Determined to Dance Podcast

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, Communicating Through Prayer, discusses what prayer is and what it isn’t.

Show Notes: Communicating Through Prayer

Here’s a great quote by E.M. Bounds. "Prayer should not be regarded as a duty which must be performed, but rather as a privilege to be enjoyed, a rare delight that is always revealing some new beauty."

I learned to talk to God as a child and teenager. I would lay in my bed at night and pour out my heart about the events of the day, my family, friends, and anything else I could think of. My faith was undeveloped but I believed God listened to every word. I felt like a child dancing on her daddy’s shoes.

Then I grew up, went to college, married, and had children. I still prayed and believed He heard me but I also started to worry. One person told me you should pray an hour a day. Another said to wake up before anyone else and pray. This one preacher said to lay your prayers before God at night. Then there is the verse that says to pray without ceasing. And what about the Lord’s prayer?

Somewhere, in my late 20’s, I began to take on a legalistic view of prayer. It became a duty; something I needed to do each day and do as right as possible so I could be heard. I mean, everyone depended on me. I had to get it right. Legalism grabbed hands with my perfectionism and basically threw me over a cliff. At times, I didn’t want to pray at all.

What happened? I lost sight of what prayer is. Our communication with God is not:

A Duty. It’s not a requirement, as E.M. Bounds pointed out. It’s a privilege.

A Formula. If I pray in a certain way for a specific time and use specific words, prayer becomes a formula and ceases to be a conversation.

We don’t tie God’s hands or make Him do anything by our prayers.

And to some degree, my prayers contained all of these elements. I’d forgotten how to talk to God like I did as a child. I knew the worry had to go and I needed to return to my first love. The simple, child-like relationship we had at the beginning.

So, what is prayer?

A privilege. Something to be enjoyed. A time of sharing hopes, dreams, and desires.

A conversation. I talk to God often. In the morning. While I’m driving. When I’m worried or stressed. Then I listen.

A time to release. We, humans, tend to bottle life inside, and letting it go to God is private and freeing.

How did I learn to talk and listen to God? One way was by noticing the way my husband and I communicated. Sometimes he talked. Often, I did. Back and forth with words about our day, our worries, our victories. We spoke through body language. Written notes. Phone calls. We’d finish each other’s sentences. Even a simple gesture is easily understood by someone you’re close to.

I want to listen to God the same way. Whether it’s a sermon, song, or thoughts of a child, I pay attention. Is God speaking in a specific way to me? Is He releasing a message through a minister, vocalist, or even a child? I figure if He can speak to Balaam through a donkey, then if He needs me to hear Him, I will.

But I need to pay attention.

Daily.

Hourly.

Minute by minute. Every year, since 1999, I seek God during the month of December for direction in the upcoming year. I ask for a word or phrase, a scripture, and a song to carry into the new year. One that would give me strength and comfort when needed. I simply ask while in prayer, then I start listening. My word for 2022 came in an email around the middle of December. The sender had ended it with a phrase something like, May love, peace, and light be yours. Nothing fancy.

But the word “light” jumped off the page. I knew deep inside at that moment that this was my word for 2022. Light in the darkness, for others, for my path. A perfect thought for our chaotic world.

I didn’t get weird or have to try harder to hear God. I seem to hear best when I relax, keep doing the last thing He told me to do, and stay close by His side.

Paul agrees in his letter to the Philippians. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

I give my requests, listen, and He brings peace. Just the way He did when I was a child and once again today.

Father God, thank you for being such a big God that You not only hear all of our prayers, but you answer us according to Your will. Help us to listen closely and understand when you are speaking, no matter who or what You’re speaking through. We long to communicate with You throughout our day. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

Once again, God and I are dancing in a beautiful flow of prayer. You can too. His hand is outstretched. Are you ready? Next week, we’ll find out how to be a people of prayer.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance #podcast. Today’s episode, Communicating Through Prayer, discusses what prayer is and what it isn’t. Do you know? #faith

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Balaam and the donkey

Remember: Communicating Through 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/H1FhjiyX1mk

Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance podcast. I pray that you’ll be uplifted, encouraged, and will move forward each and every day. Today’s episode, The Eternal Difference of Prayer, looks at Hannah in the Old Testament and her joyful prayer.

Stay determined to dance. Those are the words that end each episode of my podcast. I want to cheer on our perseverance in a chaotic world. From what I’ve seen, the unrest isn’t going anywhere soon and we need all the encouragement we can get.

But can we do more than just survive, only hang on? I believe so. We can learn, grow, even thrive when part of our world is in shambles.

How? It’s simple but not easy. Our relationship with Father God, surrendering our lives to the Lord Jesus Christ and the leading of the Holy Spirit. I don’t believe it’s possible to keep going without this relationship.

