Wednesday, April 22, 2009

"Dancing With God"-- an Invitation

  • Who: All women, High School through "Golden Girls"
  • What: "Dancing With God"-- the fourth and final installment of a serial women's conference entitled "Sisters By Heart", which began in November of 2008.
  • When: Friday Night, May 1, 2009. 7pm to 10pm EDT.
  • Where: Oasis Christian Fellowship, 400 Enterprise Ave., Wauseon, OH
  • Cost: Free!

Program:

  • 7:00 – Worship
  • 7:35 – Laughter & Snacks
  • 8:15 – Special Speaker: Tyson Aschliman
  • 8:45 – Snacks and Q & A with Tyson
  • 9:20 – Worship

A dear friend of Leslie-- and a fellow cancer warrior-- named Jessie called me several weeks back and asked if I'd be interested in speaking at her church's upcoming women's event. Yes, I first got a chuckle out of that too. It's seldom a good thing to be the only man in a room full of women. But the more I talked to Jessie, and heard her heart and what this thing was all about, I was indeed honored to be asked. And now I'm just plain excited about the whole thing.

These women have been exploring what an intimate relationship with God looks like, through the eyes of "today's woman". And, of course... what an intimate relationship with God looks like to God. It's impossible to summarize the powerful truth and heart-rending grace that has been exposed and explored among these "Sisters By Heart" over the past six months, but the organizer of the event gives it an excellent effort in a single sentence: "Freedom in Forgiveness (Nov.) leads me to experience more Peace (Jan) so that I can Hear from God (Mar) ... then I will Dance with God." Wow. Now THERE's a mouthful.

So I am honored to be speaking on this concept of "Dancing With God" on Friday May 1. The more I think and pray and read scriptures on the topic, the more my heart is stirred, because it is basically the essence of everything I've learned and lived for the past couple of years. I've said frequently that "Leslie taught me how to love. She taught me how to die. She taught me how to truly live." That is her ministry-- and not just to me, but to so many of you, as well. Well, the more I think about it, the more I realize that I can summarize what she taught me in this: "Through everything, I have learned to dance with God."

I shared at her memorial services that Leslie learned the hard way that the answer to every "WHY?" that can be asked is a very simple (but not easy) answer: To bring glory to God. Or, in a word... WORSHIP. The greatest command, according to Jesus, is to LOVE the LORD your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Which, not coincidentally, is the very definition of worship... to love the Lord with everything you've got. Everything you are. Worship is the expression of our love and honor of God. And when I think of the ultimate act of expression, I think of dancing. Movement set to music. A person's whole self engaging without hinderence or inhibition in the simple task of self-expression.

Dancing can be a remarkably sacred and intimate act-- as newlyweds and their "first dance" at the wedding reception. And it can be a powerful act of celebration and joy-- as the wedding party and guests get their collective groove on later on the same night. There are dances of mourning-- "dirges". There is a dance for every season of the human soul.

The very interaction of God and mankind can be summarized in the following metaphor: The Cross was the act of God Himself filling the room with music, clearing the crowded floor, walking across the room, and asking His bride-to-be once and for all, "May I have this dance?"

So, who feels like dancing? Come and join us at Oasis in Wauseon, OH on Monday May 1 as we explore what an intimate dance with God looks like. I've got two left feet, as anyone who's seen me dance will tell you. But as long as I've got feet, they will be set to dancing.

13 comments:

snd9021@aol.com said...

I've followed your journey from afar for quite a while now... friend of a friend of a friend sort of thing... I've learned so much and grown with your blog... in being newly dianosed with MS.. I have been doing much soul searching and talking with God... and your 'dancing with God' theme really hit home with me, as I too consider life, a dance with God... so much so that I have a sign that hangs in my office:
If you stumble... make it part of your dance! I it just sums up so many thoughts for me.
Thank you for all you've shared with all of us out here... our thoughts and prayers and best wishes are being sent your way!

Bekah said...

Hi Tyson! We are actually in OH and I would LOVE to come hear you speak. I think May 1st is a Friday? I'll just check their website to make sure.

Bekah said...

Okay I'm a dork...you said Friday at the top!

Jessie said...

I'm very excited for you to come! I've been meaning to email you, I'm looking very forward to seeing you!!!!
Jess

Sarah said...

Sounds like a great evening...unfortunately a bit too far for me. Praying that all who attend are truly blessed by the evening's events.

Anonymous said...

Tyson,

I have been following your posts since July, as I lost my husband in June. You are a true inspiration and I thank you for sharing! I live in Wauseon and was excited to see that you would be speaking here! Your messages and thoughts touch my heart each time I read them. I look forward to hearing you speak in person!

Anonymous said...

they are only giving you 30 minutes?!?! Wow!! I think you have more than 30 minutes worth! You will be in my prayers as you prepare :)

Unknown said...

Tyson,

I am thankful I read your latest entry. God is teaching you so much.

The ability to dance when we thought we had two left feet is nothing short of a miracle.

Not to long ago I shared with Greg if I stop dancing we know I am in trouble. I don't need my feet to dance the heart is the key to good dancing. So if I lose the ability to walk I will be able to still use my mind. I always want to picture me dancing with my Father. The dance of the daughter with the Father at the wedding is a good one too!

We too are discovering the beauty in trials. They free us from fear. Fear seems to stop people dead in their tracks and disables them from even wanting to learn how to dance.

I am praying for you as you share with the women at this upcoming retreat.

May God use His words through you to break down fear, restore hearts and allow the freedom to dance.

God,please restore in these women the ability to trust you. Especially the women whom the locust has tried to devour as referenced in Joel 2:25. May their understanding be full of the knowledge you love them with all your heart, mind, soul and strength so their desire will be to love you in return.

God Bless you Tyson.

Love,

Laurie

Tyson Aschliman said...

Wow, Laurie. Thank you so much. I'm humbled and encouraged by your words. I appreciate your prayer, and God is getting plenty from me on your behalf as well.

For those of you who don't know Laurie, check her out at

http://upapaddle.blogspot.com

She is another brave cancer warrior, and her words, here, of dancing with all you've got when youre feet just don't have the strength to move are so challenging, and beautiful, when put into context of what she and her family are facing right now.

God bless you and all of the Strands, Laurie!!

Tyson

Anonymous said...

Tyson,

Thank you for your words tonight...they have blessed me in many ways.

Jackie Yackee

Jess Frye said...

Whats up TY? No blog in a while. Just making sure you're ok. Love you!! -Jess

Anonymous said...

Hi Tyson! I am wondering with Jess! Are you OK? We love you! Uncle Silver and Aunt bj

Anonymous said...

I too miss your blogs....I hope things are well with you! I really enjoyed hearing you speak and putting a face and personality to the writtens words. You are an inspiration! Thanks!