Tag Archives: Family

My Son’s Funny Face Is In The Paper!!

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Casey newspaper0001

And in addition to funny faces…

He and the entire cast of Stage 2 Improv also have…

Wits, brains, and comic timing!!

And..

They know how to get a laugh!!!

To see another funny photo, go to:

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

To view of video of one of their rehearsals, go to:

http://www.news-press.com/VideoNetwork/2421152101001/Stage-2-Improv-brings-the-funny-to-Sugden-Theatre

To see publicity shots, go to:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152321280806953.1073741835.29000631952&type=1

“The show is directed by Michael Santos and Judith Gangi Santos

(co-founders of the former Naples City Improv).

Stage 2 Improv features scenes, games, and songs

that are driven from suggestions by the audience.

Each show is created on the spot,

So no two shows are ever alike.

The Stage 2 cast includes:

JamieLynn Bucci, Kat Ebaugh, Judith Gangi Santos, Brad Goetz,

Steven Johnson, Randy Jones, Meg Pryor, Michael Santos,

Nancy Swartz, Casey Debrowski, Synthia Dubose, Guy Clover,

Bukki Sittler, Rosie Spinosa and Corey Walker.

Performances will be Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

at Sugden Community Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to 18.

The theatre is at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

Visit naplesplayers.org or call 239-263-7990.”

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

“IF YOU GO…

 WHAT:  90 minute, fast-paced show with local actor/comedians in silly games, skits and nonsense riddles.

SOMETHING ELSE:  Don’t be shy, don’t suggest boring things, and always say the first thing that comes to your mind.”

http://ftmyersnaples.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-STAGE-2-IMPROV-Laughs-into-Naples-20130608#

“Co-Director, Mike Santos carries a large portion of the show;

his infectious energy feels like a live wire

let loose into his fellow cast members and the crowd.

Whether emceeing the silly skits

or trying to guess

how you speed-walk

with otters as shoes,

he makes the show.”

A sample question to the audience:

“What do you like to do?”

“Uh.”

“Uh.”

“Walk on the beach?”

Go ahead…

Try to make a zany skit out of that!

But, the cast can do it!!!

“These are the dangers of audience participation.

Especially in Southwest Florida.”

Ha!

http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

Photo:

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130621/ENT/306210038/Things-do-Southwest-Florida

 “We are proud of our show

and what we have accomplished so far,”

Mr. Santos says.

“We’re grateful and excited for the continued support of the community.”

http://naples.floridaweekly.com/news/2013-07-11/Arts_%28and%29_Entertainment_News/Improv_troupe_adds_performances.html

Photos:

https://www.facebook.com/stagedoorblog

Proverbs 15:30

“A cheerful look brings joy to the heart,

and good news gives health to the bones.”

Amen!!

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Scenic Old Naples!!

The LOVE Letter!

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(I received this e-mail today…author and photographer unknown)

There’s a beautiful soul…

Working in the dead letter department of the Post Office…

who understands…

LOVE…. 
 

Our 14-year-old dog, Abbey…

Died last month…

The day after she passed away…

My 4-year-old daughter Meredith…

 Was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey…

She asked if we could write a letter to God…

So that when Abbey got to Heaven…

God would recognize her…

I told her that I thought that we could…

So she dictated these words:

Dear God…

 Will you please take care of my dog?

Abbey died yesterday…

And is with You in Heaven…

I miss her very much…

I’m happy that you let me have her as my dog…

Even though she got sick…

I hope you will play with her…

She likes to swim and play with balls…

I’m sending a picture of her…

 So when You see her…

 You will know that she’s my dog…

I really miss her…

Love, Meredith

We put the letter in an envelope…

With a picture of Abbey and Meredith…

 Addressed it to God/Heaven…

We put our return address on it…

Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope…

 Because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter…

 All the way to Heaven…

That afternoon, she dropped it into the letter box at the post office…

A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet…

I told her that I thought He had…

Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch…

 Addressed, “To Meredith” in an unfamiliar hand…

Meredith opened it…

Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, When a Pet Dies

Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God…

In its opened envelope…

On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith…

 And this note:

Dear Meredith…

Abbey arrived safely in Heaven…

Having the picture was a big help…

 And I recognized her right away…

Abbey isn’t sick anymore…

Her spirit is here with me…

 Just like it stays in your heart…

Abbey loved being your dog…

Since we don’t need our bodies in Heaven…

 I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in…

 So I’m sending it back to you…

 In this little book for you to keep…

 And have something to remember Abbey by…

Thank you for the beautiful letter…

 And thank your mother for helping you write it…

 And sending it to me…

What a wonderful mother you have…

 I picked her especially for you…

I send My blessings every day…

 And remember that I love you very much…

By the way, I’m easy to find…

I am wherever there is LOVE!!

Love,

God

I’d love to write a letter myself to God about the loved ones I’m missing!!

Romans 8:37-39

No,

in all these things

we are more than conquerors

through Him who loved us.

For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons,

neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers,

neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us

from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

1 John 3:1

See what great love the Father has lavished on us,

that we should be called children of God!

And that is what we are!

The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”

“La Mia Famiglia”

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An Italian get-away this past weekend…

At my cousin’s house on the east coast of FL…

A reunion with our cousin from NJ!

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One big, happy family…

Filled with…

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Our fathers were brothers…

Raised by our Italian Grandma…

Felicia

We all lived near each other in NJ…

Played together…

And went to church together…

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There’s definitely a family resemblance…

But, I’ve noticed lately that…

We tend to favor our Mothers in appearance!

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We felt like we were at a “5 Star” Bed and Breakfast!!

While talking about our…

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In our Lord!

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Cousins!!!

And cousin-in-laws…

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The beautiful scenery brings…

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And family teasing from our cousin from Oklahoma…

Who before he married my cousin…

He had called…

“Chef-Boy-Ar-Dee”

In a can…

Italian food!!!!

Oh, horror!

We’ve since changed his mind…

And now he says…

“I want some SAAAAAAAAAAUCE”

Whenever he talks to us!!

Good boy!

So funny!!

Let’s add my son to the merry mix!!

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Our very special hostess!!!

Such a blessing!!

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She cooks, she cleans, she’s sweet…

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My son wants to adopt her!!

I do, too!!

She makes us want to…

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And be together!

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To do what Italians do best…

Eat…

While everyone’s talking at the same time!!

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Let’s cook and discuss!!

And…

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The blessing of family!!!

La Mia Famiglia!

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Ahhhh…

All together in one place again!!

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One beautiful place!

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We don’t want to leave!!

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Come join us!!

Additional signs should say…

EAT!

TALK!

LAUGH!

LOVE!!

1 Corinthians13:7

“Love bears all things,

believes all things,

hopes all things,

endures all things.”

Stage 2 Improv…You Got Me Out Of My Funk!! Ha!

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I Love You!

http://stage2improv.net/index.html

http://www.marcoislandflorida.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130531/ENT/305310024/Stage-2-Improv-opens-Naples

https://www.facebook.com/Stage2Improv

And apparently others do, too!

 Extended by popular demand!

Thursday to Saturday-8 pm

July 11th-13th, July 18th-20th, and July 25th-27th

Yipee!!

I went down on Friday night with my son to see the show a second time…

Hubby stayed home this time ’cause it was too late for him..

I finished a long day of summer cleaning….

Ugh!

Rushed to get ready…

We’re meeting friends there…

He had rehearsal, so I went backstage with my son…

 We peeked into the other theater, and saw a dress rehearsal for Les Miserables!

Talked to cast members, watched them putting on makeup, rearranging chairs and stuff…

They got kicked out of the hallway, because it’s a fire hazard to be there…

Since the cast from Les Miserables took over the dressing room!

Then, I went to get my ticket, and chill before the show…

(No complimentary ticket from my son for the second time!  Ha!)

Got to the box office, and said to the nice lady…

“I’d like one ticket please.”

