90 Days of God’s Goodness by Randy Alcorn is a daily devotional that is subtitled “Daily Reflections That Shine Light on Personal Darkness” and it delivers in a big way.

Pastor Alcorn takes us through many of the various things that darkness tends to bring with it and wisely gives insight to the situation.  The light pierces through the darkness as your heart is reminded of the wisdom of God in the crisis that sometimes creeps up in our lives.

In this 90 day devotional, you will no doubt find something that relates to your personal darkness.  I hope that as you dwell on God’s goodness while listening to the personal application  of each days study, that the light you’ll see will allow the heaviness of the situation you are facing to ease up…even if just a little.

If you feel like you are in a never-ending valley, may I suggest you get this book? If you think that no one on earth understands your pain and darkness, you’ll be encouraged as you read through this devotional and the light is shown on God’s goodness.  Your heart will be refreshed and renewed.

The audio book from Christianaudio.com is narrated by Lloyd James and is so easy and comforting to listen to.

I have many, many personal favorite quotes from the book, but I’ll list just a few of them below.

Whose we are, not where we are determines our misery or our joy

Isn’t it MORE remarkable that God would create a world in which no one would suffer more than HE did?

My weakness drives me to a greater dependence on Jesus

It’s one thing to suffer terribly, it’s another to CHOOSE to suffer (Jesus made that choice for US)

What if we see that every agony was giving birth to eternal Joy?

Believing God exists is not the same as TRUSTING the God who exists

Studying about evil and suffering doesn’t equal facing it, but it can go a long way in preparing us for it.  Provided we see it in relationship to both the goodness and greatness of God.

Trusting God doesn’t ward off all evil and suffering

Thank you to christianaudio for a complimentary copy of this book via the Reviewers program.  I am not required to give a positive review of this book. 

Christianaudio has a free audiobook for your downloading pleasure each and every month, as well as gift certificates for the audio book enthusiast in your world.

I’m honored that Eternal Perspective Ministries has partnered with Spreading Joy to give away 2 copies of this book.  All you have to do is leave a comment below so that I can have your email address and you’ll be entered into a random drawing.

For more about EPM, other books, or to hear messages from Pastor Alcorn,  please visit their website

You can follow Pastor Alcorn on twitter here

Trials WILL come; it’s just a matter of when.

Tears WILL fall; it’s just a matter of how long.

Your Heart will break; it’s just a matter of how many pieces.

I understand this isn’t spreading joy, but it IS truth.

We can boldly face another day with a little preparation; after all, it is just a matter of time before we face storms and trials.

I believe I can say for certain that each one of us will face the following things:

Uncertainty:

You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  You don’t know what situations will arise that are beyond your control.  You don’t know about job issues, medical bills and other things.  You don’t know what you’ll be facing.  Choose to focus on the facts, not the uncertainty.  Look at the facts and allow that to help give you direction.  Sometimes all it takes is looking at things from a different view point.  Don’t allow your emotions to drive you.  Emotions are a tricky beast and can have our minds full of fear and doubt.  Even when facing uncertainty, choose to maintain a good attitude while fixing what you can and working around the rest.

Disappointment:

I wish that you didn’t have to face disappointments, but the truth is that you WILL face it.  Prepare for it in advance by looking for the good in the disappointment.  It’s an old saying, but still rings true today, look for the silver lining.  It’s always easier to see the negative, but if we teach ourselves to see the positive, it will get easier to find through each disappointment.  I’m not telling you to ignore your hardships, I’m simply instructing you to look beyond them at what treasure may be forming because of the hardship.

The positive things are there, you have to look for them!

Fear:

Fear will consume us. You’ll be so afraid to do anything, to make decisions or even just take the next step if you are not aware of just how consuming fear is.  Set your fears aside and focus on the truth of what is going on.  The truth is that YOU are strong and you will make it through this.  The truth is that you have people that care about you and will help you through it.  Focus on the truth!  Find the resources that are available and see if those will lead to more resources.   As things start to fall into place, you’ll notice the fears subsiding.  Let me encourage you to step out into the unknown.  When you do, you’ll feel the courage coursing through you and that will give you the ability to take the next step, and the next one and the next one.

