Okay, so it may seem like a little thing, but it's not.
I was reading through the program for "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown". It's a great looking program and very fun to read all the biography bits about the directors and the actors. But that's when I realized, that I'm the only one of all the "church" people that didn't thank God in my little biography section. (This whole "bio" thing is new to me...I had to ask what sort of things to say, what to include, etc.,--total "dweeb-ness" on my part!) Anyway, it may seem like a little thing to some, but really it's not. I know there is no way I could have even begun to think about doing this production except for the power and sovereignty of Christ in my life.
So, since I have a blog, this will be my public announcement of thanks to my Lord and Savior for dropping this wonderful surprise into my lap. All along in my blog I **think** I have made it known that the opportunity to be Lucy is a total gift from the Lord. It has been a joy in my life at a time when I have felt restless. But it goes beyond that. This process has been about connecting on a deeper level with who the Lord created me to be.
The only thing I can liken this to is childbirth. I remember when I was pregnant I had the sense that as a woman, I was totally, 100%, being used for the purpose I was created for. Every body part working towards growing a human being. There was such a sense of "fulfillment" (I was going to say "fullness"--but that was a little cheeky!)
Having the opportunity to be Lucy is somewhat like that--100% of me is being used for what I was created for. This is who God created me to be. Sure it is exhausting, but the joy and fulfillment, the fun of "playing", the work of dancing and singing at the same time, the task of whipping a 47-year-old body into enough shape to run and yell continuously are all hard work, but so great at the same time.
There is no way in a mortal, human sense I could do this in my own strength. Well, I certainly could try, but the results would be lack luster. No, the only way this is possible is because of God's grace and goodness. He has been my partner throughout this process; every rehearsal, every day as I memorized lines, every dance movement, He has been the one holding my hand, whispering the words of affirmation, correction and encouragement into my ears and heart. On those many days when I faced real doubt and was discouraged, or when I would begin to self-sabotage and compare my lack of experience in theater to the mountain of collective experience with the rest of the cast, He, my dear Lord, has always been right there, telling me to look only into His face and walk by His Truth. He is the one who called me to this part, He is the one that created me with the abilities I have, He is the one who gives me the strength and ability to do this. He is the one who gets the glory.
So, although this isn't the official program, lest anyone should wonder, first and foremost, I want to thank my Savior, who makes everything have purpose and joy. Thank you, Lord, for creating me like you did, for allowing me to have this chance to "play" and for stretching me in so many new ways. Thank you for teaching me, daily, to trust you deeper, know you more intimately and depend on you more fully. Thank you for this great group of people that I have the opportunity to work with. Each has been such a delight! I pray that You will shine through as the brightest star of this production.
Amen.
Or, as Chad would say, "rock on" !
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Sunday, June 17, 2007
It's Show Time!
It's here--The dress rehearsal week and then--ta dah--opening weekend of You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown!
********************************
Here's what people on the street are saying about the show:********************************
"Do you think that little red-headed girl will be there?"
-- Charlie Brown
"I bet the show will be better than my dumb ol' jump rope--and that's my new philosophy!"
-- Sally Brown
"The music in the show is classic--and at times--classical! Musical art at it's finest! Count me in. But one request, can you please seat me far away from Lucy Van Pelt?"
-- Schroeder
"Life's too short. I'm going to see it for sure. I hear that this is a great production--almost as great as my supper time!"
-- Snoopy
"Musicals like this have real social relevance. Experts say it is important to connect with community, to support the creative endeavors of others, that in so doing, the very social fabric of .....can I bring my blanket?"
-- Linus Van Pelt
"Well, I'm not a blockhead! Of course I'll be seeing the show! ...and I highly suggest you do to....or else..."
-- Lucy Van Pelt
***************
Here are a few pictures of the cast, sans costumes to give you a hint of the show. Charlie Brown is the Charlie Brown-iest, Sally is adorable and sassy, Linus totally loves his blanket, Schroeder is the ultimate Beethoven fan, and Snoopy is determined to get that ol' Red Baron! Oh, and Lucy...well, what can I say...we've bonded!
If you're in the area and would like to see the show, or have friends that would like to come as well, please pass on the information. Really, unbiasedly, it is going to be a lot of fun!