She looked at me so sweetly and said,“Sold out!”

What!?!?!?!?

I thought she was kidding!

“It’s a very good thing,”

She said…

“Of course it is, I understand that, but…

“My son’s in this show!”

I whined…

Gee, doesn’t that mean anything???

The sweet lady at the box office was sympathetic, but helpless to help me…

So I did what any mature person would do…

I sulked!!

I walked backstage to tell my son I wasn’t going to get to see his show…

The director said…

“Do you want to be in the show???”

This is why these people are so funny!!

They say crazy stuff like that!

I was so desperate, I almost said,

“YES!!!”

‘Til my sanity came back…

And I quietly sat down on a couch in the lobby…

And read my Kindle!

I’ve been reading a great book by Pastor Bill Johnson…

Called…

When Heaven Invades Earth

It’s an awesome book…

About having dominion from God to take authority over the enemy…

In all situations…

Knowing we have the authority in Christ Jesus, and then using it!

Amen!

But I just couldn’t concentrate…

I thought…

“Well, I rode an hour and a half with my son to get here….

  Cut my summer cleaning time short (okay, that’s pushing it…really!!)

And now I’m going to have to find something else to do in Naples for 2 and a half hours!”

No problem!

It’s a beautiful area…

I have my Kindle…

I have my camera…

I can walk up and down 5th Avenue…

Looking in shops…

Going to Starbucks…

Taking photos…

While mingling with the tourists…

It will be a piece of cake!!

But…

I want to see the show again!!

Woe is me 😦

The box office lady told me to come back at 8 pm…

But, she warned me she had no hopes for me getting a ticket!

So, I shut down the Kindle at 7:30 pm…

Went to the bathroom…

And prayed!!

“Dear Jesus…

Please…

I don’t want anyone to be sick, or have a car accident, or anything…

But, if someone simply could not use their ticket…

I would so appreciate it!!”

I was really in a bad funk!

First, from working all year, so that my house is a total wreck…

And I was cleaning all day to try to make a little dent into the major overhaul it needs…

And now, I’m going to miss my son in this show that makes me laugh so hard…

That I can forget my funk!!

My dejected, sulking mood…

So, I kinda just slowly walked to the box office…

And the lovely box office lady looked up at me…

And whispered…

“See that couple???

They don’t have two tickets…

So they might want to sell one…

I can’t get involved…

But, if you want to talk to them, go ahead!!”

“Yes, Yes, Yes!”

I say…

The wife had gone inside to tell someone, that they’re not coming in to see the show…

The husband says…

“It’s her ticket I have to wait ’til she comes out!”

More praying…

Dear Jesus!!

More waiting…

Then out she comes…

Looks at the dear box office lady…

And says…

“Yea, go ahead, do whatever you want with the ticket!”

Box office lady looks at me…

And I say to the pretty lady…

“Can I buy the ticket from you?”

And the lovely, beautifully dressed lady…

Says, as she and her husband walk away…

“No, just take it!!”

“Thank you, Thank you!”

I say…

Hallelujah!!

And Yippee!!

Praise God!

There ya go, enemy!!!

How’s that for answered prayer!!

And taking dominion over my situation!

Ha!

I proudly…

I mean proudly!!!

Walked to the stage  door up to the ticket collector…

And presented my favor from God!!

When she gave me back my ticket stub…

I practically danced to my seat!

Don’t you just love God for His goodness?!?

The show was amazing!

  I laughed and laughed…

Our friends laughed and laughed…

All the people in the audience…

And the adorable 3rd grade little girl siting next to me…

  Laughed and laughed…

One our friends was called up on stage to do sound effects for whatever the cast was acting out…

Very funny stuff!

Oh, you should go…

I highly recommend it!!

Go see it!!

It’s different every time!

The cast is remarkable…

They play off each other so well!

You’ll love the directors, too!!

But, make sure you go on-line first….

TO GET A TICKET!!!

‘Cause they’re selling out each night!

