As soon as we moved to Nederland, we learned that dance is majorly popular here.  My girls have never had the opportunity to take dance. Here, you would have a hard time escaping it as there is a dance studio on every corner. I immediately said no (to myself) when confronted with the question "Are they going to take dance?".  My swift answer came for two reasons. First of all, upon moving here I immediately met several dance instructors like Dawn and my neighbor Petrina; both super sweet.  I heard raving reviews on them as well as dozens of other dance instructors in town.  How could I possibly choose one over the other?  But that wasn't my big reason for saying no.

I realize I risk sounding like less than the banner mother, but truth be known, I am not a fan of sequins.  I love the way they look, but only when I don't have to mess with them.  I managed recently to fail in applying iron-on badges, which I feel disqualifies me from being a sequin mom.  So I posed a question to those who would suggest certain dance studios: What's the sequin count? (implying that only a very low count would be acceptable). In my book a low sequin count indicates a low level of effort and dedication which I'm perfectly fine with.  To aid in my negative response, I shared that Hallie doesn't even like to dance.

Early in the year, we learned of the Saturday clinics offering a day of instruction and fun for girls.  There was a Westernaire, Goldenettes, Cheerleading and Twirling Clinic.  Hallie surprised me by deciding to go to the Twirling Clinic.  Long story short (not really-I don't think I'm capable of that) both of the girls loved the twirling.  And while I don't know if twirling is really considered dancing, I'm going to go with it.  I was really excited because Twirls and Swirls is a studio owned and run by generations of sweet ladies from our church.  We love Ms. Phyllis, Ms. Dorothy,Rebecca and Rachel.

And get this, Twirls and Swirls Sequin Count:Low to zero!

Rylie's recital outfit has no sequins. Hallie's outfit is covered with sequins, but I don't have to apply them. The cost for Twirls and Swirls is also more than reasonable.  I love this place!

Speaking of the upcoming recital, I have a challenge ahead of me.  Hallie and Rylie will be performing a Sisters Routine.  I read over the note describing the matching outfits the girls will wear for this special routine.

 Now don't laugh.  I get to design them-using sequins; oh the irony! 

This will be my first time applying sequins for a recital.  I'm not counting the time last summer when I tried to apply red sequins to bling the heart on my- I heart VBS t-shirt.  By the way, the applying went fine.  It was the washing the shirt afterward that went badly.

This morning I had my Dr. Pepper and a little bit of meditation  I began to consider how much effort I wanted to put into this. What will my sequin count be? Afterall, my girls love twirling.  And I love watching them.  I know too that twirling is teaching them so many important things.  All of the ladies that work with the girls are patient and wonderful women of God.  My girls see Rebecca and Rachel as young ladies who are brilliant in twirling and who serve brightly in the church too.  Both of my girls have made new friends at twirling.  I believe twirling has in part, helped Hallie come out of her shell. Rylie told me that her twirling teacher Rachel never gives up on her, thank you for that.  The cost for twirling is NOTHING compared to the benefits!

Oh!  Isn't this like our relationship with God!  Blessings from him flow and I find myself unwilling to make an effort to do my part.  Read my Bible EVERYDAY?  Can't I get a break?  How many times do we have to be at the church this week?

The sequin count required to be a Christian is zero.  God requires nothing of us aside from our trust in him and repentance from our old life.  But in light of his goodness, shouldn't we, in gratitude, be looking for ways to give him thanks and bring him glory?  In my life and in my ways, shouldn't I have a desire to glow brilliantly for him?

Shouldn't my sequin count for Christ be countless?

Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of heaven, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.  -Daniel 12:3

I must close now as I have sequins to buy and apply.

 

Wish me luck!

Recital pictures to come

If you missed yesterday's post in honor of mothers, check it out. Things Learned Though Mom Never Shared