2009 Year in Review
In April 2009 this website was transformed into the blog you are reading today. It is still a work in progress, but the new format has allowed me to share more content with you all. In the past 9 months we have posted 112 articles and logged over 200 of your comments!
In case you missed some of the content, here is Paneh’s website year in review! There is a lot here, so I suggest you bookmark it and refer back to it from time to time.
Top Posts of All Time
1. The Starting a Dance Ministry Series continues to be the most popular page on this site. There are 3 parts: Part 1: The Spiritual, Part 2: The Practical, and Part 3: The Administrative. I am also working on my first E-book, Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later. This guide will go into even more detail and include a high level flow chart to assist in the decisions that must be made from the very beginning. If you would like to receive more information about the E-book when it becomes available…you can sign up here:
2. What to “Wear”: Praise Garment Resource List quickly rose to the top of the list. I compiled this list later in the year and the number of views skyrocketed!
3. 3 Tips & Resources for New Dance & Mime Ministries was also very popular among those seeking information
4. I was surprised at the interest in A Spiritual Leader’s View of Dance Ministry. But this observatory report that started as an academic project by my pastor’s wife, Lady Joyce A. Wells has helped leaders and dancers see things from the other’s point of view.
Most Community Involvement
As much as I enjoy writing articles, I enjoy interacting with you all even more. These posts had the most community involvement
1. The Dance Ministry Ethics Series was something we did at the end of October. Each day a topic was launched for discussion, some were considered breach of protocol, while others were unanimously unethical. Read over each discussion and the comments. By the way, even though the “week” is over, comments are still open and you are welcome to leave yours!
Day 1: Invited Guests Leaving After Ministering
Day 2: Contracts Required for Ministry
Day 3: Self Promotion or Creative Marketing
Day 4: Praise Dance Competitions
Day 5: Inspiration or Imitation?
2. The 31 Dance Minister’s Choreography Tip Challenge is something I did for fun on Twitter & Facebook. I asked my friends to submit choreography tip in 120 CHARACTERS OR LESS. These were posted on Facebook & Twitter (1 per day) for the entire month of November. At the end of the month, they were all compiled into one post. This could not have been done without you all!
3. The 2009 Equipping the Saints Conference Recap was one of my personal favorites to write as it gave me an opportunity to reflect on such an awesome event! It’s not awesome because of anything I did…but because the Lord himself manifested HIS presence. Writing the recap is a way for me to reflect on the event, thank you for sharing your miraculous testimonies. To God be ALL the Glory!
My Personal Favorites
These are the ones I enjoyed writing the most. I hope you enjoy reading them as well!
The Dance Minister’s Choreography Devotion Series. This was done in two parts. Each part ran Monday – Friday with a new dance choreography technique was explained how to execute properly as well as how we, as ministers, can reflect on the awesome God we serve while moving for His glory! Part 1 cover the five ballet positions, while part two will beginner / intermediate ballet techniques:
g. Releve'
h. Piroutte
i. Jete
j. Chasse'
2. As I mentioned earlier, I love event hosting and planning so writing How to Plan Events and The Truth About Hotel Room Blocks was a pleasure. If you’re planning an event at a hotel in 2010 and you’re unfamiliar with hotel contracts, rules and the lingo, you should read those articles.
3. My other passion is personal finance. I am working on a project on that very topic that I hope to release at the end of 2010. In the interim, check out D.A.N.C.E. Out of Debt and read about the DUMBEST (Financial) Move I’ve Ever Made.
Worth a Second Look
These articles were either written early on or during a down time. For some reason or another they didn’t get many views. So in case you missed them, here they are again:
1. Miriam: Praise Dancer, Prophetess, Leader and More
3. The Spiritual Side to Technique series: Balance & Alignment
4. Tips for Ministry Excellence Series: Appearance & Communication
5. Tips for Traveling Dance Ministers
6. What Exactly is Liturgical Dance?
This is less than ONE THIRD of the content currently on the site and the goal is to constantly add more! If you never want to miss an article, I suggest you sign up for e-mail or RSS subscription. This is different from the monthly newsletter. You’ll receive an email as soon as a new article is published.