Difficulties:

When you are facing difficulties, you don’t have to face them alone.  There are people who have been where you are and they are willing to walk with you.  There are people who have been where you are going, they will help you out!

When we face difficulties, we clam up and withdraw and then try and face them alone.  This is the time that we need to reach out so that we don’t have to battle the depression alone.    Find a friend to share your fears and difficulties with and divide the pain and in doing this, you will also double the joy you share.

When you are facing difficulties that lead to depression, may I suggest you pour yourself into “others.”  Regardless of the finances, we can all make a difference for others and that act alone will help bring deep down joy that no one or nothing can steal from you.

Here are 50 Ways to make a difference without spending a penny.  YOU can make a difference!

Sorrow:

Facing sorrow is not easy.  When someone is struggling, spend time with them, chat with them until they laugh.  It doesn’t take a special talent, lots of money or gifts galore.  It only takes a willing heart.  Be sensitive to others when sorrows arise.  Don’t assume someone should be over the grief they are going through.  Don’t assume someone shouldn’t be hurting “over that situation.”  We all deal with grief, pain and sorrow differently.  Be sensitive and kind to those facing sorrow.  If you are in the midst of sorrow or grief, know that it’s ok.  There is no right way to grieve.  Sometimes writing out your feelings – the good, bad and ugly is a way of releasing them.  Sometimes, it’s a matter of sharing them verbally or counseling.  Some may even need medical help.  Whatever your means of facing your sorrow, remember YOU have friends and family that will help you face them.  Don’t withdraw and try to go it alone.  That’s what WE are here for.

Regret:

This is the ONE thing we can choose NOT to face.  Regret.  Regret will break us.  The guilt of regret will weigh our hearts down and beat us.

We all have made bad decisions.

We can learn from our bad choices, we can decide that yes… I did “that” but I will NOT allow myself to be in that situation again.  Don’t let regret keep you from boldly making a change in your life.  Don’t let guilt keep you down when you are capable of doing so much for you and your family.  Don’t let regret win.  You are strong enough to use it, learn from it and then beat it.

Think about this:

If we are living in the past and worried about the future, how can we be effective today?

It’s simple – - – We can’t.  Choose NOT to regret.  Put those past mistakes to good use by learning from them and sharing what you’ve learned with others.

Emptiness:

There are times that you’ll feel empty, alone and like you don’t matter.  It’s going to happen, it is just a matter of when.  When you face this, once again I have to insist that you go on fact instead of feelings. Feelings are so tricky and emotional roller coasters are not very fun.

Here are the facts:

• YOU Matter – Not only do you matter, but you matter a LOT.  You are the world to someone!
• YOU Make a difference – in so many ways.  You feel as though you do nothing special and you are nothing special, but THAT is what MAKES you special.  No one can make a difference like YOU do.  NO one!
• YOU will make if past this – and when you do, you’ll soar to new heights that you didn’t even know existed.

Use this time of empty feelings to focus on making a difference for others instead of dwelling on how you feel.  It can be as little as giving your children their favorite cereal for dinner, coloring with them in their coloring books.  It could be something like telling an older friend thank you for helping to shape our world into what it is today and taking some time to hear how they did it.  It could be something like extending patience to the cashier that is experiencing one rude customer after another.  Take your mind off of the emptiness that is flooding your heart and place your focus on those around you.  You’ll soon find the emptiness filling up with amazing JOY.

Overwhelmed:

Even the calmest person I know will face times when they are overwhelmed.  It’s at this point that you simply can’t afford to feel guilty for stopping and doing something for yourself.

STOP right here, pull yourself away from everything for a little bit.  Go outside, stretch and take 5 minutes to soak up the outdoors.  When you can, take an some additional time to just step away from all that is pulling at you.

If you have young children, it may need to be for 15-30 minutes after they’ve gone to bed, but STOP and do something for yourself.