After the show…

We all went to Fridays for a bite to eat…

They’re truly a “fun” group!

Two of our friends from Sarasota joined us at Fridays…

When we were done eating….

They left shortly before we did…

It was already late, and they had a longer ride home…

After we got on the road, they called…

  They had a flat tire and were stuck on the side of highway!

We found them and stopped to help…

  But, soon realized that not one of us knew how to change a tire!!

My cop husband says it’s dangerous to do that, anyway…

People get killed…

Our friend’s Dad told her to just leave the car, have us drive her to the next exit, and get off the highway…

So again, I’m praying….

“Lord, please do not allow a creepy person to stop to help us…

Please give us traveling mercies and keep us safe!”

Just then…

A state trooper came up behind us with his flashing lights on…

  To ask us if we were having trouble!!

An angel…

He had to check on another car, but would come right back…

TO CHANGE THE TIRE FOR US!!

What?!?!?

 My husband’s a retired cop…

So, of course, we called him and woke him up at 12:30 pm at night…

Only seems right, huh???

But he doesn’t believe us…

Because he’s NEVER EVER heard of a state trooper changing a tire!!!

The trooper had a jack and that air pump thing to inflate the spare tire…

What???

My husband couldn’t believe it!!

This “take-dominion-stuff” really works…

Thank you, Jesus!!

Oh, God, You are good!

It was not an easy job…

The trooper worked long and hard because the tire was in shreds and difficult to get off…

He was oh, so close to the line separating the highway with speeding cars, and the shoulder…

I just felt compelled to pray again…

“Dear God, please keep this trooper safe…

Don’t let him get hit by a car while helping us!”

Actually, in FL, a new law states that you must pull into another lane if you see a a police car with lights flashing…

Awesome, what a great law!!

Our friend got her spare tire out, and the trooper finished the rescue…

He told my son that not too many other troopers are set up to change tires…

Angel in disguise!

He said she should be able to get 150 miles on the spare if she drove 5o miles per hour…

It was already late…

And the girl who drove down with her, had to be at work at 7 am…

So she slept through the whole thing in the back seat!

Well, I slept ’til 11:30 am that morning…

And I feel great!

God is good!

The show was great!

And I’m out of my funk!!

Wait!

Gotta go and check on our friend to see if she got home yet!!

Dance!!

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 Feel Depressed???

 

Got Shackles???

 

Then…

 

Praise the Lord!!

 

Be Free!!

 

Put on This Song…

 

And Dance!!

 

 

Whoo!

It sure is hot out here…

Ya know?

I don’t mind though…

Just glad to be free!

Know what I’m saying?

Uh!

 

Take the shackles off my feet, so I can dance…

I just wanna praise You!

(What’cha wanna do?)

I just wanna praise You!

(Yeah, yeah)

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands…

(Uh, feel me?)

And I’m gonna praise You!

(What’cha gon do?)

I’m gonna praise You!

 

In the corners of my mind…

I just can’t seem to find a reason to believe…

That I can break free…

‘Cause you see I have been down for so long…

 

Feel like the hope is gone…

But as I lift my hands, I understand..

That I should praise You through my circumstance!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Everything that could go wrong…

All went wrong at one time…

So much pressure fell on me…

I thought I was gonna lose my mind!!

 

But I know you wanna see…

If I will hold on through these trials…

But I need you to lift this load…

‘Cause I can’t take it no more!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Been through the fire and the rain…

Bound in every kind of way…

But God has broken every chain…

So let me go right now!!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!

 

Take them off!!

What’cha gonna do?

Yeah!

 

Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance!

I just wanna praise You!

I just wanna praise You!

 

You broke the chains, now I can lift my hands!

And I’m gonna praise You!

I’m gonna praise You!


Oh!

 

Go Ahead…

 

Get Rid of the Shackles..

 

Praise Him!

 

Feel His Joy!

 

And Dance!!

 

 

It’s A Hit!!

