Cathye and Roy Moon - Bless your heart(s)!!

When the planning for tour was going on, we found out it was going to be difficult to get the photos from the trip posted on the FUMC website. So I asked Cathye and Roy Moon to help us put them on the internet. Cathye and Roy do tons of IT work at Sierra Vista, our web site, overheads, slide shows, the P.A. system, on and on (and on). They work so hard and I think they actually enjoy it. So, when we got a chance to return the favor of years of warmly welcoming our SVUMC kids to Spirit, Cathye and Roy they stepped up. And they posted hundreds of photos. Sherri Lee did not worry about bandwidth - she took tons of photos.

When I e-mailed Cathye to thank her one more time, I told her about all the teary-eyed moms that hugged me and told me that the photos made the 11 days away from their little snuggumses a little more bearable.

If you know Cathye and Roy - give em a hug. If you don't, tell God thanks for putting them here. They're two of the good ones.

Bless your hearts.
Indeed

><> lsa/cja

Psalm 137 (On the Willows)

Psalm 137: 1-6.

1 By the rivers of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion.
2 There on the poplars we hung our harps,
3 for there our captors asked us for songs, our tormentors demanded songs of joy; they said, "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"
4 How can we sing the songs of the LORD while in a foreign land?
5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill .
6 May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.

If you’ll remember the story of Jacob and Esau, Jacob came out of the womb hanging on Esau’s heel. He also cheated Esau out of his birthright. Those two brothers reconciled, but hundreds of years later, they had evolved into two tribes, the Israelites and the Edomites. The Israelites were living in Jerusalem, and the Edomites were their neighbor to the South. They were both nations evolved from Abraham, and they both believed in God, but the Edomites didn’t like the Israelites.

Now another nation comes into the story – Babylon.
Where is Babylon today? – try Iraq

Anyway, the Babylonians were pagans. They didn’t know God and I think they worshipped rocks and pieces of wood. They were advanced scientifically, but they were barbarians spiritually. The Babylonians invaded Jerusalem and captured the Israelites and the Edomites just let `em to it. Alas, betrayed by their kinfolks and fellow believers, the Israelites were taken into captivity in Babylon.

Now, after a little while, the Babylonians wanted to party. They wanted to have a little fun. And they had noticed that the Israelites had these neat musical instruments with them - lyres (little harps) made from willow or poplar. The Babylonians prodded them and demanded that they play the songs of Zion – not for worship or to bring glory to God - but for mere pagan pleasure.

“Sing us one of the songs of Zion” they demanded.

The Israelites were heartbroken – they had been betrayed by their cousins – the other children of God.

They had lost their God-given city – Jerusalem
And now, their homes destroyed and in captivity to a pagan people, they were being asked to pervert their one connection with God. The songs of Zion.

Well, instead of bowing and playing for them, they hung up their harps on the same trees from which they were made – the willows or poplar trees. They gave the music back to Yahweh. They remained true to their faith.

Sad story - great ending.

Generations later, a freckle-faced kid with a mean slingshot became King David and when he wrote these wonderful songs called Psalms, he remembered this brave act of honor and obedience to God and he memorialized it in Psalm 137. As you know the Psalms were sung in worship by Jews for centuries. The same as those old hymns of our youth like Amazing Grace, How Great Thou Art, Sanctuary, or All in All. The tune and the words mean much more than just lyrics and music. It is the connection and the background that really give them meaning.

Even more generations later one of King David’s descendants, a man named Jesus, together with his disciples, all being good Jews facing a sad time, reached back to this precious memory for strength and comfort before facing a scary, uncertain time.

They sang a song.

The setting for this song in the musical Godspell is Matthew 26:20-30

20 When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve.
21 And while they were eating, he said, "I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me."
22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?"
23 Jesus replied, "The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me.
24 The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born."
25 Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, "Surely not I, Rabbi?"
Jesus answered, "Yes, it is you."
26 While they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."
27 Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.
28 This is my blood of the[b] covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
29 I tell you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Father's kingdom."
30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives [emphasis added].

On that dark night, Jesus made it clear to the disciples that this life of fun, healing, and easy miracles was soon drawing to a close. When I read about the disciples and their travels with Jesus’ ministry, I get the sense that it was quite satisfying and fun. It put them in the spotlight – kind of like a rock and roll band on a world tour. They got attention. it was exciting!! I also think that the disciples might have felt great pride about being in the inner circle with the messiah.