For show times and reservations, go here.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
With Gratitude
Several times this week I found myself talking to people overflowing with gratitude to the Lord for how he has moved so specifically and directly in their lives. It is always such a privilege to have others share their stories, and it is encouraging to hear stories of how God is at work--it helps to keep that "big" picture of the body of Christ, and a God who never slumbers but is always watchful and caring.
Earlier this week as I met with a soon-to-be-bride to discuss wedding flowers, she shared with me how she and her groom had met. This is an older couple and not the first marriage for either of them. There was such a glow on the bride's face as she spoke of how good God was to bring them together, how thankful they are that they get the surprise of a marriage at this point in their lives, how thankful they are that best friends get to be married. It was so moving. I am so privileged to be a part of this celebration!
On another day, as I spoke with a co-worker who is employed by the brother of my employer--same industry, but different city (got all that?)--she was sharing the excitement of how God had closed some doors and opened some others. She and her husband had been praying about direction and help in re-ordering their lives and cutting back somewhere. Without prior indication, God made it evident just this week that it was time to move on from her job and step into the unknown. She isn't quite sure what she will be doing next, but there is such peace for her because God made it very clear it was time to be released from her job.
A few days ago, I spoke with a friend whose desire was to move to another part of the state, although not all the family members were on board with the idea. There was tension between the spouses as one was very eager and ready to move, the other was not and didn't know if they'd ever get there. After a day of fasting and praying about it, the couple came to agreement and are excited to plan a move to central Oregon next year. What's even more, the kids are all very excited too. The wheels were set in motion this week to buy property in their new home town. They are all so grateful to the Lord for moving in their hearts to come to a place of unity.
In my own life, I have been praying about my job situation, about direction for ministry, service, life....etc. The Lord has give direction clearly on that as well. You all know my desire to find a different job, but the Lord, for now has let me know I need to stay put...for whatever reason. In fact, the same day I felt this confirmation from the Lord, I was surprised with a raise in pay. My heart's desire is to still be involved in some other kind of work (eg, not clerical and not with insurance), and I still talk to the Lord about this, but I am also content and willing to be where He has me right now. I'm thankful for this job, and I trust Him and believe he has me where he does for a purpose.
Also, my husband and I have been talking about moving and daydreaming about where that might be, how that fits in with school for the kids, where do we want to end up, etc. Just thinking "out of the box" and not limiting where God might want to put us, but praying and being open to whatever he desires for us. We've been doing some looking around in other areas which would mean new schools, new church, new work (for me) and new friends for all of us. So far we haven't gotten the "go ahead", but rather, a "stay put" for now. We're praying that we will be sensitive to the Lord and open to what he has for us, even if it means staying put and continuing on where we are. So that in itself is an answer, and we are grateful.
How have you seen God working directly in your life this week? What are you grateful for? Please feel free to share your story of gratitude with me and others by leaving a comment.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Cheers from a Cloud of Witnesses
Our pastor finished up his series on "The Race of Faith" this weekend. It has been a great series. You may remember some of my previous posts where I shared some of my thoughts (Hitting the Wall and Abrahamic Faith and Cleaning Out the Closets)and the "heroes" we examined in Hebrews 11 in the Bible. I have some final ponderings on the subject that I'd like to share. Although as a kind warning, they may be a little disjointed and rambling...things are not "flowing" out onto the keyboard this morning!
In thinking over the past many months I can see how my faith has been challenged, how it has grown, how it is being stretched and increased. After last night's message, the words of scripture in Hebrews 12:1-3 as well as Pastor John's, have been weighing heavily on my mind. This sensation I'm experiencing isn't the remnant of a great evening of worship (which it was) or the sweetness of fellowship with other believers (which it was), or the beauty of the warm day (which it was), but rather an understanding that I'm being called into action in some way. That something is being required of me. I hear the questions in my spirit, "Cheryl, are you getting this? Are you paying attention? What are you going to do with this?"
What has lingered in my mind and spirit is the understanding that we are all a part of something greater than ourselves. (I know, pretty rudimentary.) What has especially struck me, or the 'light bulb moment' for me was that I am a continuation of what the heroes of the 'Hall of Faith' did centuries earlier. There is a "cloud of witnesses", as Hebrews 12 calls them, that is cheering me on to stand firm and be faithful. These witnesses are the likes of Abraham, Moses, Joshua and on and on.