It doesn’t have to be expensive, it just needs to be done and done without guilt.

Read

Write in your journal

Gaze out the window

Listen to the sound of the rain

Take a nap on the couch – set a timer so you don’t over sleep.

If you don’t pull yourself out of the situation for a little bit, it will only get worse.

How are you boldly facing tomorrow?  What other tips would you share with others?

To Hear an audio version of this, please click below:

Megan Dec 2011

I know what you must be thinking – it’s not real….or she didn’t mean it.

Well, I did mean it and still stand by it. Here is the post that details the event.  November 2009 was a year that Megan was healed, but something more important than her stomach and gastroparesis was healed.

Her Heart, Spirit and Will were healed.

She had been beaten down mentally by the doctors not believing us so much so that nothing mattered.  She was physically exhausted from throwing up everything. She was broken and I watched helplessly, praying and trusting God to mend what I couldn’t. He did.

A year later, her gastroparesis has flared up again. She went back on medicine and things were going well. She still dealt with daily pain, but digested her food.  Now, two years later, It’s not just sever stomach pain every time she eats, no.  She is not digesting solids at all. It’s been since before Thanksgiving since her stomach just stopped working….out of the blue.

Take your worst flu and multiply the symptoms by about 100 and that is what gastroparesis patients suffer with.

We center so much around food and eating.  It’s not noticeable until someone you love dearly is not able to enjoy eating.

She is 17 and has battled this in some fashion or another since she was 12. It was only late 2009 that we even knew what it was that she was battling.

Christmas 2011

As I look at her, wishing I could take her pain, wishing I could change places with her, my heart thinks of all the moms out there that watch their child fight cancer and other diseases.  Their strength amazes me.  Their courage amazes me.

Her strength amazes me.  She deals with this daily but is also enjoying life daily.  She struggles with being exhausted and sleeps more than most teens but still looks for and finds the blessings of the day.  She still would rather not have milkshakes, due to the fact that we are forcing them in her as it is a liquid that will stay.

Recent conversations go something like this…

No….no food today, have liquids. It needs to be a throw up free day.

You ate yesterday, you can eat next week.

My favorite was in a restaurant when the waiter asked if she was ok because she only had a tea, she replied.  I ate yesterday and get to eat on Christmas. (Christmas was a week later)

Yes, she struggles. Yes this is awful and yes – I’m afraid at times.  But, I can say YES, I’m trusting the Lord with her again…just as i did back in 2009 when so many came together to pray for a little girl they didn’t know.

So, the tests begin again. If medicine doesn’t work, if they don’t find out what caused this flare up (like gallbladder or something else) then she may have to have a pacemaker put on her stomach.

I come to you asking for your prayer for my princess.

Thank you for praying, for boldly going to the throne of grace on her behalf.

Thank you for your friendship, love and care.

You bless me.

Thank you.

To peek at a little of what Megan has endured, other than the chronic daily pain of Gastroparesis, click HERE to read her story

We all waltz into the New Year thinking of things we want to accomplish during the year.  

I hope that my list of resolutions will inspire you to boldly resolve to make resolutions that truly matter.  

Doing this will inspire you as well as those around you.

I resolve to make the best of whatever comes my way each day

I resolve to smile daily, even if it’s through tears

I resolve to encourage my family to be their best, even when the worst is flooding our world

I resolve to enjoy the success of others and encourage them to keep pursuing their passion

I resolve to treat others the way I want to be treated, no wait… BETTER than I want to be treated

I resolve to be kind to those who are the meanest

I resolve to listen to my heart and not feel guilty for doing things for myself

I resolve to do what I can with what I have and enJOY it

I resolve to read a book a month (or listen…as I love audio books)

I resolve to be a positive force

I resolve to use my strengths without worry about how my weaknesses may come across

I resolve to allow my heart to sing freely

I resolve to find beauty in the Ordinary

I resolve to laugh daily….regardless (hey, if I’m gonna cry often, I may as well laugh even more)

