Artistic Expression

Today I'm thinking about the importance of artistic expression. We may see the world in black and white, but there is such an incredible spectrum to behold. The first creator is God Himself so He is the very author of creativity. He said "Let there be light." Until God spoke light into existence, there was no color. It is the light that enables us to see, identify, and experience color. Take a prism and hold it to the light and see the colors burst forth. It is from God alone that we can experience the rainbow splash of color that He wants us to behold. So how is it that sometimes we close ourselves off from the freedom of creativity.

At our recent drama intensive at our home church (Primitive Christian Church), we asked the participants on the graffiti board, "are we doing plays that are safe because they are in the church (meaning inside the church building)." And answers come back that no...we challenge the people, and another...we have to be sensitive. So I want to be that sensitive Christian but Seasons of Purpose wants to challenge the community to take a deep look and not try to sugar coat. The people I want to tell my story to live in a harsh reality, I want to be able to communicate but not compromise. This is a fun challenge to meet and I see that artists trying to communicate in relevant ways all face this challenge. So paint your world with color! Enjoy the creativity God has put in you. Don't be afraid to wrestle with the tough questions and push the envelope without compromising your faith.

His Banner Over Us Is Love

Saturday, July 25, 2009 Summer Banner Intensive
I have had a blast preparing to share what God has taught me in the arts. The first week was the dance ministry intensive, last week was the banner intensive, and the final week will be for drama ministry. Saturday was an incredible blessing of learning about the banners, developing skill in using the banner, and ministering to each other in prayer with the banners.
The group prayed for Martin & I at the workshop and we were greatly blessed. Sometimes you give in ministry and receive back one hundredfold. This was one of those days...Martin & I received such a loving prayer from our brothers and sisters that focused on our marriage. We were wrapped in the glory of God as the banner of peace, healing, at the name of Jesus...and holy fire was waved over us. I thank God for my loving brothers, sisters, and my loving husband. Our marriage and faith-based arts development ministry is under His banner. Thank you Jehovah Nissi!

Dancing Children in the Spirit

I celebrate the former students of mine from Nyack that continue to grow and expand their horizons. Even though I have never had my own children, I am excited as I see my "children in the Spirit" in the dance ministry step up to the next level.

When I see my "children" dance, develop their own dance ministries, and choreograph, I'm so happy for them!!! Recently, I looked at pictures from another student's dance ministry. I felt like a spiritual grandmother.

I would like to thank Iris Cloud (Dance for Joy Ministries) for her years of pouring into my life so I can pour into the lives of so many others. In addition, I have been effected and inspired by leaders in dance ministry including Min. Kathleen Turner, Rev. Eyesha Marable, Dr. Pamela Hardy, and Min. Rae.
Today I went to Lea's wedding (see above) and a stranger asked me who I was. I admitted to be her professor in dance and the stranger said I must have had an impact on her life. I'm so glad that God choose me to be part of this legacy, at such a time as this. I am part of the end times servants that will use the arts to mightily showcase the glory of God.

Father's Day Tribute 2009

Today I'm thinking about my Dad and how much I miss him. He often put on his apron to clean all the pots and pans in the sink and then sat with a look of satisfaction after he was done. He loved to sit and listen to his kids and hear what they had to say. My Dad listened to me as I talked about the Lord and wondered where I got the wisdom. He knew it was from the Bible...the book he also grew to love. How I miss Dad's laugh, smile, turkey chili, and his bear hugs. Music: He played jazz music alot in my younger years and I attribute my love to jazz in all forms from this man. He really loved Afro-Cuban jazz. Dance: My father wasn't much on seeing concert dance but he did love African-American expression in movement, so if he knew it was Black...he was there. Drama: Same about drama...if the actors were black...he was on it. Think about all the years he couldn't see this expression on television and few on Broadway. When this man who worked for the Division on Civil Rights could finally see professional Black actors given opportunities...his heart just soared!!!
He lived his life through many seasons and when it was time, he went home to be with the Lord. He was proud of my accomplishments and was always a great example of a loving father. As SEASONS OF PURPOSE celebrates Father's Day, I want to remember the Dad who gave me birth and encouraged me in everything that I do.

Ordination Dance for Pastor David and Minister Ariel "Just the Beginning"

On Friday, March 13, 2009, I was privileged with the opportunity to minister at the installation of Pastor David and Minister Ariel at Primitive Christian Church. It is the second ordination that I have had to minister in movement. Like the first one, I really wanted the movement to have a prophetic element. I know that God will use these men to showcase His glory so I know that this is "just the beginning for them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-0KOv7ky9c

Congratulations Dance for Joy

Congratulations to another great concert by Dance for Joy on Saturday, March 21, 2009. I applaud the perseverance, creativity, and leadership of Iris Cloud (Founder and Artistic Director) who has mentored me and so many in dance ministry. So amazing to see pieces that I danced and also contributed choreography for the rep years ago. To see these dances passed down to the next generation was amazing!!!! The outside influences of Ms. Cloud's years with Dance Theater of Harlem and other training that the dancers bring like Ailey (Lester Horton technique), rhythm tap lessons from DTH and Broadway Dance Center, and Ballet Hispanico (flamenco) always enrich the contributing choreography.

Iris Cloud and Dance for Joy Ministries taught me how to use my whole body when I dance. I thank the Lord and other dancers that taught me to use the whole stage when I dance and not dance under myself. I remember fondly how Rachael Davidson used to say "m-o-v-e" in a loud whisper when I felt her presence pushing behind me. Ms. Rachael can really move on stage. Amazing opening dance with Ms. Rachael in "Women Thou Art Loosed." She was truly in the Spirit all night long. Everyone did a great job including April who recreated Ms. Cloud's solo in "Mercy"

Thank you for moving in excellence. Pictured here are April, Martine, Vickie, and Alicia.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow

The northeast got socked with another snowstorm shutting down schools in our region. This is a wonderful day for school teachers and children but tough on sanitation workers that have to plow. I enjoyed the day catching up on email, social networks and a bit of choreography.

On a snowy day I enjoy a warm home, warm food and a peaceful surrounding. I think I enjoyed that today.

Seasons of Purpose is currently working on 2 dance projects (one a collaboration) at church, and one play that is grossly behind. It is cantata style (music driven with supplemental text and dance). We have a general framework given to us by our pastor and hope to flesh it out in words. Mr. Bowman is so good at doing this. I think he is really getting a system of how to make these thematic presentations. It is becoming the Seasons of Purpose style that we can share with others. We hope as we inspire others to create, and to take their ideas to yet a higher level. As we take these simple ideas, themes, concepts, and issues, we hope we can explore them in short form (10 minutes), and also in the longer forms. Some of them will involve collaboration with a more "devising" style that I learned from The Creative Arts Team in New York, or a piece with just one playwright. We realize that we have to become more skilled at playwriting and hope to sharpen our skills either by classes or consulting with trained writers.