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Improv (2)

Photo:  http://www.news-press.com/article/20130531/ENT/305310024/Stage-2-Improv-opens-Naples

The Reviews are in!!

http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Maybe improv does have a future in Naples.

Stage 2 Improv – “the next stage of comedy” (insert eye roll here) –

served up a loud, lively, way-better-than-I expected debut

in the Naples Players’ black box space Friday night.

There are some funny folks roaming the streets.

And not just the actors!”

http://www.news-press.com/article/20130614/ENT/306140015/Naples-based-Stage-2-Improv-adds-show-dates

“Stage 2 Improv,

a Naples-based improvisational theater group,

has added dates to its performance schedule

at Sugden Community Theatre.

June 20 has been added,

as well as July 11-13,

July 18-20

and July 25-27.

The show is directed by Michael Santos and Judith Gangi Santos

(co-founders of the former Naples City Improv).

Stage 2 Improv features scenes, games and songs

that are driven from suggestions by the audience.

Each show is created on the spot,

so no two shows are ever alike.

The Stage 2 cast includes:

JamieLynn Bucci, Kat Ebaugh, Judith Gangi Santos, Brad Goetz, Steven Johnson, Randy Jones, Meg Pryor, Michael

Santos and Nancy Swartz. Interns for the show include Casey Debrowski (My son!!!), Synthia Dubose, Guy Clover,

Bukki Sittler, Rosie Spinosa and Corey Walker.

Performances will be Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m.

at Sugden Community Theatre.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students to 18.

The theatre is at 701 5th Avenue South, Naples.

Visit naplesplayers.org

or call 239-263-7990.”

The comedy at Stage 2 is strong. Exceptionally so. Stage 2 cast well, looking not for acting skills or pretty faces, but wits, brains and comic timing. Robin Williams these kids are not – but they know how to get a laugh. You try to mime scrubbing a toilet with a cucumber and spit? Or peeling a cactus with a pair of dentures? F

http://ftmyersnaples.broadwayworld.com/article/BWW-Reviews-STAGE-2-IMPROV-Laughs-into-Naples-20130608

http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html

Read the entire review at:

http://www.gonaples.com/news/2013/jun/07/review-stage-2-improv-naples-players-tickets/

“Make full my joy,

that ye be of the same mind,

having the same love,

being of one accord…”

Philippians 2:2

Oh!!

Go ahead…

And enjoy a good laugh!!!

Even the Bible can be funny!!

Funny Bible Verses, Quotes, and Sayings…

“It is better to live alone in the desert

 

than with a crabby, complaining wife.”

 

Proverbs 21:19

“There is more hope for a foo

than for someone who speaks without thinking.

Proverbs 29:20

“Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture

 

they do not understand,

 

but the passages that bother me

 

are those I do understand.”

 

Mark Twain

 

“My ancestors wandered

 

lost in the wilderness for 40 years

 

because even in Biblical times,

 

men would not stop to ask for directions.”

 

Elayne Boosler

 

“The Bible tells us to love our neighbors,

 

and also to love our enemies;

 

probably because they are generally the same people.”

 

Gilbert K. Chesterton

 

It’s going to be fun to watch and see how long the meek

 

can keep the earth after they inherit it. 

 

Kin Hubbard

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Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Stage 2 Improv has been so widely popular, we’ve added a June 20th performance at 8:00 pm and three July weekends! Thur – Sat, July 11-13, 18-20 & 25-27 8:00 pm

Stage 2 Improv is a Naples-based improvisational theatre group featuring scenes, games and songs that are created right before your very eyes! If you liked the television show Who’s Line is it Anyway? and the improv troop The Second City, you’ll love this! The actors utilize information given by the audience to build the show! Every scene and game is driven by suggestions from the audience. Some games may even feature audience participation! You never know what an evening will bring, which makes each show different from the next.

TICKETS ARE $15 FOR ADULTS AND $10 FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18

– See more at: http://www.naplesplayers.org/show1_0.html#sthash.oRbjrYF0.dpuf

Chris Silk is the arts writer and theater critic for the Naples Daily News. To read the longer version of this review, go to: http://w

Jesus, You’re The Lover Of My Soul!!