Props to the Top Referrers of 2009
Aside from search engines, Facebook, and Twitter traffic. Many readers arrive here from someone else’s website. This is to show some love to Paneh’s top referrer’s. Check out their sites as well:
2. Done Unto the Lord Ministries
I am looking forward to all that lies in store for you and me in 2010. I intend to write more articles and continue to encourage interaction. I'm also plan to continue to blog carnivals and weekly round-ups through out 2010. I also hope to publish more guest posts…so if you have an article or would like to write on a relevant topic…please contact me!
Blessings, Love and a Happy New Year!
The DUMBEST (Financial) Move I’ve Ever Made
November 11, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
Dancers, not all of our “moves” are related to choreography! Regular readers of this site know that I have an interest in financial stewardship, debt reduction and personal finances. I recently paid off my laptop and it felt great! It was a financial weight (ok, DUMBbell) that I should have attacked and annihilated a long time ago. I wish I could say that was my dumbest move…but that trophy goes to my 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander!
In 2002, I graduated from the Rochester Institute of Technology and was commissioned as an officer in the United States Air Force. I had a guaranteed job for at least the next 4 years. With that reasoning, I bought my first brand new car…a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (think Fast & the Furious 2 without the spoilers or ground lights). The payments were manageable, but the damage was already done. I was bitten by the new car bug!
Fast forward 2 ½ years and I am “itching” for a new car. Somehow, I made up in my mind that I needed a new vehicle. I justified the purchase of a mini-SUV by the fact that I would be moving soon and the larger vehicle would prove handy. I started looking around and my eyes landed on the 2004 Mitsubishi Outlander.
I’ll spare you all the details of my non-existent negotiating skills. I’m sure I was a car salesman’s dream customer. I traded in my 2002 for a brand new car with monthly payments that were TWICE AS MUCH as my previous payments. All this with NO MONEY DOWN. I hope you all are seeing the red flags!
To make matters worse, exactly a week after I drove off the lot, 2-days before I was supposed to make my initial payment, I was in a 3-car accident (snow storm). Fortunately, everyone walked away without a scratch, but my new car needed $4,000 of repairs after I paid my insurance deductable. Also, the frame was not damaged, but it is still a black mark on the vehicle should I ever decide to sell it. New cars depreciate fast enough as it is…certainly did not need my help!
By this point I was already starting to regret my shiny new toy purchase. Some people actually suggested I return the car to the dealer saying I changed my mind since I haven’t paid anything yet! I’m not sure if they were serious or not, but that would certainly be less than ethical and was not an option.
Let’s recap why this was a DUMB Financial Move:
1. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the 2002 car I had
2. I traded in a gently used vehicle that was almost paid off for a more expensive vehicle with higher payments and a longer loan period
The irony of the car accident and the fact that I didn’t relocate even though that was my primary justification just adds insult to injury. The fact of the matter is a new car is rarely a wise investment. Leased vehicles are even worse! Since vehicles depreciate as soon as you drive them off the lot, purchasing a 6-month used or even 1 year old vehicle could save you thousands.
Personal finance guru Dave Ramsey has a lot to say about debt and how to effectively purchase cars. I believe his Drive Free – Retire Rich scenario uses optimistic percentages, but the principal is solid – save and plan for the big purchases.
Remember, just because you can afford something, it doesn’t mean it is a good move. This wouldn't have been such a dumb move if I actually needed reliable transportation, but that was not the case.
Why are you sharing this story?
I receive several e-mails from dance ministers that surround financial issues. While some things cannot be helped (medical bills, lost job etc), we can mitigate unforeseen financial damage by eliminating dumb moves. I also realize a lot of the readers are young adults / undergraduates…that seems to be when the "new car bug" hits the hardest! I hope by sharing this story and can help someone avoid a similar mistake.
What about you?
I’ve shared my story, I’d love you hear yours in the comments below!
