Extra

Friday I got the opportunity to play my first role as an extra on a movie set! It was so thrilling, words really can't describe how much fun I had. I learned so much about the making of a film and what goes on behind the scenes! I hope that I actually make it into the film. If not, I am completely okay with that. It was the fact that this was my first role and I get to put it on my resume. The experience of this day will not be forgotten. I thought that I would be nervous about being on set. I always thought that it was fast paced, with the director yelling things to do and it wasn't that way at all. It was calm and I had a lot of fun. The best part was that I was inches away from Luke Perry! Just to be in the same room as him was awe inspiring. I enjoyed watching him work and I picked up some good tips on things to do for future acting roles. It's funny now, because I watch movies and tv in such a different way. I still feel giddy inside and I pray that the Lord gives me another opportunity to do this again. If this be the Lord's will, I will gladly accept the mission. 

Calling all Christians!!!

Today as my heart is heaving for all those families and rescue officials involved in the Colorado shooting. However,  I have seen many posts so far this morning about how people are asking "What is wrong with the world?", "What makes people do these horrid things?" Or make statements like "Just because you have problems doesn't mean that you should ruin other people's lives." 


It just makes me think of our jobs as Christians. If we  want to see these types of things stop, we need to be doing our jobs to witness to ALL. I also am hearing a lot of people state that if God wasn't taken out of schools and the public that things would be better. Well, let me ask this "Why are you not doing what it takes to put God back into the world?" Rather than gripe and complain or make statements on Facebook and other social networks, why not do what God commanded us and talk about Him to others. Witness to anyone and everyone. Take that stand, be bold and let others know that there is another way: Christ!!!!! Let's be the ones who start to make that change rather than talk about it. We all have heard that actions speak louder than words. So stop saying that God needs to be around and start living the life that you were saved to live.


 Isn't that the reason that you became a Christian in the first place? Because you believed in a God who could, can and will? Because you know that there is an answer? God didn't create you to sit back and wish for the devil to go away and stop working. The devil's presence is more abundant than before and it is time to get up from the computer and phones and start getting out into the world and fight the enemy! I believe that all saved need to get off the sidelines and get in the game. The game of life, the game of God's life! So stop wishing for a better world and start making it happen!!!!


Who's with me?!?!?!?!

Preacher's Fellowship

Today my church hosted our annual Preacher's Fellowship. (It happens every month, just at different churches. We have hosted the month of July for quite some time.) I had the opportunity to sing while I was there, and let me tell you that Baptist preachers are a tough, tough, tough crowd. Especially those that are very traditional minded and like the "old stuff". I sang a more contemporary song and didn't get a great reaction from the crowd. I have to say that I was quite bummed. After thinking about the reason why I sang, my spirits became more uplifted. I realized that I was there to sing and praise the Lord, not to please the preachers that were there. This will not keep me from continuing to sing and praise the Lord! 

Collection plate

It was the cutest thing tonight at church. When Preacher asked as usual for two men to take up the offering, Brandon and his grandfather got up and went to gather the plates. Devan, of course, wanted to go. At first Brandon didn't want him to be there. Sometimes Devan can be unpredictable and tends to throw fits. (Go figure) :) I mouthed to Brandon to let him help. Devan did such a great job! He carried the plate down the aisle, waited for Preacher to pray and then collected the money. He did just what he was supposed to do! It was super cute when he was at the front because he was watching every move that grandpa made. When grandpa put the plate behind his back, so did Devan. When grandpa changed hands, so did Devan. He was looking to see what he needed to do and he had the perfect example. Brandon then guided him down the aisle slowly to collect the money. He had THE biggest smile on his face and was so happy when he was finished. I believe that the Lord moved in Devan tonight. I am also very proud of Brandon for showing Devan some of the responsibilities of our men in the church. I enjoy being able to teach my children the right path and what it takes to serve not just in our church, but in our daily lives. (I am sad though, because I didn't have my phone or my camera to take a picture)

