In Hindsight You Were Always There

Debut cast of Royal Stage 2011

Well, a small corner of the world has seen Royal Stage now. We had our debut performance this weekend, and the response was pretty much incredible!

I whined and prayed to God that my biggest fear was we would not secure an audience. It was scary to do something full out without the covering of a single home church. We didn't get the luxury of dominating a foyer for 6 weeks after Sunday morning services to sell tickets and advertise. There weren't any video announcements or preview dances.

A few of the dancers spoke at their churches, but very few....and then BAM - we got over 500 people this weekend! It was amazing - someone heard about it on the radio, others found a flyer at Capezio....it just all sort of worked out and we had a great crowd and, much more importantly, a super great blessing from God.

The teens and adults in this production did fabulously, and I am so excited for our next show in May. I am so grateful for everything that happened, and all the support we received. In hindsight, I can see how God has always been there for us - and how this is truly what we should be doing.

It feels good to be so free to be joyful - the heavy burdens I felt when I ministered in other places are just totally lifted and gone. Was it perfect? No. But was it anointed and protected? Absolutely. :)

2 of the 3 Jessicas in RS

Pretty costume picture Mila took

Ballet


Sam of course wiggled his way backstage

Playing in the church we rented for the show. And um yes, I am looking VERY pregnant these days!

Brandi with her Sincere-o-Meter - my absolute favorite part of the show

"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name."
- Rev 3:8

So excited for all that is to come!

Debut Night

Well, tonight is the moment of truth. Royal Stage is having its first ever performance, and I actually feel freakishly calm about it. Out of the wonderful world of Revelation,

"I know what you have done. See, I have opened a door in front of you that no one can shut. You only have a little strength, but you have paid attention to my word and have not denied my name." Rev 3:8

Oh, how I love this verse right now. The week of a production brings out all sorts of ugly. Frustrated people going out of their way to remind you how unhappy they are at every turn, stressed out and nervous dancers that need to be reassured, and everyone is just SO DANG TIRED.

During the last production I was a part of, Sam was a tiny little toddler. Now he's a grown-up, opinionated 2 and a half year old. He has been a rockstar with the late nights I've had to drag him through - hardly a single complaint out of his little fast food-filled mouth (ugh. I hate fast food weeks - but sometimes they are necessary). But having a very active little boy combined with a fetus is EX HAUS TING.

I have also gotten hit big time with pregnancy brain. I always thought it was a myth, but I SERIOUSLY CANNOT REMEMBER ANYTHING! My poor dancers :(

But have I mentioned how amazing the dancers and actors in this show are? I don't mean performance wise (though much of that is enjoyable as well) - but their hearts and friendships are inspiring. They remind me of Jesus at every turn.

We're having the performances at a church with a built-in theatre-calibar stage, and they have been incredibly nice to us. The lighting & sound guy is beyond professional, and he's always ready to start on time. They even assigned us Stephanie the Hostess, who is there to respond to our every whim. It's all overwhelming that God provided this space for us and so many participants our first time out. I'm so beyond grateful.

So....here we go! Jubilation tonight and tomorrow! Then, a relaxing afternoon with both our families and my best friend. Then Sunday.....you can bet your bottom dollar I am going to sleep the world away :)

Pray for us!