Here are a few other personal finance related articles from Company Keepers Dance Ministry Talk written with ministers in mind:
Paneh Weekly Roundup #4: Carnival Edition
Dancing for Joy – When people think of troops in Iraq, there first thought of what they are doing is probably not praise dance. Soldiers from the 13th Sustainment Command CAMP TAJI, Iraq formed the Anointed Praise Dance Team to minister during worship services while deployed.
Why YOU need an Email Service Provider - Defines the need for using email marketing services as opposed to your personal email.
Carnival of Praise Dance #3: Personal Finance Edition
It is my honor & privilege to present Carnival of Praise Dance #3: The "Personal Finance" Edition! While a "carnival of praise dance" may be new to some of you, the concept of blog carnivals has been around for a while. Like a real carnival, a blog carnival puts a lot of interesting "stuff" in one place. Eventually, this carnival will travel to other sites as it gains momentum. Read this article for more information on blog carnivals and how to participate or host future carnivals of praise dance.
If you’re a new visitor to Paneh Praise Dance & Mime Ministry, I’d like to welcome you! You can stay connected by subscribing to our RSS feed (What is RSS?), Twitter, and/or Facebook
Below you’ll find the submissions to this month’s carnival. Aside from dance ministry, I am interested in personal finance, so I thought it would be fun to publish a Personal Finance edition. Enjoy!
Go to the ant, sluggard; consider her ways and be wise; who having no guide, overseer, or ruler, provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest.
Proverbs 6:6-8
Rekesha Pittman, author of Dance Ministry Talk writes Don’t Break the Bank. This article offers practical advice for dance ministers spending and budgeting while traveling to conferences and various events.
Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your sons can live on the rest.”
-2 Kings 4:7
Jocelyn Richard, author of The Praise Dance Life submits David’s dance and the Michal syndrome, which discusses the reason for David’s praise and Michal’s reaction.
Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
- Romans 13:8
Roxi Author from The Rebellious Teacher submits The Power of Praise. This is day 13 in the 30 days of praise challenge. This post encourages you to allow the dunamis power of the Holy Spirit to flow through you 24/7!
Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. For by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.
-Luke 6:38
Since the carnival is posted here, there really isn’t a need for me to include a submission. But I don’t want to miss out on all the fun! I’m submitting What to "Where", a praise dance garment resource list classifying what garments are available and where to find them.
We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comments below and on the sites of those that submitted an article. Would you like to participate in the next carnival of praise dance? Check for the latest schedule information here or on BlogCarnival.com
Past Praise Dance Blog Carnivals:
#1: September 2009 – Animal Kingdom Edition
#2 October 2009 – Equipping the Saints Edition
Paneh Weekly Round-up: Zero Balance Edition
Every Thursday, I will post a link round-up of articles I’ve found while researching the Internet. While all may not be directly related to dance ministry or worship arts, I hope it will be of benefit to the dance ministers, mime ministers and worship artists that frequent this site.
the borrower is servant to the lender
- Proverbs 22:7
Equipping the Saints Conference Recap
September 15, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps, News and Updates
I am constantly amazed by how the Lord continues to manifest HIS splendid presence at the Equipping the Saints conference in St. Louis, MO. Worshippers came together from across the rivers and across the ocean with one purpose: To lift up the name of Jesus!
As we praised and worshipped on one accord, He manifested HIS presence in such a tangible way. There were testimonies of physical healings, deliverance and revival.
This year, we welcomed International guests from Bahamas, Barbados, Antigua, and Bermuda! It was a special pleasure to fellowship with you all. I count it an honor that you would travel to the United States to attend Equipping the Saints. It is my prayer the conference exceeded your expectations and you left spiritually full, armed and equipped. Ready to take new knowledge and inject it into your respective community.
Thursday Night
Enter into HIS gates with thanksgiving and into HIS courts with PRAISE!
Wings of Praise started us off Thursday with a wonderful procession. This was followed by congregational praise & worship led by Minister Rekesha Pittman. Kudos to all the congregational dancers that volunteered!
