Yes, that is a picture of my daughter, Alyssa, when she danced with Ballet Magnificat for nine years. Ever since she was a little girl, she dreamed of becoming a ballerina. She walked around on her tippy toes all day long and danced for us saying, "Mommy, watch this. MOMMY, WATCH!!!" She loved entertaining us with her dancing.
When she was eleven years old, we put her in a ballet studio that was more serious than the local park district offered. She started going twice a week but ended up going four days a week all through high school. Her teacher, once a professional ballerina, saw talent in Alyssa and encouraged her to go to the summer programs of the big ballet companies.
She auditioned for some and was accepted into several. For a couple summers in a row, she went to these big ballet company summer programs. After her last one, she told me she just couldn't be a professional ballerina. It just wasn't the lifestyle she wanted to pursue. She loved Jesus and wanted to glorify Him in all that she did.
When she graduated from high school, as she was receiving her diploma, the principal told the crowd that she wanted to be a missionary ballerina. My dad whispered to me, "Oh right...I can see her in point shoes and tutus in the middle of Africa!" Oh ye of little faith.
When she was in third grade, she had read about a Christian ballet company called Ballet Magnificat. She dreamt about going there...Well, the summer after she graduated high school, she was reminded about them and applied to go. She was promptly accepted.
She started in the trainee program but moved up quickly until she was in the main company. They travel all over the United States dancing for Jesus and sharing Him with their audience. She was with them for nine years and loved it until Jon came into her life and pursued her!
God heard the desires of a little girl's heart and granted them to her in a powerful way. She made lasting friends in Jackson, Mississippi and will always treasure her time spent there. If you have young girls that would love to be a ballerina, check them out. They are an amazing company with a heart for Jesus and mighty good ballet dancers. The owner was Little Ricky on I Love Lucy!
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Psalm 37:4
P.S. If you live anywhere near Jackson, MS, they are performing the Snow Queen next weekend which will be amazing, I am sure!
Proverbs 31, Finer Things, Faith Filled Friday, Hear It On Sunday, Return To Loveliness
P.S. If you live anywhere near Jackson, MS, they are performing the Snow Queen next weekend which will be amazing, I am sure!
Proverbs 31, Finer Things, Faith Filled Friday, Hear It On Sunday, Return To Loveliness
