spiritual beginnings and starting ballet

We had a great milestone at our house a few weeks ago that I can't let it go unmentioned, since this blog is about our family and our experiences. 

As Christians, we believe that the gift of an eternal life in heaven is one that has to be personally received and accepted.  Specifically, we believe:

1.	All have sinned against God.
	"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:23)
2.	There is a penalty for sin.
	"For the wages of sin is death." (Romans 6:23)
3.	Jesus died on the cross, was buried and rose again, victorious over sin, Hell and the grave.
	"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4.	Jesus is able and willing to save you from your sin penalty.
	"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Romans 10:13)

God wants you to believe His Word and receive Jesus Christ as your personal Savior.
If you will, ...
... then right now, in simple faith, pray this prayer, asking the Lord to forgive you of your sin and save you:
"Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner. I know that Jesus died on the cross for me. Please forgive me of my sin, come into my heart and save me. In Jesus' name. Amen."

Madison has been talking about this for 2 years now, bringing it up here and there and asking questions.  On August 28, 2011, she accepted these beliefs in her own life.  Now, I don't only have a daughter, but a sister in Christ.  As our pastor says, "The only thing you can take to heaven with you are your children."

She also started ballet last week.  She was practicing her own moves before class.

Recently, Madison has become very shy and easily embarrassed.  I wasn't sure what brought on this change, but I was always shy as a child, so I chalked it up to that.  Then, the afternoon before we went to ballet, Madison told me that she didn't want me to watch her at ballet, because I might laugh at her.  Needless to say, I felt like a fantastic mother for emotionally scarring my child by laughing at her in the past.  Of course, I wasn't laughing at her to mock her.  More like a smile that turns to a laugh, but she has taken it as laughing AT her.  So I was banned from watching.

During ballet I stood in the hallway and only peaked in from time to time when she wasn't looking.  If we did happen to make eye contact, I would give a subtle smile, not be mistaken for laughing, and wave.

She had one fall that I held my breath to see if she would go running from the room in tears.  But she didn't.  She toughed it out as much as any frilly ballerina could.  Other than that, she was a picture of grace and the best ballerina I have ever seen.  I can't believe she is turning into a young lady.  She is finding her own interests and forming opinions on things.  I'm so proud of her.