Silent Praise from Omaha, NE ministered Praise Him in Advance by Marvin Sapp. This ministries testimony truly blessed me! (Read it in full below!) Since the conference, they have started a praise dance, mime, African, and flag ministry. They are truly doing the work of the ministry. To Dr. Anderson and the rest of the Allen AME leadership….keep up the GOD work! I see the Lord all over those youth and the best is yet to come!
Patricia Burnett you touched my son’s chest during your prophetic dance and he has been seeking the Lord every since. Thank you so much for allowing God to use you in such a might way!!
- Miriam A. , St. Louis, MO
Ms. Lauren Brown ushered us into the Holy of Holies with an anointed worship medley. This P.K. (that is "preacher’s kid) is the daughter of our evening speaker Pastor Tanya Brown. At 14 she is letter the Lord use her mightily through song, prophecy and the preached word!
Our speaker, Pastor Tanya Brown from Bethesda Temple of Alton, IL stepped into an atmosphere that was charged for worship. As she shared her testimony of the Lord’s grace, mercy and miraculous power the Spirit of the Lord began to fall and His people. To God be ALL the Glory!
Friday – Breakout Sessions & Dance Intensives
This year we introduced several new sessions and a 4-hour dance & mime intensive. Some of the new classes include Preparing to Meet the Bridegroom, Understanding the Times: Issachar & Israel, Raquad! Step it Up, Processions & Pageantry, Streamers in the Desert and About My Father’s Business.
The facilitators were all phenomenal! They eagerly shared scripturally sound advice, revelations and knowledge. Thank you all for sharing your gifts.
The dance intensive we just that….INTENSE! Those that braved the 4-hour workshop learned foundational techniques that they could apply in movement. I peeked in both classes and they covered conditioning, positioning, posture, walking, body alignment, choreography and so much more. Everyone definitely looked as if they received a full body workout!
For His Glory Dance Ministry started our evening service with Anthem of Praise. These girls ministered with flags under the anointing.
The few students from the Mime Intensive session along with facilitator Minister Robert Hayes reminded us that We Need the Glory. Their cry for the GLORY to fall resonated with the attendees as we shifted into worship.
Pat & Gary Anderson of Wings of Praise blessed us with Let the Veil Down Let the Praise Go Up by Judy Jacobs. They used the billows in such a way it felt like the Lord was breathing on us!
Minister Rekesha Pittman encouraged us to FLY! The Lord used her to minister to people prophetically and set the platform for our evening speaker Prophet Barbara McClain to bring the Word!
Saturday- Breakout Sessions, Five Fold Ministry Panel & Prophetic Wedding Feast
I was overwhelmed with the number of people that showed up for Between the Porch & Altar intercessory prayer! Under the leadership of Dr. Ann Higgins we strategically prayed for our nation, Jerusalem, our visiting nations, and dancers everywhere to name a few.
We continued with our daily breakout sessions including new sessions: God’s Order for Garments TM, Streamers in the Desert and Challenges in Ministry (taught by my pastor!).
After the last breakout session, we held a 5 Fold Ministry Panel Discussion. This was an opportunity for the attendees to ask their questions directly from those operating is various areas of ministry. There were some great questions…I’ll post the Q&A that I can remember on the website, so be sure to bookmark this site and check back!
Dr. Ann Higgins blessed us with a ministry selection in the evening before our speaker. The selection was so appropriate for Equipping the Saints – fill us up & send us out!
Elder Cecilia Beasley was our evening preacher. The Lord allowed her to release a prophetic song…only 7 words, but it is still in my spirit: Thy Kingdom Come…Thy Will be Done. It still brings tears to my eyes every time I think of it!
Immediately following her sermon was the Prophetic Wedding Feast. Wings of Praise created a beautiful depiction of the Marriage of the Lamb. There were streets paved with gold, beautiful banners, and communion. It was such a personal worship experience as we were individually escorted through a canopy to ascend the the wedding feast. It was an awesome reminder of the glory that awaits those of us whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life!
