Determined to Dance Podcast

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark.

Today’s episode, “Awaken: Dreams and Dancing” looks at the night dreams and daytime dreams that shape our lives and often show us more about the dance and our place there.

Are you ready? The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

 

Show Notes: Awaken: Dreams and Dancing

There are two types of dreams. First, there are Night dreams. Most people have them, some more than others. I’ve always dreamed while sleeping, often and many times with vivid details. Some good, others confusing, and those nightmares. Is there anything more frightening than being held underwater, falling from an airplane, or being chased by the Yeti on a snow-covered mountain? You don't have Yeti dreams? I’ll tell you about mine in a moment.

Then we have Daydreams or visions of what can be, might be, could be. Our goals and our hopes. God plants dreams in our hearts as lights to the path of His will. We’ll talk more about these dreams next week.

I love reading books about any kind of dream or dreams; my favorite book is “Dream,” by Mark Rutland. The tagline is “Awake or asleep, unlock the power of God’s vision.

Rutland says, “Dreams are where space and time are pushed away, where God allows our inner selves to see beyond and behind the conscious plane and where possibilities and hopes, as well as all our hidden monsters, come out, come out wherever they are.”

What do dreams have to do with the dance? When we move into God’s will and purpose, we learn more about ourselves. Like Adam and Eve, we tend to hide in bushes and with fig leaves. God slowly unwraps us from our fears and insecurities, often using both kinds of dreams.

Night dreams. Many times, our subconscious speaks to us in the night while sleeping. I often wonder if I dream so much because I have a tendency to be reserved and I don’t allow what’s deep inside of me a chance to surface and awaken. So, I dream and release the good and bad in life. Dreams have helped me in three ways:

Dreams give me hope. One dream I often had over the years was me standing in front of a group of women, bringing hope and encouragement. I was always casually dressed and confident. My introverted self does not enjoy speaking to crowds so I was puzzled by the dream. I speak to women now through this podcast, usually wearing comfy clothes and with no fear of messing up since I can edit each episode. My dream came true in a way I could never imagine.

Dreams warn me. Once I had a dream where an evil man tried to break into my house. He wasn't having any trouble because the glass in all the doors was missing. When I woke and prayed about it, God showed me the glass represented hope. Because of the circumstances around me, I had lost hope and that opened the door to discouragement, depression, and other evil things. I repented and began to study hope in the Bible.

Dreams teach me. I used to dream every so often that a Yeti, a white furry monster was smothering me. I’d wake up out of breath and anxious each time I dreamed it. I prayed but didn’t know what to do so I mentioned it to someone at church. He said, “Did you ask God what it means? What the Yeti represents?” I hadn’t. And I was afraid to. Finally, one day, I closed my eyes and asked God what the Yeti was. Instantly, I saw the word rejection. I prayed about rejection and asked God to help me with past feelings that it brought on, those smothering feelings. When the dream came again one night, I was able to stand to my feet and say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The Yeti vanished. I’ve never had the dream again. God taught me something about myself and healed some old wounds from the past.

Through a dream.  And if I have hope, I'm warned, and I'm taught, it makes the dance so much freer. So, dream on, my friend. Awaken to what God is saying. He’s on your side, forever for you.

Let’s pray: Father God, help us to dream so that we hold nothing back, giving all of our conscious and subconscious thoughts to you. We are awake and eager to hear what you say. During the day and the night. Thy love stay with me through the night until the morning brings daylight. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Next week, we’ll dig deeper into dreaming and vision.

Until then. Stay Determined to Dance.

Future topics include:

Dreaming.

Reflection and Prayer.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

Dream by Mark Rutland

Remember: Awaken: Dreams and Dancing

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/qv3-TDdD1pM

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Today’s episode, “How Distraction Diminishes the Dance,” looks at the battle we fight to keep focused as we dance with God in His will and way. Taking concrete steps can help us move forward and live life to the fullest. Even in the midst of distraction.

Show Notes: How Distraction Diminishes the Dance

If you look at the year 2020 in my book, one word defining that unsettled year would be 'distraction'. Circumstances changed as many people moved to virtual schooling, Zoom meetings, work at home, and daily changes in our states and nation.

The ground beneath my feet grew shaky, unsteady in areas of my own life and at times I wanted to crawl under the refreshment table at the dance and hide. Hiding and meticulous cleaning and organizing are my go-to safe places when life is less than I want.