But that night, Jesus tells them that things will soon get ugly. Basically he foretells his sacrifice. And he also tells them that they won’t be together again, at least until they’re all dead, at least dead physically. Then he introduces them to a very strange and graphic ritual. And so, in that dark and uncertain time, they sing a hymn together. A song of comfort and lament.

The Bible doesn't say it, but in the play they sing Psalm 137. I think its a very fitting Psalm to sing, too.

I also think they felt a little better after they sang - and remembered.

Throughout the years, when people are sad, or when they miss their friends or family, or when they don’t know what tomorrow will bring, they have sought comfort in song. Songs of the faith. Often the old Christian hymns and songs from their youth. Have you ever done that when you were sad – played or sang a favorite song? It made you feel better, didn’t it? And if it wasn’t a song, then maybe you looked at a photo or thought about pleasant memories of good times, your bonds with friends, and those times when you felt the strong and very real presence of God – right there with you. Exactly like we’ve experienced together these last ten or so days.

In my mind, that’s what Jesus and his friends did when they sang On the Willows.

We all have dark times. Now this isn’t scriptural nor it is the official position of the Methodist church, but I believe that everyone goes through dark times in their life. The fire – a personal hell - horrible lonely times.

But I know, and it is scriptural that:

1. God has a purpose for everything that happens to us (the 3rd chapter of Ecclesiastes),

2. All things work for good when you believe in God(Romans 8:28), and

3. God has a special plan for each of us and a desire to make us more Christ-like through that plan (Ephesians 2:10).

When you go through the darkness or the fire, I pray that you will find comfort in not only the words of the Bible and the songs of King David, but also in the songs that you have and will continue to sing from this wonderful work of art –this incredible ministry we call Spirit.

You must never forget that adversity makes us stronger. Like a sword forged in the fire and hammered and filed to a fine point. You must never forget the many ways that God has spoken to you and touched you during this trip. I pray that you will never forget the awesome anointing of the Holy Spirit that we felt during this trip – especially in Raton and Casper.

Yes dear hijos, I pray that you will never forget the fond memories and the bonds that you have created through Spirit. Memories and bonds that you will never lose. Memories and bonds that nothing and no one can ever take away from you.

And when you go through the fire, when the world tries to rob you of your connection with God (and it will try – I guarantee you). When it seems there is no light and all is dark. When the pagan world tries to make this faith that we hold so dear seem trivial (and the world will try to do that too, I guarantee you again), then remember:

Remember the courage and resolve of the Israelites.
Remember the gift of eternal life given on a cross for you thousands of years ago.
Remember the love and joy that you have shared with this wonderful people.
And remember the face of Christ that you have seen, every day, on each other.

If you will do that, you will not only get through the hard times – you will flourish because of them. And if you really pray and listen for God’s word, and keep your eyes, mind and spirit open to His will, you will come to find that the hard times were part of a wonderful plan for God to do miracles through you.

Jesus sang another hymn in the story – do you know which one?

Psalm 22:

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Why are you so far from saving me,
so far from the words of my groaning?

Even in His darkest hour, Jesus found comfort in the hymns of his youth.

So when you are in a foreign land – I pray that you will find strength in these songs of your youth – songs from a musical called Godspell. I pray that you will be able to sing the Lord’s song – these songs of Zion – all of your days

no matter where you are..
no matter if you’re captive or free.

I pray that you will always remember the wonderful gift of a loving God who will never leave you.

I pray that you will feel His love and Spirit close to you always. But if you don’t:

Then remember the Spirit tour of 2006.
Sing the Lord’s song.
These songs of Zion.

Shalom dear children of God.
Thank you for having me.
I love you.

><> lsa

Thank you Shawn.

Shawn - your mom loaned me your amp for the Spirit tour. I hope that's OK.

<>< lsa

We're Baaaaaaaaakkkkkk!!!

God bless Texas!!










And now, a guest blog by Jeff "I have a town named after me in Montana" Bozeman.

Here’s your update!!!

Due to an unfortunate set of circumstances, Little Sammie Allen is not available tonight. It seems he has come down with a severe case of Chronic Halitosis. Therefore, I will attempt to provide the news of this day’s events.

