Monday, April 1, 2019

Trading My Pointe Shoes in for Something Better...

Plot Twist.




It has been quite some time since I've informed you of exactly what I have been up to, or should I say; what God has been up to in my life these days. I presume you may be curious to know the recent developments and things that are taking place in my life and in the ministry of Ballet Magnificat, So this I will now share.

Basically, after a year and a half of wrestling with the Lord in prayer, I have made the decision to finally resign from Ballet Magnificat Alpha come the end of my current one-year contract with them this coming July. Though not an easy conclusion to come to, I know the Lord is calling me to new things! My heart's desire is to stay in ministry though I don't know exactly what that looks like right now. I do know that I am to move back north to Pennsylvania closer to where my family is, and I am very excited about that. I have enjoyed 7 tremendous years of touring, have visited more countries then I can count on my two hands, and have established numerous relationships with people all around the world, with people like YOU! Now I'm ready to return back home to my roots and reestablish proper relations with my family, the family God has blessed me with.

I've experienced the opportunity of a lifetime getting to travel the world sharing the gospel through the terrific means of ballet. It has honestly been such a gift and an honor. I'm not sure I will ever again feel or appear “more accomplished” in the eyes of the world, then as I do now with being apart of such a fantastic organization, but I'm learning that is okay, and as we very well know, when the Lord calls us to move, we must humbly and obediently follow. I don't know what the Lord has for me next, but I have peace in knowing and trusting that He knows. I honestly don't care if I work at McDonald's, go to college, get married... as long as whatever I do allows me to continue using my life for furthering the gospel of Jesus Christ.




With that being said, It has been quite an emotional and mental process the past couple of weeks since determining that I'll be moving back to Lancaster, PA and leaving the profession of dance behind me. It is funny the things I am being challenged with. The very same counsel I've been driving home to those I mentor such as, “Your identity should be found not in what you do, but in who you do it for (Jesus)” or “ Change is hard, but it can be character building if you allow it,” etc. are the very same things I'm finding I myself need to be taking to heart during this time! I guess some things in life are learned over and over again regardless of age and what season we are in.

I have seen dancers who have gone before me step down from the life of being a professional without having any idea of what's next for their lives, and I used to think, “I could NEVER do that, not have a plan!?” … And here I am doing it! I simply give credit to God for preparing me for such a time as this and I am confident that it will be Him who will light my path, in due time, regarding my future. As of now, when it comes to practically making preparations for the big career changes, there is only so much I can do before I actually transplant myself from the 'Sip to PA. I still have two and a half months left to complete with Ballet Magnificat! But if you would like to know, I have begun to formulate a loose plan of action, subject to change of course. You'll be happy to know that I do intend to shoot a little higher than just settling for a job at McDonald's. I figure, initially I will land a job teaching ballet somewhere since that is what I seem to be the most qualified in doing at this point in my life, BUT what I think could really be exciting is if I were to go a completely different direction with my occupation since I have been dancing for so long. Right now my future pretty much seems like a wide-open plain white canvas. I could do anything!

 I've been thinking that in this season of me being in limbo it could be the perfect time for trying something new! The thought has crossed my mind that perhaps it would be beneficial to get a college degree in whatever direction I decide to go in next. I just do not know what direction that would be. I love learning, but college seems so daunting because 1.)  I have been unschooled for so long now, 2.) It seems so unaffordable, and 3.) so many people I've talked to have said that they don't even use their degree. I am all over the place when it comes to what degree I would even want to pursue... ministry, business, hospitality, arts, language, digital communications. I guess I'll have to figure that out first! But I know that along with all the “figuring out” and praying that is going to be necessary, I must believe and trust that in God's timing clarity will come, opportunities will be presented, and the right doors will be opened and closed.




If you can imagine, this is definitely a season requiring exorbitant faith and much prayer. Though there have been times in recent weeks where I've allowed fear and doubt to get the best of me, I can honestly say that most times I am extremely excited for what's in store for me next, and can even say that I am enjoying the process getting there, as I know that it is building my faith and drawing me closer to God. Though it will be hard, for so many reasons, to say goodbye to Ballet Magnificat, I am beyond thankful for the memories that will forever remain with me, and for the knowledge and wisdom in the things of God that I've acquired over the course of my years with the ministry that will also never be forgotten. 

