Ms. Tina's Favorite Things- Gift Guide

Tis the season!  We know that you are already dreaming of things to give your dancer for Christmas. So we wanted to help out by giving you some ideas! Here are our favorite things this season that would make excellent gifts for dancers of any age.

BOOKS
AbunDANCE Coloring Book
Abundance features more than 40 inviting images, from classic ballets to sparkling costumes, iconic poses to pointe shoes.

Black Ballerinas: My Journey to our Legacy by Misty Copeland
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes an illustrated nonfiction collection celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage. (grades 5-9)

Twirl by Emily Lex
This simply delightful story from watercolor artist Emily Lex encourages children to become exactly who God created them to be, living freely and lightly for Him. (ages 4-8)

Dreaming with God by Sara Beth Marr
God knows the desires of our hearts--he put them there. And he calls us to trust, to lean on him, and sometimes . . . to wait. Weaving together her unique perspective as a professional ballerina with profound truths drawn from Scripture and the life of faith, Sarah Beth Marr reminds us that we are not dreaming alone. If God has given us a dream, we can be sure that he will come alongside us as we work toward realizing it. Using her own story as a catalyst, Marr encourages women to surrender their plans to God, to stay in tempo with his Spirit, and to step into a deeper relationship with Christ. When they do, she says, they will be able to move confidently into the future, knowing that their dreams and God's desires are aligned in perfect harmony. This beautiful book will encourage any middle grade to college or beyond dancer!

 Braver, Stronger, Smarter by Sissy Goff With everything our teenagers are facing today, I can’t recommend these books enough for girls, teens, and parents!



I am LOVING this dance store called Pointe Brush...take a look at some of the fun things they have to offer for dancers:
Journals

Mugs

And Prints










TICKETS TO A SHOW
What better way to experience art in motion than to be inspired at a show? Grab tickets for STARZ Theater Company’s January Show HERE. See a professional ballet at the Colorado Ballet with exquisite costumes and sets. Get tickets HERE. Denver Center has a lot of great touring Broadway shows lined up. Check out their offerings HERE


DANCE GEAR
Every dancer loves having some new gear to keep them warm, enhance their class time, or practice at home. 

Apolla Shocks
These dance socks give the benefit of a shoe, but comfort of a sock! Apolla offers patented compression socks providing incredible comfort and support for your arches and ankles.

Bloch Kids Warm Up Boot/Slipper
Worn by dancers worldwide, Warm Up Booties keep feet warm without the need to remove one's ballet shoes. Encasing feet in a softly padded, durable rip-stop nylon, the booties not only protect the foot but offer longevity to ballet shoes. A velcro strap secures the booties whilst the padded outsole is covered in a non-slip PVC.

Theraband
We specifically suggest the “Plumband Stretch band for dance and ballet”. It's a strong, elastic stretch band made from one continuous loop of premium grade natural rubber with the perfect thickness and resistance for the strength and flexibility training required in ballet and dance. And its loop design lets you focus on position and proper technique while stretching with your arms and upper body free. This is helpful for intermediate to advanced dancers. 

TP Logowear is always a great gift for your dancer! Get 20% off during the month of December!

Hopefully these ideas will help you as you start to look for meaningful gifts this season.  May your holidays be merry and bright! 




Step Right Up!

Fidele Youth Dance Company culminates eighth season with three performances of “LionHeart”

 Come one, come all! Step right up and see the most amazing show on earth! Members of Fidele Youth Dance Company hope to dazzle and delight as they bring their eighth season to it’s peak with “LionHeart” this weekend at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium.

 An original stage adaptation of The Lady and the Lionheart, a Christian fiction novel written by award-winning author Joanne Bischof, “LionHeart” brings two worlds together as the 1890s traveling circus comes to small-town Virginia. And while it will be performed live on stage for just three ticketed performances, it’s a production almost a year in the making.

 “It was a surreal moment, when just a few days before Christmas, a message came in from the director of a dance company for children and young adults in Colorado Springs, inquiring about the possibility of adapting The Lady and the Lionheart for the stage,” Bischof wrote on her blog. “My answer?? YES! Not only for the chance to see Charlie and Ella and the whole circus troupe in live action, but because of the heart and purpose behind the dance company — one that encourages children and teens in the performance arts while also sharing the gospel through their yearly productions.”

 With their mission of impacting the community for His Kingdom through the arts in mind, FYDC ran away to join the circus with Bischof’s gospel-woven words as their guide.