Sunday – Morning Worship & Fellowship!
On Sunday we caravaned across the river to my church home, O’Fallon Apostolic Assembly, for our 8:00 am service. Dr. Ann Higgins preached a RHEMA WORD! She encouraged us to step into position so we could continue to see Jesus.
After service, we traveled to one of my favorite restaurants (Bristol’s Seafood Grill) for an all-you-can-eat Sunday brunch. We ate, laughed, and recapped all the events that took place…officially marking the end of EQS2009.
Special Thank You!
Equipping the Saints 2010!
Many of you have contacted me about pre-registering for Equipping the Saints 2010. Once all the information is finalized early registration will open. I hope to have the dates and location confirmed and available by the next newsletter release.
Heads up! There will be an "Early Registration" challenge. All I’ll say now is community effort will be necessary for it to work.
I has been my honor to serve as your conference host for a 3rd year and I am looking forward to the 4th should be Lord delay His return.
Conference Photos!
Class Descriptions for Equipping the Saints 2009
September 2, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under News and Updates
Below you will find class descriptions for the daily breakout sessions offered at the 2009 Equipping the Saints Dance & Worship Arts Conference. Registration starts at $25, registration form is below!
Choreography / Movement
Acting Out! (Mime)
Learn the fundamental techniques use in mime as well as the spiritual requirements to minister effectively.
African Dance
You’ll learn African Dance that you can use in your warfare & upbeat choreography
Congregational Movement
Worship is not a spectator sport! This class will show you how to lead your church congregation in movement. Those that take this class will assist in leading choreography during praise and worship at one of the evening services
Davidic Dance
David danced before the Lord with all his might!"(2 Sam 6:14-15) We too can dance before our God as David did. This class will focus on learning some traditional Jewish folk dance steps so you can learn how to choreograph your own dances. I will teach choreographed dances to Messianic music as well. Beginners are welcome.
Intensive! Dance (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
Dance Ministers will learn to exemplify body placement, ballet positions, movements and will strengthen in their muscle development. Learn Ballet exercise combinations and across the floor combinations. Intermediate & advanced dancers will perfect such movements as arabasque, tendue, roun-de-jaun, rounded arms, turn-out position and more.
Intensive! Mime (All Levels | Ages 10 & up | Friday 12:30 – 4:30pm)
NATURAL MAN – Mime Exercise, Facial Expression, Body Positioning (Inclination, Isolation), Illusuions: French Style Techniques: Mime. vocabulary words, Object Identification And Much More….SPIRITUAL MAN – Blood and testimony (Rev.12:11), Compassionate movements (Matt 9:36 & Mark 1:4)
The Art of Humility, Man in The mirror, Crucifying THE BIG EGO, The HIDDEN AGENDA, And Much More….
Raquad ~ Step it up!
The devil is under our feet! This class is designed to teach the fundamentals of stepping as a ministry. Participants will learn beginner and intermediate combinations as well as biblical scriptures they can declare as they take authority with their hands and feet.
Prophecy, Intercession, and Spiritual Warfare
Growing in the Prophetic
This class is designed to bring you to another level in your relationship with God. In order to be used as “God’s mouthpiece” you must clearly hear from HIM
Teach My Hands to War
Gain on understanding of the fundamental principles of spiritual warfare.
Unmasking the Ministry
It is time to take the mask off! Too many ministers are dealing with past hurts, unforgiveness, and insecurities. It’s time to face the issues that have kept ministries bound. Be free and learn how to set others free!
Preparing for The Bridegroom
This study will help those in attendance gain a better understanding of God’s plan for the church ,and how they can prepare for Christ’s return by drawing from the rich symbolism of a Jewish wedding. Discover fascinating biblical truths that point to the climax of history—the marriage feast of the Lamb!
Intercession & Dance
Class description coming soon
Classes designed with LEADERS in mind
Battle Scars pt1: The Wounded Soldier
Many leading soldiers on the battlefield have been spiritually wounded. In this 2-part intimate session the healing will begin. This is a closed door session and pre-requisite for part 2.