2021 has been more of the same. I can now see more light at the end of the tunnel but much is still evolving around me. Add in disappointments in my career, shifts in the family, and limited time for working on my fiction and I’m wallowing in distraction. My focus is out the window at times and I struggle to remember what I’m supposed to be doing and when I should be doing it.

Anyone else understand what I mean? I’m sure you do. We all want to keep moving forward, our eyes on the prize, and our steps sure. So, what should we do to regain focus and kick distraction out the door? I found a few ways to help my waning attention span.

First, I go back to my journal/planner/calendar. Right before bedtime, I think about the next day and make a few notes on the important tasks I need to focus on. I also notice doctor appointments, taxi services for my grandchildren, and general housework. Writing it down helps me to not only plan but remember. I chart specific events in the Google Calendar and make comments in my journal. My day runs smoother when I have a plan instead of relying on my memory to keep me on track.

Next, I schedule the important tasks at specific times. I block out time to write, exercise, do housework, or shop. Then I use the time wisely which leads to what I do next.

Limit social media and games. When I’m distracted and losing focus, I can easily pick up my phone and play solitaire or Township for hours, eating loads of sugar and carbs while I’m at it. It’s another form of hiding for me. When I limit these activities, my focus returns, and I can avoid procrastination.

Last but not least, I pray. As distraction mounts, I need more time with God, talking life through. He alone has blessed me with a plan and purpose and only He can place my feet on the right path. I’ve learned I can never spend too much time with God, discussing where I am and the help I so often need. Prayer helps to “center” me and move distraction far away.

Recently, my family and I spent time at the beach, a much-needed vacation. As I lay in the sun, I talked to God, whining about how unsteady and unsettled I’d felt for a while now. He patiently listened.  In my heart, I felt him saying that it was okay. He still held me and the changes I’m going through are necessary for the upcoming season. I drew in a deep breath. Necessary. If what God is doing is necessary for forward progress, I need to quit resisting and rest in Him.

I can’t see the future but God is already there. So, I’ll follow the above ways to fight distraction and limit what I can. Then I’ll move forward and take my place once again on the dance floor, holding tightly to the hand of God.

Everyone needs time and practice to embrace a new season and I’m no exception. Neither are you. So, let’s step out together and enjoy life to the full.

Let’s pray: Father God, we’re struggling with distraction today and desperately need You to help us focus on Your plan and the purpose You have for our lives. You know how we resist change yet You know it’s for our good. Show us how to rest in Your will and enjoy life in the here and now. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Next week, we’ll begin the first of a three-part episode on dreaming and what it means when you’re dancing. Until next time, stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

Dreaming.

Reflection and Prayer.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

Google Calendar App

Weekly Planner

Remember: Distraction Diminishes the Dance

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together. 

https://youtu.be/gYUJjsgd96k

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Today’s episode, “The Art of Prayer,” looks at communicating with God and how it affects our ability to dance.

We hear God through the art of prayer. And yes, prayer is an art and at its most basic, it is talking to God.

Show Notes: The Art of Prayer

Hearing and listening to God is vital if we are to dance with Him, following His will and way. How do we hear? Through the art of prayer. Is prayer an art? You might ask. I think so. One definition I found is “a skill at doing a specified thing; typically, one acquired through practice. Knitting is an art. Conversation is an art. Writing is an art. Prayer is an art and at its most basic, it is talking to God. We start with simple prayers as a child or a new believer.

When I was a child, I prayed with my whole heart, pouring out to God, in the best way I knew, all I felt and wondered and loved and hated. Then I became a teenager and—uh I became less honest. I hid things and worried and rebelled at times. Then I reached adulthood and swung back and tried to do it all perfect in the form of a prayer march. I looked at what other Christians did and tried to mimic them, mimic prayers from the Bible, and do what I thought sounded good.

I was practicing, which was okay, except when I started the deadly comparison game. Life became lots of questions. This person prays for an hour. Maybe I should. This person gets up at 4 in the morning and prays. Should I? Some people pray daily for Israel. Others have a specific closet for prayer. On my knees or sitting in a chair? I tried to do it all and only got tired.