clean eating

So, here in the last 2 weeks I have decided to make a change in the way that my family eats and what they eat. (Don't worry, I consulted Brandon and he was on board). Anyway, I have decided to try clean eating. This pretty much means cutting out all those yucky processed foods, fast foods, sugar, sodas, etc. and replacing it with whole wheat's, whole grains, natural foods, fresh veggies and fruits and organic meats. I have to say that even though I have only made a couple of meals, I feel soooo much better! I also am eating every 3-4 hours and instead of large meals (where I tend to over eat), I am now eating smaller, healthier meals. Believe it or not, I feel fuller, yet not overly stuffed and I am noticing that I have more energy throughout the day. I have even lost 7 pounds in the last 2 weeks since I have been back from my AMTC trip in Florida. I haven't had a soda in about that long and I only drink water with lemon (with the occasional glass of milk or pure orange juice). It is amazing that God truly knew what he was doing when He created food. Since I have cut out all that "stuff", the fruits really taste sweet! His way of providing a natural dessert! I am in awe of how good things can and should taste, the way they were intended. 


The only downfall is how super expensive it is. It is unfortunate and I think it is one reason that our American culture is as overweight as we are. I also believe that Americans aren't taught how to cook without all those bad things. I know that my body is not craving sweets and sodas like it has my whole life. My body is slowly being retrained to tell me what it needs instead of what it wants that man has created. I have found this great website on Pinterest (no surprise that I am "in love" with Pinterest) that has wonderful recipes on how to make freezer to crock pot meals. I am hoping to start this the next time that I go to the grocery store. 


So, you might ask, what's up with all this info on food? Well, it got me thinking about being a clean christian. Have you made a commitment on how you live your daily walk with Christ? It seems that if I am ready to change what I put in my body, shouldn't I be ready to change the actions I do with my body? This is something that can start small of course. Maybe, it is that you use foul language more than you should, or when you get upset about something. Change it. Maybe, it is that you succumb to peer pressure around your friends or co-workers and make choices you know you really don't want to. Change it. Maybe, it is that you are quick to anger when you should wait and find an answer from the Lord before handling a situation (kids, job, spouse, etc.) Change it. Of course I could go on and on about things to make clean in your life. 


So, if diving head first into a clean walk with Christ seems overwhelming. Prioritize the things that you feel are  in need of immediate change. Then, pray about how and when you should make those other changes clean. I am praying that this clean eating (daily) will serve as a reminder of the clean walk that I need to make a commitment to as well. 


I am not going to apologize for the long post, however, I will provide a couple of pictures from today's cooking adventures. 

The boys in their cooking aprons ready to help me in the kitchen!

Devan was super excited to help out!

I was intending for the boys to put their arms around each other and stand side by side. However, when I said this, Grady took me literally and this is the shot I got. LOL

Wow! From scratch whole wheat banana walnut muffins. Notice one is missing. I couldn't wait to try it out. It made for a wonderful evening snack. Looking forward to eating them for breakfast along with some fresh cantaloupe!

Double wow! From scratch chocolate chip granola bars! These are a huge hit with my boys. So much better than packaged cookies.

Sleepless in Burleson

Had such a strange night last night! Let me start out by saying that I LOVE napping and sleeping in, especially in the summer months. However, I did not take a nap yesterday and I could not, could NOT fall asleep. I think I finally fell asleep around 4 am!!!! What??? That is sooo crazy. I woke up at 8:30 ("normal" time for this summer) and I don't feel tired. I would like to think that I finally caught up on my sleep. Now, if I could only get away from the Today Show and be motivated to clean this house! lol