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“Jesus, Lover of My Soul”
Middle Church Jerriese Johnson Gospel Choir
Tina Cernero, solo (My sister!!)
music by Bach/Wesley
arr. P. Williams-Jones
To learn more about Middle Church visit:
http://www.middlechurch.org

Lyrics to the old hymnal, “Jesus, Lover of My Soul” by Charles Wesley, pub. 1740

  1. Jesus, lover of my soul,
    Let me to Thy bosom fly,
    While the nearer waters roll,
    While the tempest still is high.
    Hide me, O my Savior, hide,
    Till the storm of life is past;
    Safe into the haven guide;
    Oh, receive my soul at last.
  1. Other refuge have I none,
    Hangs my helpless soul on Thee;
    Leave, ah! leave me not alone,
    Still support and comfort me.
    All my trust on Thee is stayed,
    All my help from Thee I bring;
    Cover my defenseless head
    With the shadow of Thy wing.
  1. Wilt Thou not regard my call?
    Wilt Thou not accept my prayer?
    Lo! I sink, I faint, I fall—
    Lo! on Thee I cast my care.
    Reach me out Thy gracious hand!
    While I of Thy strength receive,
    Hoping against hope I stand,
    Dying, and behold, I live.
  1. Thou, O Christ, art all I want,
    More than all in Thee I find;
    Raise the fallen, cheer the faint,
    Heal the sick, and lead the blind.
    Just and holy is Thy Name,
    Source of all true righteousness;
    Thou art evermore the same,
    Thou art full of truth and grace.
  1. Plenteous grace with Thee is found,
    Grace to cover all my sin;
    Let the healing streams abound;
    Make and keep me pure within.
    Thou of life the fountain art,
    Freely let me take of Thee;
    Spring Thou up within my heart;
    Rise to all eternity.

“The lyrics speak of a personal and intimate relationship with Christ.

Revealing Jesus as Lover, Protector, and Provider.

Do you know Jesus that intimately???

Are you filled with His Love???

Can you feel His Protection???

Do you rely on Christ’s Provision???” *

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Hymnal Bible Verse References:

“Praise be to God

 and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

 the Father of compassion

 and the God of all comfort.”

 2 Corinthians 1:3

  “…and from Jesus Christ,

 who is the faithful witness,

 the firstborn from the dead,

 and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

 To Him who loves us

 and has freed us from our sins by His blood…”

 Revelation 1:5

 “You have been a refuge for the poor,

a refuge for the needy in their distress,

a shelter from the storm

and a shade from the heat.

For the breath of the ruthless

is like a storm driving against a wall…”

Isaiah 25:4

 “Truly my soul finds rest in God;  

my salvation comes from Him.

Truly He is my rock and my salvation;   

he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:1-2

 “My salvation and my honor depend on God;    

He is my mighty rock, my refuge.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;    

pour out your hearts to Him,    

for God is our refuge.”

Psalm 62: 7-8

 “Praise the LORD, O my soul,

and forget not all his benefits

who forgives all your sins

and heals all your diseases,

who redeems your life from the pit

and crowns you with love and compassion,

who satisfies your desires with good things

so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:2-5

“For the director of music.

Of David the servant of the Lord.

He sang to the Lord the words of this song

when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies

and from the hand of Saul.

He said:

 ‘I love you, Lord, my strength.

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;

    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,   

my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,    

and I have been saved from my enemies.'”

Psalm 18:1

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“Jesus is the lover of my soul

Jesus is my only refuge.

Jesus Christ fulfills all our needs and wants.” *

My Lord is the lover of my soul!

*   http://biblestudies.stores.yahoo.net/jloofmyso.html

For more history about Charles Wesley go to:

http://suite101.com/article/jesus-lover-of-my-soul-a70344

When Did Going On Vacation Become So Difficult???

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Apparently…

When I became an adult…

With responsibilities…

A family…

A job…

A house…

And a dog!!