I resolve to hug freely

I resolve to say thank you to someone daily

I resolve to learn from my mistakes

I resolve to face difficulties with courage

I resolve to let those in my world know just how important they truly are

I resolve to continue to be Matthew 5:16

I resolve to be compassionate

I resolve to let the hurt & disappointment that surrounds me to make me more determined

I resolve to keep taking the next step, even when I can’t see the path

I resolve to love, and do so freely

I resolve to celebrate the good, forgive the bad and enjoy the moment

I resolve to change what I can, fix what is wrong & find the good in the rest

I resolve to reflect on the blessings of the day at the end of the day

I resolve to celebrate small victories and push onward through challenges

I resolve to be content with what I have, while striving to improve where I can

I resolve to not allow circumstances to dictate HOW I live

I resolve to not allow guilt to eat at my heart

I resolve to stop and smell the roses when I’m near them

I resolve to believe that I’m enough and not compare myself to others

What are some of your resolutions?  Please encourage others by sharing them below.

Here is a free PDF of this article. 

ONE little Question from this Child made many of us cry - "Ms. Marie, are you going to give my mommie Christmas presents for ME?"

Spreading JOY, making a difference and doing what we can, where we are with what we have.  That’s all that any of us can do.

When several hundred of us get together, it simply amazes me as to what can be accomplished.  I wish that I had the time and space to list what each one of you mean to Spreading Joy!  You should know because you cared, gave, worked and used your voice that there was hope sprinkled in the hearts of Mom’s and Children this Christmas.

The tears of joy, laughter and hugs were unbelievable as everyone enjoyed an afternoon of carefree fun.

Children held up “PaSketti” as long as their arms while trying to slurp it up. My friend and I were soaking up the moment as we watched one boy completely enjoying his “PaSketti,” he had a huge smile as he was navigating the food in the right direction and the Pasketti face was priceless!  Others enjoyed the hot dogs and scrumptious macaroni and cheese.  All enjoyed the delicious desserts that the ladies of New Grace Baptist Church provided for us.

We were able to reach out to these amazing women and kids because you reached out with your huge heart, time, talents and gifts.  Thank you! By partnering with us we were able to bring Christmas Joy their way.  Here is a look at what happened:

• We fed approx. 120 Moms and kids and volunteers spaghetti, salad, bread, mac-n-cheese, hot dogs and dessert
• There was an awesome selection of drinks for everyone to choose from
• The Moms were taken next door for some encouragement and shopping for toys.  They were encouraged to Boldly Walk into 2012.
• We were able to give each Mom a gift bag with the following – Chicken Soup for the Soul book, a second encouraging book, beaded bookmark, Oriental Carpet Creation purse, Nativity book/cd combo, body wash and/or hand sanitizer, coffee & condiment pack.  Do you realize how HUGE this gift is?  These Mothers didn’t come for anything for themselves.  They only wanted gifts for their kids!
• Each Mom was allowed to Shop for Free for 5 toys for their child to open on Christmas morning
• After the shopping was completed, they moved into our Wrapping Rooms and wrapped, tagged and secured each present for travel home. You should have been here to hear the laughter and giggles of delight!

While all of this was going on, the kids were having a grand time of their own!

• They heard the story of the Birth of Christ and how the Angels proclaimed this wonderful gift!
• We allowed them to row by row shop at our Candy Store.  There were about 30 different candies and treats for them to choose from.  YOU should have been there to hear their giggles and laughter at this! Such a sweet treat!
• We brought the children over to the gift rooms and allowed them to choose 2 gifts each to take home THAT day.  (The others were from their mom to be placed under the tree)
• Before each child left, I personally gave each one of them a hug and a Reese’s Cup.  As I hugged them, I told them just how very special they were and that people from all over the world cared about them and wanted them to have a very Merry Christmas.  Their smiles will forever warm my heart!

Thank YOU!

As exciting as this day was, there is no way it could have been possible without the help of so many wonderful people.

