Reaching.

So, tonight was a two hour episode of So You Think You Can Dance?
So much talent, so amazing. Yet I am awed that these people work so hard, they expend so much energy on this getting into this show, only to be told they aren't good enough. Talk about broken dreams. And I am just amazed at the sheer talent and determination of each dancer. I think of how many hours of practice they have spent, to attain the level of training and expertise in dance. Then I think of how much more powerful it could be if they knew the Lord, if they had a passion for Him, to use their amazing abilities to glorify Him.

It's the never ending question, it seems, for Christian artists- excellence or a heart of worship?

It's a tough one, that's for sure. I would say without hesitation, firstly a heart of worship. But at the same time, I want the talent. I want for us to stand out, to be just as excellent or even more so than the world, that they would see the contrast between what their art is without God, and what ours is with Him.

I wonder, how will we reach that point?

There is a movement- God is doing mighty things all over the world. First, he transported some precious family friends of ours to Hong Kong, and they are making an impact for Him there in the dance world. The Capps family have headed Glory Dance Ministries for several years now, a modern dance based ministry that is on the cutting edge. They have a heart of worship at the core of the ministry, yet at the same time the strongly believe in the excellence aspect as well. Check them out at glorydance.com.

Also, my teachers at my dance school, Alpha and Omega dance Academy. They have a heart to worship the Lord, and also have strong technique.

Sometimes it's hard to keep trusting that we will see an impact in this area, but I know that God is moving. He is doing something great in the arts and I know that He will use this in a mighty way to reach many people and draw them unto Himself.

This is also the point at which I become torn- I love dance so much, I just love love love praising the Lord with my whole heart when I dance. What joy in the fullness of knowing Him!! Does this mean that I pursue dance as a career? Will it only be a recreation/weekend ministry, while my job is in another area altogether? I have agonized over this. I have changed my mind so many times. I just need to trust, and forget about the worry over having enough. If it's His will, He will provide. Oh Lord, open my heart to the plans that YOU have for me.

~Lysandra Elena

Birthday reflections

20 years old today. Two decades. It's so crazy to think of it in terms of decades.
It's sort of a long while, yet I feel like it's flown by- and it's only the beginning.

This morning, I woke up to my dad saying "Happy birthday, Little Monster." It was so sweet!

I've learned so much, and I've still much to learn I know. One thing that I want to keep learning my whole entire life is how to love others. It's so essential, and it's what Jesus did. He has loved us with an everlasting love, even to the point of dying on the cross for us. Oh that I could love others to that extent, to the point of being willing to die in their place. That is true love.

Very special last night- a night of prophecy by Michael Cotten at V2- it was so cool to see God speaking through him into people's lives, to see them touched as they received a word from the Lord. Afterwards, I asked if he could pray for me because it was my birthday the next day. I was blown away by the things that he said. Firstly, he said that God has given me a resiliance and a flexibility to bend, but not break. This is coupled with an endurance to run the race and not grow weary. He also prophecied over my future husband and my career! It was pretty cool.

Thank you Lord for giving me life, for sustaining me. You alone are good and just. You have been my sustenence through it all, through the storm and in the brightest of sunshine. I would not be who I am today if it weren't for knowing you Jesus. I don't even know if I would be here today if it weren't for your hand upholding me through the darkest of hours. I love you Lord and I look forward to the next 20 years with You, and the next and the next.

~Lysandra Elena

Talent & Aspirations

This weekend, I had the privilege to attend the North Carolinians for Home Education Conference in Winston-Salem. It was truly a dynamic time with great speakers. John Stonestreet had so many great things to say- I think I went to 2-3 of his sessions- it was awesome. What was really exciting was that Casiphia & I were accepted into the talent showcase on Friday night with our dance piece, Carried to the Table by Leeland.

There is something so special about using your gifts for the Lord, and being able to share them with others. It's so fulfilling. Reflecting back, I think of the exhilarating feeling of going onto the stage and doing what you were created to do. I joke and tell people sometimes that I was dancing in the womb. But seriously, I probably was :)

I am so grateful to the Lord for this opportunity, and for parents who have been so supportive over the years. They have driven me to so many rehearsals and practices for dance. It has been such a blessing and I love you mom and dad!!

On another note,
I am taking a summer Biology class. So far I really like my teacher, who makes a 50-min session seem like 15. Although I do not enjoy the movie to hold us through the last hour of lab, I am pretty excited to be learning more about God's creation. I love to learn and I'm looking forward to a great 8 weeks.

God Bless!!

~Lysandra