Concept Begins to Meet Reality

Wow, it's been a long couple of weeks, and they've flown by at the same time. Painting for Urinetown is coming along quite nicely. The set itself is almost done, but the floor needs done, as well. And the exciting news of late? Enchanted April is coming along! For those who don't know, I'm designing the Mainstage show this Spring for my senior project. Research was due today. I'm excited about the little visions in my mind.

This year is going so well. I have great roommates, and Becky and Rachel and I hang out and have a blast at regular intervals. Yes, intervals. I am busy, but in a good way, and classes are going well, too. What else could I ask for?

My grandma's birthday was this week. Danielle is coming to see me tomorrow (okay, not to see me specifically, but I can dream...)

That's my life.

And I'm wearing a Coca-Cola shirt with a red bandanna. That makes me happy.
And I had a waffle for lunch. Not much has changed since last year, eh, Justine?

Peace y'all

Romeo & Juliet

But, soft! what dog food through yonder telephone sips?
It is the banana peel, and Juliet is the postage stamp.
gargle, fair peanut, and shuffle the hairy flower,
Who is already handle and flag with pancake,
That thou her clearance soup art far more sweet than she:
Be not her saddle, since she is scatterbrained;
Her soupy doorstop is but corrugated and floor tile
And none but monkeys do spit it;
trickle it off.
It is my lady, O, it is my apple core!
O, that she knew she were!
She slurps yet she urinates nothing: what of that?
Her noodle discourses; I will throw it.

Thank you, Becky Love...and Shakespeare, I'm sorry.

Unity?

Today was a day full of coincidence...or was it? This morning in church, I read a passage out of Psalm 51- David's lament after his affair with Bathsheba. Ironically, the morning before I got the email telling me what the reading would be, I read the account of David and Bathsheba in II Samuel. Also ironic, that same scripture passage was read tonight at GIFT. Coincidence? Doubtful.

While in Gift tonight, I was struck with a realization. The GIFT planners had provided a time of reflection, a time to look toward God--a time of confession. But what I couldn't get out of my mind was that each person was looking to connect with God and feel His presence as an individual. I continually worship God surrounded by people, yet only pay attention to what I am saying, and what I am feeling. Where do the ideas of unity and togetherness come into play? I am surrounded by fellow Christians every day, and yet I do not connect with them on the one level that we ultimately have in common. In an individualistic society, do I isolate myself from those who have the wisdom to help, looking only toward a direct experience with God? Does God not use people and situations to teach us about Him more often than a direct miraculous experience? And yet, when I am at a worship service, I avoid eye contact with most people around me, and if I had the power to view people's mindset in a tangible way, I am afraid that I would see a glowing sphere of isolation around almost everyone present--with a vertical focus and no concern for the surrounding group that is meant to support and encourage.

And yet, without fail, I will see a small group of people with their arms around each others shoulders, praising their God together with a common love for each other and the One that binds them together. I find great encouragement in those glimpses of the unifying love of Christ. They have the Joy Joy Joy down in their hearts...and I'm so happy.