One imperative in our ability to dance with God is prayer. Two-way communication. We bare our hearts to God and then listen for His response.

In my life, prayer is so important that I plan to commit this season, 40 episodes, to the back and forth talks between God and us. No matter how many books, articles, or short stories I write, or how many podcasts I make, nothing will make an eternal difference more than the prayers I lift to Him. It’s the same for you.

The long prayers and the brief prayers. Joyful ones. Grieving ones. The hopeful and the I’m-about-to-give-up ones. Prayer makes more of a difference in our own lives and the people around us than we’ll ever know here on earth. I truly believe we’ll be astounded when we reach heaven.

Picture a couple on the dance floor after their wedding. The young man leads his beautiful bride around the room, swept up in her splendor, wanting the world to see her but then again for her to only have eyes for him. They are so close; he feels each of her heartbeats as if it’s his own.

There is laughter, intimacy, words exchanged between pulses of music, and intricate dance steps.

What we don’t see if the groom doing all the talking. Or the bride. It’s a time of sharing with each looking to the needs of the other. They are one.

And the wonder of it all is that God longs to have such a relationship with us. The creator and God of the universe wants me. You.

But we have a choice. Do we dare to dance with Him? Or should we simply make our way through life on our own?

I love the story of Hannah in the Old Testament. She is the mother of the soon-to-be prophet, Samuel. After praying for a child while in the temple and promising to dedicate her firstborn to the Lord, she became pregnant with Samuel. She kept him until he was weaned and then presented him to the prophet Eli, to be raised in the house of the Lord.

You would think she would be devastated, depressed, and ready to change her mind. But no. Scripture records her prayer song as she joyfully gives her son to God. I love the thoughts shared in the Message Bible in I Samuel 2:1-10:

“Hannah prayed: I’m bursting with God-news! I’m walking on air. I’m laughing at my rivals. I’m dancing my salvation.

Nothing and no one is holy like God, no rock mountain like our God. Don’t dare talk pretentiously—not a word of boasting, ever!

For God knows what’s going on. He takes the measure of everything that happens. The weapons of the strong are smashed to pieces, while the weak are infused with fresh strength. The well-fed are out begging in the streets for crusts, while the hungry are getting second helpings. The barren woman has a houseful of children, while the mother of many is bereft.

God brings death and God brings life, brings down to the grave, and raises up. God brings poverty and God brings wealth; he lowers, he also lifts up. He puts poor people on their feet again; he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives— a place in the sun!

For the very structures of earth are God’s; he has laid out his operations on a firm foundation. He protectively cares for his faithful friends, step by step, but leaves the wicked to stumble in the dark. No one makes it in this life by sheer muscle!

God’s enemies will be blasted out of the sky, crashed in a heap, and burned. God will set things right all over the earth, he’ll give strength to his king, he’ll set his Anointed on top of the world!”

This is a woman experiencing loss and sadness as she is about to be separated from (at this time) her only son. I couldn’t imagine being apart from my children when they were toddlers for long at all. But Hannah actually laughs in the face of mourning.

That’s how I want to live. To not deny the grief, sadness, and sorrow that affects all of our lives but to choose to rejoice. Hannah had many children after Samuel but at this point in her life, for all she knew, Samuel could be the only one. But she still laughed.

I truly believe that Hannah could embrace a good attitude because of her communication with God. Her prayers were honest and to the point. And God answered her in ways she couldn’t imagine. Like He will ours.

So please join me on this journey of prayer. I’m ready to reach out to God and communicate with Him. I want to know His heart and I need to share mine. Let’s make an eternal difference together…

Father God, thank you that you are a God of near, and not distant. You long to speak to our hearts and for us to share our burdens, our joys, our sorrow, and our victories. Help us to speak and help us to listen. We love you and look forward to another season of dancing. In Jesus' name amen.

Some topics in the coming weeks include: Types of prayers. Ways to pray. Ways to listen. Praying with others. Intercessory prayers. Next week, we’ll dive deeper into prayer and communication.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Click to tweet: Welcome to season 2 of the Determined to Dance #podcast. Today’s episode, The Eternal Difference of Prayer, looks at Hannah in the Old Testament and her joyful prayer. #faith  

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Remember: The Eternal Difference 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/Ft6A6wr-Kps

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles, shows us how God will lift us over blockades through hope and faith in Him.

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: Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles

God is big enough. Let that sink in for a moment. God is bigger than my problems, my worries, my fears, and all obstacles. He is greater, more majestic, and above all. He is God.

So why do I have so much trouble when it comes to surrendering? I’ll be honest. I didn’t realize that this episode would be about surrender. Two weeks ago, when I scribbled notes on episode 35, it was about God lifting us over blockades through faith and hope. Sounded good. I could relax and let Him work.