Battle Scars pt2: Scarred, But Not Destroyed!
Scars show where the wound USED TO BE! Leaders be prepared to be set free from past hurts so you can move forward in the fullness of your calling! This second part will continue uninterrupted from Battle Scars part 1.
Challenges in Ministry
This lesson will primarily deal with issues such as: How do you know God has called you? How do you respond to your call? How do you carry yourself at your home church? How do you handle yourself in another church? And more! The principals are relevant to all types of ministry. There will also be an opportunity for Q&A.
The Master Instructor’s Class
This class (half movement / half lecture) is designed to teach leaders how to become more effective leaders through spiritual devotion & technical instruction
Starting a Dance Ministry: Prepare Now or Repair Later
Build on a solid foundation. If the Lord has given you the vision to start a dance ministry this class will put you on the right path.
Classes designed with YOUTH in mind
Effective Choreography for youth
This class will teach children and their leaders how to build age appropriate choreography
The Five Positions of Worship (Youth)
This session will give youth a scriptural foundation for dance as they learn movements and corresponding scriptures to commit to memory.
Kingdom Kids: Walking in My Authority
This class is for the Joshuas, Daniels, and Esthers of today! Our youth posses authority! In this interactive class they will learn about their arsenal in a fun way they can understand
Flags, Pageantry & Processions
Processions & Pageantry
Has God called you into such a ministry as this? Topics include: Purpose of both men and women on the team, selection of appropriate costumes, the meaning of colors and their affect, an array of symbolic tools to use in pageantry, selection of the song to use and how to break it down and more.
Silk Flags (How to use & make them)
The title says it all! Learn techniques to effectively use beautiful silk flags in worship. A portion of the class will also discuss how to make your own flags.
Streamers in the Desert
Have you always wanted to dance with streamers but didn’t know how? Now is your chance to learn. This class will cover different moves and dance phrases to put together as choreography or as improvisational praise dance. Rev. Wendy Campbell’s method for using dance streamers will be taught. Please bring your own streamers to class.
Business, Support, Finances and Administration
About My Father’s Business
Are we Non-Profit, For-Profit, LLC, or Sole Proprietor? How do we go about managing bank accounts, websites, phone numbers, advertisements, and a growing database of emails? The business of ministry can be a daunting experience if we are not aware of all of the possibilities that will help us survive and become profitable. This class is designed to clear up some common misconceptions about the business of ministry and inspire good stewardship concerning budgeting for conferences, garments, ministry travel, and more!
The Power of Change
Is your ministry hindered by finances? Do you find yourself counting the days until the next paycheck? Are you or someone you know plagued with debt? It’s time for CHANGE! It’s time to D.A.N.C.E. out of debt. You’ll hear the testimony of someone that was plagued by debt and has since CHANGED.
Practical Applications & Biblical Studies
God’s Order For Garments TM
A "Genesis to Revelation" teaching that unveils God’s pattern for garments according to the Word. This class will ignite the listener and reveal the intended significance of garments according to God’s order, and not man’s opinion. More than just a quick walk through Exodus 28, this is a must-hear and apply Word of deliverance for the Kingdom dancer of today!
Praise & Worship: Your Lifestyle & Ministry
If you want to see God’s Glory, Experience His Fullness and Behold Him Face to Face, it requires a life of Worship. This class is geared toward the inner man. It is designed to teach and take you through the different realms of worship and praise. Praise is a vehicle the leads you into worship. This class will instruct you and prepare you for ministry either in dance or song. It is what you do in private that make the reward greater in the open. See lives changed, people set free, yokes destroyed, burdens lifted, become a worshiper and watch how God will blow on your ministry.
Called, Now What? -Instruction for Women in Ministry
Class description coming soon
Event Recap: Dance Ministry Detox
August 21, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Event Recaps
Dance Ministry Detox was a time of healing and deliverance. The conference was ran with such a spirit of excellence. The information was timely, relevant, and practical.