Huge thanks and a deep appreciation goes out to:

• Todd, from Mooresville NC – For donating all of the spaghetti, macaroni and cheese and hot dogs.  A HUGE thank you to Murdock, my friend for being my knight in shining armor in this! Both of you guys saved the day!
• Olive Garden for donating the Salad
• Those that collected toys for us: Clark Nexsen Architecture, Sport Clips Denver, Lake Norman Oral and Facial Surgery, Iron Mountain & Sugar Creek Garden Center
• Those that sponsored the Christmas Joy Event – Jeff & Kathy Broom, Teen Challenge Women’s Center, Hope Circle of Linden ARP Church, Sock Grams and LifeBridge Christian Center
• Thank you Jackie and Bob for using your voices by adding our Christmas Joy Event to your web site and spreading the word as much as possible.
• Thank you Michael and Angie for helping with emailing and rounding up places to collect toys and make donations.
• Thank you to The Book Rack in Charlotte for Donating books and the beaded bookmarks and to Lincolnton Book Stop in Lincolnton for donating books.
• Thank you to those that have Facebooked our event, recommending us for those seeking for places to give funding too.
• The precious friends I’ve come to know and love on Twitter that help us make a difference! My twitterverse is an amazing place of love and I’m forever grateful for each one of you.  You’ll never know the extent of my gratitude for you! You encourage me more than you can possibly imagine!
• Thank you to Patterson Pope – my full time employer, for the paid 16 hours of Community Service time to take care of the “STUFF” that is near and dear to my heart.
• Thank you to Pastor Jerry Taylor and the wonderful family of New Grace Baptist Church! Thank you for your monthly support, the use of your facilities, vehicles and for how you always step up and volunteer to help when we do these various events!
• My friends and family that always have time to help, volunteer and look for/round up what was missing, needed and offered an arm of support, smile of inspiration and heart of love. I love you and wouldn’t know what to do without you.

A special thanks to my Mom for helping me load and unload the majority of these gifts bright and early Thursday morning and last minute sorting on Saturday morning.  I hope that when I’m 70, I’ll still be going as strong as you are.  I love you dearly.

A very special thank you to Steve….my wonderful husband.  For listening to the endless chatter about the new ideas, the Candy Store and how excited I am to be spreading joy.  Christmas has always excited me, but making a difference in this fashion, kicks up the excitement factor…a LOT.  Thank you honey!! I love you.

I hope that you’ll watch the videos, see the pictures and that as you do, you’ll sit back, smile and say…

There’s no Joy like Spreading JOY!

Thank you! The hope you’ve sprinkled this Christmas will carry in the hearts of many for years to come!

[whispering] if I’ve forgotten anyone, PLEASE tell me so that I can fix it…and do so quickly!

Also – if you were THERE on this amazing day, please take a moment to comment and share YOUR story! I know you have one!  If you don’t, share how your heart soared in helping to sprinkle HOPE this Christmas!

Here is an audio recording of the encouragement I gave to the ladies:

Boldly Walk into the New Year!

Click here for a thank you video and a closer look at 90% of the toys

A Video for your Viewing Pleasure! Thank you for how you are Spreading JOY and Making a Difference!

We all love giving and making a difference.  Spreading Joy is what I love to call it.  The problem is that many of us look at our giving in the wrong fashion.  We look at what we can’t do, don’t have or dwell on the huge things that we may never be able to do.

There are so many gifts that are given to us and we treasure them, but when WE give them back to others, we often miss the value of what we are giving away.  We feel small and worthless because we can’t do more.  These gifts are priceless and should be given freely and often.

Let’s look at some examples together:

The Gift of Strength – Women are strong. We’ll step in between danger and our children in an instant and think nothing of it. We’ll face monsters that lurk in the dark, giants that terrorize our kids and a million other things that make our children and families feel weak and defeated.  Men will think nothing of protecting their family and closest friends, even if they are facing certain death.  When you strengthen another by lending a hand, agreeing in prayer or simply being their rock in times of deep sorrow and pain, you are giving those people the strength to take the next step, to put one foot in front of the other. You know what it feels like when your world has been shaken to the core and then how wonderful it is when a friend steps up to encourage you. During those times when your world is falling apart, a true friend to strengthen you is priceless. Value this gift more as you are that friend that steps in when it seems the world has stepped out.