And something was lost in the process. That childlike wonder and freedom of expression that I first had as a child. I’ll never forget the day I was in a ladies’ class at church and during the lesson, a major revelation filled my heart. I suddenly realized that I acted like the Pharisees, with long prayers to be seen and heard and so far away from the heart of God. I admitted this to the class and later repented of losing my first love, that intimate relationship I’d once had of a child and her father. I needed it back.

It didn’t come all at once but I began by reading the Psalms. David showed so many emotions throughout this book of the Bible and God called him a man after his own heart. I finally realized that God is big enough and strong enough to handle all my emotions and quirks and fears. I can safely pour out my life to Him and He holds it all.

“You keep track of all my sorrows, you have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book.” Psalm 56:8 NLT

My struggles are precious to God. So much so that he keeps track, collects, and records them. Not to beat me over the head but to show he cares, to heal each one, and to avenge me of my enemies.

David ends the psalm in verse 13 by saying, “For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light.

He loves us so much more than we can ever know. What an encouraging thought. I’m so grateful to God for asking for honesty from me. In myself, I would probably always cover up and hide. But I feel so much freer when I come clean. Prayer has been an essential part of my writing life. Every day there are new decisions to make.

Novel writing decisions.

Agent decisions

Podcast episode direction

Website and blog issues

And let’s not even get into everyday life. From my job to housework to family to grandkids to time spent with my husband, I desperately need to hear God. I have perfectionist tendencies which result in me having to fight being driven. A little voice constantly whines in the background: you don’t do enough. You need to do more. More. More.

But God says to slow down, breathe, spend time with the ones I love, and spend time with Him. In the end, it’s the most important thing.

Let’s pray.

Father God, we pause to take a deep breath and move our focus from comparison and drivenness to you. You made us and you alone can order our steps. Thank you for speaking and listening to our hearts. We long to pour them out to you. Heal our deep hurts. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Now. I’m a little calmer and I hope you are too. Next week, we’ll talk more about prayer and perseverance, and distraction.

Until next time. Stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

Prayer and reflection.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

Psalm 56:8

Remember: The Art of Prayer

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together. 

https://youtu.be/wB_H7LJsVcI

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Today’s episode, “When Disappointment Shows Up,” looks at the way disappointment tries to discourage us from dancing and how we can be reappointed. In our last episode, I mentioned moving onto the dance floor this week. That would be going from considering the invitation to dance with God to actually stepping into said dance. I didn’t realize that my first dance would prove to be so difficult.

Show notes: When Disappointment Shows Up

A few days ago, life was great. The podcast ideas flowed, I finished the proposal on my next novel and started a new fiction work that I’m most excited about. The weather was unseasonably warm, I mean, do you get the picture here? Ten out of ten.

Then ...

The email came. As I read it, I actually took hold of the monitor, saying no over and over again. An unexpected snafu in my writing life.  Didn’t really see it coming. I went from disbelief to anger to sorrow in a number of hours. I ranted to another writer friend through FB messaging. She was understanding and encouraged me. Shared some silly emojis. Talked me off the ledge. I finally calmed a little. But how could this happen to me?

I can see you shaking your head, sending hugs my way because you absolutely know what I mean. The dance has started, you’re wearing the perfect ensemble, and you feel like Cinderella at the ball.

Then bam, it’s midnight and everything falls apart. We’ve all dealt with midnights in a relationship, our job, our homes, life in general. What’s a person to do?

I began by being totally honest with myself on how I felt. I didn’t pretend it didn’t hurt or make me mad or almost drive me to despair over my chosen career. I cried a little, pouted a lot. When life blindsides us, we start, not by hiding or pretending, but by allowing the pain as part of life.

I talked to friends I could trust. Ones who wouldn’t repeat those first, raw moments when hurt occurs and shared their wisdom and empathy with me. Trusted friends or family are a must when disappointments set us back.

I went back to work. Within hours of my disappointment, I sat down with my laptop and loaded a couple of Friday Fiction blog posts. Checked my email. Simple tasks I could do even in my emotional state. It kept me from wallowing in self-pity. When you keep moving forward in the face of disillusionment, it lessens the pain and focuses on what lies ahead.

For there is more ahead. Later, I was able to look objectively at the situation and see positive possibilities where at first, I saw no hope. I’d made the decision to go from marching to dancing and that would involve not always knowing the next step. Having to change my plans. Becoming flexible. Ouch. Spontaneous I am not. But I am willing to learn. I feel that you are also.