Being an effective movement minister means being whole. Too often, we are satisfied with effective dancers. Dancers ministering through hurt, unresolved issues, and financial turmoil to name a few. D.Md dealt with these issues head on! The no-nonsense candid approach of the facilitators set the tone for the "detox treatment program".
When you arrived at D.Md, you did not register…you "checked-in" to a treatment facility complete with a hospital tag that served as your registration badge for the weekend. The room was draped white just like a hospital. This was NOT your typical dance conference!
On the first night, we wore all black. Minister Rekesha preached on the Spirit of Haman. She broke down this spirit verse by verse so we can identify it as it tries to creep into our ministries. The next time you read Esther….take a close look at Haman. Many of us prophesy the favor of Esther…well watch out…because when you get Esther, you get Haman too!
It was refreshing to be surrounded by facilitators who were transparent and approachable. Even the facilitators left refreshed.
As we continued our detox treatment, you could hear shackles being loosed. The garment of praise was replacing the spirit of heaviness.
The manifestation of HIS glory on the last night left everyone speechless! For well over 15 minutes everyone sat still, completely silent in HIS presence. The Lord himself applauded with 3 claps of thunder followed by rain!
The Lord used Rain Rein Reign Ministries (RRR) to bring rain to the desert! A natural manifestation of what was taking place in the spirit realm!
Tremendous Kudos to Rekesha Pittman for hosting an outstanding conference and the ladies of Reign Dance Company blessed us tremendously through their ministry in dance and labor of love. For future RRR events check out http://www.rainreinreign.com or http://companykeepers.
From the Mailroom: April 2009
April 10, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under From the Mailroom
The following question was emailed to me in response to the Dance out of Debt post. One reader, we’ll call her Ms. T, responded with a particular situation that she would like to see addressed (highlights and emphasis are mine)
My husband and I have been trying to do better with our money since I am out of work and the job prospects are slim. The one thing that I would love for you to share in your next edition is how to do balance being financially sound and walking in faith when it comes to the needs of your church. We pay our tithes and offering and give extra when we can but as a leader sometimes I feel that if we can’t give all the time we are looked down on. I know that I have to walk in faith but I cannot continue to allow my bills at home to get behind because of the giving beyond the tithes and offerings
Ms. T, as I read and re-read your situation the items I highlighted stood out. You are giving according to HIS word and your faith. Please don’t let your feelings dictate your giving!
It could be that you are not looked down upon at all but your perception of the situation has led you to feel that way. Alternately, if you are "looked down" on…it is by man, not by God! We (general body) need to focus less on people-pleasing and more on God pleasing. Joyce Meyers deals with this very subject in her book Approval Addiction: Overcoming Your Need to Please Everyone
I would suggest talking to your spiritual leaders if you have not done so already to make them aware of your situation. Continue to allow the Lord to lead you in your giving. Besides, if we are giving to appease men and look right in their eyes….are we really being that cheerful giver that God loves? Just a thought!
What do you all think? Have you faced a similar situation or have additional advice for Miss T?
DANCE out of Debt – 5 starter steps to eliminate debt
April 10, 2009 by Lakita
Filed under Practical Advice
Note: This was originally published in Paneh's 2/2009 newsletter (Kingdom Finance edition). I will be slowly migrating newsletter articles onto this site.
As ministers and children of God we experience great liberty ~ who the Son sets free is free indeed! However, in lieu of this liberty, many of us remain "financially incarcerated". I can't get away from the analogy of a minimum security prisoner. While they may experience some freedom, there is still a definite boundary and when that boundary is reached they are reminded that they are not as "liberated" as they thought they were.
Recently I've experienced what I am calling my own personal "financial awakening". I want to share with you all what I'm learning as a result of this transition.
- According to Bankrate.com, the average household carries $8,400 in credit card debt.
- 11% of the population pay the minimum amount on their credit cards
- Over 50% do not pay their cards off in full each month (therefore incurring interest)
Ever wonder how long it would take to pay off that card? Consider this scenario:
- $8,400 in debt (the National average)
- Minimum payments of $212.50 (2.5% of the balance)
- Your interest rate is 15% (the National average)
It will take you 21 years and 5 months to pay this off while paying $8,284.39 in interest.
