Excerpts from Chapter One- Confidence

 “A Person without confidence is like an airplane sitting on a runway with empty fuel tanks. The plane has the ability to fly, but without some fuel, it’s not getting off the ground.”

 “People with low confidence, on the other hand, are not sure about anything. They are double-minded, indecisive people who constantly get frustrated with life. If they do make a decision, they are tormented by self-doubt. They second-guess (and third- and fourth-guess) themselves. As a result, they don’t live boldly. They live little, narrow lives, and they miss out on the big, rewarding life God wants them to enjoy.”

 Sounds like who I would completely become, if not for the encouragement of my husband to step out into very uncomfortable situations (outside my comfort-zone).

 Another excerpt from this chapter:

 “Fear is a dangerous virus, because a fearful person has no confidence and can never reach her potential in life. She won’t step out of her comfort zone to do anything-especially something new or different. Fear is a cruel ruler, and its subjects live in constant torment.”

I know these words well. I live these words, but I don’t want to anymore. For the sake of my kids I have to break free, break this cycle before my little all-stars never get to shine or live the way God intended.

 In Chapter Two and Three; Joyce Meyer discusses women in ministry, discrimination against women, the Women’s Right Movement, the bible verse in which Paul says something to the affect of woman being silent in church and more. Not from a feminist stand-point but from a biblical perspective (her interpretation of God’s word). 

 In Chapter four; she list and expand on seven secrets of a confident woman.  Secret # 2 stuck out to me most because that is the stronghold I struggle with most.

 Excerpts from Chapter Four- Seven Secrets of a Confident Woman

Secret # 2 – A confident woman refuses to live in fear.

 “The Bible says that God has not given us the spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is not from the God; it is the devil’s tool to keep people from enjoying their lives and making progress. Fear causes a person to run, retreat, or shrink back.” 

“Satan is a liar. He lies to people and places images on the picture screen of their minds that show defeat and embarrassment. For this reason, we need to know God’s promises (His word) so we can cast down the lies of the enemy and refuse to listen to him.” 

Joyce Meyer had her fair share of emotional turmoil and bad experiences; and she pull through to become a renowned bible teacher and author. If she can overcome who she use to be; with all she experienced; and live out God’s plan for her life; so could we.

Next Chapter: “The Woman I Did Not Like”…………

            You know they say “you could be whoever you want to be or go wherever you want to go, through the pages of a book.” That’s why my heart desires to be a writer, a perfect occupation for a big dreamer such as myself. Sometimes those words don’t ring true for me, sometimes a book is just a book and fiction is just that, fiction.

            Not this time, this time it felt real. I identified with what each character was feeling and experiencing. I felt a part of the journey, like this story was playing out in front my face; just like the boy Bastian Bux from “The NeverEnding Story” following the boy warrior Atreyu’s expedition through Fantasia to find a cure for the childlike Empress’s illness. I love when a book that does that for me. It is completely satisfying.

            I think the imagery of emotions and situations these characters experienced are so clearly defined that they just burst with passion. I felt their heart beat, their anger, confusion, curiosity, disappointment, joy, worry, desires, hope, hopelessness and more. I wanted to scream when they screamed; I wanted to hug them when they felt sad, confused and alone; I wanted to wipe the tears off their face; eat lunch with them; be their friend; help them find their answers; walk with them the way God walks with us; and in some ways I feel as though I did do these things.

            This book carries a really powerful message about how a little love and compassion goes a long way. At what point did human beings become so self-involved that we make others feel so invisible and unworthy of our love and kindness. We teach our children to be this way, to only concern ourselves with the bubble we live in and our own circle of family and friends, that money, power and popularity are the most important things; but God did not create us to live this way.

            This book asks the age-old question “what do I want my life to be about?” I have been asking myself that for years. This story is captivating and impactful without being preachy. It captures the true essence of today’s American youth; and the hardship and pressure young people experience, especially when trying to defy the “norm.” Trying to find themselves, sometimes even going against what their parent’s desire for their lives and doing what feels right in their in heart.

            Initially my hope was to see the movie first with my youth group, and then we would follow up with the 7 week youth curriculum, however, the nearest theater screening to us was about 30 miles away. So the youth leader and I decided to wait until it comes out on DVD, however, we had already order the curriculum, which included the novel in the package.

            At first, I was a little disappointed we didn’t get to see the movie upon its release, but now I am so glad that I got to read the book first and I won’t get to see the movie too soon in the future. This book was an incredible journey for me, a journey I know the movie could not measure up to and the fact that I have to wait a while to see it on DVD means the book won’t be completely fresh in my mind, so I’ll still get to enjoy the movie in a whole new light. I am looking forward to seeing this film when the time comes.

             So if you have a teen at home who may be experiencing spiritual warfare this book would be like a cuddly teddy bear comforting and safe. There is a lot of characters to relate to in this book, they’ll realize they are not as alien as the thought they were, feeling what they are feeling, they will feel the warmth of God’s love embracing them as the journey through these pages. There is just one requirement to whoever reads this book; open your heart, let the words flow through warming you, calming you, inspiring you to love yourself for who you are, pursue God and love others as God loves all HIS children.   