To be reappointed and continue the dance, we surrender to God. Again. We hand the hurt to Him and explain how it doesn’t make us happy. In fact, it’s really irritating. But we share it all with the One who can handle it. We ask him to take the mess and turn it into something beautiful, something practical, something worthy. Then we stand back and trust that He will.

I’d like to say that everything is great again and I’m totally over my little snafu. But, I’m not. I feel shaky and a little fearful but I’ve decided not to lean on my feelings. God still has a plan for my life and it’s just taking a little different route. One I didn’t see coming.

But it’s okay. I’m back on the dance floor. A little wiser. A little more cautious. But moving forward, swaying to a different beat. Join me. Don’t let disappointment and disillusionment drive you to the chairs alongside the wall of the dance floor. Trust your dance partner.

Let’s pray:

Father God, we’re hurting right now and we come to you for healing. For peace. For comfort. Please help us see the positive in our situation. We trust you, Lord. Help our unbelief. We long to move closer to you in spite of our circumstances. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Okay. We’re still here. In our next episode, we’ll talk more about the dance itself.

Until next time. Stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

Moving onto the dance floor itself.

Reflection and Prayer.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

Friday Fiction blog posts

Remember: When Disappointment shows up

Don't let it in!

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together. 

https://youtu.be/lsIpGiz3SfQ

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time.

Today’s episode, "Hearing Vs. Listening," looks at the difference between hearing God and listening to Him.

When we dance with God, we listen for His voice. Listening is an action, a conscious choice. When we really listen to God and His words, we move into a flow that is both beautiful and practical.

Show notes: Hearing Vs. Listening

As I prepared to launch my podcast on March 2nd of this year, I made a list of possible future topics that fit in with the theme, Determined to Dance. I mean, if I couldn’t think of much to say on topic, I would need to rethink my strategy. But the ideas flowed and I ended up with a long list of topics and subtopics.

I realized one of the first things I would need to discuss would be hearing God. I jotted this down on my notepad. How could we dance with God if we didn’t hear what he was saying? I then added the word listen. I stared at my sheet of paper. Wasn’t hearing and listening the same thing?

I looked it up. Guess what the dictionary said? Hearing is an event. Listening is an action. As long as there is no impairment, we naturally hear. A dog barking. A door slamming. Someone speaking.

But listening is different. It’s a conscious choice. Whose dog is barking? Which door is slamming? Who is speaking?

It makes all the difference whether we hear or whether we listen. Because the road to the dance starts with the ability to listen. How can I know what I’m hearing?  If I take my time and train my senses, I’ll soon be able to tell which dog barks, the door that slams, the person who speaks.

And when God communicates with my heart, I’ll also know. His voice can be distinguished from my own thoughts, voices of the world, even murmurings of the evil one. How?

I find five ways that are helpful to me when it comes to really listening to God.

I seek to listen when I read His word. God gave us 66 books within the Bible, books that voice who He is, why He sought us, and his plans and purposes for us. A quick way to distinguish his voice from others is to see if it matches His words in the Bible. Does it line up with scripture or follow a different road?

I seek to listen when I pray. I take time to commune with God, sharing my needs, desires, praises of Him, and everyday life. Listening to what He says back to me becomes a natural action as I pray. Picture a two-way conversation with a close friend.

I seek to listen in reflective moments. At the beginning and end of a day is a good time to pause and reflect on what has been, what is, and what is to come. Often, I hear Him speaking during these quiet moments. I love to reflect while music plays softly in the background. Music calms anxiety within and makes it easier to listen to Him instead of the cares of the world that try to break my focus.

I seek to listen through others. When the world is noisy and my heart unsettled, I often seek wise counsel from people I know to be faithful, friends who I trust to speak truth into my life. At times, I find wise counsel while listening to others through the form of sermons, podcasts, television, and radio.

I seek to listen through everyday life. A sunset, a walk in the park, and time spent playing with children speak to me. God has created a wonderful world and often reaches out through his creation. Romans 1, verse 20a in the NLT says, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature…”

If we plan to dance in God’s will and way, we need to know his voice. Our feet easily become tangled as we try to watch all the other dancers and focus on their conversations. Really listening to God and his words move us into a flow that is both beautiful and practical.

Twirling and swirling to the beat as our heart laughs and sings.