Check this yourself using CNN Money's Debt Payoff Calculator. Whether you are $500 or $5,000 in debt it will project how long it will take you to pay off debt making minimum payments, fixed payments, and create a plan for you if you want to be debt free in a fixed amount of time.
I'm sure we can all think of better ways to spend $200 per month than on credit cards!
Here is another scenario showing the power of interest
- Credit card balance is only $1000
- Minimum payment is only $30
- Interest rate is 28%
These are the types of cards a lot of college students are getting. Typically the interest rate is very high because they have no credit history. Paying the minimum only it will take 9 years and 9 months to pay this card off while paying $1,595.10 in interest.
Interest is very powerful, and we need to make sure it is working in our favor (savings & investments) instead of against us. The lesson is clear — get rid of damaging credit card debt as soon as possible!
It's worth noting that in the Bible, the concept of loans and interest was addressed in several occasions. However, the law did prohibit charging interest to the poor. Ironically, our financial system charges the highest interest rates to those with lower incomes. Since the borrower is servant to the lender do we really want to spend years in financial servitude? Will you resolve to abolish dangerous debt so you can move freely? If this isn't your testimony, will you share it with someone who may need the information?
Take these steps to DANCE your way out of debt!
Diagnose the problem:
You cannot come up with a solution until you know what the problem is. Here are example problems:
- I have too much dangerous debt
- I'm not prepared for retirement
- I don't know if I'll be able to send my son/daughter to college
- I am living paycheck to paycheck and worry what would happen if I lost my job
Assemble Your Data
Once the problem has been identified, you'll need to gather more information such as:
- Current net worth (Use this net worth calculator)
- Monthly income vs. expenses (Review bank statments)
- Current credit standing
— You are entitled to at least 1 free credit report each year. The official source is http://www.annualcreditreport.com. Don't be fooled by imitators that offer you a free report by signing up for some other service.
— If you want your credit score, you have to pay. Most lenders use FICO. You can get your score from their official site http://www.myfico.com *
* Note: Currently there is no regulation entitling you to a free score. Offers advertising a free score is usually dependent on signing up for some type of paid monthly service. Be sure to read the fine print!
Negate Bad Habits
Once steps are taken to remove dangerous debt; we have to turn around the habits that got us there in the first place. Some examples are:
- Spending more than you earn / Living on credit cards
- Little to no emergency savings funds, forcing you to use credit
- No budget or spending plan for accountability
- Frivolous spending without regards for needs vs wants
Create a Plan
Your plan will be based on your situation. If you have a lot a debt, your focus should be paying that off. If you are actively paying off debt but have little savings, perhaps that is your focus. Or maybe you just want to exercise better financial principals. Here are some ideas:
- Set SMART (Simple, Measurable, Accurate, Realistic, Timely) Financial Goals
- Pay off debt with the "Debt Snowball Method"* or use the Debt Payoff Calculator to create your own plan
- Review your spending habits and see if there are areas where you can curtail spending
* Note: You'll notice that the debt snowball method pays off the debts with the smallest balance first enabling the quickest victory and drive to continue. However, you can spend less in interest if you pay off the card with the highest interest rate first. You need to know what works for you.
Execute & Evaluate
Notate where you are today. Set a goal for yourself (3 months, 6 months, 1 year) and notate where you are in the future.
- Is the plan working?
- Does it need to be adjusted?
- Have priorities changed?
There are wealth and blessings laid up for us but we have to be in position to receive them and practice good stewardship. As we continue to do the work of the ministry lets shift the position of finances from a yoke of servitude to a tool we use to grow and bless others.
Editor's Note: This information contained in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute advice. The links to other websites are not under our control and are provided for your convenience only but does not necessarily imply endorsement. The content contained in this article are merely suggestions, however it is up to each reader to make their own decisions or to consult with a certified financial advisor.
photo credit: Andres Rueda
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