As our Pastor said this "race of faith" is a relay race where a baton is passed repeatedly, not a one man or one woman sprint to the finish line. Too often I live life like a sprint to the finish line. 'Let's just get done what needs to get done and get on with things.' I breeze right by the connected-ness of my part in the body of believers, or the grand scheme of things as God sees it. He wants me to be faithful in in every aspect of my "ordinary" life. Too often I compartmentalize things as "spiritual" or having eternal impact, and then view other things, like my job, or grocery shopping, etc., as just part of life and nothing that is of much consequence. But when I think about the men and women of Hebrews 11, I see that God seeks out ordinary people, who live ordinary lives, yet who are ready and wanting to be obedient and faithful, and trust God to do the extraordinary.
At the heart of things, I want to be a good team member. I don't want to let my other team mates down. Teammates like Joshua or Gideon, or my sister in Christ sitting next to me in the worship service. I don't want to fail my leg of the race by dropping the baton.
In an abstract way, I can see a lot of these principles in action as I work on 'Charlie Brown'. I was on my way to rehearsal Saturday morning when I was extremely convicted about my lack of commitment to prayer over this production. On occasion I have voiced prayers like, "help me memorize this section--I'm not getting it!", or "help us to all work together and not allow the stresses of life and the show break down relationships", etc. But I haven't intentionally been praying for every aspect of this play. In part this may be because I haven't been looking at this show as having eternal ramifications. It is fun and energizing; a time to "play"; and the content of the show itself is fun and lighthearted. It is like watching a live comic strip! Nothing overtly "spiritual" about this show.
But as I delve deeper (a Lucy-ism), the spiritual ramifications are obvious. Although being produced by our church, this is clearly a community production, and intentionally so. Auditions were opened up to the metro area, outside of the church community, encouraging non-church actors to participate. As a result, some of the cast members and musicians are from outside of our church. How wonderfully refreshing this has been in so many ways. I don't know where these new friends stand in regard to Christ, but they have had the courage to enter into a "church" production and mingle with believers. Conversely, the responsibility I have, and other believing cast members have, to represent Christ authentically, lovingly and with grace is huge--and takes great faith and sensitivity to His Spirit.
It has been enjoyable to watch relationships grown as we work on this show. Sure there are times when each of us have gotten a little tense and "testy", but as we all work for a common goal, there is also plenty of fun going on as well. Just yesterday as we rehearsed several songs that have choreography with them, amidst the sweat and out-of-shape bodies left gasping for air from trying to sing and dance at the same time, there was plenty of team work happening. This was team-building at its finest! No one escaped moments of frustration; times when brains didn't connect to the body part that needed to be moving, or missing the line that has been memorized for a month, yet we all shared in the joy of working together and making the musical number look good. We shared the encouragement of the accomplishment together. We all had our eye on the goal.
This musical is truly an ensemble piece. With only 6 actors, it is a fast-paced, intricate production where the most time anyone has off stage is probably a total of 3 minutes (as Director Wendy put it)! The "baton" is repeatedly passed from character to character at a lively cadence. Musically, the songs are very amusing, but many are technically difficult and have required a lot of rehearsing...and more to come. Clearly, everyone is dependent upon one another to remember their parts, to perform their lines, to hit the mark when needed so that the production can be it's best. We are all depending on one another to not drop the baton, yet firmly grasp it and keep moving forward. I don't want to be the one to drop the baton...or the line...or the entrance, that will affect the outcome of the show. I want to be there for my fellow "Peanuts" pals.
Like the encouragement from my fellow cast members, or the cheers of the crowd in the stadium stands at a relay race, I want to hear the encouragement of the "cloud of witnesses" continually in my ear. I don't want to let my fellow team members, like Abraham or Joshua, down. I want to be faithful in completing the race set before me, with God's power and strength; surrendering all the "ordinary" things of life and believing he can make them into something extraordinary for His glory. My prayer these days is that my eyes will be open to where my faith needs to increase; that I will be ready and be obedient to His calling.
In thinking over the past many months I can see how my faith has been challenged, how it has grown, how it is being stretched and increased. After last night's message, the words of scripture in Hebrews 12:1-3 as well as Pastor John's, have been weighing heavily on my mind. This sensation I'm experiencing isn't the remnant of a great evening of worship (which it was) or the sweetness of fellowship with other believers (which it was), or the beauty of the warm day (which it was), but rather an understanding that I'm being called into action in some way. That something is being required of me. I hear the questions in my spirit, "Cheryl, are you getting this? Are you paying attention? What are you going to do with this?"