But…

On Sunday, during the music portion of the service, we sang the song, “Sweetly Broken,” by Jeremy Camp. My favorite song by this artist. I’ll share the video at the end of the post on my blog. The end of the chorus says, sweetly broken, wholly surrendered.” Wholly surrendered.

Hmm. Something I haven’t done lately. When I hurt my shoulder, my thought was to push through and ignore the pain. I could get in forty episodes and end the podcast season, add all my blog posts, and catch up on everything. Maybe even work some on my new novel.

When the worship team started the chorus of the song, I realized I hadn’t surrendered to what God wanted. He’d whispered to my heart, even before my diagnosis, that I needed rest. I was too stretched out, too weary, just too much going on. I thought He meant after I worked my plan and got all my ducks in a row.

I mean, I am a planner and don’t like change. Remember, God?

He remembered. And during that song, mentioned rest again. I lifted my hands in surrender and repented. His plan is better and if He says rest, He can hold onto everything until I’m able to function normally again.

What does this mean? Well, to start with, episode 35 will end my first season. I’m planning on being back in February. Taking three months to heal will be tough on that driven part of me but very needful. I hope you all will join me then for the second season of Determined to Dance, where we’ll begin with communicating with God. Prayer. We can’t dance if we don’t listen to our All-Mighty dance partner.

We’ll discuss topics like:

Types of prayers.

Ways to pray.

Ways to listen.

Praying with others.

Intercessory prayers.

And lots more. I plan to spend a season on this topic so vital to the times we live in. I hope you’ll join me. One more thing. Is there something God is laying on your heart that you need to surrender? A loved one, job, hobby, an attitude, or maybe like me, you are trying to push through when God is saying slow down. We can trust God through hope and with faith.

Let’s pray: Father God, we love you so much and trust you with our lives. You are big enough and we believe. Help our unbelief. We surrender everything to You today and place it all in your loving hands. You are enough. And if You are enough, then we are enough. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I know, in the long run, surrender will work for my good. Yours too. Until February. Stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Remember: Ordinary Life: Lifted Over Obstacles

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/BD_GMwH0O7Q

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Praying Through Obstacles, focuses on how time spent in prayer, both talking to and listening to God, is imperative when obstacles block our way.

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: Ordinary Life: Praying Through Obstacles

Recently, I read an article at guideposts.org that encouraged me. Praying Through Your Problems by Bob Hostetler. He reminded me of that old-time expression. Stay at the altar until you pray through. Until you feel released to move forward. Until the peace of God envelops you and you know that no matter the outcome, God’s got this.

Not a regimented routine. If I’m dancing, I want to become one with my dance partner. I know the way they move and twirl and even stop, by spending time with them. Sure, I can study the dance and practice over and over and do okay. But if I understand the person, I’ll always dance better.

The same is true about praying through. It’s not praying the same words over and over. It’s spending time with God, talking AND listening, reading His word, listening for His very heartbeat as we pour out our requests to Him.

Perseverance. It’s not letting go. Jacob learned this when he wrestled with God until daybreak (Genesis 32). He’d cheated and taken shortcuts; never fully hearing God out. But this night, he stuck with it. He decided to hold on for dear life and listen, then put in his request for a blessing. He received a name change and a new direction, even though he was left with a limp.

Praying through will cost you and it’s always important to count the cost.

It can be days, months, even years of seeking God. I prayed two specific prayers off and on for three years. This past May, I felt God say to trust Him with these requests of my heart. Now, when I see something that worries me regarding the request, I go back to that day where I journaled and know that I prayed through.

To pray through, you have to empty yourself. Like David in the Psalms, you’ll need to be totally honest with God. Express your sadness, anger, disappointment, and any other emotion that goes with your prayers. You have to give it to God by being transparent.

Your belief. Many times, we need to pray through because we really don’t know God in a specific area and what His word says. Faith comes through hearing His word so we’ll need to immerse ourselves in the promises in the Bible until they take root in our hearts.

This is an important time to remember. Fear has tried to grab hold of me as I contemplate surgery. Again. I mean, I just had ankle surgery in December of 2020. My recovery then was slower than I hoped and my patience ran thin.

But I did get through it. And saw the faithfulness of God again in so many ways. I was comforted so I could comfort others. I learned to write short articles in the waiting rooms. I read several writing craft books that are helping me today.

God was faithful then and He’ll be faithful now. I’ll continue to pour out my needs during this season and I’ll listen intently, writing words and phrases and direction as it comes.

I’ll pray through. God is everything I need. He is enough, even when larger-than-life obstacles block my way. Let’s pray:

Father God, we come to You today with our focus on You. Thank You for letting me pour out my requests. Help me to hear each word You say by being still and leaning close. Your presence is all I need as I pray through to Your heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

It’s time to pray through our problems and know that God has never left the throne. Next week, we’ll look at the way God lifts us over obstacles as we release them to Him. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Praying Through Your Problems by Bob Hostetler

Remember: Ordinary Life: Praying Through Obstacles

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/tIZitK6_IMQ

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Ordinary Life: Dancing Past Obstacles, focuses on the unexpected and how to move forward.

