Livin' Inside Out

Wow! Those kids did it again! Those talented, creative, Jesus-loving kids from RVCC pulled off another great show last night! I hope you had a chance to see it...

I mean, honestly, THESE KIDS CAN SING! There were 13 soloists....and they were ALL just great! There were tap dancers and ribbon dancers...and the funny "Three Blind Guys"....Hilarious! Kayla and Hudson pulled off great performances....and Miss Allyson Ford...what can I say? Her humor and ability to work the crowd with her clever lines...look out Saturday Night Live! The gym class choir was so convincing that "livin' inside out" is definitely what God wants from us! How the tears flowed as I watched the precious Shepherd Boy song...the message is so true.

We counted all the musical productions since Secret of My Success in the fall of 2001 (Thanks, Bailey, I couldn't remember the title). This was number 12! So much fun...and so many memories. Getting involved in the lives of kids...the payoff lasts a lifetime! ..."even though your life seems filled with ordinary things..."

Here are a few memorable moments:

Girls Rock!

Last Sunday night, 34 crazy rockin' kids and teenagers from rvcc (and a few of us older folks who want to be like kids) saw TobyMac and BarlowGirl live at Grove City Naz (which, btw, is the home church of Roberta Camp, Miss Ohio....she introduced them) It was SO MUCH FUN! I had probably seen TobyMac twice before and BarlowGirl once, but it's been awhile. Touring around and doing concerts seems like such a fun life (well...maybe for 6 months or so...lol)

I was particularly struck by BarlowGirl--three sisters who basically created all their own sounds...instruments and beautiful harmonies. Lauren, age 22, is a lead singer and drummer (May I say she has nothing on Jordan P., however, except striking harmonies and beautiful blonde locks...sorry, Jor). Becca (27) plays electric and acoustic guitar and sings background harmonies as well. Their amazing lead vocalist and *keyboard player, Alyssa (age 25), hung a bass guitar around her neck the entire time and would switch off as the song called for it...impressive.
*keyboard player envy...

During their concert, the three Barlow sisters take a stand for NOT DATING. I am really interested in this. Although it isn't, it might seem like purity to-the-tenth-power. I am intrigued. I am intrigued by young people who are committed to something out of the norm. Actually, I started a Secret Keeper Girls Club at church for our pre-teens and I love all the Dannah Gresh Pure Freedom stuff. One of the few books I have actually read cover to cover is "And the Bride Wore White." That's where I learned of Joshua Harris' book "I Kissed Dating Good-bye." Of course, the premise is waiting on God's timing and choosing to submit that area of your life to Him, trusting that He has your good in mind. I so admire young people with that kind of commitment.

Here's what I have read from the Barlow sisters online: "We believe that God has one perfect man already chosen for us; therefore we have no need to worry ourselves in searching for him. When the time is right we know God will bring us together. In the meantime we are not hiding in a closet avoiding all males. We are still living our lives, just without the pressure of having to have a boyfriend."


No doubt, this is an individual decision. I know for a fact that, as a teenager and young 20-something, I was too immature and full of folly to have bought in. Maybe that's why I admire BarlowGirl for it. And I pray for every girl and boy with that kind of faith. How do you feel about it?

You can read more about Barlow Girl on their MySpace page and their message board.

Happy 24th, Troy!

Today is the 24th birthday of our firstborn son.....Troy Michael Pekkala was born on Sunday morning, October 9, 1983 at 10:30 a.m. He weighed in at 8 lbs. 2 oz. The first born in a family is always such a joy...and Troy was the first grandchild on my side of the family so he got lots of attention! He was indeed a gift to Bill and me 24 years ago...I am not sure that we knew at the time how much he would teach us about life.

When Troy was born, I was teaching Kindergarten for the Eastern Schools. Bill was the guidance counselor there as well....a great place to start out! I was so young (23) and shallow and out of touch with what was really important....perhaps most of us are at 23. I wanted my son to have the coolest toys, the cutest clothes, the popular friends, straight A's in school, to excel on sports teams, yada, yada, yada.... Boy, have I grown up a lot! Surviving those years with teenagers really helps a Mom prioritize and gain perspective!


Unlike my good friend Jaki, Troy was a typical first-born parent pleaser. His teachers spoke of his leadership and his ability to get along with everyone. His grades were good...not always straight A's...but pretty close. He remarked once in high school that it was way too much work to get a 4.0....and just a lot simpler to relax, have fun, and take a 3.5. Pretty good advice.


As Troy grew older, it was evident that he was blessed with an internal drive to do WHATEVER he wanted. That boy is so ambitious! He started mowing lawns at age 13, and built that business up until one summer, he and Ian Smith had 30 lawns to mow in a week. Troy took certification for lifesaving and worked at the city pool several summers. He taught ski lessons at Spicy Run Mountain (remember that place?). Actually, I tagged Troy with a "rescue syndrome" in that he loves to be in situations where he can help others. Troy joined the Waverly Fire Department just out of HS, and made many fire and emergency runs...he loved it! He was on the dive team for the WFD and was PADI certified. Troy took the hunter's education program and the boater's safety course...he loves the outdoors...loves boating and water skiing! Troy actually bought a wrecked Ford Expedition and repaired it (with the help of Bruce Davis), and then sold it at a pretty good profit. He has always been so good at fixing stuff. I am so proud of him!


And now Troy is remodeling a little house on State Route 772 with his new wife, Jennifer. He's not afraid to try just about any aspect of building a house. He loves living in the country, and says he'll never move in town (I keep bugging him about the inconveniences of the country...) Troy earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering and now works for.....you guessed it...Eastern Local Schools! I guess Eastern is just a great place to start out if you're a Pekkala.


I wish for my little Troy-boy (well, it was a cute nickname back then) the blessing of a happy and fulfilling life...full of learning and loving...and the recognition that God is woven into every moment of every day. Love you, Troy!