Greater things are yet to come...

2010-06-03T08:18:00.000-07:00

Synopsis Here

The Night of the Iguana by Tennessee Williams

The Campus Theatre

214 W. Hickory St

Denton, TX 76201

Friday, June 11 @ 7 pm

Saturday, June 12 @ 7 pm

Sunday, June 13 @ 2:00 pm

Friday, June 18 @ 7 pm

Saturday, June 19 @ 7 pm

Sunday, June 20 @ 2 pm

Deep Down Inside...

2010-05-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

I don't really have a "thing" for cars, you know what I mean? But I do have a thing for this VW Karmann Ghia. I spotted one in Denton outside of Ragsdale Optical and couldn't wait to ask my husband what this beauty was. The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia, marketed by VW from 1955 to 1974 in both coupe and convertible models. I'm not sure what year the one in Denton was, but we guessed an early one, '55-'60. Now my only question is how do I get my hands on one? Behold:

First Summer Favorite

2010-05-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

New Favorite:

I love these "envirosax!" My sister bought me one of these for my birthday in April and I am officially sold. This reusable bag rolls up so small that you could easily fit three in your purse (well...if you have a thing for big bags like me...). It's light weight but sturdy and it fits way more groceries/purchases in it that you would think!

Visit their webiste: here

[insert clever title here]

2010-05-12T15:40:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a long time. I haven't written in a long time. I haven't really thought deeply in a long time. There used to be a time when all I did was sit and think and listen and learn and discover. I still do- I am a day-dreamer by nature- but it has become so hard for me to think straight. Sometimes I can't even have a conversation with out the person on the other end thinking I'm a schizo because my brain is so attentive to something else- or somthingS else- going on in my life. I long for this simplicity I read about in books and see in old pictures and watch in old movies. In the words of Patrick Henry- "Give me simplicity, or give me death!" Or something like that...

A Beautiful Story

2009-12-12T07:38:00.000-08:00

St. Cecilia

St. Cecilia is the classical and even archetypal patron saint of musicians, especially lute players, organists, and singers, and also of poets. Dozens of churches are named after her around the world, as well as one of the largest and most successful independent chorales in New York City, which happens not to be associated with any church.

St. Cecilia was born into a wealthy Christian family in the persecuted church of the city of Rome in the third century. She was married and lived in her family’s villa across the Tiber from the center of old Rome, in the district of Trastevere. She was visibly active, burying the bodies of martyrs and supporting the community there who made use of the church and secret catacombs on her property. The warmth and intensity of her love of Christ was instrumental in converting her husband at the very beginning of their marriage, and she continued her work even when he and his brother and a close soldier friend were arrested for being Christian. Eventually the local government prefect placed her under house arrest, and then in the face of her outspokenness and continual—and maybe defiant—singing of Christian hymns a soldier was ordered to execute her. He botched his attempts at suffocation and beheading and finally fled the scene in a panic. She was left bleeding to death, and as she lingered on, the story is that even then she heroically continued with her well-known singing along with those who came to her assistance. She was buried with the other martyrs in the catacombs along the famous Appian Way leading out of Rome.

-Taken from the blog of The Monks of New Skete

Up-to-the-Date

2009-11-04T19:40:00.000-08:00

August: Meet Scout. Pup #2. He's my dream come true doggie. Super, super sweet and cuddly.

September:I'm going back to school to finish my degree in Vocal

Performance. Watch out Opera world, here I come! (yes, you may laugh out loud at this.)

October: Halloween again. Over-indulged in too much candy corn...

Autumn Lust

2009-09-05T11:12:00.000-07:00

I'm driving. Trees, lined like soldiers, passing on each side. It's overcast. Almost perfect, but there's something missing. Unfamiliarity. I know this place too well. Missing. Autumn fighting forth from the leaves. A crispness in the air. Cobblestone leaf laden streets. Green rolling hills. Firewood air. Adventure.

I need to find that place.

Meet My Marigolds!

2009-08-22T15:46:00.001-07:00

"Why?"

