If/Then

Whilst in NYC, I really wanted to see a show on Broadway as I love going to the theatre at home in London and didn't get to go the previous summer I was there. Looking at what was possible to see, we decided to go with If/Then because I wanted to see something not on in London and Karen hadn't seen it before. And there may have been that small tipping factor of the fact that Idina Menzel was the lead, I had no idea she was back on Broadway! My 14 year old wicked obsessed past me was very very excited.

Pre-show we had dinner with the Tees family (who run Camp DeWolfe and are one of the loveliest families there is) at Juniors. The food was great and they specialise in the most incredible sounding cheesecakes so we took out a carrot cake cheesecake in a box with us to eat after If/Then (later discovered to be the greatest decision ever made).

I went into this show knowing very little about the story line which was was good yet unusual for me and we waited in our seats with anticipation. As the show is about a woman whose life could have taken two different paths from one moment in time, it does take a bit of concentration to follow, but I managed and the story line is quite emotional, particularly in the second act which I enjoyed way more than the first. I loved that the show was set in nyc because I had been in and out of  the city all summer and from staying there for a bit I understood all the nyc related quips about the subway, amongst other things. I naturally assumed there would be a loud belting wondrous Idina solo, which did eventually appear in all its glory at the end of the musical ('Always Starting Over') and it was excellent. That woman can SING.

Having read some mixed reviews of If/Then, I can see where critics are coming from when they say it is clichéd in its presentation of ideas about chance and 'what ifs'. But from my point of view (which may not mean much in the grand scheme of things as I tend to love everything I see on a stage) it was so great to see a smaller, less well known production that was well put together, sung and acted brilliantly. It was just what I wanted from my experience of a Broadway show and I left with such a feel-good feeling. 

Literally carrot cake cheesecake. My two favourite cakes! best EVER.

Love,

Bethan

2014

Things I learnt and took away from this past year.

Don't be afraid of the wrestle - January
At the beginning of my second semester at university, Ruth spoke in church about HOPE and how it is something you have to want to do. God isn't afraid of the wrestle, why should I be?

Be kind not crazy - February
Whilst looking at Ephesians 4 in my lifegroup, Jon said that all too often we can respond to people with an off-handed craziness rather than with simple kindness. "You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together both outwardly and inwardly."

Carry each others burdens - March
Life does sometimes get tricky. I thought about where I got my emotional support from and the importance of having people to talk to when you just aren't sure about things.

Embrace the spirit of an adventurer - April
This one stems from my spontaneous trip to Paris with Becki, Natascha, Ellie and Kathryn. I was given a prophetic word that I have the spirit of an adventurer and I have kept this word with me ever since. I love it!

You are worth the Son of God - May
This had me thinking for days. HOW?!?! This is my value. This is our value. The Son of God. How my head will ever wrap itself around that I do not know. Incredible.

People and stories have transformative power - June
I read The Irresistible Revolution by Shane Claiborne for our staff training at camp and this was one of the things that stood out to me.

Community. Family. - July
Finding another home on the north shore of Long Island is one of the best things that has happened in my life. Spending all of July and August there we became a family. Such a joy.

Even if - August
I heard about the story in Daniel 3 - Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down to Nebuchadnezzar's statue and were thrown into a furnace. "If you throw us in the fire, the God we serve can rescue us. But EVEN IF he doesn't, it wouldn't make a difference, we still wouldn't serve your gods or worship your statue." Even if. Because it's not about what Jesus will do but what he has done.

Encouragement reinforces community - September
That it does! I am so blessed to have community in many places - Manchester, Croydon, Camp DeWolfe.

Sacrifice always releases power - October
This term, my church  has been focusing on being lavished by the father heart of God. Mark said this when talking one Sunday and it stuck with me. I am not sure what it completely means yet.

Carry this heart - November
This got me thinking about the kind of heart I want to have and carry. I heard this in the context of calling other people home; carry this heart.

Embrace the freedom he has given you - December
"God wants to give you a greater source of freedom in all areas of your life. He wants you to be free to love and worship him in everything that you do. He has so many adventures in store for you and you'll realise this more as you embrace the freedom he has given you." This is what I'm taking forward into 2015.

Happy New Year,

Love Bethan