The Gift of Time – In this hurry up society where the elderly are pushed aside, kids are sat in front of the TV and there is never enough time for anything or anyone anymore, this gift is more valuable than we seem to realize.  I love family gatherings, I love girls’ night out and I love one on one time with my kids.  That phone call out of the blue is often a ray of hope. Give the gift of time, knowing that this gift will always be treasured.

The Gift of Love – Unconditional love is simply amazing. Being loved just for you is a priceless gift we all desire. We feel like we have to prove things to others, be something that we are not or have the nicest things before “others” will love and accept us. Knowing that we are loved when we are whiny, bratty, disobedient, fearful, doubtful and even when we build walls, shutting out our friends is a precious gift. Why, then, do we not value it more when we give this gift away? You don’t just love your friends that live in the fanciest of homes, drive the best cars and provide the best dinner parties.  You don’t just love those family members that never cause you grief or always are helpful. You love your family and friends unconditionally and in doing so; you make a huge impact on each of those hearts.

The Gift of Peace – When the tears are flowing, uncertainty and anxiety are bursting from your heart, then a precious friend steps up, puts a loving arm around us and reassures us, it will be ok.  We don’t have to go through things alone.  When we have a friend that will hold our hand as well as touch our heart with kindness as we are going through the valley brings us amazing peace because we know someone cares and is willing to help us get through. This gift allows us to take one more step, knowing that it’s truly going to be ok.  I pray you use this gift often as you wrap your arms around someone hurting and assure them that “it” will be ok while you listen to them, allowing them to empty their heart of pain.

The Gift of Prayer – When we pray for others, we are sometimes guilty of thinking “I wish I could do more.” Well, I do that occasionally.  Praying for someone is absolutely the greatest gift ever! I’m boldly going before the throne of grace on their behalf and asking God the Father to find favor with them. I’m going before the One that knows their pain, feels their grief and is right in the midst of their trials.  I’m seeking help from the One that can help when no other can. The gift of prayer is perfect as one size fits all and anyone can do it!  I don’t know about you, but when I wake up to an email or message that says “I’m praying for you” my heart immediately smiles because I was being wrapped in prayer while I slept.  I have a policy that I never break.  My mind is usually running everywhere, so when someone pops into my mind and on my heart, I’ll say a prayer for them.  I do this, knowing that God placed them there for a reason since it was out of the blue.  I do try and contact them to let them know, but sometimes that just doesn’t work out.  Give the gift of prayer, without feeling like you should do more.

The Gift of Forgiveness – Pain is pain, regardless of who caused it, where it comes from and how deep it cuts to our core, it hurts! There are some that choose to hold a grudge and will simply not let go and they refuse to give the gift of forgiveness.  As long as we are in this earthly body, WE will hurt others.  We will disappoint, discourage and cause pain and have to ask forgiveness of those we cause this hurt to.  Remember that when someone has to ask you to forgive them.  Think for a moment….who do you need to forgive? Give this gift freely, without the give and take of reminding and remembering the pain.

The Gift of Courage – Standing alone is so frightening. We all feel uncomfortable and so very alone when all eyes are on us.  When you step up, stand up and lead the way, you may never realize it, but you are giving someone else courage to do the same.  Many do not want to stand alone and are fearful, so your simple act of leading the way empowers others with the confidence to do the same. Step up, speak up, stand out!  Go…boldly so!

The Gift of Compassion – When you give the gift of compassion you instantly make a difference. Be compassionate, even if you don’t understand what is going on or how someone could have gotten into “that” situation.  Be compassionate with your family, friends and co-workers as you may not realize what sadness or discouragement is running through their heart.  Be compassionate…period.  Many people are hostel and indifferent to those who are facing hard times. Your gift of compassion is received with a grateful heart and will be passed on. Someone will remember this gift and pass it to another that is facing difficulty. Look through the eyes of compassion today, as you never know when you’ll need others to look on you with compassion.

