Rachel starring in Steel Magnolias

Rachel was blessed to be able to act in her high school's production of Steel Magnolias in February.   She played Shelby.

For those of you not familiar with the play, Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama play about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana.  The action centers on Truvy's beauty parlour and the women who regularly gather there. The story begins on the morning of Shelby's wedding to Jackson and covers events over the next three years, including Shelby's decision to have a child despite having Type 1 diabetes and the complications that result from the decision.  Although the main storyline involves Shelby, her mother and Shelby's medical battles, the underlying group-friendship among all six women is prominent throughout the drama.

The production was wonderful (there is certainly no bias here from the proud papa).  I had told Lisa I was only going one night, but ended up attending all four nights of the performance.  I absolutely loved it!! It was wonderful to see Rachel revel in her role.  She has become one talented young lady!

The entire cast.

Rachel as Shelby

She got her locks cut off!

Here is Shelby (Rachel) having her hair done up for her wedding.

Although Julia Roberts played her first, I prefer my girl as Shelby!!

Falling asleep...counting my blessings!

Lisa and I went last night to the Empire Theater in Richmond to celebrate her birthday and see the musical "WHITE CHRISTMAS".  It was a fabulous show!  We thoroughly enjoyed the songs, the costumes and the entire production.  A fun date night out on the town for us.

One of the songs was "Count Your Blessings" and some of the words are as follows:

"If you're worried and you cant sleep,
just count your blessings instead of sheep
and you'll fall asleep counting your blessings."


What a great message for this time of year (as well as any time really).  I could start counting my blessings:  Lisa, the kids, our home, mom, my bros, a bed to sleep in, food for breakfast, a car, coffee, a Bible to freely read, clothes, friends, etc etc.   I could go on and on and on and fill pages with blessings from the Father.

What a great reminder of God's love toward us!