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: Ordinary Life: Dancing Past Obstacles

I’m at the mall, getting a pedicure, and writing this article. I really needed this because I’ve got to have a moment to think.

If you caught last week’s episode, you’ll remember I mentioned that I was in reevaluation mode. Taking time to see where I’ve been, where I am, and where I am going. Sounded great at the time.

But…

I’ve just found out that time is not on my side. Let me explain. For years, I’ve had an on-again, off-again problem with my right shoulder. I blame it on softball, discus and shot put in high school track, and farming. It’s gotten much worse and I’ve had several doctor visits lately. Then an MRI.

I thought maybe I had a bone spur. Or pulled muscle. Instead, I have a full-thickness tear of my supra-something tendon in my shoulder. Ouch. I’m waiting for my specialist appointment but from what I’ve read, surgery is probably the best option.

The unexpected. An obstacle to say the least. What do you do when you’re in the middle of a boot-scooting line dance and your feet are kicked out from under you?

Wow. Insert a heavy sigh here and a wide-eyed emoji. Some whining and a tantrum. Mourning and fussing. Sure, I probably need some rest but this isn’t what I had in mind.

Surgery on my writing arm is a major obstacle to my writing, blogging, and podcasting.

So, it’s time to move to a different level of reevaluation. A different plan that I had in mind. As I wait for the doctor's visit and probable surgery date, I’m setting a deadline to get my regular and writing life in order.

Maybe my search for order can help you to if an obstacle has suddenly landed in front of you. It could be sickness, changes in your family, a loss, or moving away from where you live. In other words, a barrier to ordinary life. Here’s my list:

I’m giving myself a little time to deal with the shock. Not rushing through it. Not stuffing it. Mourning before I move on. I’m telling God how I feel. He knows anyway and saying it to Him and to trusted friends' help.

I’m making a list of anything I might need to do now. Mine consists of: (a) house obligations (b) Yard obligations (c) Church obligations (d) Word Weavers obligations (e) blog & podcast obligations. Examples are: Finish painting my study, finish pruning the bushes for winter (or see that someone does it since I can’t), finish the update on the church website, and load and schedule as many posts and podcasts as I can before surgery.

I’m crossing out everything that can wait. I’m taking my time as I evaluate each item. I’ve decided to postpone my fall cleaning until spring. A little dust never hurt anyone, right?

I’m ordering the tasks. I like to start with the easy ones so I’ve already written and loaded my Friday Fiction blog posts through January. I’ll keep whittling away at the list.

I’m setting a deadline. Delegate everything, I can. (Like the bush trimming and painting) Again, putting off what I can. Like participating in NaNoWriMo, which is writing a new novel in the month of November. My ultimate deadline to work through these steps will probably be a week before surgery.

Start.

Even though I won’t be on the dance floor, in a way, I can rest, read, pray, and encourage other dancers while I recuperate. How about you? I’ve found that God can use any time and any season we’re in for our good if we’ll relax and let go.

Let’s pray: Father God, I don’t like for my plans to change. Really, I don’t care for change at all. But you know the beginning from the end and I choose today to trust you. To rest. To leave it all in Your capable hands. Be with me and be with all who are facing obstacles too. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen.

The unexpected doesn’t have to derail us from following God. We’ll talk more about that next week. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Remember: Ordinary Life: Dancing Past Obstacles

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/rVSYsgGC71s

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Still Determined to Dance, is an impromptu episode on persevering when life gets weird.

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: Still Determined to Dance

Today’s episode is supposed to be about dancing during ordinary times. I had a plan about talking about going on with God and dancing with God when days are just day in and day out ordinary everyday stuff that doesn’t seem to be getting us closer to goals or maybe doesn’t help us in reaching our goals and the success that maybe we think we need.

But life has a way of cutting things off, mainly my internet’s been down for several days and I finally have it back today, on the day I normally load my podcast. So, I thought I’d just take some time and talk to you a bit.

Talk about dancing when things are not quite what you want them to be. Maybe it is about being ordinary because it seems like, over the last couple of years, life has been ordinary but in a different way than what we want it to be.

We still have to stay determined to dance regardless. I think the thing on my mind the most right now is reevaluation. I read this verse recently in Colossians 3:23 of whatever you do, do from the heart. I realize lately that my heart has been kinda tired. I’ve called it post-covid burnout. I’ve held so strong and kept moving and kept toward my goals and kept going in the direction I needed to go and that God was leading over the last eighteen months. It’s finally catching up with me.