Let’s pray:

Father God, we long to not only hear your voice but to take the action of listening closely, hanging onto your every word. Help us to tear our focus away from the world and onto your face. You alone know us like no other and have a perfect plan and purpose for our lives. Thank you. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Next week, we’ll discuss moving from hearing and listening to the dance floor itself.

Until next time. Stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

Moving onto the dance floor itself.

Reflection and Prayer.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Continue to dance.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

Romans 1:20 NLT

Remember: Hearing Versus LIstening. Which will you do?

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share a relevant song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/nT8iKdwbKdU

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. The world would have us march to its chaotic beat but God invites us to dance in His will and His way. Let’s take a moment to be energized, refreshed, and motivated to face the day, one spin and twirl at a time. Today's episode, "Nothing is Impossible" looks at the dreams we have and what God thinks about them.

When we dance with God, we are letting Him lead, surrendered to His will. But He puts dreams in our hearts, desires that He longs to make happen. And when we take his hand and say yes, He can fulfill them in ways we never imagined.

Show notes: Nothing is Impossible

March 2nd was the beginning of a special day, the launch of the “Determined to Dance” podcast. But it was much more than that. Twenty years ago, on January 17th, I made a list of dreams for the future and titled it My Top Ten Dreams. The list stretched my imagination to the moon. Some items seemed unattainable back in 2001. Like going to Alaska to visit my brother or publishing a novel. But God made a way. My husband and I were able to go to my niece’s wedding in 2016. Alaska is an amazing place to see and celebrating with my brother and his family made it extra special. Also, God placed a story within me in 2009, and in June of 2019, my debut novel, Jessie’s Hope, was published.

I stand amazed at what God has done with my simple dreams, ones I believe He birthed in my heart.

On my list of dreams, I wrote that I’d like to speak all around the world to groups of women. But doors never opened. Not even local doors. I knew God had plans and purposes for me anyway so I kept stepping through doors that did open and trying to do my best for Him

I was well into 2020 and planning my podcast when God brought that list back to my mind. I found it tucked away in a drawer in my computer desk. Seven of the items were already circled. I realized He was about to answer number eight. What an unbelievably mighty God we serve. Another reminder that nothing is impossible with Him. At the same time, He pointed out that number nine is halfway fulfilled also. Joy flooded my heart

Who would’ve thought an ex-chicken farmer from Alabama could see a dream of ministering to women come true without leaving the house? The thought that my words could encourage someone halfway around the world almost rendered me speechless. When I surrendered my will and followed His, I found His way was the best way.

A way I could’ve never imagined. Did you know that Adam Curry and Dave Winer are credited with the invention of podcasting?

In 2004.

Three years after God had started setting His plan for me in place. Wow. He can do the same for you. Remember these three things.

Place your dreams in his hand. Proverbs 16:3 in NIV says Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans. We step out in faith as we hear His voice and entrust our lives to God. In His timing, He’ll establish them and we’ll be amazed.

Remember that the road to your dreams is a process. We don’t usually jump from A to G. God builds our path step by step and we learn valuable lessons on each step. Several years ago, I tried my hand at YouTube videos. They didn’t work out and my initial thought was that my time was wasted. But the lessons I learned in editing videos then helped me edit podcast episodes. I’d already learned that part, leaving me one less thing to conquer.

When your dream comes to fruition, don’t hold back. I have to admit that the thought of a weekly podcast scared me beyond reason. But when I take a moment to step back and breathe, I remember that God initially placed his dreams in my heart. And if He begins something, he will see it through to the end.

And God is no respecter of persons so He wants to bring your dreams forth too. Are you ready?

Let’s pray.

Father God, thank you so much for planting dreams in our hearts, desires that you long to bring to pass. For those who are afraid to dream or dream again, gently awaken them to your plan and purpose for their lives. You are mighty and powerful and love to go beyond what we can ever ask or think. In Jesus' name, amen.

Next week we’ll talk about listening to God. For the road to the dance starts with the ability to listen.

Until next time. Stay determined to dance.

Future topics include:

Listening and hearing.

Reflection and Prayer.

Procrastination.

What will people think?

Stepping forth.

Links mentioned in this episode:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie's Hope

Remember: Nothing is Impossible!

Video of the week:

I absolutely love music and each week, I’d like to share an upbeat song we can enjoy together.

https://youtu.be/gKpT-cyTHXE