Hop Sing has Gained Weight:

Sorry Bonanza fans, but Hop Sing has gained weight. The cook at the Ponderosa is now a 200 lb guy with curly hair and a thick Colorado accent, but man can he cook. Great food the whole stay including the Gyros.

Thanks Ben, Hoss, Little Joe, Adam, and, of course, Hop Sing.

Go Rockies!!!

Great Saturday night at Coors field – saw the Rockies beat the Dodgers 12-9. High altitude translates into lots of home runs and deep fly balls. The Rockies dug a 3-0 hole in the top of the first, but evened things up with a three-run homer in the bottom of the 2nd. We got our name on the Jumbo-Tron, too.










These two are waiting for a call from the Rockies front office.

Now we know what the little white thing is – it’s a baseball!

Fun!!

Back to Texas:

On Sunday, the day started very early with breakfast at the Ponderosa. We made our getaway shortly thereafter and headed back to Colorado Springs to retrieve several items that were left behind in the hotel on our first pass through there. While we were hoping to retrieve some wallets and battery chargers, we weren’t leaving that LaQuinta until we had Mrs. Harkey’s makeup kit. She had been without it for nearly a week, bless us ALL.

We had lunch in Raton. Our bus pulled up about 4 minutes behind two busses of boy scouts. Timing is everything. Our stay, therefore, was longer then anticipated. However, we persevered.

At approximately 2:41.36 pm, we crossed the state line and entered the great State of Texas. A great roar filled the bus, which to me, indicates (1) the kids love their state and (2) they were extremely glad to be home.

Showtime

We arrived in Canyon, just a little behind schedule, but completed set up and rehearsals in time to enjoy a great meal by the 5th and 6th graders from their First United Methodist Church.

The show went great. Several of the cast had family members in the crowd. What a pleasant treat. The crowd seemed to enjoy it and appeared to be touched by the message.

On a personal note, you can see that Hannah has really enjoyed having her Daddy on the bus. We, apparently, have grown very close.

Everyone else seems to be having a great time. At least that’s what they tell us. They can’t wait to get home. I think their money supply is running low! These kids have been awesome. Never in my dreams could I have expected they would behave so well. They are pleasant to travel with and have represented their families well. I am extremely proud of each and every one of them. I consider it an awesome privilege to have been a part of this group.

We’ll see you soon.

Big Jeffy Bozeman

Senior service

Sorry, can't describe it. You just gotta be here.

><> lsa

Friday - Well Boo-Boo, We're Not in Jellystone Anymore.

Here’s what we left behind this morning:












Here’s where we were 4 hours later.



Other than that, we spent 12 hours on a bus rolling down the highway with a bunch of 90-minute kidneys. We stopped at an Exxon in Dubois Wyoming which had some pretty good pizza and one restroom. If we had a dollar for every time the phrase how much longer was spoken, we could have bought Wyoming. Can’t complain, we knew this was part of the deal when we signed on. Actually, the kids were their usual wonderful selves and it could not have been a better twelve-hour trip across Wyoming in a bus. Then, after a nice dinner at Castle Rock (but no shopping yet) we arrived at the Ponderosa where Ben, Little Joe, and Hoss were most accommodating and the food is good. Joy: They have Nutter Butter cookies for dessert!!

<>< lsa and cja

P.S. – Should see some more photos in a little while. Enjoy!!

By the way, we’re still taking good care of the niños, don’t worry....

More photos at www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm

Thursday - Yellowstone

The gung-ho got up early (5:30 a.m.) and went wolf hunting. Didn’t see any wolves but saw a bear...











...an an osprey eagle and some other neat animals. We had breakfast and toured the park. Saw the Brink – the most impressive waterfall ever,




















Old Faithful (nuff said)….





and Yellowstone lake which is roughly the size of New Jersey. The trips to and from were simply breathtaking as well, including a buffalo jam which backed up traffic for a long way on the park road. Tons of buffalo, elk, wild geese, and chipmunks (either that or prairie dogs on vacation) as well as rivers, creeks, hot springs, and bubbling mud pits all over. Thunderstorms on and off both days, including one very impressive bolt of lightning that made Jeff Bozeman jump about a foot and may have affected his undergarments. The food was great and we suffered through a sweltering 65 degrees.