2009-08-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

I often have people ask me why I love musical theatre-- or live performance for that matter. It's mostly people who know me really, really well, and for that reason can see the depths to which I love it. To be completely honest, I don't remember a moment that I decided it's what I wanted to do with my life; how I wanted to bring Glory to my Creator. I have no idea what possessed my parents to sit me down in front of The Sound of Music, or Singin' In the Rain, or Oklahoma!. But I was hooked. I am hooked. I can't really explain why I love it. It's just a part of who I am. As I watched those movies, saw those plays and sang those songs, I soaked it in. It's like air to me. Silly, I know. But its true. It makes my world better.

As I participated in Seven Brides these past few months, I thought about this question a lot. It took up so much of my time, so much of my energy, so much of my SLEEP! But yet I never complained, it never crossed my mind to complain. I was, for the most part, excited to go to rehearsal every night. As we began performances, it became clear that the show was going to be a hit. Opening night sold out, then the next night sold out, and then the next, until all the shows were sold out and we had to add an EXTRA performance which sold out within 48 hours. A big deal for our little theatre. I think I realized a big part of why I love theatre on that last day of performances. Obviously, the house was packed and the audiences were great. In our little theatre, it's easy to sneak a peak at faces in the audience if you're careful; which although it's not "allowed," is something I can't resist. I think theatre, music, live performance is what people need. Human interaction. Interaction with the people on stage, with the people sitting beside you, laughing with you, clapping with you. A break from TV, computers (as I sit here typing this--guilty), cell phones, iPods, video games. A break from the lifeless culture we live in so much of the time. And while I, in no way, think any of those things that I listed are inherently bad, I do think we, myself included, are consumed by them.

So that's part of it, the rest I can't explain.

The Results are In!

2009-08-05T14:53:00.000-07:00

As you may know, I have been currently working with Denton Community Theatre in their production of "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers." My role as the sweet, love-struck Alice has been such a joy to portray! Here is the review of the production as featured in "The Column by John Garcia."

THE COLUMN STAFF:

CHIEF SENIOR THEATER CRITIC:

John Garcia

ASSOCIATE THEATRE CRITICS:

Bianca Baidoo
Clyde Berry
Mary Clark
Cheryl Cory
Esther Coughey
Richard Goulde
Matt Gunter
Lyle Huchton
Laurie Lindemeier
Samantha McChensney Franks
Mandy Rausch
Gina Robertson
Mark-Brian Sonna

*THE COLUMN IS READ BY OVER 12,900 SUBSCRIBERS WORLDWIDE*

THEATER REVIEWS

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Book by Lawrence Kasha and David Landay
Music by Gene de Paul, Al Kasha, and Joel Hirschhom
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer, Al Kasha, and Joel Hirschhom

REVIEWED 08/02/09

REVIEWED BY: Clyde Berry
ASSOCIATE THEATER CRITIC for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

________________SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS________________

Work commitments have kept me away from THE COLUMN for the past few weeks, but it did allow me the opportunity to sneak in a show this weekend, and I leapt at the chance to see Brides/Brothers. This show has always been a novelty of sorts to me as it comes with a host of problems and a troubled history.

The basic story first appears as Roman legend, then was adapted into a short story by Stephen Vincent Benet, which was then picked up by MGM and made into a musical movie after five years of chasing the rights from a stage version that never materialized. At the same time it was being filmed, Brigadoon was also in production, and the studio favored it over Brides/Brothers as the box office smash, to the point of slashing the budget to give more money to the other film. MGM was wrong, and Brides/Brothers proved to be much more commercially successful than Brigadoon.

It wasn't until 1982 that the stage version appeared, first as a tour, then a Broadway production that lasted only five performances. After a brief West End run, the show all but disappeared for almost twenty years from the professional world. Even now, Music Theatre International lists only about twenty productions in the next year. It seems like the popular movie would convert well to the stage, but it actually presents a series of problems. First, there are many scene changes, often ones that are only a few lines for a big budget scene shift behind a curtain. This assumes that community theaters and high schools have the tech to build all the cabins, barns, town buildings, and interiors needed, some of them two stories tall.

That's a lot of set pieces, a lot of wood, a big construction bill, and a smart plan in place to figure out on how to move all that stuff around and light it. This sort of thing is a Tech Director's nightmare. We also go through a full year in the frontier mountains, and need an avalanche as well as period clothes for all of these seasons. Again, expensive, and problematic. Then there's the challenge of having potentially fourteen leads to keep up with as the brothers find their brides.

