Stabs of Joy
I'll get to a "regular" update later, but I wanted to get this done first.
For five years, my church has shared our "Stabs of Joy" for the past year. Basically, they are times or moments in the year that we have experienced the Spirit of God or felt the joy of Heaven coming down in power and shining in us and around us. This has been quite a year for it. So here are my 2005 Stabs of Joy, in no real order:
- Joining the BCM Leadership Team. These people are just incredible. They have been a true blessing to me in ways I can't put into words. I love them dearly.
- "Leave it Behind." Our BCM spring Dinner Theater at Berea First Baptist Church. Once again, a wonderful oppurtunity to work with fabulous people and to worship God even through hectic practices and scene-blocking. Everyone involved was great, but I like to recall the unsung heroes of the production. Included are Matt McNair, our sound guy whose expertise and helpfulness were invaluble. Paul Triplett and Rodney Norvell, who came and played their characters without the benefit of practices like we had. Taylor for his stellar video and graphic work. Kat Garber, our stage manager, and a leader beyond her years. Jenn, John, and the other servers who prepared and served food for the performance, as well as waited tables and greeted people as they came in. God works in so many ways, especially in what goes on away from the stage and the spotlights. What a blessing that was.
- Worship under the stars. Over Beach Weekend, I went with BCM to Spring Maid Resort in North Myrtle. I made the mistake of sitting out on the sand during the heat of the day in my bare feet. Feet without one drop of sunscreen on them. You know what happened next. I'm in agony that evening; standing up and walking around required a herculean effort to ignore the pain. Somehow, I managed to join our praise team in leading a worship night on the beach. That night, I thanked God for the blissfully cool sand in which I buried my feet.
- VBS "Ramblin Road Trip." I've helped lead the music for the past few years at my church's VBS. But I've been fortunate in the past to have well-trained, experienced adults to rely on for help. This year was different. I got to work with a relative newcomer to our church who had never once done VBS. So for the first time, I was the veteran leader! We had an awesome week. As always, the kids made it great with their smiles, funny antics, LOUD voices, and bubbly enthusiasm. I wish I had a videotape of them doing "We Believe" in sign language.
- Creative Arts Camp. The first church-related activity that I really had to plan out on my own. Lots of prayer took place throughout the days leading up to it. But God totally provided everything for our drama section. We had fabulous helpers (Lynn, Lauren, and Justin), materials for skits, ideas and inspiration, and of course the kids!
- Johns' Island mission trip. Throwing down mortar and cement in 100 degree heat. Singing African American gospel songs at a retirement home. Playing silly, enhilirating games and contests on the beach. Those were only a few of the highlights of my week with old & new friends from Shannon Forest Christian School. Go Turtle Time!
- Chris & EA's wedding. Two incredible people whom I had the privilege of serving in BCM with last year and continue to see on occasion. I miss you guys!
- White Oak Children's Retreat. This kind of came up last minute, but it still managed to be fun and make an impact. Annie Ruth is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet and I cherish every chance I get to work with her. Answering the kids' questions about Christian faith was also great to do. And you can't beat bonfire songs!
- TNT: 10/4/05. A random TNT is one of my stabs of joy? I love each Tuesday Night Together with BCM, but I confess, the first few felt a little uneasy. Probably because I was actually helping to make it happen rather than just watching it happen. I felt that this TNT was when everything finally gelled together and flowed smoothly. The message, the music, everything.
- Anna Kate Rampey (and her family). *HUGS!!!* Love you, cherry sweet!
- Pittsburgh mission trip. What a great way to spend fall break. I hope I can go back this February.
- "Forever Gloria!" Our church Christmas cantata. Getting through the end of fall term was made much easier by reuniting with my choir buddies. The musical piece was incredible. Forever we'll sing "Gloria in excelsis deo!"
Honorable Mention (or those I don't feel like elaborating on, but want to name anyway):
- Friday Afternoon Football
- The "Bubbles" Family Group!
- Going to Zaxby's with Jenn Wilder
- Praise & Worship Team
- Blake Campbell
- Air hockey on Paladin Nites
- Sunday night prayer meetings
- Tumbling down a hill at Robert Morris University
- Watching Poltergeist with Karrah, Leanna, and Hudson
- Talks with John Dickson in the DH
- Learning the "Freedom" dance
- Beautiful sunshine
- Passing the PRAXIS I on the first try
- Freshman Survival Night (ice cream!)
- Suite Life with Will Swinson (a.k.a. "Zackster")
- Random hugs
- Hot chocolate
- Quiet time
- SFC Crusader Volleyball
- Religion-33 (Paul's Life and Thought)
- No insects in my dorm room :)
- Brisk, chilly weather
- The Blackburns' Sunday School class
- Growth in my walk with Christ
That's all for now! Goodnight and God bless!