I think I’ve mentioned this before and I don’t mean to whine about it (sorry about that) I’ve reached a place where I’m going to have to stop and reevaluate where I am and what I’m doing and all the things in my life. What is still needful? What is not needful? I believe that’s something we need to do, probably twice a year. And I normally do that but over the last couple of years, I haven't done it as I should have. It's going to help me; I think it could help you too.

Maybe you're at the place that I'm at, and you need to reevaluate where you are and what's going on. I was listening to an episode of Novel Marketing, one of my favorite podcasts for writers. Thomas Umstattd Jr. talked about reaching a place where basically he said he couldn’t even get out of bed and he realized he was way overcommitted. He had kept adding things but hadn't done any subtraction in the process.

I tend to be that way; the type of person that thinks I can do it all and feels like I could do it all. Suddenly, I'm so overloaded and I realize, oh, well maybe I can't do it all. Some of you might understand where I'm coming from. So, I'm going to take the next few weeks and I'm going to really evaluate where I am. I’m going to look at everything I do in my writing life, my podcasting life, my blogging, my physical health, my mental health, my spiritual health, of course, and what I do at church, what I do for my family.

I think I just need to do a little pruning. Our guest speaker at church last Sunday talked about pruning. And I thought that's where I'm at. I need to do some pruning. There are some things that just need to go. That's the only way I can put it. There are some things that need to go. I've known it for a while, and the rest of the year is going to be low-key for me. I'm waiting to hear from several publishers that have different versions of my book; have actually two books.

And the waiting game has been hard. It's been hard on my heart. It's difficult when you wonder, do people like what you wrote? Do people want what you wrote? Or do you need to reevaluate your writing? Do you need to take what you've done and maybe make it better? Do you need to put it aside? Do I need to start something else? I'd like to start a new book. I have two or three new book ideas. But is it time to start it?

So, I'm going to take the next several weeks and I'm encouraging you to join me and do the same thing. Let's get some points here because I like to do three points.

I'm going to make a list of everything I do. I'm going to make a list of physical things I do. Spiritual things I do within my own spiritual life. I'm going to make a list of the church things I do. A list of writing and a list of blogging. Podcasting, and a list of what I do for Word Weavers. I'm a mentor with Word Weavers International, a really good group for writing critiques. A good Christian community to join if you want to further your writing. And I do a lot for them. So, I'm going to take all these things in my first point and write them down.

I'm going to say, Okay, what, right offhand, can I see that I don't need to have anymore. What can I do without? What is something that's old, from the past, something I don't need to do anymore? So, number one, I'm going to make a list, and number two, I'm going to cross out the ones that stand out.

I'm going to start praying over my list. I'm going to take each item and really lift it up to God and not just do it one time, but do it over the next several weeks, and say, okay, God, I'm at this point, and I need some help. And I know you can help me, and I know you gave me the Holy Spirit, to be in my heart to show me to teach me and to be my helper and to be my God. And I'm just asking you, help me to see which areas I need to prune, I tend to think I can do it all. And you know that, of course, I can't, and only you can help me to make these decisions.

I believe, over the next few weeks, it’s going to be a good journey. My podcast and quality might not be as good because I don't usually talk off the cuff like this. And it makes it a little bit harder when I don't have my nice notes to go by. But maybe that's what we need to do for a few weeks, I plan to take this first season up to 40 episodes. I have nine episodes left/ We'll see if I can talk off the cuff for nine episodes. If not, I'll go back to more notes in a written script. But I thought we'd just try it this week and see how it turns out.

I'm just asking you to join with me to go ahead and make your list to take the things off that you know, right away you don't need. And then to pray over that list and see, you know what and where you are going to go from there.

I'd like to hear from you, I'd like you to add something in the comments of my blog post on whatever place that you listen to me, whether it's apple or Spotify. Whichever one just let me know how this is affecting you. If it's making a difference, I'd like to know, if you're in the same place that I'm in. You just need to let go of some things, release some things to God and believe that he can still use you. That He's still making a way and that he's still opening a path for you to move forward in your life with him.

And that dance on the dance floor. We're taking his hand and we're doing wonderful tangos and foxtrots and macarenas, and all the other dances of today with God. In His timing, in His will, and in His way.

Let's pray. Father God, I thank You so much for being with us. Being with me and my listeners and all the people that are determined to dance with you. God, we just want to do it right. And sometimes in doing it, right, we think right is doing too much. We ask you to help us to prune what we're doing. Help us to let go of things and to release things to you. To pick up anything that you want us to pick up in its place, or just to leave those places empty. If that's what you want. We want to be in Your will more than anything. In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.

I'm so glad you joined me. I'm glad you're on this journey with me. I don't think anything's helped me as much lately as being the host of a podcast and sharing my heart each week with you. I hope to hear from you, and I'll see you next week.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Novel Marketing podcast

Remember: Still Determined to 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/AABE--YR1No

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing, focuses on ways to support others and ourselves.