 “Obviously we’ve had to adapt a few things,” FYDC Director Mimi McKinnis said. “As a dance company, we don’t use any dialog, so rather than saying things or writing out some of the character’s memories, we get to show them. It’s been a beautiful challenge, but as we come closer to the final performance, I’m incredibly proud of the end result.”

 Many of the book’s details lent themselves perfectly to the stage, from colorful characters to folk dances and circus acts. More than that, the book’s message of God’s love and sacrifice lent itself perfectly to the company’s mission and heart.

 “I loved so many of the details in the book, and as I was reading it, I could see them coming to life,” McKinnis said. “Joanne painted such a vivid picture with her words, and we’ve kept it all in mind from including aerialists in the lion taming act to the tally mark scratches representing the days in Charlie’s contract. What I loved most of all, though, was the message behind the Big Top. The message that we’re not the Charlie of our stories. We’re not defined by what the world sees or says. We’re the Hollands, born again, perfect and new in His eyes because of His sacrifice that set us free. It’s a message that we’re so blessed to tell, and a story we hope will leave a lasting impact on our audience.”

 Spectators have three chances to catch the production, Saturday, November 13 at 2 or 6 p.m., or a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 14. Fans of the book might even catch a glimpse of Bischof herself in the crowd after making the journey from California to see the production.

 “To know that a story I had the joy of being able to write down has now sparked the creativity of others is one of the greatest honors I could have dreamed of,” Bischof wrote on her blog. “And when the curtain officially goes up later this year? My mom and I are already planning a road trip to Colorado Springs so that we don’t miss it! And good news! Their productions are recorded so there will be a chance for anyone to watch it online from the comfort of your own home.”

 The production will be filmed on stage throughout the company’s technical and dress rehearsals to create a digital viewing experience, making the production available worldwide. LionHeart Online will premiere on Friday, December 3. Remote spectators are encouraged to make a night of the digital streaming with a LionHeart Watch Party Kit, which includes a downloadable copy of the show’s Playbill, an intermission devotion and testimony written by Nahum Young, who plays Charlie Lionheart on stage, and make-at-home recipes inspired by the book from the LionHeart Menu, created exclusively for FYDC by Chef Leta Chrisman.

 “COVID was rough, but I’m so glad we were able to take the tools of digital performance away from last season,” McKinnis said. “The message and the weight of this story are so important, we want to use all the means at our disposal to reach as many hearts as possible.”

 To purchase tickets to LionHeart, preorder the digital production or request a Watch Party Kit, visit FideleYouthDanceCompany.com. For more information on Bischof or The Lady and the Lionheart, visit https://joannebischof.com.

November 2021 Devotion: Respond

Jesus aside, nobody’s perfect. As dancers, we’re well aware of this. Then again, if we could do everything on the first try, we wouldn’t be in class, right? Everyone fails. ALL fall short (Romans 3:23), and this time of year, it’s easy to be discouraged. Holiday music is starting to play and Peek Week program preparation is underway, reminding us that the school year session’s halfway point looms just ahead after Christmas break. Maybe your classes aren’t what you expected. Maybe you’re still working on the same things as last year’s class, or haven’t moved far away from the barre. But the important thing we take away from each class isn’t always the repertoire or repetition, but rather how we learn to handle our steps, both in dance and in life. As we enter November, let’s turn our attention away from the things that are happening around us and the things we can’t control, and instead focus on this month’s devotional word: How we RESPOND. 

Did you know it takes 66 days of consistent persistence for a new habit to take root in our brains? Or that studies show that bad habits don’t ever disappear, they’re just overpowered by new ones? How is your brain programmed to respond to adversity? How about peace? How do you respond to others? How do you respond to your thoughts? More importantly, who programmed that response? And how does God respond to you?

There’s a lot we could dig into here, so let’s narrow it down. Even though visions of sugarplums have entered the chat, this month has another focus highlighted in this month’s verse: 

I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

              — Psalm 9:1

God gave us thankful hearts. In fact, the word “thank” (and variations of the same) is used at least 139 times in the Bible, most often with the thanks being directed to God. We’re called to be slow to anger. We’re called to be peacemakers. We’re called to give thanks. With this in mind, we encourage you to explore our word and verse this month—Lets let God reprogram our response and make a habit of gratitude. 