When we were children…

We just hopped in the car…

And we left!

Okay, so we are packed…

But, it was a rough road to get to this point!! 

This vacation has been planned well in advance…

I’ve been looking forward to it all year…

You know how much I love the beach…

You know how much I love to be at the beach…

To read, to write, to do whatever I feel like doing, or nothing at all!!

But, working part-time this year…

As much of a ministry opportunity as it was…

Has put quite a crimp in my retired lifestyle…

Where all my ministries were challenging…

But, I was a volunteer…

And the beauty of that is that I still had control over my time…

 I’m feeling drained…

I’m really stressed…

I just don’t feel like going on vacation right now…

That’s crazy, I know!!

Plus, my poor, precious Crazy Siberian has not been feeling well lately…

We certainly all love her deeply…

But, we’ve all lost sleep…

Lots of sleep…

We’ve all cleaned up pee, poop, and throw-up…

More times than we care to…

We’ve made multiple runs to the vet with her…

And she definitely, ridiculously, horridly hates the car ride to see the vet!

It’s exhausting!!

We now have a calendar on our kitchen counter…

Just for her…

So we can keep track of all the medicines she’s on…

It’s just like living with a newborn, needy baby…

Which I remember so well…

Or, an ornery, elderly person…

Which I also remember!!

Teaching was so crazy at the end of the year…

That I lost my cool…

And it ceased to be fun…

I had to apologize for my grouchiness to everyone…

There, and at home, too!

 I really just want to stay home…

And vegetate on the couch!

But, no…

Not me!

I decided to tackle the humongous job of cleaning my house from top to bottom!

Starting with the ceiling fans the day after school got out…

My son, the one actually cleaning those fans…

Was not elated!

Well, that’s as far as we got…

When I had to stop cleaning to start packing for this vacation…

While dealing with a sick dog…

I hate packing…

Why can’t all my “stuff” just be there when I get there…

And I don’t do well with unfinished jobs…

So I’ll be planning my next cleaning job…

The blinds and windows…

For when we get back from vacation!

Rats!

Why do I do this to myself?

Please tell me to stop!

Take a deep breath…

Count to ten…

And enjoy my blessings of a wonderful beach vacation…

With my wonderful family…

And the whole summer off from work!

Just tell me, Lord…

I’ll listen to You!!

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“My son, if you receive My words and treasure up My commandments with you,

making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding;

yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding,

if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures,

then you will understand the fear of the Lord

and find the knowledge of God.

Proverbs 2:1-5

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“Be anxious for nothing,

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God,

which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts

and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7

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Thank you, Lord!! 

Amen!

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“Blessings crown the head of the righteous…”

Proverbs 10:6

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I love the refrain of the old hymn:

“Count Your Many Blessings”

Count your blessings, name them one by one…
Count your blessings, see what God hath done…
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done!!

Visiting Naples? Go See “Stage 2 Improv!!” Hilarious!!

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6-2-13 Casey's Show! 001IMPROV:

Ad-lib!

Extemporization!

Impromptu!

Opposite of:

Planned…

Or routine!

As in,

“That comedy skit was a totally unrehearsed improvisation!”

So every show is different!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 003Voted “Best Live Theatre” (Including professional venues) in Southwest Florida 10 years running

by the Naples Daily News SW Florida Choice Awards,

ranked as one of the Top Ten Community Theatres in the United States.

https://foursquare.com/naplesplayers

Today The Naples Players stage more than 220 performances a year,

many of them sell outs.

With a subscriber base of more than 4,000,

and children’s program that reach over 600 children annually…

http://www.naplesplayers.org/his.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 005Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico.

It boasts many world-class hotels and resorts along miles of white sand beaches.

The ocean surf is gentle and the people are friendly.

Shoppers delight in searching for antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewelry.

With its beautiful neighborhoods and grand architecture, the atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxing.

Sports enthusiasts spend glorious days pursuing their favorite activity, from golf to tennis to fishing.

