Holy cow...I forgot it was this fun!!!

Last weekend we had our opening for "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown." I used to so look forward to an opening because I would get so much attention for my own performance. It's been a while since I've been on stage in a larger role and I have to say that when rehearsals first began, I started to wonder what I had gotten myself into. I was in a show with five other people who were GOOD and who, for the most part, hadn't been out of it for as long as I had. I was sure I'd fall flat on my face...in front of everyone.

I also noticed that I didn't get the same feeling I used to get from being in a show. I can't describe what that feeling is really, but let's just say that I always looked forward to being in a show because I knew that people would be focusing on me. I craved the attention...the encouraging words and at times, the looks of envy..."I wish I could do what you do." That was one of my favorite things to hear. I'm embarrassed to admit that, but it's true. I was so self-centered (I still am...just much more aware of it now).

I was telling my husband that this last weekend was different. I still love the rush of being on stage and the challenges involved with live performances, but now the thing I love most is that God has given me the opportunity to use the gifts that I now know came from Him to do something that brings me joy. I'm so awed and humbled by that. My Heavenly Father delights in seeing me do something that makes me feel alive. How is it possible? Something that is really so trivial...live theatre...matters to Him because it matters to me. What a blessing it is!

For those of you who haven't seen the show, you should. The people I'm performing with on that stage are amazing...partly due to their God0-given talent, and partly due to the God-given talent of our awesome tech crew. Most of all, you should come because people will be visiting our church who normally probably wouldn't be there. What a great opportunity for all of us to begin building relationships with people from our community. That's why we're doing this...because we have a passion for ALL of God's people.

Happiness is...the Peanuts Gang!!

As I've said, I'm currently in rehearsals for a production of "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown." We just had our first full run through with our band (it's so exciting to say that!) My kids came to watch us for a while and LOVED it...my husband liked it too...so, there's proof that it is a show that will appeal to all ages. The production features six of the Peanuts characters: Charlie Brown, Lucy Van Pelt, Snoopy, Schroeder, Sally Brown and Linus Van Pelt.

Snoopy is encouraging all theatre patrons to bring a donation for the Oregon Humane Society.

Performances will begin on June 22nd at 7pm with a Father-Daughter Date Night. Fathers, Grandfathers, Uncles, Daughters, Granddaughters and Nieces of all ages are invited to attend. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and include a dessert and refreshments.

The show will continue on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th at 2pm, as well as Friday, June 29th at 7:30pm, Saturday June 30th at 2:00 and 7:30pm and Sunday, July 1st at 2:00pm. Tickets for those shows are $10 for adults and $7 for students, seniors and children. The performances are located at Village Baptist Church, 330 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, 97005. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 503.643.6511 or by going here.

Seasons

When my husband and I first got married, I remember thinking that if things didn't work out, divorce would be an okay option for us. But then I gave my life to Christ and I realized that He had brought Kevin into my life for, well, life and that I needed and WANTED to make a lifelong commitment to my marriage. There are tough times for sure. Times when money is tight, times when I have to trust his leadership (even when I think I know better), times when things just aren't going the way I want them to. Times when the kids are whining, my clothes are getting tighter and I realize that the annoying habits my husband has aren't going anywhere. I feel like my needs aren't being met. I feel frustrated that this is all there is. I feel like running into an empty field and screaming until I lose my voice.

But then I realize that it's just a season and that God is always in control. My dear friend and mentor reminds me that this time of my life will pass...all too quickly...and that soon my kids will be in school more than they're at home and my husband and I will be left working to find ways to fill the void of an empty home.

Kevin is my family. There will always be things I don't like, but then there are the times when I see him playing with our boys and I see the youth of the man I met nearly 17 years ago shining through. There are times when he gives me a look that is remiscent of the way he looked at me when we first met and the butterflies in my stomach come alive. There are times when my whole family is together...running errands, playing and even just relaxing and I know this is the only place I could possibly fit.

That's how I see my church. They are my family too. Times are tough right now. It's a season full of challenges. Things that could cause us to wonder if we're in the right place. We're looking for a few different staff members, we're in the middle of a capital campaign that is requiring immense amounts of faith and sacrifice, we're growing and changing. Money is tight, the leadership is having to make some difficult decisions, and there are times when things are not going the way we want them to. But again, I am reminded that God is in control...just as he is in my life and my marriage. I made a choice to become a member of my church and just as it is with my husband, I believe that God has put this body of believers into my life for a reason.

Seasons are tough and we don't always get the answers and results we want when we want them. But, God knew the end at the beginning. He knows what is in my future and the future of my church. Even though things are uncertain, I know that I am where I belong.

What type of season are you experiencing right now?

Relay For Life

As many of you know, Lillian (my dear friend, Lori's, 2 1/2 year old) went to be with Jesus in heaven back in April. I have another close friend who lost her mother to breast cancer a couple of years ago...another dear friend's mother is battling cancer and my sister-in-law's grandmothers both had breast cancer. There are so many of us who have been touched by cancer (either directly or indirectly), that I feel I need to do something. Then...this great opportunity came up. I can participate in the Relay for Life with my close friends, while honoring their loved ones memories.

What is the Relay for Life, you ask? Well...the Relay for Life is fun-filled, overnight event designed to bring together those who have been touched by cancer in our community and raise money to help the American Cancer Society. During the event, teams of people gather at schools, fairgrounds, or parks and take turns walking or running laps. Each team tries to keep at least one team member on the track at all times.

That's our logo up above...Lori says we're going to have snappy t-shirts AND she'd be happy to put any corporation names on the shirt who choose to help sponsor our team.

There are a few different relays in the Portland area...we've chosen Lake Oswego. It starts at 2pm on Saturday, July 14th and concludes at 9am on Sunday, July 15th. You can join our team by visiting our website or contact Lori for more info.

If you can’t join us, but would like to make a donation, you can do so at our website as well. Let's join together in the fight against cancer!!