The book for this show doesn't help. The bits of story come so quickly and last so briefly, that very little room is left for character development. The performers often only have a song to really show any progression or growth. Not every brother or bride is flushed out that much, and it can be easy to confuse some names. There's also a need for the army of townspeople.

While seemingly easy, Brides/Brothers is a very daunting production that could easily end in disaster. Fortunately, Denton Community Theatre's production flows smoothly, and successfully navigates the challenges presented.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is about Adam Pontipee, a gruff mountain man who decides he wants a wife, seemingly more for having a cook/maid than for companionship and love. Milly, who works in the town restaurant, agrees to marry Adam and does so that very day, only to find out Adam has six uncivilized brothers who need Milly to pull a "My Fair Lady" makeover on them so that they can get brides as well. There's a battle of the sexes, some kidnapping, and a bit of confusion that gets cleaned up, leaving everyone to a happy result. Think of it as Oklahoma! meets Little Abner (also by Mercer).

Bonnie McCormick has done a wonderful job helming this production. Brides/Brothers never gets mired down in tech problems, and moves steadily and pleasing along. There are some great musical numbers, laughs, and energetic performances by a group of folks that are clearly well prepared, and having fun. McCormick has done well integrating the many different aspects of this production into a single story. The cast, which has a very large number of middle and high school students, executes each number, song, or bit enthusiastically.

Cindy Lee's choreography is great for those who do and do not have dance experience, and everyone looks good. It struck me how much everyone was concentrating on "doing it right" which speaks well to everyone's dedication, but it does sometimes slow the storytelling. I particularly liked the dance/movement in Act II's "Lonesome Polecat" and her adaptation of the film's famous barn raising sequence, which is billed now in productions as the Social Dance.

Gail Crump's set design is brilliant. Crump has made several wagon units that are used on all sides, split open, and are two stories. These wagons move quickly, quietly, and are nicely dressed. If it were not for his design, this production would not be in the shape it is. A few pieces at the top don't have quite the same amount of detail/distressing work, but they are used the least and soon disappear.

Betty Ann Barrow's costumes are lively and appropriate. The brides and brothers have two distinctive and effective looks that help give each one their own identity. Although I do wonder why only Adam has leather and fur, and not his brothers. The townspeople all look like Townies, but only have one outfit. While the brothers do have jackets for winter, no one else seems to. But then, the time and seasons pass unnoticed in the script, we even have a baby born. Doing the nine month math on the baby doesn't pan out either, but that's a flaw in the writing.

Musically, the production is strong as well. Christopher Redden was the music director, and it seems that there was created music tracks used for the performances. I'm not sure I enjoy listening to a pre-recorded overture, but the scene change music was nice to have. Michael Rausch did well as vocal coach. "Lonesome Polecat" was my favorite number for the men, but there were several nice trios and duets that were quite lovely. Again, a well prepared cast who does not seem nervous about what they were trying to do.

This community production is truly the work of the town and families who have all pulled together to make this difficult show come together. Schoolmates pulled in friends, and entire families are involved both onstage and off. While some of the boys are a bit young to be suitors and competition, there is a great deal of energy brought forward by the young cast. It is this energy, eagerness, and smart direction/tech that makes this production a success, and a sold-out run as well.

Nicholas Long plays Adam Pontipee, the eldest brother and bull headed man. Adam has a beautiful voice and nice presence. While the script makes his character a bit one-note until the last few pages, Long fights to make Adam a likeable grump. He could be a bit more woodsy-gruff at times than simply stubborn, so that he can come around a bit more at the end. It also doesn't help that the new numbers added in this stage version are introspective songs with little action, but he does well with his `parking and barking'.

Long has good chemistry with Milly, played by Mandy Hilliard Rausch. Rausch has equally oddly written, unrealistic scenes where meals appear out of nowhere, and cabins are magically cleaned. She compensates well, and makes Milly the most grounded character in the piece.

The challenge for the gentleman playing the rest of the Pontipee brothers is balancing the rowdiness with creating an individual personality. It would be easy to make these guys the Seven Dwarfs and be done with it. But each guy does have a moment to shine and does so. Mike Strecher plays Benjamin with some nice comic touches. Michael Schafer's Caleb is quite energetic and exuberant. Daniel, as played by Jaime Rodriquez has some goofy fun and lots of scrapping with brother Ephraim, created by Michael Alonzo. Alonzo has a nice dance solo in Act II.