Let’s say you’ve been working on your flexibility all year, but you’re still not all the way down in your splits. How do you respond? Maybe you’re not comfortable with double turns, but now there’s one in your Christmas dance. Or you’re comfortable with triple turns, but the rest of the class isn’t quite there, so your teacher choreographed a single pirouette. What if a classmate is distracting you or coming to chat when you should be listening to the teacher, or you’ve gone to five different stores in search of all the fixings for the perfect Thanksgiving feast, but no one seems to have what you need. How do you respond? Do you act on stress, exhaustion, disappointment, anger, or even jealousy?

We started the year talking about making a habit of prayer. How’s that going? It can help you here. Rather than responding the way we’ve programmed ourselves, we can respond by giving our hearts to God. Thank Him for goals and the opportunity to work toward them. Thank Him for the chance to challenge yourself in a new way. Thank Him for His grace toward you and for the example He’s set for responding to others. 

Want to go a step farther? How do you respond to God’s presence in your life? How do you respond when He speaks to you? How do you respond when you can’t hear His voice? Again, a lot we could dive into here, but there’s an easy way to narrow the focus. It’s right there in the second half of this month’s verse: “I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” It’s pretty simple, really. When someone does something for us, we thank them. When someone goes above and beyond, we tell other people about it. God has gone above and beyond for us. What has He done in your life? How did you respond? Give thanks to the Lord with all your heart, and tell of all His wonderful deeds.


Turning Pointe's Top 5: Ways to Improve Strength at Home

Written By: Mimi McKinnis

As dancers, we’ve all been there. We’ve got the flexibility, but we can’t seem to lift our leg as high as we know it can go. We understand how to use our feet in our jumps, but we can’t get the height to land properly. We understand the technique, but we lack the strength to execute it. If this sounds all too familiar, don’t be discouraged! This week’s TP Top 5 is here to help! Read on for our favorite ways to strengthen your dance muscles at home.

1. Strengthen Your Core

 Beginning/Intermediate:

Lie on your back and lift your legs so your knees are straight above your hips and bent at 90 degrees. Hold your arms in 1st position. Lower one foot and gently tap your toes on the floor. Return to the starting position, then repeat with the other leg. Complete 8-10 repetitions on each leg, alternating each time. For an extra challenge, repeat with your arms in 5th position.

 Intermediate/Advanced:

Lie on your back with your toes pointing straight up to the ceiling. Turn your legs out from the hips and cross one leg tightly over the other into a sous sus position. Hold your arms in 1st position. Begin beating your legs, alternate which foot is crossed in front. Continue beating as you gently lower your legs, keeping them straight and toes pointed. Once reaching your lowest point of stability, continue beating as you return your legs to the starting position. Repeat this motion 5-6 times.

DO:

●      Keep your shoulders down and flat against the floor.

●      Protect your neck by looking up and keeping your head straight.

DON’T:

●      Let your lower back leave the floor. Pull your belly button down toward your spine and actively press your entire back into the floor throughout the movement.

●      Use your hands for support. Engage your core muscles and keep your back flat by extending your arms on the floor into a “T” position.

2. Strengthen Your Turnout Muscles

Beginning/Intermediate:

Lay on your side and support your head with the hand or elbow that’s on the floor. Bend your knees out in front of you so your feet are in line with your hips. Turn your top leg out from your hip so that it opens into a diamond shape. Lift your leg and turn it out as far as you can and hold the turned out position. Close your leg and repeat 8-10 repetitions on both sides.

 Intermediate/Advanced:

Complete the exercise with a resistance band wrapped around your legs. Situate the band at the middle of your thighs and prop yourself up on your bottom elbow for support.

 DO:

●      Use the turnout muscles in your hips to left and open your leg.

●      Place your top hand on the ground in front of you for balance.
DON’T:

●      Sink or roll backward. Make sure your hips are stacked right on top of each other throughout the movement.

●      Overwork your muscles—a little at a time is much more beneficial than a lot all at once.

3. Strengthen Your Legs

 Beginning/Intermediate:

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes facing straight forward. Lower your body until your thighs are parallel with the floor, pushing your hips back and bending your knees..Pause, count to three, then push through your heels to return to standing. Repeat 20 times, then turn your toes out and repeat the exercise in 2nd position.

 Intermediate/Advanced:

Complete the exercise on one leg, or with weights.

DO:

●      Keep your knees above your ankles (you should be able to see your toes throughout the movement).

●      Keep your weight in the balls of your feet.

DON’T:

●      Lower yourself straight down. Push your hips back as if you’re sitting in a chair.

●      Use your hands for support. Let your legs do the work by keeping your fingertips on your shoulders.

