What a busy week..... with a "fairy tale" but not so happy ending.....

After the "Invention Convention" on Tuesday evening, it was time for the play that both Lia and Ellie had been working so hard towards.  There were performances on both Wednesday and Thursday and I was able to attend on Thursday.  It was a production of "Cinderella, Jr".  Lia was quite thrilled to be a Narrator, a guest at the ball, and a horse pulling the carriage and Ellie got to be a mouse!

This is near the beginning of the play, Ellie as Clara the mouse and when Lia also was a member of the household. 

Here is Lia doing one of her many speaking parts.  

Lia as one of the "horses" pulling the carriage (which was really cute....a very big prop and I love that they gave the girls stick horses!)  And finally, Lia dancing at the ball...notice a glimpse of Prince Charming in the background.

Here is the really amazing thing about these pictures.  Lia was really sick!  She had vomited just after the Pizza party but really wanted to tough it out and do the play.  She made it through the entire play, but barely made it home before getting sick again.  She had a nasty case of the stomach virus that was going around.  But what a kid!  She did such a great job in spite of feeling nasty!  And we were so, so proud of Ellie.  What a big deal it is to wear a costume and know where to be on the stage for a little kindergartner.  I am so impressed with these directors that take these 5-10 year olds and put on these big shows. Unfortunately, Ellie got the same stomach virus, so it was not to pleasant of an ending to Cinderella for Gwen and Tim and their family!  But, this to shall pass (hopefully not to Zeke or Anna OR Gwen and Tim).

It just reminds me again, that we need to be expecting so much more of our children.  In the Christian community we tend to take the kids out of church and put them somewhere to be entertained so that the adults can not be distracted.  Or even worse, there are many times when children are not welcomed at all!  Children are able to sit still in school for hours on end, or for hours at some sporting event, yet we think that they can't sit for 45 minutes or an hour in church.  How silly of us!  The children behave to our expectations.  If we expect children to sit and listen and learn, they will!  I am so thankful, when my own children were young, they stayed in church with us.  Sunday School was at a different time and we ALL went to class.  But church was a family event.  And my kids appreciate worship now as adults.  It seems funny to me that as children have become more advanced at younger ages in so many ways (have you seen little babies operating cell phones?  I have!  Anna (age 1) can turn on and open my phone to pictures!) the church has not responded and changed the status quo.   I want so much more for my grandchildren and all children.     These kids have gifts and talents and visions and ideas that we as the body of Christ need!   Join me in praying that the attitudes and atmosphere of the Christian body would be softened and open to the children. 

I am so thankful that Lia has been given the opportunity to share on a stage, with a microphone.  She has a call and destiny that includes sharing Jesus and the Gospel message with her piers.  And this experience will help pave the way to give her confidence to carry out her mission!

Jesus, thank you for wonderful opportunities for children to learn and grow.  Holy Spirit, thank you for the many ways you prepare us all for the things which are ahead in our lives.  Thank you for the ways you are using schools and park districts and clubs to prepare children towards their call and destiny.  Jesus, soften the hearts of the leaders in the Christian community to have a new vision for the children.  Thank you for health and quick healing for Lia and Ellie and protection for the rest of the family from this stomach virus!  Amen