Potty Training

I believe that one of the hardest things to do in raising a boy (or a girl), but mostly a boy, is to potty train them. It seems that all they want to do is run around the house, play, or do anything but sit on the potty for a few seconds! I have introduced Grady to the potty a few months ago, but being gone last week, I was hoping I hadn't lost any ground with him. I also have to admit that I have been a little too tired to work at it. Trust me, it takes WORK!!! So yesterday, I decided it was time to get this thing going. So I have been dreaming of the oven timer going off, because I have set the timer to go off every 15 minutes for "potty time". I also decided to ditch the diapers! Eek! Good news though, he only had ONE accident yesterday and ONE accident so far today! Progress is being made :) He actually did both on the potty first thing this morning! (happy dance). Aaannnnddd another good piece of news is that about an hour ago, he told me that it was potty time and went on the potty by himself! The other nice thing that has come from this, is that Devan is being a good, encouraging big brother and helping Grady when it is "potty time"! 


I would appreciate your prayers that Grady keeps on this good streak and that he doesn't have trouble with bed wetting. (Devan has never had a problem with this. Amen! But Grady likes to sleep with his cup :/ )

Snail mail

As I was writing "snail mail" thank you's to the VIP's from the conference, a thought occurred to me. I know that technology makes it easier and quicker to sent a note, but I don't think anything beats a hand written note to someone. I know that personally (and probably businesses too) enjoy getting nice things in the mail rather than bills, bills, bills! As I was writing them, I noticed that I was much more careful in choosing words that came from the heart. Often times, I get a text and I never go back to it when I am feeling down. But, I have a few cards I have received from parents of past students and I have looked at those more when I feel inadequate as a teacher or just need a pick me up. 


"Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." Luke 6:38


So the next time you feel like sending a happy, I encourage you to do so with the hand written word. 

Award Banquet

After completing interviews, there was an award banquet and wrap party to celebrate overall winners in all categories and to have our final get together's with all of our new friends we made throughout the week. I thank God for new friends and the ability to stay in touch!
Here are some pictures of that fun night!

Me in my fancy dress!

The banquet

The gospel choir

Brandon and me

Marie, a great new friend

Anthony, a great singer/songwriter

Bisserat and her awards. She was a finalist for commercial runway and she won overall female actor!

She is such an amazing person and friend. I thank God for allowing us to meet and become friends.

Andrew, aka "Canada". A great line buddy and fantastic new Christian

Love

Another line buddy, Hope. A humble woman with a heart for the Lord.

Kendra, of course a line buddy but also another teacher with  goals for Christ.

Aerial, a wonderful friend from Oklahoma who is just as beautiful on the inside.

Trey with his award for being a finalist in the overall singing category

My new brother.

A fantastic actor, Robert and his wife. A beautiful couple.

Odds and Ends

Here are some more pictures of our trip. Most of these are just from some of the different things we did or saw while we were there. Enjoy!

It's a good thing this is not real!

My turn

Our new friend, King Julien!

Hanging out in the lobby waiting for pizza

This is my new friend, Bisserat. We have an inside joke because we stood next to each other countless times in line waiting for showcases, that we would always fix each other's hair before going out on stage! 

Love her!

Trey and me at the Talent Finale where he rocked the house!

Another participant from our Dallas group, Bee.

Extra

I just submitted an email to a local agency to be an extra on an upcoming film! Your prayers are appreciated for God's will to be done as to whether or not I get to be on set. I think that this would be so cool to be able to have this opportunity! This would be getting my foot in the door to this industry. If anything, I would like to be on set to see if this is the environment that I am supposed to minister in/to. Thanks!!

Home safe

Thank you, thank you, thank you all for your prayers and support this past week. We finally made it home to Texas yesterday. I was so happy and thankful to see my boys and my family. And needless to say, they were super happy to see me too. I will be uploading more pictures soon and telling more about the wonderful works of God in my life!

Perfect ending

It has been such an amazing journey this week. I have made some great personal accomplishments and made some wonderful, Christ loving friends. I am so proud of not only how far I have come in my walk with the Lord this week, but all of my friends who performed so wonderfully during all of their showcases. 