What has lingered in my mind and spirit is the understanding that we are all a part of something greater than ourselves. (I know, pretty rudimentary.) What has especially struck me, or the 'light bulb moment' for me was that I am a continuation of what the heroes of the 'Hall of Faith' did centuries earlier. There is a "cloud of witnesses", as Hebrews 12 calls them, that is cheering me on to stand firm and be faithful. These witnesses are the likes of Abraham, Moses, Joshua and on and on.
As our Pastor said this "race of faith" is a relay race where a baton is passed repeatedly, not a one man or one woman sprint to the finish line. Too often I live life like a sprint to the finish line. 'Let's just get done what needs to get done and get on with things.' I breeze right by the connected-ness of my part in the body of believers, or the grand scheme of things as God sees it. He wants me to be faithful in in every aspect of my "ordinary" life. Too often I compartmentalize things as "spiritual" or having eternal impact, and then view other things, like my job, or grocery shopping, etc., as just part of life and nothing that is of much consequence. But when I think about the men and women of Hebrews 11, I see that God seeks out ordinary people, who live ordinary lives, yet who are ready and wanting to be obedient and faithful, and trust God to do the extraordinary.
At the heart of things, I want to be a good team member. I don't want to let my other team mates down. Teammates like Joshua or Gideon, or my sister in Christ sitting next to me in the worship service. I don't want to fail my leg of the race by dropping the baton.
In an abstract way, I can see a lot of these principles in action as I work on 'Charlie Brown'. I was on my way to rehearsal Saturday morning when I was extremely convicted about my lack of commitment to prayer over this production. On occasion I have voiced prayers like, "help me memorize this section--I'm not getting it!", or "help us to all work together and not allow the stresses of life and the show break down relationships", etc. But I haven't intentionally been praying for every aspect of this play. In part this may be because I haven't been looking at this show as having eternal ramifications. It is fun and energizing; a time to "play"; and the content of the show itself is fun and lighthearted. It is like watching a live comic strip! Nothing overtly "spiritual" about this show.
But as I delve deeper (a Lucy-ism), the spiritual ramifications are obvious. Although being produced by our church, this is clearly a community production, and intentionally so. Auditions were opened up to the metro area, outside of the church community, encouraging non-church actors to participate. As a result, some of the cast members and musicians are from outside of our church. How wonderfully refreshing this has been in so many ways. I don't know where these new friends stand in regard to Christ, but they have had the courage to enter into a "church" production and mingle with believers. Conversely, the responsibility I have, and other believing cast members have, to represent Christ authentically, lovingly and with grace is huge--and takes great faith and sensitivity to His Spirit.
It has been enjoyable to watch relationships grown as we work on this show. Sure there are times when each of us have gotten a little tense and "testy", but as we all work for a common goal, there is also plenty of fun going on as well. Just yesterday as we rehearsed several songs that have choreography with them, amidst the sweat and out-of-shape bodies left gasping for air from trying to sing and dance at the same time, there was plenty of team work happening. This was team-building at its finest! No one escaped moments of frustration; times when brains didn't connect to the body part that needed to be moving, or missing the line that has been memorized for a month, yet we all shared in the joy of working together and making the musical number look good. We shared the encouragement of the accomplishment together. We all had our eye on the goal.
This musical is truly an ensemble piece. With only 6 actors, it is a fast-paced, intricate production where the most time anyone has off stage is probably a total of 3 minutes (as Director Wendy put it)! The "baton" is repeatedly passed from character to character at a lively cadence. Musically, the songs are very amusing, but many are technically difficult and have required a lot of rehearsing...and more to come. Clearly, everyone is dependent upon one another to remember their parts, to perform their lines, to hit the mark when needed so that the production can be it's best. We are all depending on one another to not drop the baton, yet firmly grasp it and keep moving forward. I don't want to be the one to drop the baton...or the line...or the entrance, that will affect the outcome of the show. I want to be there for my fellow "Peanuts" pals.
Like the encouragement from my fellow cast members, or the cheers of the crowd in the stadium stands at a relay race, I want to hear the encouragement of the "cloud of witnesses" continually in my ear. I don't want to let my fellow team members, like Abraham or Joshua, down. I want to be faithful in completing the race set before me, with God's power and strength; surrendering all the "ordinary" things of life and believing he can make them into something extraordinary for His glory. My prayer these days is that my eyes will be open to where my faith needs to increase; that I will be ready and be obedient to His calling.
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