 4. Strengthen Your Arms/Back

 Beginning/Intermediate:
Start by holding a resistance band in both hands. Keep your arms by your sides with elbows bent to 90 degrees so your forearms are parallel with the floor. Move your hands apart against the tension of the band until your forearms make a “V” shape out from your waist. Hold this position against the band, count to three, then return to the starting position. Repeat 8-10 times.

 Intermediate/Advanced:

Once your hands are apart, extend your elbows and reach your hands away from your center. Control the movement as you return your elbows to your sides, then bring your hands together.

DO:

●      Press your shoulders down and control the movement.

●      Relax your face and neck. Release any extra tension and let your rotator cuffs do the work.

 

DON’T:

●      Lock your legs. Keep a soft bend in your knees for stability.

●      Arch your back. Engage your core to isolate your upper body.

5. Strengthen Your Calves/Ankles

 Beginning/Intermediate:

Stand with your feet parallel and place a tennis ball between your ankles (right underneath the big bump). Lift your heels to rise to your highest relevé, count to three, then lower your heels back to the ground. Repeat this movement 20 times. Remove the tennis ball and repeat with feet turned in (pigeon-toed) and again in 1st position.

Intermediate/Advanced:

Slowly squeeze the tennis ball three times at the top of the relevé. Complete the repetitions in all three positions without letting your heels completely touch the ground, or give it all a try on one foot (maintaining balance).

DO:

●      Maintain ankle alignment throughout the movement.

●      Complete the exercise slowly and with control throughout.

DON’T:

●      Rock forward and backward as you rise and lower. Lift through the crown of your head as you press the balls of your feet into the floor.

●      Use your upper body. Let your calves and ankles do the work by engaging your core and placing your hands on your hips.

All About Creative Collaborators

Written by Mimi McKinnis

Miriam danced. So did David. God turns our mourning into dancing, and the scriptures encourage us to praise His name with dance. It’s movement, it’s athleticism and art, but most of all, it’s worship. With these Psalms at the heart of our mission, Turning Pointe has a class for everyone. In addition to providing training and instruction to beginners of all ages, pre-collegiate training students and adults, we’re proud to offer an inclusive and fully accessible class for all ages and abilities through our Creative Collaborators program.

 Who is the Creative Collaborators class for?

 Creative Collaborators is a class open to anyone (ages 6 and up) looking to make new friends and explore new movements focused on accessible dance forms for those with various needs.  This class is tuition-free and open to all levels and abilities. Taught by Morgan Nelson, a Turning Pointe staff member since 2013 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s degree in Special Education, this class offers the opportunity to participate in all things dance and Turning Pointe, including a performance in the Spring recital.

 What can students expect to learn?

 Students in the Creative Collaborators class will learn creative cooperation and exploration of contemporary dance forms, all while exploring movement qualities as they learn to think and move creatively as an individual dancer and with partners or groups. Participation will also open the doors to all the benefits of dance, both physically (improved heart and lung function, increased aerobic condition and muscular endurance, and better balance and coordination) and cognitively (improved memory, increased brain-body connection, rhythm recognition, etc.).

 When does the class meet? What should I be prepared for?

 Creative Collaborators meet for a 45 minutes class every Saturday at 9 a.m. Students should plan to wear anything they’re comfortable moving in, and be prepared to leave with a smile on their face as they experience the joy of dancing and worship in a fun, structured and Christ-centered classroom environment.

 Questions? Please email info@turningpointeschoolofdance.com. Ready to give it a try? Drop into class any Saturday! Registration for the 2021-22 session ends January 15.

October 2021 Devotion: Relationship

Written by: Mimi McKinnis

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

                                                                                                                    —  John 15:12-13 (NIV)

 Cinderella and Prince Charming. Anne and Gilbert. Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy. Relationship goals, am I right? But most stories of modern relationships aren’t told for generations. Afterall, nowadays we’re surrounded by connections to other people every single day—Friends, classmates, acquaintances, families, people we chat with, “likes” we acquire and comments we leave and share. Last month we focused on three simple commands: Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulations. Be constant in prayer. This month, as we progress further into the school year dance session, we also progress further into His word with a new word or our own: Relationship.

 A relationship is never a one-way street. The definition of the word itself centers around a connection between something and something else. Without that something else, there is nothing to relate to. It takes two, always. Consistent mutual contribution. Sounds like a lot, right? So how do we maintain the connections in our lives? How can we pour into our relationships with friends, families, classmates and others in a Biblical way? Lucky for us, the perfect example has already been demonstrated for us. Not in movies or books (sorry, Gilbert), but through Him.

