You can run...but you can't hide!

Have you ever had your parents drag you someplace that you just absolutely did NOT want to go too, and end up being pleasantly surprised at how much you enjoy yourself?

I've had a couple of experiences like that (Csehy being the biggest one!)...but not for some time now. However, yesterday, for the first time in a few years, it happened again.

My mom told me back in December/January to save the date of May 24th because she had bought tickets for us to go see a production of the bible story of Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Pennsylvania. I kind of shrugged, said okay because mom looked pretty non-negotiable, and moved on.

As school ended and the time to go on this little trip began to rapidly approach, I tried really hard to get myself psyched up about it...especially since my 6-year-old nephew Caiden was totally pumped that I was going (he's probably my biggest fan). But no matter how hard I tried to convince myself that it was going to be fun and a great experience, the idea of going into middle-of-nowhere Amish country PA just did not sound appealing to me.  Plus I was having a rough start to this week and wanted to spend my off days just lounging around watching TV, practicing, and eating junk food.

Anyway, Thursday rapidly arrived and as my alarm went off at 5:45 AM, I groaned and painfully forced myself out of bed to get ready. We had to be in the car leaving by 7:00, because it was a 2 1/2 hour drive and we were scheduled to get a "behind-the-scenes" tour at 10:00. We hit traffic within the first hour, and I was feeling pretty grouchy, so I decided it was prime time to take a nap before the show. My mom woke me up when we were around 15 minutes away, and I opened my eyes and looked out the window to see a very blurry (I had taken off my glasses) bearded man with a big hat on, on what looked like a revolutionary period plow being pulled by a horse, with his son on the back. I rubbed my eyes, put on my glasses, and then looked out the windshield to see a horse and buggy right in front of us. My already low enthusiasm dropped to a mega low level as I noticed we were getting deeper and deeper into Amish country. This was not how I wanted to spend my thursday.

I was a little taken aback when we pulled into the sight and sound theatre. I had no idea how big it was! The inside was even more amazing, and I started to feel a little better as we got ready for the tour. 45 minutes in....I was totally pumped. It was almost 11:00 AM, and our show didn't start until 1:00, but I was ready for it to start. This place was AWESOME. The sound affects, lighting, sets, costumes... everything was AMAZING. They used live, very well trained animals in the shows, and the sets moved on their own using technology that is only used by the theatre and the US Military! It was all way too cool, and I was finally starting to have a good time.

Caiden and I outside the theatre by the "Lion and the Lamb" statue

We went out to lunch to kill some time before the show started, and then headed to our seats around 12:45. I was amazed at how packed it was! Mom said that she saw online most of the shows were are already sold out...and the show runs to December 29! Caiden and I were so excited for the show to start we could barely sit still...but before we knew it the lights were dimming and the show was about to begin!!!!

Opening screen before the show began

Caiden and I so excited for the show to begin!

As the show went on, it was even more amazing than I ever imagined. The sets, the lighting, the surround sound... it all made me feel like I was IN the world of Jonah. Even the "underwater" parts were pretty realistic, giving the audience the idea that they were under the ocean with Jonah surrounded by tons of fish. It's the kind of thing one has to see to fully understand.  Even intermission (which I normally look forward to during long shows like this) was unenjoyable because I just wanted to see what happened next! The best part for me, however, was the powerful feeling of God's love you could feel just poring out of all the actors. You could tell that these people not only loved what they did, but they loved the Lord with ALL of their hearts, and showed it in every song, dance, and scene they performed. What an inspiration!!!!

So, despite my disgruntled attitude at first, I was glad mom dragged me along. Another one of those "mothers always know best" moments haha. Now I can't wait to see the performance of "Noah" next year!!! Caiden had a great time too, though it was a pretty long exhausting day for the little guy.

All tuckered out on the way home!

Geez it got later than I wanted it too! Another big day tomorrow (or...erm....today now I guess). I'm sure you'll be hearing about it another post. I'll try to write more now that I'm on break.

Have a good night everyone! 

-Erin

"I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. {...} I went down to the land whose bars closed upon me forever; yet you brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God. When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD..." - Jonah 2: 2-3, 6

"Be Still, My Soul"

In the midst of all the craziness of finals, I found myself needing some down time today. I realized my sleep schedule has been way off, averaging around 3-4hrs/night (not good for someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome [CFS] like me!) so I packed my stuff up in the library and headed back to my room to relax a bit. I turned on my TV and about 30 seconds into the show I was watching I passed out and was able to get a nice 20 minute power nap.

Upon waking up, I had another one of those moments where I just felt like I really needed to spend some time with God. I'm hoping sometime next week when I get home (and have more time) I can write a post about all the awesome things he's done for me this past school year, but for now I'd just like to quickly share the words to a hymn the Lord seems to have put on my mind. 

Now, I only knew about the first 2 lines of the hymn, so I looked up the lyrics online. Reading through them, I was brought to tears at the power of their words. So I urge you to read them - all of them... but if you feel like skimming... read at least verses 1, 3, and 5. Those are my favorites!

Be Still, My Soul


1. Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heavenly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul: the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessèd we shall meet at last.

5. Be still, my soul: begin the song of praise
On earth, be leaving, to Thy Lord on high;
Acknowledge Him in all thy words and ways,
So shall He view thee with a well pleased eye.
Be still, my soul: the Sun of life divine
Through passing clouds shall but more brightly shine.

God Bless! Hope everyone has a good week!

-Erin

"Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness;

 tremble before him, all the earth!"

                  - Psalm 96:9