Selling Papes

So we've hit a snag with our set design, or at least a delay that requires us to use our current set for an additional month, and it's been a process trying to think of something to fit within this sort of 1890's city scape set we've got set up, some new series that could fit with appropriate messages and so forth.  Until recently, that is.  The idea hit me earlier on today, one based on Maddie's love of the movie "Newsies."  Because the series is in April and is just about a month long, we were thinking of something that could go with Easter.  And so the title "Good News" popped into my mind, along with a few messages that will really wok out with the overall theme.  Obviously, Easter's message of Good News is there, but along with that, the tie-in to the movie would be a message called "Seize the Day," which is certainly a theme of that movie, with lyrics that mention the David and Goliath story.  It should be a good series, anyway, and a new one too, which is always exciting.  Here's a sample - some raw writing - of our first message I've been developing.  I have yet to fully go back and edit it, but it's great to be coming up with a new series again.

1.     Seize the day.  David’s father sent him to Judah just to find out the latest news. But God was placing him in a moment we still talk about to this day.  In the same way, God has put you right here, right now, for such a time as this.  Answer the call and don’t delay.  The things you do today will be tomorrow’s news! 
“Make the most of every opportunity.” Ephesians 5:16 NIRV

2.     Stare down the odds. Don’t sweat it!  We all feel fear, but courage is when we face our fear.  David did just that, going after Goliath even though things appeared hopeless.  But never forget that if God is for us, who can be against us?
“Here is what I am commanding you to do. Be strong and brave. Do not be afraid. Do not lose hope. I am the Lord your God. I will be with you everywhere you go.”  Joshua 1:9 NIRV

3.     You’ll slay the giant.  David watched that strong man crumble.  And you’ll have victory too – front page news!  That’s a story others will want to follow, and when they do, be sure to let them know who it was that made it all possible!
“In the same way, let your light shine so others can see it. Then they will see the good things you do. And they will bring glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16 NIRV

Today was a rainy day.  The cat has been inside today, a neighbor's cat that seems to have taken up residence inside with us.  The possums have been coming up to visit a lot too lately, which has been a strangely fascinating event for us each night.  We have nicknames for each of them based on streaks of white or speckles or whatever.  Meanwhile, the bluebirds have certainly become a regular fixture on our back deck now that we have a steady source of mealworms for them.  Mom used to get super happy when we spotted one in the front yard every so often, and now they show up every day, along with a large assortment of other colorful birds.

Maddie had her taekwondo again tonight, although that will take a back seat to the play practice that's coming up soon enough.  But tonight she was at it with her sword, a weapon that she reminds us is not her favorite.  Nevertheless, she's good with it, and her sparring too.  She's grown in her skills quite a bit over time.  I showed up while the students were practicing, and Mom, Nana and I were sitting there at the observation counter eating Chick-Fil-A while watching everyone practice.  Maddie had her dinner right there immediately afterwards, watching the next set of students practice while downing her chicken nuggets.

We got home and watched a few episodes of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." and are about to enter the framework again, a ginormous "What If" series within the series.  So many twists and turns within this series, this one being a huge way of turning everything on its head.  And of course, it also shows the rise of fan favorites Piper and Davis within the show.  We've seen these episodes before, and repeatedly too.  But we're moving forward through the seasons that we've seen until we get to seasons six and seven, the ones that were featured in Maddie's Easter basket last year.  Those we've only seen once, and are looking forward to seeing again.

Tonight we read and we prayed.  There is serious unrest on the other side of the world, and there are huge impacts that will affect all of us, none of them in a good way presently.  We're praying for the situation in Ukraine.