Look at verse 12 in this month’s memory verse: “Love each other as I have loved you.” Matthew 9:36 tells us “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” God’s love sees us with compassion. John 13:3-5 recalls when Jesus rose from the table, took off His outer clothing, wrapped a towel around His waist and washed the feet of His disciples. His love serves. John 11:43-44 details His voice calling out for Lazurus to come forth, free from earthly death. His love speaks life.

So how can we live by that example? He so loved the world that he sent His son to die for it, but it’s not like the opportunity to be crucified for the ones you love comes around often these days. Yes, it’s the ultimate act of love to lay down your life for another, as the next verse in this month’s scripture focus says. But it isn’t just that He died for our sins—He rose for our salvation, and the act of resurrection gave us the grace to follow Him in the path of love.

So day-to-day, maybe it’s not about laying down your physical life. Maybe it’s laying down your anger or disappointment, your sinful nature, your stubbornness and pride or any other hatefulness that’s standing in the way of maintaining Godly relationships. Maybe it’s laying down your judgement to see others with compassion. Maybe it’s laying down your self interests to serve others in love. Maybe it’s laying down your fear or gossiping nature to speak life into those around you.

Keeping last month’s focus in mind, let’s challenge ourselves to retain September’s growth as we dive further this month. Let’s pour into our relationship with Christ knowing that our joy in His constant hope, patience and trust in His plan and diligent prayer will only strengthen our connection to Him. And through a strong relationship with Him, we can extend His love and example to our relationships in the studio and beyond.

TP Top 5: Tips for New Families

 Welcome to the 2021-22 dance year! With two weeks of classes already under our belts, we look forward to pouring into your students to help them be their best both in dance and in life. With two weeks already under our belts, your dancers have found which studio their classes are in, met their teachers and even posted some First-Day-of-Dance photos for family and friends. But now that the initial kickoff is over, what happens next? How can you continue to ensure your dancer’s success this season? What if you have a question? Whether you’re new to the studio, new to dance or simply out of practice from in-studio learning, this week’s TP Top 5 is here to help!

1. Plant Your Roots

 Welcome! We’re so excited that you’ve chosen to experience the joy of dance with us this season. Now that you’re here, we encourage you to learn more about us and embrace being a member of the Turning Pointe family! Our Mission and Core Values are posted in the lobby. The next time you’re in, give them a read! It’s a great way to familiarize yourself with who we are. While you’re at it, take some time and get to know our team! Introduce yourself, ask questions, and get to know the faces of our directors, instructors and administrative staff. After all, we’re all here to help!

2. Stay Connected

 You know what they say: Communication is key! With so many ways to stay connected this season, you’ll never miss an event, opportunity or detail.

●      Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll post the latest and greatest here, complete with upcoming event reminders, outreach opportunities and spiritual encouragement.

●      Join the TPD Students and Families page to hear from other TPD families just like you! Have a question? Maybe it’s already been asked and answered.

●      Read your emails! TPD sends out Weekly Wednesday communication with everything you need to know! Haven’t received one yet? Check your spam folder, or ask a member of our front desk staff to verify your email address. (And check out the TPD monthly newsletter on our website!)

 3. Be Prepared

 Now that you’ve gotten the hang of your new dance schedule, it’s time to go farther than your drop off/pick up routine. TPD etiquette and expectations, including dress code and studio policies, are all available here. Familiarize yourself with what’s expected of you and your students to help prepare for any issues that may arise (like weather delays, absences/makeup classes, etc.). Make behavioral expectations for dance clear at home, so when they’re enforced in the studio, it’s not a surprise. Did you know there’s a memory word/Bible verse every month (Fruit of the Spirit for Twirl students)? Help your students memorize them so they’re prepared for class!

4. Plan Ahead

There’s not much worse than missing Peek Week. Maybe forgetting your costume on picture day, or thinking your audition is a week later than it really is. TPD gives you all the tools you need to stay one step ahead! Read the Weekly Wednesday and mark your calendars with upcoming deadlines and events like Bring a Friend Week, Twirl Pajama Day, Spirit Week and more. 2021-22 dates are all listed here. Next up: Free Trial Week, Sept. 20-25!