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: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing

April 27, 2011. Alabama was hit by 62 tornadoes. In one day. 253 people died, 14 in my county alone. We didn’t have electricity for five days, and many in other areas were without power much longer than that. No one in Alabama will ever forget that day of destruction and tragedy.

We also will never forget the way people pulled together throughout our community to help one another. I saw one example after another of practical efforts that blessed others. People handed out bottled water in affected areas. Cooked food to take to workers as they cleared trees and debris. Watched children so their parents could work where needed. People blessed others regardless of race, age, gender, political, and religious beliefs.

We banded together in the weeks and months that followed.

Over the last eighteen months, we’ve seen a catastrophe on a much larger scale. Sickness, death, and lost finances have devastated more people than can be counted. And once again, we’ve seen people stand together, even if it has been in a socially distant way. People delivering food and medicine, sharing supplies, and doing yard work for their friends and neighbors.

Blessing others in practical ways.

What a perfect topic to end a series on encouragement. Small and useful acts of kindness that make a difference, one-on-one. We don’t need a natural disaster or pandemic to open our eyes and ears to the needs around us. I’ve thought of fifteen ways we can be a blessing to others.

And to ourselves. Yes, self-care is not a bad or selfish act. It’s necessary to sustain strength and stamina to be a positive influence to those around us.

First, let’s talk about others:

Write an inspiring note or card. Whether you send it by mail, text, or email, there’s nothing more reassuring than a heartfelt word spoken at just the right time. Proverbs 25:11 says “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.” What a lovely word picture of encouragement.

Take time to listen. Many people have been isolated and just want someone to take a moment to hear what they’ve been through. Whether in person, on the phone, or through texting or email, when you give of yourself by being present and paying attention to another’s sorrows or joys, you are being like Jesus.

Help with chores or yard work. I Peter 4:10 says “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” You are gifted for a reason.

Offer transportation or delivery services, especially to the elderly. A lot of senior citizens are limiting their time away from home. Check on family or neighbors to see if they need something.

Speak affirming words. There is so much negative talk and criticism in the world today. Be positive and speak kind words to those around you. Proverbs 15:4 in the NLT version says “Gentle words bring life and health; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit."

Smile. Wearing masks has made this more difficult but anytime you can, smile and speak to those around you. You rarely really know what people are going through.

Say thank you. Don’t assume people know what you’re thinking. Be appreciative of others.

Donate. Whether it’s food, clothes, household items, blood, or plasma, the need has never been greater. Be open to what you can do to help your community.

Go the extra mile. This one is tough for me. Throughout the pandemic, I’ve struggled with energy and stamina, especially after my husband and I had COVID. But so many have gone the extra mile for me and I want to be a blessing in return.

Pray. This is one we can all do, no matter our age or health. Take time each day to lift up those around you.

The Bible exhorts us to do good for others. Galatians 6:10: “Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.” A great reminder to lift up, stir up, and build up those around us. As often as we can. But what about encouraging ourselves? I speak more about this in episode 26. Here are five ways to care for yourself:

Take care of your physical health by eating healthy, getting plenty of sleep, and moving daily.

Take care of your emotional health by expressing your feelings to safe people and limiting emotionally stressful situations.

Take care of your mental health by stimulating your mind and being compassionate toward yourself.

Take care of your social health by building positive relationships and staying connected.

Take care of your spiritual health by spending time with God in prayer and in the Word. Be part of a community of believers and stay active.

We can be a practical blessing to ourselves and others by taking time to listen, consider, and follow-through.

Let’s pray: Father God, we love you and thank you for showing us so many ways to bless others and take care of ourselves. You have filled the Bible with wisdom that helps us live our lives fully and richly. Show us needs and give us the heart to say “Here I am. Send me.” In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

It’s time to listen and learn how to be a blessing to others. Join me next week as we talk about dancing during those ordinary seasons…Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

April 27, 2011

Remember: 15 Practical Ways to Be a Blessing

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/Zp6aygmvzM4

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement: Leaving Room for the Unexpected, focuses on having a plan and also being spontaneous when it comes to the art of encouraging.

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: Encouragement: Leaving Room for the Unexpected

I love being an encourager almost as much as I enjoy being built up, stirred up, and lifted up by others. It’s an important part of our dance with God. And in the midst of these chaotic times, it’s more important than ever to support our family, friends, people in general. God has placed us in the world for such a time as this.

The most quoted passage from the book of Esther in the Old Testament is spoken by her Uncle Mordecai when he learned that the king’s advisor, Haman, planned to wipe out the Jewish people. He said in Esther 4:13-14, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther probably didn’t want to be where she was, ripped away from her home to a strange, exotic place in the king’s palace. But after learning that her people, the Jews, would soon be destroyed, and speaking with her uncle, she went uninvited to the king, boldly ready to die for her people.