The Gift of Hope – All the resources are gone…. there seems to be no job, no money, no family members that will come to the rescue…no hope.  You see the need, you do what you can to help as well as do what you can to show them other resources and avenues that can be taken.  You give hope that tomorrow will be better, you inspire them to keep going, keep looking and remind them that someone cares. There’s nothing like the gift of hope. May I remind you to keep doing what you can with what you have and inspire others to do the same! The gift of hope is amazing.

The Gift of JOY – Joy is contagious! Don’t you just love being around people that are happy, joyful and that just seem to enjoy each moment of life? I love watching people like this! You can be going through a sad time, times of trials and discouragement and when someone like this comes your way, you can’t help but to smile by simply being around them. I love giving the gift of joy because this gift gets passed around easily!  Giving out smiles, looking people in the eye and being super friendly is something that we all are capable of doing. Create JOY!

These are priceless gifts that we treasure when we get them from others!  Why do we not see the value in them as we give them away to others?

I hope this encourages you to re-think your gift giving, refocus your values on these kinds of gifts and that it reminds you that you are awesome at spreading joy! I hope you’ll remember these gifts as you thinking about giving to others.

One of my goals is to make sure that I’m spreading joy daily and I hope that you’ll make that as your goal as well!

For ideas on making a difference without spending a penny – click here:

50 Ways of Making a Difference without Spending a Penny 

Need more still? Another 50 ways right here!

One more?

Making a Difference is as Easy as ABC…. 

This post was adapted from a guest post that I did for the Women’s Bible Cafe.

To see the Biblical application, click here. 

The Birth

I had the privilege of a sneak preview via the Producer Nathan Rouse and found it nothing short of amazing.

With obvious love for what they do and the message they are presenting, the cast pours their heart into each of their roles as they focus on the one thing that is so often overlooked during the Christmas Season, The Birth.

As you listen to the actors, hear the music and see the performance, your mind will resonate with the characters as you consider their words. Me, personally – I was struck by the Inn Keeper.  He saw them from a distance and knew what they wanted and the MILLION things he had going on instantly told him he didn’t have time for them.  I wonder how many of us get so busy during the Christmas Season that we are just like the Inn Keeper and don’t have room for the very One we are celebrating.

This production is a refreshing reminder to focus on The Birth of Christ.  It is done in a fashion that anyone, even those that are not active in a church, can enjoy.

If you are available to see The Birth, I hope that you will.  Go with a group or with a special someone, regardless, you are in for a treat!

If you look at the materials on the website and decided you’d like to have the crew do a performance in your Church, please Contact them, you’ll be glad you did.

Thank you Nathan for inviting me! It was an honor and pleasure to meet you! I’m excited to see where The Birth will be headed in years to come!

To Purchase your Tickets -- Click Here

THE BIRTH 2011: AT A GLANCE

• Starving Artist Productions’ SIXTH YEAR staging The Birth.
• Performing eight shows (or more if needed) over 7 days at the Duke Energy Theatre at Spirit Square in uptown Charlotte.
• Shows run December 12 – 19, 2011
• Show times, tickets and more information can be found at www.thebirth.net
• Show has been twice-nominated (2009 & 2010) for Creative Loafing’s “Theatre Event of the Year”
• “The Birth” is available for a limited number of private engagements for the holiday season
• The Birth will host its annual Celebration Event with show and concert on Saturday, 12/17.
• Check out previous reviews and stories about “The Birth” from Creative Loafing and the Charlotte Observer at www.thebirth.net/press/
• The show features both original and traditional holiday music and is based on the writings of Pulitzer Prize nominated author and theologian, Frederick Buechner.
• Source material for the monologues is from The Magnificent Defeat by Buechner.

Here’s a video of the Cast performing Shepherd’s Song

Shepherd Song -- The Birth -- thebirth.net from Starving Artist Productions on Vimeo.