Godspell: A Review

 Last night I went to see Abilene High School's production of Godspell:The Musical. What most people probably don't know about me is I have a history with this movie, seeing as my older brother was in another production of it twelve years ago when I was a freshmen in high school. While the one then was a much smaller cast and the singing was more polished, I have to say for the $10, this was overall a much better show.

At first, I thought the larger cast would become a hindrance, because you can only have so many students running around on stage before people start bumping into one another. However, for the dance numbers and dramatic scenes, it actually helped fill out the scenes and invoked a sense of "the crowd" in the times of Jesus' teaching, whether they were excited or began questioning him near the end.

While the singing wasn't as good as my brothers play in 1998, not every cast has a crew full of top choir students (or actors for that matter), which always needs to be acknowledged at any school play/musical. Plus, many of the songs in this musical are quite challenging (Trust me, I have tried to sing along with the CD I own and have trouble making it all the way through one song, whether getting tired and/or the voice range required.) The musical didn't cut any songs; so all the songs combined with the dance numbers, were really enjoyable.

While the songs may have been more professionally polished in the version I saw twelve years ago, it focused more on acting; however, I think the acting in this production far out-did that one, and here is why: I consider the best acting to invoke emotions from its audience; and what I felt in reaction to the stage presence was amazing and quite surprising. During the first half I felt a sense of joy, excitement, and humor; while in the second half I felt the tone switch dramatically and I felt dissonance, negativity, grief, and death. Truly, a great show invokes these emotions from the audience.

Twelve years ago I was just starting out my freshmen year in high school, still trying to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. Now, twelve years later I find myself doing that once again after graduating from college & graduate school... and though I have felt confusion, this musical has a way of speaking the gospel in a manner not normally done.

Why? It is because this focus is on the gospel as "story" and the story is fleshed out so well on stage. At times I found myself pondering what it really must have been like for those to follow Jesus, to hear him joking, being funny, being serious, and then being betrayed. How did Jesus feel when people got his teaching? What about when they tried to trap him? Or betray and deny Him?

The great thing about Godspell  is that it teaches the gospel message is always relevant. Culture may change, the medium, and ways we share the gospel may change; but the true message and essence of the gospel story is never-changing and never-ending, having meaning from generation to generation.

“I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." - John the Baptist, Matthew 3:11

Truly,
"Long Live God..... Long Live God"!

~ Daniel
My Favorite Godspell Song:

All Good Gifts

2011: Resolutions for the Upcoming Year

It is not every year I feel compelled to have one or more resolutions for the New Year; however, this year I find myself in need of having some goals, some need of direction, if not at least to seek guidance within the next year or two as to where life should lead me next.

(1) Redoing Resumes:
While this may seem very basic and unneeded since I spent a long time trying to perfect my resumes, I have learned that while for some jobs expressing my education helps, when applying for others it hurts. People simply overlook you when you are overqualified, so for regular jobs I need to actually downplay my education in order to get an interview. I may even make this resume only one page; however, I may leave my ministry resume at two pages. I know, who cares, right? Well, this is my most basic goal.

(2) Keep Applying for Jobs:
This might seem basic too; however, between working my others jobs, it is very frustrating and disheartening to apply for all these jobs and not even get an interview, whether it is ministry or otherwise. I did well toward the end of the year and applied for about 10-15 jobs in December 2010, so I need to keep the trend into 2011.

(3) Back to the Spiritual Basics:
Spiritually, this year has been kinda odd. It feels like a back and forth roller-coaster. It started in a rather depressing place last year, then got better, and eventually I got a summer interim job. However, though I was optimistic and liked the church, nothing was ever heard back for a full-time position. Rejection always hurts, but being rejected multiple times stabs at you, and so I find myself not mad at God necessarily but at churches sometimes, for not truly seeking to see my calling and character and being more concerned about my marital status and ability to be extroverted. In light of all of this, I have not been communicating (praying) with God like I should be, nor been into this word as I ought to in the last few months, and my guitar has sat unplayed for months. This year I want to be in the word and pray at least five times a week and pick up my guitar and play/worship once more.

(4) Researching/Praying about Hospital Chaplaincy:
For January, I will be researching and praying about going into training for hospital chaplaincy. Yes, in some ways to me it seems like I am turning my back on youth ministry; however, in other ways I have to accept the fact that it has been two years and though I am equipped and ever-ready to move into a position, this does not seem to be where God is currently working in my life. Hospital Chaplaincy seems like it might be a good place to use my gifts and also where my marital status or slightly more introverted nature would not be as much of a problem, might even be a plus. Still, some part of me is sad I have to look elsewhere besides youth ministry, but I really do not know what other choice I have... I do know the programs must be applied to a year in advance and I still plan on being open to youth or any other type of ministry or job in the meantime, but only time will tell - and much prayer and conferring with close brothers and sisters in Christ.

(5) Applying for Hospital Chaplaincy:
If I still feel this is where God is calling me at the moment, I will start applying in February and March after I have narrowed it down. I already know there are places in Houston and Dallas, but I might also expand my search to places out of state, though in my heart I would rather stay in Texas to be closer to family.

(6) Get Writing(s) Published:

(7) Giving (Tithing) a Small Amount:
I am gonna write a whole note about tithing later though.

(8) Dating:
My goal is to go out with someone on a date or multiple dates this year, while this isn’t a primary concern over my other goals, it is still a goal, one I suppose I should not write about but I will anyway, ha ha. ;.) I find dating most confusing, asking directly or passively can both be good or bad, depending on whom you are asking out. The rules these days are so much more confusing than in the past. I want to pray God put someone in my path and her in mine, even if things don’t work out, maybe it will be a time for both of us to grow in some way. My biggest regret would be not taking a risk or overlooking someone, so I pray God give me wisdom and guidance in this area.

(9) Continue to Eat Better:
Most would say diet or loose weight, I have already been eating better, for the most part, in 2010, so I want to try to keep this trend.

(10) Play Racquetball:
I started playing racquetball again and want to continue this trend starting in the new year. Man, I love to play me some racquetball! :.)

What do you think?
Do you have any resolutions?

Prayers Appreciated!

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6

~ Daniel:

Pic:
http://www.webcooltips.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/happy-new-year-2011-wallpaper-set-13.jpg