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Did that get your attention? If not, how about the fact that I'll be playing a nun who took a vow of silence in an upcoming CHP production!
Last night, I auditioned for the play, "Alibis" which will be showing at the Courthouse in May. It's a typical "who-dunnit" mystery with a comedic twist. I'm excited to get my feet back on the stage, even if my voice will get lots of rest in this role. As I haven't even read the script yet, that's about all I can say, except that I believe it will be tons of laughs, both on and off the stage. I'll be sure to post more about the dates as we get closer and hope to see many of my "silent readers" among the crowds!
For those of you who didn't know I love to be on stage, now you do. I caught the theatre bug way back in high school when two beloved teachers, Mrs. Ranney and Ms. Elmore, shared their love of the arts with us. I think I was in every play the school performed throughout my four years there and was VP of the Drama club my senior year.
I came a long way from my first small role of "Angel #3" in "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," where my one line was some whine about my wings being broken. By the end, I'd had a taste of every level of the theatre from on the stage, behind the stage, lights/sound, and even directing. And I owe it all to Mrs. R and Elmom. They molded and shaped us as actors, invested numerous hours for us, and most of all instilled a love of theatre that will be with me forever.
Over the years, I'd often thought about auditioning for our local theatre group - the Courthouse Players, but life and work and kids seemed to trump in priority. Actually, one of the biggest reasons I didn't, and couldn't, for years was because of position I had with Relay and the many nights and weekends I was already away. I figured I either would miss every practice, because of the meetings I had, or didn't want to miss a night with the boys on the rare occassions I was home. When I changed jobs a few years ago, auditioning was one of my goals.
In 2008, I was in Steel Magnolias, at that time my favorite movie, and I played the role of Truvy. I made lasting friendships with a group of women and above all am grateful for those relationships. Never would I have imagined though that the lines we practiced and cried over would come so true for me, just four short months later when I lost Austin. I will always remember and treasure the moment at the funeral home when all those ladies came as a group, gathered around me in one giant hug, and whispered some of those quotes to me.
Some people may think it strange that you could grow so close with a group of strangers in just a matter of weeks, but that's what happens. Often there are better stories behind the stage than on at any production you go to see. There's drama (of course!), lots of laughter, and often tears. And that's what I'm looking forward to again. A new play, new strangers who I'm sure will quickly become friends, and spending time doing something I so passionately enjoy. I can't wait!
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
A life changed
We recognized our youth pastor today for serving 25 years in the church...amazing accomplishment! It would be difficult to imagine how many lives he's touched within that time, but through many surprises and tributes, our church tried to show him.
Even arriving to church early this morning, it was a task trying to find a parking spot. Noah commented that it looked like Easter Sunday with the crowd we had! We ducked into a seat near the back and watched as the pews quickly filled to capacity. The choir soon mirrored the crowd, as it overflowed with past and present youth choir members.
As Doug stepped into the baptismal and looked out into the sanctuary, I hope the large number of supporters was evidence of the impact his service has made. The rest of the morning was filled with a sweet mixture of laughter and tears, as former and current youth led the service. A most touching moment was when they called Doug and Jennifer up to sit in front of the church and signed to the song "thank you" which tells a story of a man gone to Heaven and seeing all those who's lives he touched. As the chorus sang, "Thank you for giving to the Lord...I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave," dozens of former youth lined the walls.
I must admit some of my tears were bittersweet, in wishing Austin had been there with us in this celebration. I know he would've been right there among the others, with that big beautiful smile and would've had one giant bear hug to share with Doug afterwards. Though Austin only had him as a youth leader a little over two years, Doug certainly made an impact in his life. He looked up to Doug and truly, there isn't a much better role model out there. They both shared a love of baseball, for God, and of giving wonderful hugs. I am ever grateful Austin had the opportunity to know Doug and have him in his life because I know he was a great Christian influence for him.
Doug and Jennifer have been so supportive to our family through the years, especially the past six. Not being steady regulars to his Sunday school class it was a loving shock to me when the group took such great care of us after our wreck in 2005. From fully cooked meals, to offers to mow the yard, they were there. Most importantly they prayed with us and for us. And this support came again just a few years ago when we lost Austin. In fact, Doug will always hold a very special place in my heart because of his love for our family during that time.