I will be finishing out my season participating in Ballet Magnificat's Summer Dance Intensive as a four-week counselor, and you can expect I will continue running my dance apparel business at Shoplillyscreations.com. Beyond that, the rest of my life remains a mystery, but I feel more equipped than ever for whatever's coming next, and for that mere fact God deserves so much Glory. Would you join me in the excitement of it all? Join me in the praising and glorifying of our wonderful Lord and Savior who has our every season of life in his hands!

And, a special thanks to those of you who have so faithfully been supporting and following me. Please don't be a stranger but get in touch/ keep in touch with me if you so care to, even though I will no longer be associated with the ministry of Ballet Magnificat. Though perhaps going slightly a different direction then prior, I will, of course, continue posting updates here on my blog about each adventure the Lord takes me on. So if you wish to follow along on the journey of what life is like after being a professional dancer, then stick around! It's going to be nothing less then grand! -- Because He's a good good father.





A Few Prayer Requests: 

- I desire an unwavering, steadfast faith. Pray that Hebrews 10:23-25 and 1 Cor 15:58  would be true of me in this season of stepping out of the “Ballet Magnificat Bubble”
-That teaching/job opportunities would be quickly presented to me, that I can begin working right away, saving, and find footing.
- For clarity on what direction I should go pertaining to college, if I should enroll, and if so what degree.
- Housing. 
- Provision. I am believing the Lord to show himself as provider, not just with finances, but also with revealing to me where the perfect place to live is and directing me to a good Christian community I can get involved with. spiritually nurturing environment is essential.
-I have lived in the southern “bible belt” for so many years. Pray that I would acclimate to the colder cultural spiritual climate of the north. 
-Divine appointments. In the midst of all this talking about myself my heart is very much to still be used for the furthering of Gods kingdom, even though I am no longer officially a part of a ministry organization. Would you join me in prayer that the Lord would continue to grow me as an evangelist, for holy spirit boldness, and opportunities to be a light in the darkness in the new community I will be joining, and that I would just simply be an encouragement to everyone I meet (to believers and unbelievers alike) in the name of Jesus, for his glory.

-Lastly, for opportunities to still use my gift of dancing for the Lords praise and glory if it is still in his will for me.
        Thank you!



 "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
~1 Corinthians 15:58





  Lyrics to
HEAVEN KNOWS  -by Matt Hammitt

(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)

Eighteen years on the road
Never thought we would go
As far as this
I gave my heart, kept the faith
Every night, all those days
With no regrets

We've been watching half our lives flow
Through the only hourglass we've known
And now I'm standing at a crossroads
Knowing that it's time to let go

Heaven knows when a heart needs to go
Where it's meant to be
And it's hard to walk away from a place
You thought you'd never leave
Oh, but I can hear Jesus calling my name
Saying, "Step out onto the sea"
Come and find what your faith is made of
Come and live what you claim to believe
And follow me
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)

With open hands, open hearts
This is how we got our start
How we wound up here
Oh, and seasons change, it's okay
It doesn't have to take away
From the love we share

And now I'm standing at a crossroads
Knowing that it's time to let go
To let go

Heaven knows when a heart needs to go
Where it's meant to be
And it's hard to walk away from a place
You thought you'd never leave
Oh, but I can hear Jesus calling my name
Saying, "Step out onto the sea"
Come and find what your faith is made of
Come and live what you claim to believe
And follow me
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)

Oh I've been restless, I've been weary
'Cause I just keep on fighting this feeling
That I want to stay where somebody needs me
But I hear Jesus saying, "Believe me"

Oh, Heaven knows when a heart needs to go
Where it's meant to be
And it's hard to walk away from a place
You thought you'd never leave
Oh, but I can hear Jesus calling my name
Saying, "Step out onto the sea"
Come and find what your faith is made of
Come and live what you claim to believe
And follow me
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)
And follow me
(Oh, oh, oh, oh)

Thank you so much for stopping by!
I bet you didn't see this plot twist coming, Did ya?!
Do you have any words of wisdom or encouragement to share with me?
Any questions?
I would love for you to share your thoughts,
Please leave a comment down below, 
and have a blessed week!


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