Pippi

Pippi Longstocking is coming into your world...a freckle-faced red-haired girl you'll wanna know...the one who's fun to be around.

Stick Horses in Pants are on Wikipedia

Stick Horses in Pants now have a Wikipedia page!

Remember the Poor, Part 2

Boundless published the second part of my article "Remember the Poor" today. In it, I discuss practical ways we can reach out to those in need.

Whether or not the needy deserve our help, there is an undeniable connection between giving to the poor and loving God. Proverbs 19:17 says: "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done."

While it blows my mind that I even could lend something to God, what an amazing privilege! Getting started helping the poor may seem daunting, but opportunities are plentiful.

A few of these opportunities: be informed, have a plan, respond to the Spirit's leading, give and leave the results to God. Any other ideas out there?

Remember the Poor

God's been working on my heart recently on the issue of helping the poor. It started when I read The Justice God is Seeking by worship leader and songwriter David Ruis (He wrote "Every Move I Make"). But I suppose God had planted the seeds in my heart even before the book.

In my newest Boundless article, "Remember the Poor, Part 1," I pass on Ruis' insights on the poor and talk about my own struggle with getting involved. First, I must confront my prejudices.

She had a sweet little voice — one that could have belonged to a girl much younger. "Do you have some money so I could buy some shoes?" she asked.

I glanced down at her. The dark-haired girl sat on the sidewalk with her back against the stone building. Her bare toes peeked out from beneath her muslin, hippie-style skirt. My friend and I were rushing through the chilly Denver rain after spending some time at our favorite bookstore. The day was colder than it should have been for late March.

I mustered a sympathetic smile. "I'm sorry," I said. "I don't have any cash."

I wondered if the girl's request was a ploy. What could sound more pitiful than begging for shoes? Even if I did give her cash, would she spend it on shoes? Probably not, I thought.

Read more....

Stick Horses Named "Best Artist" by Independent

Hooray! Stick Horses in Pants was named "Best Artist" by the Colorado Springs' Independent (scroll down a few entries).

When "Artist" won "Category We Forgot" last year, we assumed Indy redars had a visual artist in mind. But, of course, you know what happens when you assume. It was a (pleasant) surprise when readers crossed over into performing arts and voted for local improv comedy troupe Stick Horses in Pants.

Thanks fans, for voting for us! Also, congrats to SHiP member and friend Toby Lorenc for nabbing the bronze for "Best Realtor." To celebrate our win, Hunter gave our Web site a major face lift. Be sure to check it out!

Party Like You've Got a Cavity

My dentist is holding an "Open House." I've received three invitations so far:

Please join us in celebrating over nineteen years participation with you in the dental community, and the opening of our new office location.

Um, I don't mean to be rude, but really...what would motivate me to go to the dentist for fun? It would be one thing if they were giving away a free teeth whitening or a lifetime's worth of floss. But there's no mention of any prizes. Just a humble request to come "celebrate" with the dentist.

Don't get me wrong. I like my dentist. He is a very kind man. But I drag my feet to go there twice a year. Why would I give up perfectly good social time to party with the guy whose legacy in my life is pain?

I wonder what kind of snacks they'll have. Celery? Pretzels? Sugar-free gum?

One friend suggested I should go, just so I have something to blog about. Maybe I will...if my laundry is done, my friends are all out of town and there's nothing good on TV. Sadly, I just received an announcement that the event has been postponed until December. Perhaps the theme can be, "All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth...and your drill to stay out of my mouth." Nothing says holiday cheer like a trip to the dentist.

Satisfy Your Duriasity!

Today The Daily Durias turns 5! Go over and wish 'em a Happy Birthday!

Gilbert on Stage

Last night, Krishana and I went to the Buell Theater in Denver to see "The Drowsy Chaperone." I had heard it was a cute, funny little musical, but apart from that I didn't know much about it. Imagine my surprise and delight to discover that Jonathan Crombie, the actor who played Gilbert Blythe in "Anne of Green Gables," was playing the lead role of Man in Chair.

From The Boston Globe:

Beautiful girls, tap-dancing guys, lavish production numbers, and a whole LP's worth of silly songs - "The Drowsy Chaperone" has everything you could ask for in a vintage 1928 musical, except that it doesn't exist.

Well, of course, there is a show called "The Drowsy Chaperone," which opened in a sprightly touring production last night at the Opera House. But the real "Drowsy Chaperone" - the one that doesn't exist - is an absurd bit of fluff that is, literally, too ridiculous to be true. On tour as on Broadway, where it won five Tony Awards, it exists only in the mind of a character identified simply as Man in Chair.

One of my favorite moments was the show stopping number "Show Off" sung by the main character—a stage actress who is giving up her career to marry the man she loves. As she sings about how she doesn't want to show off anymore, she does a series of attention-getting tricks.