Our pastor had recently retired before Austin's passing and we struggled with who to ask to lead his service. Tim and I both instantly thought of Doug, because both as our Sunday school teacher and as Austin's youth leader, he held a special place in our family's lives.
It bothered me though when I learned that Austin's would be his first funeral service to lead and I worried that we'd placed a burden on him that maybe he wasn't prepared for. And although I know that service was most difficult for him, he could not have done a better job. He spoke so lovingly and eloquently of Austin and shared more than I could ever have envisioned. It was a beautiful eulogy that captured the essence of who Austin was. At the end, Doug shared about the great hugs that Austin was known for and challenged the room to "Hug Somebody" for him. You can click on the link to see what an impact that made.
This morning, when a youth led the children's message and sent them off with the same phrase to "hug somebody" my arms were covered with goosebumps and tears once again filled my eyes. I couldn't help but feel that was a sign Austin was in the room, cheering on Doug, just as he will be (much like the song) when he greets him in Heaven someday. His life, as well as our entire family's, have all been changed because of the service and heart of the King family. And we, are joyfully, so glad they gave!
Even arriving to church early this morning, it was a task trying to find a parking spot. Noah commented that it looked like Easter Sunday with the crowd we had! We ducked into a seat near the back and watched as the pews quickly filled to capacity. The choir soon mirrored the crowd, as it overflowed with past and present youth choir members.
As Doug stepped into the baptismal and looked out into the sanctuary, I hope the large number of supporters was evidence of the impact his service has made. The rest of the morning was filled with a sweet mixture of laughter and tears, as former and current youth led the service. A most touching moment was when they called Doug and Jennifer up to sit in front of the church and signed to the song "thank you" which tells a story of a man gone to Heaven and seeing all those who's lives he touched. As the chorus sang, "Thank you for giving to the Lord...I am a life that was changed. Thank you for giving to the Lord. I am so glad you gave," dozens of former youth lined the walls.
I must admit some of my tears were bittersweet, in wishing Austin had been there with us in this celebration. I know he would've been right there among the others, with that big beautiful smile and would've had one giant bear hug to share with Doug afterwards. Though Austin only had him as a youth leader a little over two years, Doug certainly made an impact in his life. He looked up to Doug and truly, there isn't a much better role model out there. They both shared a love of baseball, for God, and of giving wonderful hugs. I am ever grateful Austin had the opportunity to know Doug and have him in his life because I know he was a great Christian influence for him.
Doug and Jennifer have been so supportive to our family through the years, especially the past six. Not being steady regulars to his Sunday school class it was a loving shock to me when the group took such great care of us after our wreck in 2005. From fully cooked meals, to offers to mow the yard, they were there. Most importantly they prayed with us and for us. And this support came again just a few years ago when we lost Austin. In fact, Doug will always hold a very special place in my heart because of his love for our family during that time.
Our pastor had recently retired before Austin's passing and we struggled with who to ask to lead his service. Tim and I both instantly thought of Doug, because both as our Sunday school teacher and as Austin's youth leader, he held a special place in our family's lives.
It bothered me though when I learned that Austin's would be his first funeral service to lead and I worried that we'd placed a burden on him that maybe he wasn't prepared for. And although I know that service was most difficult for him, he could not have done a better job. He spoke so lovingly and eloquently of Austin and shared more than I could ever have envisioned. It was a beautiful eulogy that captured the essence of who Austin was. At the end, Doug shared about the great hugs that Austin was known for and challenged the room to "Hug Somebody" for him. You can click on the link to see what an impact that made.
This morning, when a youth led the children's message and sent them off with the same phrase to "hug somebody" my arms were covered with goosebumps and tears once again filled my eyes. I couldn't help but feel that was a sign Austin was in the room, cheering on Doug, just as he will be (much like the song) when he greets him in Heaven someday. His life, as well as our entire family's, have all been changed because of the service and heart of the King family. And we, are joyfully, so glad they gave!
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