And…That’s A Dance 'RAP' Folks

Here I sit at 10pm on a Saturday night after 4 amazing Lighthouse Hip Hop Dance performances this weekend, entitled ‘Confidence’, with my make-up still on (had to take the fake eye lashes off so I could see to type) wishing I could do it all over again.

You know what the sweet thing is about this? God had been preparing my heart this year to grow in confidence in Him by laying this very word “Confidence” on my heart near the beginning of 2021 through studying His word. Oh wait, thinking back, I received the ‘Confidence’ award in the 2019 Night to Shine Student Showcase. Seeds planted, when watered, grow! Back to this year, I think I knew that ‘Confidence’ was the Lighthouse theme for this past year, but it did not take root until I turned the corner to 2021. What a confidence building year it has already been.

“…blessed is the one who trusts the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.” – Jeremiah 17:7

I began the year taking a faithful step to begin a deeper healing health journey after having Covid 19 a year ago, trusting the Lord for the time and finances needed to commit. It has been a wild and amazing ride. So thankful for my practitioner and Doctor at Inside Health, plus all the support staff and many friends and family who have been willing to walk so sweetly with me. Encouraging me, hugging me, lifting me up, praying, extending empathy and compassion on days and weeks that are challenging and rejoicing in the progress that has been made. It has been a surrendered place to receive God’s love from and through others plus trust in His timing and learn to lean in, make confident decisions and be okay not being okay.

Intertwined, as all of life is, with this new health journey, was an opportunity to move to Fort Collins to help plant a new church. Say what? Yes, I moved back to Fort Collins. What another sweet transition. From my Redemption Church family of 5 years to my new church family at Citylight Church Fort Collins, one that is already allowing me opportunities to live out my heart’s passion to equip and lead women to get to know our Lord more, by studying the Bible together on a weekly basis. There was a period of waiting on the Lord to navigate His timing of moving and then beginning a new study, but He so beautifully made things clear, one step at a time.

This is easier to do in some areas of my life and more challenging in others. Or maybe it is about the opportunities the Lord is giving me to practice, because as I ponder this and process out loud, I can already look back in the rear-view mirror to the recent past and see how far I have come. I am gaining an understanding of the difference between confidence (by faith trusting God) and pride (doing it in my own strength).

“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

– Hebrews 11:1

One of those more challenging areas for me seems to be in the “dude” department. Dating or should I say taking steps toward dating again. I took a leap a few months back by downloading an on-line dating app. Folks, I would have never pictured myself doing this and actually said that was not something God had ever led me to start, BUT God… I do not know if this is where God has me meeting my future husband, BUT, it has given me the freedom to be me, ask great questions, shut door quickly if priorities are not aligned, practice discipline, be diligent, pray, trust and learn more about what my heart’s desires are in this area of my life.

And… I am also practicing walking in confidence as the Lord leads me to run and steward my real estate business well. He is teaching me to see things through His eyes. Seeking Him in every detail. Slow down and trust in Him and His timing. I stand in AWE of who God puts in my path to love and serve through one of the biggest decisions a person makes in their life.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” -Romans 8:28

Ok, it is about time that I go take my make-up off and take my hair pins out, so I can get some rest. But before I do, I want to say what an incredible gift it is to be part of the Lighthouse Dance Family. I am SO honored and so proud of all of the dancers this year. And honored this year to be one of the students on this years’ recital poster.

The show was yet again--- AMAZING! It was so fun to connect and get to know my classmates better, go out to lunch with past dance friends, be a Class Mom for the littles, laugh, pray, and dance for the Lord for 2 straight days! Let your light shine bright!

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” -Matthew 5:14-16

And a big THANK YOU to all who came to support us/me! We would not have a performance without spectators. So loved by So many this year!

May the Lord bless you with confidence in Him-

Andrea