God, you went all out on this place. Thanks!!

We also continue to be blessed by these wonderful and well behaved young people. We’re so fortunate to be able to see the love they show each other.

Prepare ye the way of the Lord.

Indeed.

><> lsa and Keesha

Wednesday

Left Casper early on Wednesday and made our way into Montana though Billings (big place, actually) and then to the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park – 8 hours on the bus in all. This place is really, really big. After we got into the entrance, we still had to drive 31 miles to get to our cabins. Tomorrow we still have another 30 miles or so to get to Old Faithful.

On the way, we saw:

Antelope
Little Big Horn
Antelope
Casinos
More antelope
Elk
Buffalo
A Beaver
Bluffs or Buttes depending on where you’re from.
The Yellowstone River
Snow on the roadside
A stuffed bear in the back of a pickup, and



According to some of the more watchful folks in the bank of the bus, Elvis was also sighted riding Sasquatch.

Walk in the light!!
><> lsa and Keesha the adult

Happy 18th Birthday Carly Joy:

Yep, 18 years old, an adult, old enough to vote (and registered, too). Carly hasn’t been home on her birthday since she was 12. Last time Joy and I were with her on her birthday was when she turned 13. We’ll enjoy the day together tomorrow.

Feliz cumpleaños, hija.

Love, Mom, Dad, and Zack.

Casper Wyoming: Just When You Think It Can't Get Any Better....

Up bright and early and headed from Buena Vista, Colorado to Casper, Wyoming. This was our longest day on the bus so far (but it won’t be the longest bus ride of the trip).



Here's the temperature sign at People’s Mortgage in BV -

I hear its slightly cooler up here than it is back home (“slightly” as in a Honda Prius gets “slightly” better gas mileage than a Hummer.).

We had a quick lunch at Ft. Collins...






and slipped quietly in to Wyoming a little after noon today (mountain time). The sky is very big here and we saw lots of antelope as we drove along. Arrived in Casper to some wonderful hospitality and (hands down, unanimously) the best food of the entire trip……ever. It was a buffet!! Then the folks here packed up some more for us to take to the hotel after we left. We also had one of the best performances ever – a very responsive crowd, great acoustics in a grand old church with a fine old pipe organ. The building was built in the 50’s, but the church itself dates back to 1893 or so and sits right downtown. Even better, their pastor is a Texan. Just couldn’t ask for a better day. When you check out the photos from today ( at www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm ) you’ll see a snapshot of two girls holding autographed programs and smiling. Yep, we have groupies.

I love this place (but I’m glad its Summer).

Happy Birthday to Claire Bryan (that’s why she’s wearing the princess hat today). Had a birthday cake, too.




Up early and off to Yellowstone tomorrow and I hear we’re going by Little Big Horn on the way. OK Moms: I’m anticipating little or no internet up there so if you don’t hear from us for a couple of days, we’re OK. Don’t fret – just keep praying. We’ll be fine.

Grace and Peace:

><> lsa and Keesha

Posted a few more pix.

www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm

Noah's Ark

OK mom, we all went whitewater rafting and we all survived.

It was another beautiful perfect day thanks to some great planning back in San Angelo and thanks no doubt to your prayers and a merciful Lord.

Arrived at Buena Vista (which in Spanish means good view, and in Spirit Speak means really freezing cold water splashed down the back of my wetsuit) at noon, had some great food including some cool burgers (see below) and some exceptional New York style pizza made by a guy who moved here from Lewisville, Texas (?). Then off to Noah’s Ark, the outfitters for our rafting trip. We were well taken care of by some expert and very personable (and funny) river guides. We couldn’t have asked for better treatment or a more enjoyable outing. We shot some class 3+ rapids and got really wet, too. No mishaps, close calls or sunburn; however, my self-image took a beating after I managed to pour myself into a very tight wetsuit (twice actually, first inside-out and then correctly). Back to BV for dinner and prayers then off to bed.

Tomorrow we’re off for Casper Wyoming and another performance. Don’t spare the prayers, and thanks for the comments on the website.

Walk in the light!!
><> lsa and Keesha

The Best Burgers in Colorado.

