Acting as a calling?

Tonight I saw a dear friend that I hadn't seen in a while. She asked how things were going and if I enjoyed touring. The typical questions I get from people. Then she asked if I felt that this was my "calling?" I hadn't really thought about that question. I was having so much fun living out my dream I hadn't thought of what I was doing as "calling." I had always thought of it as a "gift from God" but not necessarily a "Calling by God."

It is an interesting questions and I believe the best way to look at what has happened and is happening in my life. It also pulled up some old thoughts on theology and our relationship to God and each other.

I believe that God "calls" all of us. God "Calls" us to be lights in the darkness. God "calls" us to spread "The Word." God "calls" us to set the example.

In my own life I have done my best to live out that call in a variety of ways; as a carpenter, as a teacher, as a sales person, as a youth minister, again as a teacher, and now as an actor. (all of these are professions. I am omitting as parent, child, friend, etc. We are called in all aspects of our life and all of these are important.)

God calls us where we are to what we are capable of. And that call is always changing, growing, evolving. It isn't stagnant. As the world around us changes so can God's means of calling us. God's purpose it constant and steadfast. God's ultimate will doesn't change. Put God's call, God's way of blessing us, using us, empowering us, however you choose to word it changes as we change and as our world changes.

I have been blessed with the gift of living out my dream. I now hope to carry the Call of God with me as I live out that dream. My favorite moments from last years tour were those where I felt the hand of God. A comforted child, a big smile, a conversation with a stranger, sharing with a new friend, religious discussions with those who believe differently than I do, a quiet moment in a bus or on a stage, a gentle touch, a reunion with family and friends, and so much more.

In all of this I try and remember the blessings that have been heaped upon me and to remember that God has given me this and is calling me out of this. I have the chance by my actions and deeds to spread "the word." To share God's love. In a small way to be a part of changing our world.

Thanks to my dear friend for reminding me that God is "Calling." The question is "Will I follow."

David

Life as a Children's Minister's Spouse

Today I spent the entire day at the church working the Children's Consignement sale. Twice a year our church host a consignment sale for the community. It has become a huge deal. Over 250 consigners with a waiting list of over 60. 24,000 items for sale. The Children's Ministry Team keeps 25% of total sales with the consigners getting the remaining amount. At the end of the sale consigners can donate unwanted clothing to a charity chosen by the church. Everybody wins in this endeavor. Tonight we were open for 3 hours and sold over $23,000 worth of merchandise!

It was a zoo. Lots of people. But I have to admit that it was fun. It was good to see people of the church that I hadn't seen in a while and to see so many people get enjoyment from saving money.

It was also a great way for Cay, Ashlea and I to participate in something together. Everything is always better when you do it as a family.

Find a time this week to spend some time with your families. If you can't be there in person then call and talk for a while or write a heart felt letter. I know they will appreciate it and you will probably feel better too.

David

Daily Workouts

I just got home from running from the church to my house. This is about a mile-and-a-half. It took me about 15 minutes. I usually try and walk/run for 45 minutes to an hour (mostly walk). Today, I wanted to get home in time to watch Monday Night Football.

I am amazed at how much better I feel when I exercise. I know I need to do it every day but don't see to be able to commit to it. I hope to do better this month.

Since Christmas of 2006 I have lost 55 pounds. Since getting cast as Daddy Warbucks I have lost 45 pounds. Most of this is simply due to lifestyle changes. When traveling I never took food on the bus or to my hotel room. I basically cut out all snacks and went to eating only 3 meals a day. I also don't drink or smoke (except water and diet cokes).

I also started walking more. While in NYC I would always walk rather than taking the train, bus or a cab. I figure I probably walked 5 to 7 miles a day while in NYC. Couple that with rehearsals and all the energy expended during rehearsals and performances and it all adds up.

Now I try and exercise 3 to 4 days a week and eat in moderation watching sugars, starches and carbs. It is really just a common sense diet. I still eat things I like including the occasional ice cream, candy bar, and nachos. I just try not to do it every day and definitely not more than once during a day.

I hope to loose another 10 pounds before Oct. 28 and the beginning of the next tour. By June I hope to be down to 200 pounds which is my ideal weight. I don't know that it will happen but it is good to have a goal.

The most important thing for me is that I have gone from wearing a 46 waist to wearing a 38 waist. I am hoping to get into a 36 or 34 by June. (the size I wore 25 years ago)

Good luck to all you dieters out there. You can do it. And remember losing weight is simply a benefit of getting healthy.

David

Faith and Religion

Sunday's are one of the toughest days of the week for me. I have always thought of myself as a person with a deep faith. I have known and experienced God in many ways over the years. Often the places I have found God are those that one would least expect.

Today I am reminded that those who claim to have the "Greatest" faith are often furthest from God. I am reminded of the story Jesus told of the Pharisee and the sinner. The pharisee prayed in public where people would be sure to hear him and thanked God that he was a righteous man and not like those sinners. The sinner found a quiet spot, fell to his knees and prayed "God forgive me, sinner that I am."

Today I found myself frustrated with short tempered people, ungrateful for all of the wonderful things God is doing around them and only aware of the little things that are ALWAYS going to go wrong. I became angry, frustrated and even afraid (my wife is Director of Children's Ministry and seems to be the center of controversy these days) that Cay might be harmed in all this. Why is it that our churches often feel like the most ungodly places in the world? Aren't churches suppose to be an example to the world rather than falling victim to the ways of the world?

In reflecting does this make me the Pharisee or the sinner? Maybe I'm just a very angry husband.

Time to do a little praying.

Peace,

David

Auditions

Today they are holding auditions for Orphans in NYC. I find myself missing the excitement of auditions. This really strange for me as I hate auditioning. I get really nervous and am rarely confident in my abilities. It was really nice to not have to audition this time around.

It will be strange going to rehearsals with a mostly new cast. It ought to add some excitement to the experience.

To all my friends in Texas, I hope you are all safe and sound. Know that you are in my prayers and I look forward to seeing you all this year as we make our way through your state. (I still think of it as home even though I haven't lived there in over 15 years)

Break-a-leg to all you guys auditioning today and I look forward to meeting those of you who make it.

David

The Beginning

Greetings family and friends. This is my new blog for those of you near and dear to my heart. This is a private blog page intended only for those I have invited or approved. Here I will share with you my thoughts and experiences as I travel across the US, Canada, and Asia doing this amazing show and playing this iconic role.

I invite you to use this blog as a means of staying in touch and letting me know what is happening in your lives.

The hardest part of being on the road is losing track of what is happening in the lives of those I love most. Hopefully this forum will allow me to feel more conected to all of you and what is happening in your lives.

Today, I went to a doctor to make sure that everything was OK with my voice. I had been having some odd sensations in my throat and was worried that something might be wrong. I am happy to report that all is well and that I probably just have a pulled muscle or pinched nerve (probably caused by sleeping on a bus for 9 months). Those of you who know me best know that my mind was running wild with all kinds of horrible outcomes.

Well, this is a beginning and a test of this new forum. I hope it works well for all of us and we will see how it goes.

Peace,

David