 5. Get Involved

 Loving your classes? Ready to take things a step farther? Why not get involved in a bigger project outside the classroom? There are plenty of ways to get involved, including outreach projects (like the September Soup Drive currently collecting donations in the lobby), volunteer opportunities and fundraisers that help our community. We offer specialized training and performance opportunities through STARZ Theater and Fidele Youth Dance Companies, or the Training Division for the serious ballet student. Have a heart for community service? Aflame might be for you! Interested in missions? We have a team for that, too.

 Questions? Let us help! Reach out any time to info@turningpointeschoolofdance.com!

September 2021 Devotion: ReJOYce!

Written by: Mimi McKinnis

“Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”                                                                               — Romans 12:12 (ESV)

The beginning of a new chapter can bring on a lot of emotions. Of course, not all of those emotions are positive. There’s excitement for what lies ahead, hope for new opportunities and eager anticipation of what’s next, but there’s also a fear of the unknown, worry over potential overcommitment and new things to grasp, and even mourning the chapter you’re leaving behind. But one thing remains the same in every season of change: Our Heavenly Father and His love for us. As Turning Pointe begins it’s 18th year of operation, we continue to flourish in the roots we planted in Him, turning our attention to a word and a scripture passage as a studio each month. This month, we kick off the 2021-22 school year session not with the mental rollercoaster of a new season at the forefront, but rather with a mindset to rejoice in the Lord — ALWAYS.

            If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen. At this time last year, we opened our doors to masked faces that filled limited classes, all the while having back up plan after back up plan in our back pockets to handle changes that seemed to come at the world on a daily basis. Still, we looked forward to a new season. We prayed through the struggles and endured the obstacles to come out on the other side. This year, as the arts rebuild, things look more like they used to — classes are open to their former capacity, many of our students are returning to in-person learning, and we look forward to welcoming the community to live performances by our students and companies. Still, our verse of the month rings as true as it ever has. Whether we’re facing giants that challenge us in ways we never imagined, stress from a new season ahead or simply not our best day, through this verse, the Lord gives us all the tools we need in just three simple commands:

1. Rejoice in hope.

This one sounds pretty positive. Two uplifting words in a three-word sentence. Totally digestible, right? So let’s start there. Throughout the first week of classes, our students discussed what this order means. What does it mean to rejoice in hope? One response centered around the idea of finding joy in knowing that there’s always hope, no matter the situation, no matter how hopeless it may seem. But how do we do that? It has to be more than just looking for the silver lining we’re told every cloud has. There is always something to hope for because our hope is in Him. Though seasons may change, He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). We can delight in each process because we know that His love is unfailing (Psalm 147:11). We can find triumph in the steps not yet taken because we put our trust in Him (Romans 15:13).

2. Be patient in tribulation.

 Okay, this one hits a little bit harder. Patience is a challenge in and of itself sometimes, even without that “T” word after it. What is God commanding us to do here? What exactly are we waiting for? Throw out that old “Keep Calm and Carry On” print you framed a while back, because this order goes way deeper. Proverbs 15:18 tells us that “Hot tempers cause arguments, but patience brings peace.” Ecclesiastes 7:8 tells us that “Patience is better than pride.” Sounds like patience is the antidote for a lot of the things standing between us and a joyful heart. And what’s more, note that the verse of the month doesn’t lead with this charge. Only when we rejoice in hope can we be patient in tribulation. “You also must be patient. Keep your hopes high, for the day of the Lord’s coming is near.” (James 5:8)

 3. Be constant in prayer

 Wait, constant? Don’t we have enough on our plates? Aren’t we trying to maintain communication in a zillion relationships as it is? We’ve come a long way from the feel-good command we started this verse with. But here’s the thing: They all work together. What do the stories of Jesus, David, Habakkuk and Hannah have in common? They prayed. When Daniel was in the lion’s den? He prayed. When Peter was imprisoned? Yep. He prayed, too. In this day and age, communication is instant and we keep the lines open constantly. At any given time, we have apps open for texting, talking, video, email, etc. etc. on our devices in order to reach anyone we need at a moment’s notice. The same should be true in our communication with God. Being constant in prayer doesn’t mean reciting the Lord’s Prayer 24/7 and doing absolutely nothing else. It means we make a habit of praying. It’s not just a part of your bedtime routine. Just like we pick up our phones and digitally report to our friends, family, group chats and the like without even thinking, so, too, should we talk to God. When our talks with Him are second-nature, our relationship with Him is stronger. When we walk with Him, we can be patient when times are tough because we have hope in His plan. And so we REJOICE. Not in the excitement of a new year, not in the opportunities of a new season, but instead in the Lord, always.