How does this fit into encouraging in 2021? Queen Esther proved to be both spontaneous and a young woman with a plan. The balance she showed is the way we need to step out in the world today as children of the King.

Esther looked at all the facts and moved by faith when first taken to the palace. She respected her Uncle and the King’s eunuch and found favor everywhere. We also move by faith as we seek to encourage others, planning to be a light in the darkness while still reacting to the nudges of our heavenly Father, pointing out the path for us to follow.

Queen Esther spontaneously went before the king uncalled for, which could be penalized by death, but found favor in his sight by her unselfish action. When we know God has sent us to reach out to others, we can move with a right heart attitude and let His light shine through us, as we focus on other people’s needs.

Queen Esther had a plan to save her people and herself. She arranged two lavish banquets and first met the needs of the king before presenting her request to save God’s people, including herself. As we focus on encouraging others, we move into a place of being able to then petition our king for what is on our hearts, for ourselves and our family.

As we navigate our way through the days ahead, there are ways to achieve the balance that Queen Esther had. First, we need to allow time in our daily schedule for spontaneity. If we have already overplanned every minute of every day, we have no room to move when God stirs our hearts. I totally get that some days are going to be super busy but we can try to leave openings during our week for God to speak to us on behalf of others. Sometimes, it’s a card, a phone call, an email, or a briefly spoken prayer lifted to the One who has all the answers.

Second, we plan to encourage. We can schedule in ways to cheer, inspire, and reassure others, especially in times of loss or tragedy. God will show us the way when we take time to ask and then listen.

Small acts of kindness can be likened to a light summer breeze on a muggy, Alabama afternoon. When I’m outside on a day like that, a breeze can bring hope. Hope that it won’t always be hot and that fall is not that far away. We have the same capacity to hand out hope in places and to people who have none. God has given hope by sending His Son to die for us so we can live forever. Then we pass hope onto others.

Let’s pray: Father God, we don’t really have enough words to thank you for the hope you have placed in our hearts, but we want to. One way we can show our gratitude is by encouraging others, giving them hope that they can make it one more day. Help us be a light in the darkness in both spontaneity and by planning. We love you so much. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I want to plan to encourage and still leave room for the unexpected. I know you do too. Next week, we’ll finish this series with a look at practical ways we can be a blessing to others through encouragement.

Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Esther 4:13-14

Remember: Encouragement: Leaving Room for the Unexpected

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/o67xlnFw51s

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Encouragement is Not Always What You Think, focuses on how certain factors affect the way people are encouraged.

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: Encouragement is not always what you think.

Encouragement is a gift that keeps on giving, a way to enrich the lives of others. Zig Ziglar once said, “A lot of people have gone further than they thought they could because someone else thought they could.”

How would you like to be that someone else? You can be and I can too. But there are a few things we need to understand before we begin.

People are very different in personality, upbringing, culture, and various other ways. Each of us responds in unique ways to various types of encouragement. Let’s say you want to encourage me. Please don’t call me out in a room full of people. The introvert in me cringes. Instead, take me aside or encourage me within a small group.

When you do that, you’re factoring in the fact that I’m introverted. We also need to remember the circumstances surrounding someone’s life at any given moment. A young person getting ready to play their first ball game will need different motivation from the young person sitting out that game because of an injury.

Here are some techniques you can use:

Praise-compliment talent, ability, perseverance, or consistency in an honest way.

Acts of Service-do something to help another.

Empathy-try to understand another’s pain or joy.

Motivation-honest feedback that points people in the right direction.

Teaching-giving life or job skills to someone in need.

Sympathy-feeling pity or sorrow for other's misfortunes. In the Bible, Romans 12:15 says “to rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”

Looking at the example of our ballplayers, the one playing their first game would probably need motivation and praise. The one injured could use empathy, sympathy, and a gentler form of motivation.

Again, it really comes down to the individual. How do they react to encouragement? Personally, I’m introverted, my love language is words of affirmation, and I tend to be overly responsible as the firstborn in my family.

So, when my father passed away suddenly at the age of 53, I was distraught and unsettled to say the least. A relative came up to me at the funeral home and told me I needed to be strong for my mother. I’m sure they meant well but didn’t know me well enough to understand how I would react. I took on a parenting role and stuffed my feelings while trying to take care of every detail. I nearly had a nervous breakdown before realizing I needed to talk out my feelings and cry with my mother as the child I was. I didn’t need to be a parent.

On the other hand, my friend Joyce knows me well. She always seems to share a word of praise or comfort or encouragement at the perfect time for the season I’m in. But more importantly, she listens to my rants or whining when I’m struggling. I appreciate her more than I can say.

How can we know which technique of encouragement to use and whether we need to speak or simply listen?

