2010-2011 Shining Light Member's blog

Archive for September, 2009

nexus numero uno!

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009
Post written by Katrina

So the first nexus of the season was fun! Kelly had some fun games planned (as always!) that were sure to both embarrass and entertain =)

The wonderful food staff provided us with Hawaiian chicken and banana strawberry smoothies to celebrate our Luau theme. One word covers the food at our nexus Luau; delish =)

Back to rehearsal next week..our first show is right around the corner! =)

I just realized that I ended all of my paragraphs with a smiley. There are reasons to be stressed everywhere I look. I’ve got a full load of classes, a job, my involvement in Shining Light, and a social life. There are SO many opportunities for me to just be down and out about a ton of different things, but I’ve come to realize that God is so much bigger than those things. They are insignificant compared to the love He has shown me. Joy is plentiful in my life..maybe it has something to do with this verse I found while looking through my Bible last night..

“And it is a good thing to receive wealth from God and the good health to enjoy it. To enjoy your work and accept your lot in life-that is indeed a gift from God. People who do this rarely look with sorrow on the past, for God has given them reasons for joy.” -Ecclesiastes 5:19-20

Have a splendid rest of the week =)

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A Special Guest

Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009
Post written by Katrina

Well, things are getting busy. School is well underway and the season is continuing to gain momentum as we work hard in preparation for our first show on October 18th at Teen Challenge. I’m looking forward to the show with anticipation, because it’s always been one of our favorite places to perform. The audience warmly welcomes us with shouts of praise and glory to God–and it gives us so much joy to know they are beginning to have a relationship with Him as they come out of drug and alcohol addictions in hopes of transforming their lives.

There’s a lot of choreography to practice…I’ve found it to be much more fun and helpful to practice with friends, because you can help to build each others confidence and desire to put 100% of yourselves into whatever you are doing.

Last night we were fortunate enough to have a special guest performance. Jeff Bohn’s brother, Hans, a member of the Boston Pops Symphony that plays in Symphony Hall, shared with us his talent on the trombone, with Jeff accompanying him on the piano. It was really cool to see the two brothers sharing their love of music through their talents. We thank Hans for lending his time and talents for our group to enjoy!

It’s probably time for homework..ah, the life of a college student!

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Week Three..Continuing to Praise

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009
Post written by Katrina

The new Shining Light season seems to be well underway after our third rehearsal. The choreography is getting more intricate, but if everyone remains as dedicated as they were at the last rehearsal, we’ll soon get the hang of it. Props to our choreographers, Jeni and Gisy, for staying up to date on the most current and creative dance moves! As a dancer, I can personally say it is so fulfilling to do something I love for the glory of the Lord, and I can’t wait to portray it through intricate movement–one of my expressions of faith.

I’m glad we got to meet with our Small Groups again this week. My group had both thought provoking questions and discussion that allowed everyone in the group to either learn something new or to see something from a different perspective. Sharing prayer requests and joys is often my favorite part of the session because I hope to connect with the girls in my group on a personal basis. I think it’s going to be a fun year : )

We had even more prospective members join us this week than in previous weeks…keep em’ comin’! Don’t forget to bring your friends this coming Sunday, September 20th for Friends Night!

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Getting to know one another (and “Continual Praise”) a little better…

Monday, September 7th, 2009
Post written by Katrina

We had a few more prospective members join us last night at rehearsal for the first time, and there were a lot of familiar faces who joined us again for their second week!

The group continued to learn vocals and choreography for a new song that will be added to the program, and it was encouraging for me, as a third year member, to see those who haven’t had any formal dance training (and those who have discovered it may not come as natural to them as to others!) to keep pushing through and giving it their all! Great job to all of you who keep a smile on your face the whole time! =)

Last night was also the first night of small groups! The girls were split into four groups, and the guys into two, and we will be periodically meeting in these small groups to connect and have group discussion. As a small group leader, I know that I am pumped to get to know my girls better and make connections that will allow us to tackle the tough stuff in life!

Dancin’ into next week…

See ya then!

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Kicking off the 2009-2010 Season!

Tuesday, September 1st, 2009
Post written by Katrina

Hey everyone!

I’m thrilled to say that Shining Light kicked off their 14th season this past Sunday, the 30th, at 6pm! The evening was a blur of excitement, even for myself as a third year member, as we welcomed 17 new faces who were checking out Shining Light for the first time!

The new season began with some fun games that allowed returning members and new/prospective members to get to know one another. In Shining Light, we love to share our experiences with others in the group, so we always enjoy a game that allows us to socialize!

The evening continued as three returning members–Robert, Lauren, and Daniel–served as a panel that responded to questions commonly asked by perspective members of Shining Light, such as: How do you balance school, a job, and Shining Light? What was your biggest fear or concern when you joined Shining Light and how did you overcome it?, etc.

After we allowed for a bit of adjustment for our prospective members, we jumped (literally!) right into rehearsal by learning a new song that will be incorporated into our program in the coming months. The singing and choreography required high energy, and Kelly praised us for a job well done! =)

Of course, a Shining Light event (even if it IS only a three hour rehearsal!) just would not be complete without a snack! The lovely and dedicated food staff graciously provided us with a mixture of vanilla ice cream and our choice of either watermelon or mango Rita’s Italian Ice to help cool us off after some hard work.

I’m looking forward to next week for another exciting rehearsal! We can’t wait to see our prospective members back again! =)