So You Think You Can Dance?

I must start off by stating that I don't find myself to be a great or even good dancer. I do however like to get my groove on, try new dance types, and dance around the comfort of those I know. It's good to loosen up after a long week and hit the dance floor with a few friends who you will remember that specific evening with.

I just got home from a night out on Mill Avenue. I absolutely love Mill Avenue in Tempe! There's something going on at all times and much culture to experience. Tonight I write to give heed to the do's and don'ts of dancing.

Top dancing faux pas (Don'ts):

5. Flailing your arms every which way is NOT considered dancing

4. Just because you have consumed 6 drinks does NOT make you a good dancer

3. God did not make your body for a pole - do NOT grind it

2. Snapping your fingers and doing the "Carleton" dance is NOT dancing

1. It is perfectly okay for two women to dance very close and against one another. This is NOT appropriate for men (no-brainer).

Top dancing wins (Do's)

5. Do have a drink or two

4. Do bring a few close friends or acquaintances

3. Do dance closely with your friends

2. Do get up on the dance floor with the intent to dance

1. Do have fun with your friends and be confident.

Go out with some friends, loosen up and dance the night away. It's something you will thank yourself for later. Don't let these experiences slip you by and inheriting dance moves fomr Elaine in the show Seinfeld:

The Surface

The Surface

The surface is so clear -

white sandy beaches come to mind.

Crystal clear blue skies,

people laughing, playing, soaking up the sun.

Swim away from the shallow

and the land becomes blurry.

The further out one goes

the less comfortable they become.

Deep below the surface is a whole new story -

one beyond comprehension.

Why am I inclined to stay on the surface?

Am I so wrapped up with my story

that I don't take time to explore others?

I desire to go beyond me.

To get out of the shallow and dive deep.

RE:introduction

After a long pause from blogging I decided to follow the way of our culture and re-package my blog and sell it as something else! Now in all seriousness, I miss writing out my thoughts and experiences. As I reflect on the introduction to my old blog (which has now been integrated into this one) I have one purpose in blogging...to think deeper: to get my thoughts on cyber-paper in a coherent and understandable way.

I still desire to write about the economy, societal issues, God, and the general goings of life. The twist to this new blog is that I will be documenting my journey into a new adventure...a business that I hope to startup in the next couple of years.

If you’re lucky enough to come across this blog I welcome your comments, suggestions, advice, and input.

There’s a real passion within me to make this first post of great significance, to start this building of a masterpiece/making of an epic. However, I will sign off tonight with a few thoughts.

Americans are the least intentional of all people. I witnessed this yesterday at the dermatologist. A 60 year old woman began to act like a kid in a candy store after seeing an advertisement for palomar laser treatments. This laser is so life changing it claims to remove unwanted hair, wrinkles, and can help you look 10 years younger. After causing a scene in the lobby of the dermatologist, this woman learns the treatment is only $1600. She exclaims to her friend, “with all the poverty, homelessness, and hunger in our world I can’t see myself spending $1600 on myself.” “If it will make you happy and give you confidence, you should do it!”, her friend says in a calming manner. Finally, the woman exclaims, “I’ll look great...you’re right!”

This lack of intention is what’s driving my return to the blogosphere. Did the woman even consider how far $1600 could go in helping feed the need? Did she care? I walked into the doctor’s office disappointed with the woman, wondering what could have come if she would have thought about those less fortunate a little more. This woman’s wrinkle-free face will not bring her happiness in the long run. When the wrinkles return, what then?

As I sat in disgust I realized this woman is a reflection of my own life. I often think about societal issues, think about the economy, think about Jesus, think about starting a business....and all too often let the thoughts drift onward as my life becomes hoarded with work and a whole lot of “me”. In short this blog is about becoming more intentional, thinking deeper, and documenting a business adventure....perhaps it will be the “making of an epic”.

EPIC Thought:
Is our issue having too much on our plate or just not caring enough to drive us into action?

Community

What comes to mind when you think of community?

Is it a group of people who unite for a cause? Is it a gathering where individuals think beyond themselves and serve others? Is it a family? How does it function? Is it comfortable, uncomfortable, or both? Is it a safe place?

Instead of bore you with what I feel is community and answer these questions, I'd rather post a link to another blog that explains whether or not community groups should be a "safe place". The article written by a pastor at Mars Hill Church in Seattle sparked my interest because I too struggle with the thought of community being a safe place and equating safe with comfortable. Here's the link for your reading pleasure: Community: The Un-safest Place.

ALIVE and WELL

The crux of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Death could not Handle Him – The Grave could not Hold Him

Acts 2:24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your victory?
O Death, where is your sting?”

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was declared to be the Son of God by the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead.

Jesus’ death and suffering quenched the WRATH of God –
Inscribed on the nails were my sins piercing the Savior as He gives himself as a substitute.

The resurrection of Jesus upheld Him as righteous, proved him to be the Son of God, and demonstrated His victory over death.
My Savior is alive and well. He has triumphed over the grave. He has freed me from the bondage of sin and death. Christ shall reign forever and ever.

The Passion, The Agony, The Glory...

Isaiah 53:2-7
2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way;and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all. 7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.

1 Peter 2: 22-24
22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.

Wednesday's Word