Song of the Day: Amy Grant - "Love Has Come"
Verse of the Day: "Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4
For five years, my church has shared our "Stabs of Joy" for the past year. Basically, they are times or moments in the year that we have experienced the Spirit of God or felt the joy of Heaven coming down in power and shining in us and around us. This has been quite a year for it. So here are my 2005 Stabs of Joy, in no real order:
- Joining the BCM Leadership Team. These people are just incredible. They have been a true blessing to me in ways I can't put into words. I love them dearly.
- "Leave it Behind." Our BCM spring Dinner Theater at Berea First Baptist Church. Once again, a wonderful oppurtunity to work with fabulous people and to worship God even through hectic practices and scene-blocking. Everyone involved was great, but I like to recall the unsung heroes of the production. Included are Matt McNair, our sound guy whose expertise and helpfulness were invaluble. Paul Triplett and Rodney Norvell, who came and played their characters without the benefit of practices like we had. Taylor for his stellar video and graphic work. Kat Garber, our stage manager, and a leader beyond her years. Jenn, John, and the other servers who prepared and served food for the performance, as well as waited tables and greeted people as they came in. God works in so many ways, especially in what goes on away from the stage and the spotlights. What a blessing that was.
- Worship under the stars. Over Beach Weekend, I went with BCM to Spring Maid Resort in North Myrtle. I made the mistake of sitting out on the sand during the heat of the day in my bare feet. Feet without one drop of sunscreen on them. You know what happened next. I'm in agony that evening; standing up and walking around required a herculean effort to ignore the pain. Somehow, I managed to join our praise team in leading a worship night on the beach. That night, I thanked God for the blissfully cool sand in which I buried my feet.
- VBS "Ramblin Road Trip." I've helped lead the music for the past few years at my church's VBS. But I've been fortunate in the past to have well-trained, experienced adults to rely on for help. This year was different. I got to work with a relative newcomer to our church who had never once done VBS. So for the first time, I was the veteran leader! We had an awesome week. As always, the kids made it great with their smiles, funny antics, LOUD voices, and bubbly enthusiasm. I wish I had a videotape of them doing "We Believe" in sign language.
- Creative Arts Camp. The first church-related activity that I really had to plan out on my own. Lots of prayer took place throughout the days leading up to it. But God totally provided everything for our drama section. We had fabulous helpers (Lynn, Lauren, and Justin), materials for skits, ideas and inspiration, and of course the kids!
- Johns' Island mission trip. Throwing down mortar and cement in 100 degree heat. Singing African American gospel songs at a retirement home. Playing silly, enhilirating games and contests on the beach. Those were only a few of the highlights of my week with old & new friends from Shannon Forest Christian School. Go Turtle Time!
- Chris & EA's wedding. Two incredible people whom I had the privilege of serving in BCM with last year and continue to see on occasion. I miss you guys!
- White Oak Children's Retreat. This kind of came up last minute, but it still managed to be fun and make an impact. Annie Ruth is one of the sweetest ladies you will ever meet and I cherish every chance I get to work with her. Answering the kids' questions about Christian faith was also great to do. And you can't beat bonfire songs!
- TNT: 10/4/05. A random TNT is one of my stabs of joy? I love each Tuesday Night Together with BCM, but I confess, the first few felt a little uneasy. Probably because I was actually helping to make it happen rather than just watching it happen. I felt that this TNT was when everything finally gelled together and flowed smoothly. The message, the music, everything.
- Anna Kate Rampey (and her family). *HUGS!!!* Love you, cherry sweet!
- Pittsburgh mission trip. What a great way to spend fall break. I hope I can go back this February.
- "Forever Gloria!" Our church Christmas cantata. Getting through the end of fall term was made much easier by reuniting with my choir buddies. The musical piece was incredible. Forever we'll sing "Gloria in excelsis deo!"
Honorable Mention (or those I don't feel like elaborating on, but want to name anyway):
- Friday Afternoon Football
- The "Bubbles" Family Group!
- Going to Zaxby's with Jenn Wilder
- Praise & Worship Team
- Blake Campbell
- Air hockey on Paladin Nites
- Sunday night prayer meetings
- Tumbling down a hill at Robert Morris University
- Watching Poltergeist with Karrah, Leanna, and Hudson
- Talks with John Dickson in the DH
- Learning the "Freedom" dance
- Beautiful sunshine
- Passing the PRAXIS I on the first try
- Freshman Survival Night (ice cream!)
- Suite Life with Will Swinson (a.k.a. "Zackster")
- Random hugs
- Hot chocolate
- Quiet time
- SFC Crusader Volleyball
- Religion-33 (Paul's Life and Thought)
- No insects in my dorm room :)
- Brisk, chilly weather
- The Blackburns' Sunday School class
- Growth in my walk with Christ
That's all for now! Goodnight and God bless!
Song of the Day: Amy Grant - "Love Has Come"
Verse of the Day: "Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory." - Colossians 3:1-4
posted by david @ 1:30 PM
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