Jon "Wes" Middleton butts heads well as the feisty Frank. Kurt Sutter has the meatiest role outside of Adam, and is quite charming as Gideon, the baby brother who figures out the world faster than others. Sutter has several nice musical moments with others, and brings out the emotions of the moment whenever he is involved.

All of the brothers do well in the social dance and in the acquisition of their wives. The gents never break character, and are always engaged in what's going on (aside from a few peaks at the audience).

The brides are as polished as the brothers, a smidge more realistic, and less cartoonish. It is a nice balance. The girls have a lot less to do than the boys, but they work very well as a group, and the few lines they have on their own, they each work in a distinctive and fun way.

Hannah Lane's Ruth is sassy and fun. SarahAnn Sutter's Dorcas is direct and sincere. Ellen Whatley's Liza always has her finger on what the girls should be worried about with genuine earnestness. Alice, as played by Heidi Erickson-Lewis gets lots of laughs with Gideon. Sarah, brought to life by Alyssa McClendon rallies the girls into action with great intensity, and Jessica Gibson's Martha is not going to get left out of anything exciting. The ladies do very well together in group scenes and it's a shame they don't have more to do. Be sure to watch their very brief courtships. The ladies also do well in the dance sequence working with two partners.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers is not the greatest piece with its awkward structure, lack of drama, tension, and moral resolution; however, this production of the show does everything it can to fix these flaws and does so pretty darn well. Don't expect the movie, but do expect a very energetic performance by a group of eager artists who are clearly having fun. This is show is well supported by the community.

REVIEWED BY: Clyde Berry
ASSOCIATE THEATER CRITIC for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

Girl's Best Friend

2009-06-23T10:45:00.001-07:00

In the City I Love Most...

2009-06-16T12:24:00.000-07:00

New York City with Sarah Jane May 11th, 12th and 13th

"One of the reasons Christians in our day are to love the city as they await the unveiling of Jesus' city (Rev 21:1-2) is that the city is the most strategic place for Christian and the gospel. If culture is like a river, then cities are upstream, creating culture that then flows downstream to the masses. Because government, law, education, healthcare, information, media, arts, sports, entertainment, trade, travel, population, and industry are concentrated most in a city, cities are the fountains from which culture flows. Therefore, for Christians to flee from cities then to only complain about the kind of culture that is flowing into the culture from the cities is both foolish and hypocritical. The answer is for Christians to love the city, move to the city, pray for the city, and serve the city until Jesus returns with his city from which all culture will emanate throughout the new earth."

Mark Driscoll, Vintage Jesus

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

2009-05-13T18:49:00.000-07:00

If ever I have loved a book- it is this one.

Taking place at the turn of the 20th century, the story follows Francie Nolan, a young girl growing up in a poor neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. This is an honest and true novel. A novel that cuts right to the heart of life. As I watched Francie and her family struggle for their daily necessities, I felt like their hard work somehow brought about simplicity. The kind of simplicity that I long for.

Maybe I'm biased because Francie is so unbelievably like the little girl I was in my childhood, but she is undeniably the perfect heroine. Francie is bright, attentive, witty, passionate, curious, determined, imaginative. She is what every daydreamy child was and is and will be. If you were a daydreamy child, you will fall in love with her.

Publisher's synopsis: The American classic about a young girl's coming of age at the turn of the century.

A Quote: "School days went along. Some were made up of meanness, brutality, and heartbreak; others were bright and beautiful because of Miss Bernstone and Mr. Morton. And always, there was the magic of learning things."

Josephine becomes self aware!

2009-04-03T17:49:00.000-07:00

"Future Grace" by John Piper

2009-03-16T06:43:00.000-07:00

Publisher's Synopsis: "SEVER THE ROOT OF SIN. No one sins out of duty. We sin because we want to. Sin promises happiness, and we buy the lie. So how can the root of sin be severed in our lives? The penalty of sin must be paid by the righteous blood of Christ. And the power of sin must be broken by banking on the promises of Christ. John Piper's meditations are rooted in rock-solid biblical reflection. Chaper by chapter--one for each day of the month--he reveals how, by cherishing the promises of God, you can break the power of anxiety, despondency, covetousness, lust, bitterness, impatience, pride, misplaced shame, and more."

A Quote from the book: " In other words, the chief end of man is to glorify God by enjoying him forever--which is the essence of Christian hedonism, and of living by faith in future grace. There is no final conflict between God's passion to be glorified and man's passion to be satisfied. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him."

My Thoughts: I don't even know where to start with this one. I enjoyed it. It encouraged me, stretched me, and I'll be honest, frightened me. This book is not for the fair weather Christian, not for someone who wants an author to dode on them with half Truths. Read it. But don't say I didn't warn you.

The Day I was an Ad

2009-02-07T13:51:00.000-08:00

Quote of the Month (...or of my life)

2009-02-01T09:46:00.000-08:00

Beloved, have genuine faith in the Word of God, and in its power to save. Do not go up into the pulpit preaching the truth and saying, 'I hope some good will come of it,' but confidently believe that it will not return void, but must work the eternal purpose of God. Do not speak as if the gospel might have some power, or might have none. God send you to be a miracle-worker, therefore, say to the spiritually lame, 'In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk,' and men will rise up and walk; but if you say, 'I hope, dear man, that Jesus Christ may be able to make you rise up and walk,' your Lord will frown upon your dishonoring words. You have lowered him, you have brought Him down to the level of your unbelief; and He cannot do many mighty works by you. Speak boldly; for if you speak by the Holy Spirit, you cannot speak in vain.

-Charles Spurgeon

From An All Round Ministry

same kind of different as me.

2009-01-18T12:50:00.000-08:00

Okay, so I decided I'd try to write a "review" for each book that I finished. I figured it would be a way for me to think a little more deeply about what I've read. Now that I'm out of school, I don't want my brain to turn into mush! Just fair warning...I am not very articulate although I want desperately to be so...so....here it goes.

"same kind of different as me." is a New York Times bestseller and a true story. The story is written in a journal style, narrators alternating each chapter as they reflect and tell how the story unfolded on their end. The book follows the story of Ron Hall, a white, affluent art dealer from Ft. Worth, Texas and Denver Moore, a poor, black sharecropper from Red River Parish, Louisiana. I'll admit, as I began reading, I dreaded it a little. I was, in a way, distressed, that I would be reading a story where the rich, white, "Christian" came to the rescue of the helpless poor black man.

Not so.

The story reveals a world in which 20th century slavery exists in the U.S. only disguised by the title "sharecropping." Poor black families spend their lives living on credit and in turn, pick cotton in order to repay their debt to their creditor. No pay check- only a house and meals- provided of course, on credit. Who knew this existed?

More than uncovering social injustices though, this is a powerful story of the Holy Spirit transforming people and places and it's wonderfully encouraging. This is not just a story for people who believe in Jesus Christ, but for anyone who wants to be inspired, or who likes insight on social injustices, poverty, homelessness or spirituality. The book also comes with discussion questions in the back which I really loved because, of course, don't want my brain to turn to mush. And, it made me think about important things. Who doesn't want that?

Another plus-- it's an easy read, so if you're a busy bee, it's the perfect set-up. Most chapters aren't more than 2 pages (most are less than that) and the language is easy. Are you convinced yet?

How much is that doggie in the window?

2009-01-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Meet Josephine! She is the sweet little pup that Chris and I got from the Denton Animal Shelter about 5 weeks ago.

Trying to eat my camera.

We named her Josephine after Jo March from the book "Little Women." The vet thinks shes a cowdog so she had to be named after a famous trouble-making tomboy (who also happens to be one of my favorite characters of all time).

In other news, I start eating healthy today. I'm reading this book called "You Are What You Eat," and it is FACINATING! I highly recommend it for anyone who likes to take a more holistic approach to keeping their minds and bodies healthy. We'll see how it goes.

Happy 300 and 65th

2009-01-01T20:23:00.000-08:00

Chris and I celebrated our first anniversary on Monday! Marriage is funny. Sometimes I feel like I've known Chris my entire life and I can't even remember what it was like without him. And sometimes I look at him and I think, "I'm married? To Chris? I've only known him for a few years!"

Since we're newlyweds, people often ask me when I knew when Chris was "the one."...It was when I realized I wanted to be like him. It was when I'd see glimpses of his heart. His compassion, his faith, his generosity...and I realized that those aspects of him drew me to Christ.

I do know now that I didn't even know how much I loved him when I married him. And sometimes...well, sometimes I want to tell him how much I love him and I can't, because there are no words. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's just true.

So here's to being married!

Silent Night

2008-12-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

Silent Night was originally written in German by the Austrian priest Joseph Mohr in 1816. It was set to music on Christmas Eve 1818.

Silent Night, holy night

All is calm, all is bright

'Round yon virgin mother and Child

Holy Infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night

Shepherds quake, at the sight

Glories stream from heaven afar

Heav'nly hosts sing Alleluia;

Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night

Son of God, love's pure light

Radiant beams from Thy holy face

With the dawn of redeeming grace

Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

2008-12-18T12:43:00.000-08:00

This carol has origins dating back to possibly early as the 8th century. The original text is in Latin ("Veni, Veni, Emmanuel) and was translated to English by John M. Neale in the mid- 1800's. The text is based on the prophesy in Isaiah 7:14 that states that God will give Israel a sign that will be called Immanuel. Matthew 1:23 states fulfillment of this prophecy in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth.

If you want to listen to this one as well, here is a link to You Tube. It's not the best, but it's free.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRi1GDoaQu4

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel

and ransom captive Israel

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, oh Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on high,

Who orderest all things mightily;

To us the path of knowledge show,

And teach us in her ways to go.

Refrain

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free

Thine own from Satan's tyranny;

From depths of hell Thy people save;

And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer

Our spirits by Thine advent here;

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain

O come, Thou Key of David, come,

and open wide our heavenly home;

make safe the way that leads on high,

and close the path to misery.

Refrain

O Come, O come, great Lord of might,

Who to Thy tribes on Sinai's height

In ancient times once gave the law

In cloud and majesty and awe.

Refrain

O come, Thou Root of Jesse's tree,

An ensign of Thy people be;

Before thee rulers silent fall;

All peoples on Thy mercy fall.

Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind

In one the hearts of all mankind;

Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,

And be Thyself our King of Peace.

Refrain"

A Carol

2008-12-17T11:33:00.000-08:00

These past two days at work have been amazing.

My students gave a Christmas recital in which they performed infront of their class and many of their parents. I loved hearing their sweet, pure voices sing the wonderful story of the incarnation and what it means for humanity. This is the cool part about my job: because most music written before the 18th century was written in and for the church, it is perfectly acceptable for me to choose a song that completely expounds the Gospel and teach it. Not only teach them how to sing it beautifully, but teach them what the words and context means. I mean, you surely shouldn't sing something that you don't understand....right?

This is why I LOVE teaching Christmas Carols. Good, Gospelly Christmas Carols. I am going to be posting a new Christmas Carol everyday for you to read (if anyone besides Chris reads this). Read all the verses, because so often we only know the first verse, but almost always, the poems grow deeper in meaning and beauty. I hope it will be encouraging to you.

If you want to listen to the song while you read it I suggest:
For a more Classical arrangement download the version by Robert Shaw from iTunes or
for a more original arrangement, try Sujan Stevens.

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming
a Traditional German melody text by Kölner Gesangbuch, 1599
English Translation by Theodore Baker, 1894

"Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming
from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse's lineage coming,
as men of old have sung.

It came, a flow'ret bright,
Amid the cold of winter,
When half-spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it,
The Rose I have in mind,
With Mary we behold it,
The Virgin Mother kind.

To show God's love aright,
She bore to men a Saviour
When half-spent was the night.

This Flow'r, whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness ev'rywhere.

True man, yet very God;
From sin and death He saves us,
And lightens ev'ry load."

A Second Glance

2008-11-23T17:37:00.000-08:00

Have you ever seen someone and without even a second glance, known that they were completely different than you?

I am "mentoring" a girl, and I say "mentoring" because...well...I don't know, it just seems so formal and all I really do is hang out with her.

When I first met this girl, I'll admit it, I was scared. I thought instantly, with one glance, there was no way we would have anything in common. I was scared that she was old enough to tell that well...I'm just not cool. I'm kind of a dork. I was scared that we would have nothing to talk about, that we would sit there in silent awkwardness until our meeting was over. It didn't go quite as bad as that, but we really didn't have anything in common. This 12 year girl has been through and seen more than I have and probably ever will. She has been abused in every way imaginable, has been abandoned by her mother, has been in a gang since she was 6...and the list goes on.

Opposite. Everything about us is different.

So, I left dissapointed. I started praying and seeking the Lord's will for this relationship and so very soon, He delivered. I realized that we shared the same Creator, we both bear His image, we have both sinned against Him, and when Jesus died, He died bearing both of our sins, and when He rose, He rose so that both of us could have new life. So I hope and pray that next time I meet with her I can look at her and see that while we may have nothing at all in common, we are exactly the same.

An Interview with Donald Miller

2008-10-17T13:18:00.000-07:00

This is an interview I found online that proved to be very insightful and valuable to me. Thought I'd share, tell me what you think!

http://burnsidewriterscollective.blogspot.com/2008/09/interview-with-donald-miller.html

The Sweetness of October

2008-10-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well, it's October. That means one thing to me. Candy Corn. I am only allowed to consume candy corn during the month of October. Now I know what you're thinking, "Good for you, Heidi. You're setting limits and being healthy, treating yourself a little and not completely denying your sweet tooth."

Untrue.

I can only consume candy corn during the month of October because during the month of November I am too busy consuming my dad's famous chocolate covered Ritz cracker cookies and during the month of December I am completely consumed with consuming my grandmother's lefse (lef-suh: a Norwegian flatbread that you soak in water and then fill with butter and sugar).

Bring on the toothpaste.

Saturdays, Pumpkins and Fall

2008-09-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Saturday. I love Saturdays. Saturday Date Morning happens on Saturday. Chris and I wake up, he makes coffee, I make the bed. We walk to Ravelin Bakery and get breakfast and then go to the Denton Florist on the Square and get flowers. Every Saturday.

Also, I bought mini pumpkins today at the store.

I'll tell you all one thing.....I am in love with Fall. I wrote something one time about the Fall....

"sometimes i wonder why God brings the colors of Fall leaves, and always conclude that if for no other reason, it is to make me smile...but perhaps it is rather to remind me that change can be beautiful; and when change can leave you stripped bare of everything you know, He will revive you, replenish your branches, bring you warmth and will give you new life."

Circa 1960

2008-09-13T07:23:00.000-07:00

This makes me happy...

Lemon-Orange Muffins

2008-09-06T07:52:00.000-07:00

These are really delicious-good-for-you bran muffins...

Ingredients

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour (I use whole wheat flour- this makes the muffins much dryer. But if you still want to be a little healthier and have moist muffins, try using 1 cup all purpose and 1/4 cup of whole wheat)

1/3 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup Kellogg's All-Bran Original cereal or All-Bran Bran Buds
2/3 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 egg
1/4 cup shortening

Directions:

1. Stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Set aside.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine All-Bran cereal, milk, orange juice, lemon peel, and lemon juice. Let stand about 2 minutes or until cereal softens. Add egg and shortening. Beat well. Add flour mixture, stirring only until combined. Portion evenly into twelve 2 1/2 inch muffin-pan cups coated with cooking spray.

3. Bake at 400 degrees F about 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Serve warm.

Yield: 12 muffins

My Confused little Heart

2008-09-03T18:06:00.001-07:00

Hmm, it's been a while since I've made time to write. Honestly, I've just been avoiding it. Knowing what I want to spill, but kind of afraid to do so.

Chris and I are trying to join a church. We know we want to join, it's kind of just me that's holding us back. In order to become a member of our church they require that you be baptized by immersion. Chris grew up Baptist, so he was, but I was not. I've been baptized, but not immersed. At the first mention of this, I found that it stirred up a lot of anger and resentment inside of me. Now, perhaps this is left over bitterness towards the church that I thought had died and was buried, maybe I need to swallow my pride and submit, maybe I should stop being so stubborn with my questions and always wanting to know how and why and this and that.

It would be easier if the pastor who accepts my baptism was an unstudied, small town pastor (nothing against small towns...but they kind of have that reputation) who waivers with my trust. But he's not. He's a smart (Ph.D. in theology), not only smart- a wise, Godly man, who loves Jesus and has devoted his life to interpreting, studying and preaching the Gospel. I trust him.

And I trust my pastor now. I trust everything my church is doing and how they're doing it.

I think what makes me insecure is not at all about my baptism. It's about how I can trust two Godly men with two opposite views. And I don't know what to believe. I mean, isn't theology man-made anyway?

I don't understand and I'm trying.

Two Things:

2008-07-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

1. I really want to learn some things about photography. If anyone knows anything (which is more than I know...), and you want to teach me, please do.

2. Everyone is invited to Dan's going away party at our place on Sunday night.

6th Monthiversary : 20's Style

2008-07-09T15:55:00.001-07:00

Chris and I celebrated 6 months of marriage 1920's style by visiting the DMA's exhibit of Sarah and Gerald Murphy, two 1920's socialite celebrities. It was fascinating! They were friends with virtually everyone you'd ever want to meet: Picasso, Hemmingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Cole Porter...it made me very nostalgic and reminded me how terribly fond of letters I am. There were letters to and from all of these people on display and it excited Chris and I because it reminded us of our life very much. We realized how so many of our friends are poets, musicians, writers, artists, and how our world expands, our minds grow and our hearts are changed by their creativity. It's beautiful, really. Chris even surprised me and bought me this "1920s-ish" dress, as he calls it. He even bought the right size...not bad for only 6 months, I say.

Me doing the Charleston...

Washington Stamp

2008-06-11T20:34:00.001-07:00

Her letter- a soft, whispered word in our ear,

a touch from a far to let us know she is near.

Each penstroke a smile, each word an embrace,

encourages with love, with mercy, with grace.

The folds on the page- the lines on her face,

remind us of one thing we'll take every place:

There is nowhere we'll go, no place on the map,

where love can't be carried by a Washington stamp.

"I know you're just a waitress, but to me you a queen..." ~Darcy

2008-05-12T15:20:00.001-07:00

Well, after much thought and prayer, I decided to quit my job as a retail manager (gag) to focus on my skills as a waitress.

I'm hoping this will give me time to think and pray and research and pray...and pray...and pray about what I should be doing with my time. Occupationally that is. I mean, I've had a lot of people tell me that God's not so much concerned with what we're doing, just how we're doing it, but I just can't seem to bring myself to believe that. I tend think that God has purposed everything...and by that I mean...well, everything. I think that He made me and that He made everything around me and therefore, I tend to think he cares about what I do with this self of mine He has made, in this place that He has made, in this time He placed me in.

love,
heidi

Sugar M'dear?

2008-05-06T14:25:00.000-07:00

A Tea Party...

Scooter! Rally!

2008-04-28T11:52:00.001-07:00

And there's nothing like grass. Green, green grass.

2008-04-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

When

2008-03-12T15:05:00.000-07:00

When the sun glows bright

to make shadows straight,

when the birds have

ended their debate;

draw close to me

lover, friend.

I am here-

my heart

to send.

When springtime rains have come

and ended, when lovers too,

their doubts have mended;

draw close to me from

water's edge. I am

here- my

heart to

pledge.

Wow. It's been a reeeally long time since I've written anything.

Today's to do list:

Errand, errands, errands, read, errands, dinner with Lauren, dream of Chris.

love,

heidi

Meet the Lewises

2008-03-05T18:12:00.001-08:00

Well, as for my first post, I suppose I should start out with an introduction.

I am a 23 year old wife and mother of one exicted and confused goldfish named Fishy. As for my husband Chris, he also is excited and confused, but not so much both at the same time as our poor fish is. He's for the most part extremely smart and painfully hilarious. And he's my very best friend. If this was the year 1820, we would be explorers. Lewis and Lewis.

As for me, I love Jesus. Although sometimes I don't quite understand what that means or how to do it, or how I can forget about it so easily. But I'm learning. By God's grace, I'm learning.

I am obsessed with nostalgia and things of the past. It facinates me so, and for this reason I often wish that I was a time traveler. I love birds and trees, and being outside. I love riding Chris and my tandem bicycle. I enjoy old movies, the kind with horrible special effects and over dramatic actors. I have a serious crush on Audrey Hepburn. I enjoy poetry, and tend to get very excited when I understand it. I like to write. I have started and stopped many books, and have finished only one. A children's book entitled, "On the Seat of a Swing." It's probably my most cherished accomplishment. I spend a lot of my time reading. If you have any good suggestions, send them my way, it would be most appreciated.

I very much dislike my job, to the point of hatred on most days. But, oh well. I guess that's the thorn in my side. Atleast for now.

love,
Heidi