There are restaurants to suit every taste and budget.

Even though it is a busy and cosmopolitan city, Naples offers easy access to secluded islands

and the wilderness of the Everglades.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g34467-Naples_Florida-Vacations.html

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 010Sugden Community Theatre

The Sugden Community Theatre is the home of The Naples Players,

a community theatre located in the City of Naples in Southwest Florida.

Our actors light up the stage with musicals, comedies, dramas, children’s’ theatre, original plays and much more.

From the artful to the thought-provoking,

The Naples Players provides affordable quality entertainment.

http://www.explorenaples.com/brochure.phtml?memberno=1374

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 011Great Theatre Review:

“One of the best, if not the best, community theater in the country.

The quality of the shows…

the talent here is superior to most ‘professional’ theaters.

This is one of the better things about Naples.

Go see a show or two here.

 They also offer classes in all things theater.

They have an amazing kids program.

Also, there are occasionally concerts and film programs.

Great staff and amazing volunteers.

Oh, and you can volunteer…

actor, backstage, tech.

Check out their website.”

http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-naples-players-naples

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 014Caricatures of the Stage 2 Improv cast…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 013That’s our boy!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 015Cool set design!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 018Relaxing atmosphere!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 021Gets you right in the mood…

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 023To LOL!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 029The usher and the stage manager are part of the act!!

6-2-13 Casey's Show! 032The Playbill!!

And the Hershey’s Special Dark Chocolate Bar…

  We won for driving the greatest distance to see the show!

Here’s a You Tube video tour of 5th Ave. in Old Naples!

Go see the show…you need a good laugh!!

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter,

and your lips with shouting.”

Job 8:21

I Can’t Be A Writer!!

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No one around here will let me think!!!

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If my dream is to be a writer…

I need to write!

To write…

I need to think!!

Here’s the scenario:

Get up late…

If I’m not working…

Get the coffee churning!  Ha!

Or, rush home from work, or from wherever…

Hurry to get everything done around the house…

Well not “everything!”

But enough to make me happy!

Eat, so my brain can function…

Sit down at the computer in the den…

Check my e-mails…

Gather my thoughts…

Compile my notes…

Download my photos…

Prepare to think…

Get ready to create!!

Ahhhhhhh…

The moment’s here!

And then!!!!!!!!!

It starts….

“Hon,

Can you peel the eggplant for dinner?

Put away the groceries?

Bread the chicken cutlets?

Send out this bill?

Call the pharmacy?”

And on and on…..

“Mom,

Where’s my whatever???

What do we have going on for Saturday?

Do I have to vacuum today?

Can I use this den space to play my games?”

And our Crazy Siberian…

She’s the worst!!!

She’ll be perfectly fine…

Relaxed…

Just lying around…

Watching TV with us…

But, as soon as I get my behind on my comfy chair in the den…

To sit down right in front of my computer…

And start to imagine…

Start to formulate a wonderful idea…

About something I’m passionate about…

“Ahhhh, yes….

It’s time to write!”

She barks to go outside!

She barks for a treat!

She barks for some attention…

Who knows…

She just barks…

It’s soooo annoying!

Then I get angry…

And whip out the dreaded fly swatter…

And warn her…

It doesn’t help!!

She’s spoiled by all of us!

So I end up…

Getting up…

Getting the treat…

Taking her out …

And giving her attention!!!

All my thoughts…

My beautiful, creative thoughts…

Just completely left my mind!!

Come back, come back…

Sweet, precious thoughts!!

This is why I often write at 2 am!!!!

When everyone’s asleep!

My fantasy…

Is to be alone in a cottage on the beach…

For at least 3 full entire days and nights!!!

Dear Lord…

I love my family, my home, and my life…

But, is that too much to ask for???

Just a little time to think!!

“Finally, brothers,

whatever is true,

whatever is honorable,

whatever is just,

whatever is pure,

whatever is lovely,

whatever is commendable,

if there is any excellence,

if there is anything worthy of praise,

think about these things”

Philippians 4:8