First, get to know the person as much as possible or ask their close friend for advice. Is the person introverted or extroverted? How are they doing physically, emotionally, mentally? All this needs to be factored in. Second, listen closely. Try to hear their heart and respond accordingly. Pay attention before you speak.

It all comes down to love. Jesus said to love our neighbor as ourselves. A tendency I have to watch for in myself is to comfort or encourage someone the way I would want to be comforted or encouraged. Focusing on myself again. I’ve found that if you talk with people long enough, they’ll eventually tell you what they need. You might have to read between the lines but it all circles back to love.

Let’s pray: Father God, we love you and we want to help people go further than they thought possible because of our encouragement. Help us to slow down, focus on the needs of others, and respond like You would. With love. We ask for your help in all we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

I’m ready to encourage someone in specific ways. I’ve decided to send a couple of “thinking of you” cards by snail mail and also send a positive email and three encouraging texts. How about you? Make a plan and follow through. You’ll be glad you did.

Next week, we’ll discuss making plans and setting goals for encouraging, as well as being spontaneous. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Remember: Encouragement is Not Always What You Think

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/t-29WLQ3trA

Welcome to the Determined to Dance podcast with your host, Jennifer Hallmark. Today’s episode, Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness, focuses on kindness.

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: Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness

Has there ever been a greater need in history for role models? Individuals who hold up a standard of strong convictions, morals, and just plain, old-fashioned kindness.

My favorite way to learn is to watch someone, in person or on a video, as they show how to do something. I can’t tell you how many podcasting tutorials I’ve watched. I love the old saying. People don’t as much listen to what you say as they watch what you do.

Titus 2:7 in the NLT says “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.”

We need to be an example and model encouragement. Dwight L. Moody’s advice is to “do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all the ways you can, as long as ever you can.”

Let’s break that down:

Do all the good you can. Opportunities are everywhere if we open our hearts, eyes, and ears to notice. People are hurting, and sometimes only need a timely word to keep putting one foot in front of the other.

To all the people you can. That means everyone, regardless of race, gender, and culture. Sadly, people sometimes tie kindness to conditions, thus robbing the freedom of the act.

In all the ways you can. I advocate being part of a church or community group when it comes to encouraging. Working with other people to reach out to the community helps relieve the awkwardness and fear sometimes involved.

As long as ever you can. You never retire from random acts of kindness. If I’m in a place where I can’t do something physically, I can stop and pray. And prayer changes things.

What an inspiring way to add value to people. John C. Maxwell said, “People never care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

That brings us to random acts of kindness. Jesus modeled this throughout his time on earth. I believe His caring attitude is one of the reasons people flocked to Him wherever He went. Think about it. Kindness. He called Zacchaeus down from the tree. Met the woman at the well where she was. Physically touched people considered unclean. Forgave people while he hung on the cross. Died to free us so we can live with Him forever in heaven.

How can we do less? I want to learn from the way Jesus modeled his life and do the same for others. Last year, I shared 12 ideas to help improve someone’s day during the pandemic…

Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Or give a generous tip to the food delivery person.

Send cards of encouragement by regular mail.

Volunteer or donate virtually. I’ll add a link in the show notes about ways to do this. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/a34288060/virtual-volunteer-opportunities/

Pick up trash alongside the road in your neighborhood. The walk will do you good and you’ll improve the look of your community.

Send e-cards.

Provide a single mom and her children a meal by having food delivered or sending a gift card by email.

Read to children online through Facebook Live or another media source. And share encouragement online. Be a shining light on social media instead of spreading bad news.

Give blood at the local blood bank. Call for an appointment.

Send food gift cards to the staff at the Intensive Care Unit of your local hospital.

If possible, offer baby-sitting services for people in health services.

Send a gift card anonymously to someone you work with.

During your online shopping time, think of others who may have a need. Leave positive reviews on the shopping websites.

Look at all the ways we can reach others in our dance with God. As we move along the dance floor, He points to others and we model kindness. Others watch us and learn, imitating our positive behavior. I think about those “Pass it on” commercials from the Foundation for a Better Life. They inspire me to kindness.

How about we model encouragement today with a random act of kindness?

Let’s pray: Father God, we start by thanking You for sending Your Son. He showed the ultimate act of kindness by laying down His life for us. Help us to do the same for the people we come in contact with. We want to dance in Your will, Your way, and especially in Your timing. Help us to take your hand and then reach out to others, In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Kindness. One of the fruits of the Spirit. And a way to reach people by showing the love of God. Next week, we’ll learn more about why encouragement is not always what you think. Until then, stay determined to dance.

Links:

My website

My debut novel, Jessie’s Hope

Pass it on commercial

Remember: Modeling Encouragement with Random Acts of Kindness

Video of the week:

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciWHZUKXXho