Friday evening
The huge weekend is over, the props are put back away, and costumes laying here ready to be cleaned and tucked away for another time.
But our hearts are overflowing with gratefulness, awe, and wonder at the Lord's mighty hand over the past days. And our conversations are still reminiscent of all the specific ways God 'parted the waters' -- both literally and figuratively!
With the weather forcast showing 70% rain, we discovered that our original 'back-up' location wasn't an option. And we'd planned to spend most of the day rehearsing for the big event on the outdoor stage. Friday morning began with rainshowers with few signs of letting up. Dad has run his business by the weather for over 20 years, and his reading of the radar predicted rain for the evening performance.
In my heart, I was wrestling with this -- why would God give us this opportunity and then send rain to cancel it out!? As I spent some time in prayer, the Lord impressed on me the need to praise Him. In the rain. In spite of the weather. Regardless of circumstances, I needed to rejoice. God was in control and He just wanted me focused on Him!
Oh, the peace of that! I literaly turned from fighting panic in my heart to singing every praise song I could think of and leaving the whole situation in God's hands.
The weather cleared for awhile in the afternoon -- long enough for us to get a full dress rehearsal on the outdoor stage. Although dark clouds kept gathering in the west, they passed us with not much more than an occasional sprinkle.
Friday evening the Bandshell was filled with people. The forecast still showed a large storm cell headed in our direction, but we continued to pray and move forward. After a very brief shower a few minutes before the performance, the weather cleared and we got through the entire production without so much as a sprinkle! A friend sat with his blackberry phone, watching the storm cell travel closer and closer to Seward. He said as it got close, the storm cell split and actually went on either side of Seward, keeping our weather clear. Isn't God good!??!
Again, there are so many other details I could share. We're so grateful for each of the 35 cast members -- plus back-stage helpers -- that made this production possible. And also for Clark Kolterman and the city of Seward for welcoming us to share during the July 4th Celebration. To God be the glory -- GREAT things HE has done!!
And now for a quick picture re-cap...
"1849 - GOLD!!!"

"Grandfather, look at these lollipops!"

Livin' in the Promise Land!
Jump!
Celebrating our great country!!
Grandfather tells his story.

"We are the Minutemen..."
Preparing for the battle...
...and the Redcoats advance.
"Lay down your arms, you rebels!"
"Oh Captain, are you hurt?!"
The wounded return
"Nooooooooo!"
"My father -- he's gone."

Grandfather's story continues...
"What form of government?!"
"But sir, I beg to differ, your plan won't work at all!"

The Constitutional Delegates

John Hancock
"If My people who are called by My name
will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face,
and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven,
and will forgive their sin and heal their land."
2 Chron. 7:14
In God we Trust!
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD."
Psalm 33:12