If you’re ever lucky enough to get here, have a burger at K’s Old Fashioned Burgers. The folks are super friendly, the food is great, and when you place your order, instead of a number, you’re given the name of a celebrity. Then when you pick up your food the owner serves it up with a quip about your character (e.g.: Here’s your burger Bob Hope - thanks for the memories).

Here are our new names:

Matt Groth – Terry Bradshaw
Zach Schulze – Michael Jordan
Luke Coleman – and Jacob Harkey - Dan Marino
Andy Taylor – Johnny Carson
Mallory Melott and Kristen Escalona – Bette Midler
Mattie Harper – Martha Stewart
Ashley Simon – Cher
Marilyse Payette – Cameron Diaz
Carly Allen and Audrey Ehrlich – Marilyn Monroe
Stacy Lee – The Andrews Sisters
Brett Wesley – Bob Hope
Braden Walker – John Elway
Sam Allen – Steve Martin

Thanks for the memories – indeed.

><> lsa and Marilyn

Don't forget to check the photos!

http://www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm

Two entries today - read em both!!!

The MAN!!

This is Larry’s 5th trip with Spirit. He’s a dear part of the group and he takes great care of everyone. Larry’s been a wonderful chaperone, mentor, and guardian since 2002 when the group went to Corpus Christi and performed Godspell at the Southwest Texas Annual Conference. The MAN has taken Spirit all the way from to Victoria and South Padre to Washington D.C. and he takes the time to get to know the young people in the group and to be a real part of the tour He’s a Texas native from Austin and he says the high point of his many tours with Spirit was the senior service at Cloudcroft, N.M. in 2004. It’s fun to hear him talk about his past trips and his experiences taking care of groups like us.

We feel very safe with him at the helm.

Thanks and God bless Mr. L. You are loved.

Oh, and happy birthday on Tuesday, too.

Trip report - Day Three - Colorado Springs!!

Another beautiful day and safe drive to Colorado Springs. We had a leisurely lunch and picked up Luke (no, you’re not my faaaather) who gave us a great tour of the Air Force Academy. We performed well at Calvary UMC here to a very warm and responsive crowd including some great kids from their church.

Then, we descended on a Baskin Robbins and ate a BUNCH of ice cream. Quote overheard at 31 Flavors: “seriously sir, how many are there?”

Tomorrow we go rafting at Buena Vista and I’m not so sure we’ll get online. If we don’t report for a day or so, don’t worry. We’re fine.

But pray for us anyway, just in case.

Much love to all of you from all of us.

><> lsa and Keesha.

Hmmm. He’s in Raton, too…..

Hello children. Great day today. Traveled from Plainview to Raton, NM – beautiful weather and high spirits. Then….

OK, you know how God’s always doing the paradox thing? You know – the last shall be first, he who exalts himself, he who humbles himself. Well, our arrival in Raton had all the makings of a real downer. Got to the hotel and the power was out. It was still out at the church when we arrived. Looked like we would have to go without all the sound equipment, etc. Then Tony noted that the acoustics in the place were pretty good and it was a small sanctuary (but beautiful - check out the pix @ http://www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm) so he decides we’re going to do this “unplugged”. Sounds good and off we go.

Then the rumor started that maybe the folks at Raton might have forgotten that we were coming, but we sure couldn’t tell it by the nice folks that showed up (that’s who the strangers in the photos were) and the great burgers they served us. We had a whopping crowd of 22 people, but the performance was simply, well, anointed. Y’know? The songs were strong and the message was stronger. After we were done, the youth pastor of the church gave the benediction and we were all very moved. Sniffle city - I think the kids were as touched by the presentation as the folks who came. And so God did another, uh, God thing.

Y’know?

Eh?

Off to Colorado Springs tomorrow. More prayers please.

Much love from lsa and his sidekick, Keesha.

><> lsa

Off and running..... Day One - Godspell tour

Hi everybody – greetings from Plainview, Texas.

If you’ll recall the lyrics of the song Have You Seen Jesus my Lord, this is where Jesus is:

Have you seen Jesus my Lord?
He's here in Plainview....

** a-huck **

Photos from today and after may be found at :


http://www.sierravista.org/godspell/godspell.htm

Quote from Tony:

"We made it, first stop done."

(Tony is very tired).

More tomorrow. Keep us in your prayers.

<>< lsa