In talking with so many people today, the Lord has placed a great peace upon my heart about what has transpired here at SHINE. So I am sure all of you are wondering what the outcome was. Well, I did not get any callbacks! (imagine me shouting this with happiness). I know that sounds strange, but I can't even begin to describe the fulfillment I have in my heart about all of my showcases. I know that the Lord has a plan for me and I will continue to listen to Him and follow Him where ever He may lead me. After I opened my envelope to discover this information, we went down to the worship service. As we were glorifying the Lord and singing praises to His name, I became overwhelmed with tears. And the strange/amazing thing was that I couldn't help but think I am SO HAPPY! These were not tears of sadness, but tears of JOY! 


I serve an amazing God who made every performance perfect in His eyes. Even though I don't think I did my best, it was His performance and He made it just what it was supposed to be. I feel that God has stirred the pot in my life once again, and although I am confused about where I am meant to be, I am standing strong in Him knowing, that as long as I am faithful, He will provide what is needed for me in this life. 


While I was sitting in our awards banquet tonight, I had the thought of, not disappointment or sadness, but that it doesn't matter what I receive down in this life because I know what awaits for me in His kingdom. I may not have been acknowledged by these VIP's here this week, but God always acknowledges His children. I know that I many amazing rewards will be awaiting me in Heaven and I can't wait to share that with my God. 


So if you are feeling down and out about something that didn't go as you had planned, just remember that your plan B, could be Christ's plan A! Keep faithful, persevere and trust in God!

Down time

After my last showcase, we had a little down time until the next seminar so we decided to go and watch the hotel feed the crocodiles and fish. 

Product endorsement

Just walked off the stage of doing my product endorsement showcase and I am on cloud nine!! I truly feel God's presence with me today and I am so thankful! What was my product you say? Well, here was my commercial that I wrote and performed:


As a mom, I know firsthand the frustrations of temper tantrums. Now you can nip those tantrums in the bud with Taste of their Own Medicine Flavor Drops. From Backtalk Blueberry to Fussy Fruit Punch, add a few drops to their favorite drink and watch those tantrums disappear. So the next time your child misbehaves, just give them a Taste of their Own Medicine!


(picture me in red cat eye glasses, a blue and white polka dot 50's style dress (like I Love Lucy) and red high heels with my product in my hands)


SO FUN!!!!!!

Please drive forward and place your order.

Strange title, I know, but this was one of my lines just now in my scene read showcase! I was paired with another teacher from Arkansas and we had a great pairing. She was encouraging and up lifting ME about how she thinks I will do good and go far. Praises to God for such a perfect plan to pair me with her. I needed to hear those words today. 


I had a blast doing my scene read and even made the audience laugh! If that isn't inspiring and confirmation from the Lord that I am doing something right, I don't know what is. Also, during this showcase I had the opportunity to perform in front of 20th Century Fox and Barry Shapiro (you need to google him if you don't know who he is...). BTW, he is THE person you want to get an audition with if you travel to NY, which takes months! So once again, I give ALL the glory to God for giving me this opportunity. I remember when I first started this journey and I was looking for something small. But, my God is bigger than me and has a perfect plan for me. He has blessed me 100 fold with being here at SHINE. I just pray that I continue to do His will and that I can make Him proud! 


Thank you, thank you, thank you Lord!

Pictures

I have taken lots, lots, lots of pictures. I wanted to just share a few more with you!

We have food after a run to the local grocery store Publix (cost $22 just to get there via transportation)

Overview of the hotel

The Osceola auditorium

Pool side

There's my name and performer #725

The Sun auditorium

The kids pool. They also have a large screen to watch movies and have fun Disney characters come to their pool parties!

They have actual gators in the hotel. You can also watch them being fed 3 times a week

Beautiful waterfall

The runway. Those tables and chairs are where the VIP's sit! So close.

Osceola CD, the largest auditorium where I will sing!

Practicing my walk

Puss in Boots was also in the building

And of course we can't forget Po the Panda!!