I don't wanna wear this no more.
Play the saucy swiss miss no more.
Blow my signature *kiss* no more.
I don't wanna show off.

Though a great departure from Gil, Jonathan did a spectacular job as Man in Chair. His role was very comedic. At one point he started unwrapping a cereal bar on stage. "What?" he asked. "I have blood sugar issues. I know it's rude to eat this in front of you. But, believe me, you wouldn't like the alternative."

Like many modern musicals, "Chaperone" makes fun of musicals, which endears it both to musical theater fanatics and haters. An example of this is when the wedding is broken off, and yet all the characters get swept into a big song and dance number. Suddenly, the leading lady asks: "Why are we singing and dancing? This is the worst day of my life!"

In the final number, when Man in Chair finally experiences some happiness, I saw Gilbert in Jonathan Crombie's smiling face. Just another reason why I love live theater. "The Drowsy Chaperone" plays through October 26 at the Buell.

Bekah's Wedding

My sister Bekah got married on Saturday. Fall leaves, lanterns, orange bridesmaid dresses, painted sand dollars, red roses, tulle, white lights, an original love song sung by my brother and sister, a grandfather present, a bride who looked like a princess and her ecstatic prince culminated to create one of the most magical, beautiful, memorable weddings I have ever experienced.


Bekah's artistic touches and Ezra's craftsmanship were all over the event. Ezra built a wooden canopy, which stood on stage, draped with garlands of fall leaves. Swoops of tulle and white lights extended from a hoop in the center of the room to its outer edges. Bekah painted 200 sand dollars in warm metallic colors as wedding favors. My brother Matt wrote an original song (and performed it with my sister Sarah) to capture the couple's fairy tale romance and produced a "Wedding Story" style video to give guests a taste of their relationship. One of the coolest touches was the six silhouettes that Bekah and Ezra created on canvas. They used a light to create the poses and then painted them in black and red.


The day was crisp and sunny. My nephew Ben succeeded in his ring bearing duties (he took his job VERY seriously). My aunt, uncle and grandfather journeyed from the East Coast to celebrate with us. The wedding was at 2, and Bekah and Ezra didn't leave the church until 7. Instead of having guests see them off in their car, I watched them go out to the car in which my grandfather was riding and give him the royal send off.


I'm proud of Bekah. I'm proud of Ezra. Christ's love was celebrated in their covenant day.





More wedding pictures.

Baby Sister is Getting Married

My sister Rebekah is getting married on Saturday. My how the time has flown since Christmastime when whispers of a relationship with Ezra began, and April when we were in New York and we felt like Ezra was with us (due to numerous text messages) and May when Bekah called me to tell me they were engaged.

Many people have asked me how I feel about having my baby sister—nine years younger than me—marry while I am still single (I imagine others have not had the courage to ask). I'm not sure my reaction is typical. Of course, there is the usual sentimentality that sets in when you are part of a wedding or watch a really good chick flick. When I listen to the beautiful love song my brother wrote for the wedding, I sigh and get a little misty. But my primary feelings about Bekah's marriage are joy and hope.

First of all, I am overwhelmed with joy that Bekah is marrying a godly man who exhibits a love for her that reflects Christ's love for the church (Eph. 5:25). I have prayed for Bekah for many years, that she would walk devotedly with the Lord and find a partner who encourages her in her faith. Near the beginning of their dating relationship, Bekah asked me if I had any recommendations for devotional books. At Ezra's prompting, she wanted to become more serious about her devotional time. I was touched by the way Ezra was already leading Bekah spiritually.

Some assume that I would be discouraged by the fact that my little sister is getting married before me—after all, I have waited nine years longer than she for a godly spouse. I won't deny that an occasional question of God's fairness has crossed my mind, but by His grace, Bekah and Ezra's journey has encouraged me in a profound way and renewed my hope.


Before Ezra came along, I saw Bekah struggle through several "not right" relationships. They were the kind of relationships that were OK, but clearly not God's best. When I see Bekah and Ezra together, it is apparent each of them believes they have found a treasure in the other. They bring out the best in one another and desire God's good in each other's lives. As I've watched their story unfold, I have witnessed what the Giver of Life can do through a relationship He ordains.

I also recognize that He is writing different stories for me and my sister—both of them for His glory. He has blessed her with Ezra in this season, because that is what she needs—or perhaps He just wishes to delight her in this way. And I have no reason to doubt that God can, and will, do the same for me in His timing. I'm not claiming a promise that does not exist. I am only blessed by this outpouring of God's love and grace on my sister and trusting that He desires to lavish His love on me, too (1 John 3:1). I hope you will be encouraged today that God is great and that He loves you—really loves you—more than you can comprehend.

I'm Having a Niece!

Yes, a baby girl will be added to my brother's family in February! Hooray!
[photo illustration by Sarah Romanov]