I say 'I am a Christian' I still feel the sting of pain. 
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name. 

When I say 'I am a Christian' I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner who received God's good grace, somehow! 

-Author Unknown

A poem: My Delight

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Yes, I have moments of desperation.  More on this soon!  Until then, here is a recent sampling of my hearts cry to God in my hour of need.  Oh how He never fails us!  I am beyond grateful...

Don't let me forget you Lord

Your breath gives life to me

How could I wallow in pity

When you have set me free?

Come back to me again

My father and my friend

My world is spinning

Without your steady hand

I will run, I will dance

I will sit at your feet

You are good 

You are precious

You are

You've made me complete

I want for nothing

I will go where you send me

I will stay by your side

You are my delight