I give this book an A+. Especially for teen and young adult readers.

High School Musical 3: Senior Year Movie 

You know when you hear a song for the first time; some songs, they grab you right away and you know for sure you love them; and then there are other songs you listen to and it doesn’t catch you right away but you listen to it over and over a few times and then you’re hooked. Well; I am hoping that will soon be the case; where my opinion of High School Musical 3 is concerned. I really liked High School Musical and I absolutely loved High School Musical 2 but I am not at all sure; whether I love, liked or thought the third edition of that franchise was just okay.

            I am actually very surprised that I get to review this movie at this time; I was certain that I’d have to wait for the DVD; because I had no one to go to the theater with; luckily; I went with my pen-pal visiting from Japan (how cool is it to say that) and I thought since music is an universal language; taking her to see a musical; especially with a sexy cast her age (she’s nineteen); I can’t go wrong. She loved it.

            For me; I am not really sure how I feel about it; I mean the musical numbers; choreography and creativity were okay. The cast are so easy on the eyes; don’t tell my husband; but I have a little crush on Corbin Bleu and would put his poster on our walls; if he’d let me.

            This movie just reminded me that I am not a teen anymore; I am all grown-up now and that time of our lives is becoming un-relatable for me (scary); I think in a way; I am also a bit jealous of these teens; now at their crossroads and having the time of their lives. I can’t 100% say the same for me, when I was there. I am not sure now, that I used that time wisely. However, setting all emotions aside (if that’s even possible for me); I wasn’t in love with the music as much as I was with the previous HSM movies. I really think that they were way too many lovey-dovey scenes with Gabriella and Troy (not jealousy speaking here, I swear); after a while; it’s like enough already. Plus there really isn’t that much chemistry among the couples; it all felt like just acting to me. I don’t know why there was so much emphasis on the three new characters Tiara Gold; Jimmie Zara and Donny Fox; if it was so we’d fall in love with them and yearn to see them in HSM4; it didn’t do that for me. However; they were a couple of scenes with the character Jimmie that were cute; maybe a little funny. They were a’ight; but they didn’t add to the movie in my opinion.

            I am not being a hater; as most movie critics and reviewers often are; I love HSM and it’s cast; I am going to miss them when they go their separate ways; I felt very sentimental during the Graduation scene at the end but life goes on; we all have to grow up; whether we like it or not. I am looking forward to seeing all these great actors in the future and I am looking forward to seeing their growth. Meanwhile; I’ll watch this movie again, when it comes out on DVD and see what I think then.  

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Movie

What perfect timing for this movie to come out on DVD. It’s a great family film with an excellent cast portraying a variety of quirky characters. Set in the early years of the Great Depression; we follow; Kit (Abigail Breslin); a 10 year old aspiring journalist; her kind parents (Julia Ormond and Chris O’Donnell); her friends; and boarders; a dance instructor looking for love; a magician; a mobile Liberian (who is a horrible driver) and others. With all that is happening in the world today; especially with the economy; this movie reminded me how significantly blessed I am. This was a really enjoyable film of dreaming, believing, hope, determination, courage, persistence and togetherness. This is a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who enjoys inspiring and enjoyable family movies. Watch and be reminded that no matter how bad things get we are very fortunate in this time; we have each other and hope. 

Iron Man Movie

I think Robert Downey Jr; whom I have always been a fan of many of his movies; did an excellent job as Tony Stark; a wealthy weapons manufacturer; he was compelling and funny. Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane was the villain in this movie and boy was he a villain. Terrence Howard was alright as Col. James “Rhodney” Rhodes, nothing to scream about but I heard they are going to replace him in the sequel with Don Cheadle, I’m sure he’ll do much better (don’t get me wrong, I do love Terrence but in this movie he lacked his usual “The Best Man” type charm).

Anyway; Tony Stark makes an armored suit to save his life after finding himself in a life-threatening situation. After witnessing first hand what his weapons can do when in the wrong hands; he decides he doesn’t want to produce weapons anymore; his business partner doesn’t like that very much and would stop at nothing to destroy anyone who get in his way; including Tony Stark. A battle ensues. What can I say about this movie? It’s very entertaining for those who like action, humor and suspense. Would make an excellent holiday present; a great gift combo would be with Iron Man and Hancock; even better would be to add “The Incredible Hulk” to the mix. Good movie. This is great entertainment for a movie night.

 Kristin Chenoweth – A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

 This is my first Christmas product purchased for the season and the year. When I bought it I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into; even though I was some what familiar with Kristin’s voice; from the movie “RV” and t.v series “Pushing Daisies;” I had no idea; if I would like this album or not; I just knew I am a big fan of hers and Christmas; so why not buy her Christmas album. 

            When I pressed the play button on the C.D player; I knew it was going to be alright and I didn’t waste a dime; not that I thought I’d be disappointed anyway but you just never know. It’s jazzy; smooth; fun; joyful; sweet; enjoyable and Christmassy; if you love Christmas and traditional Christmas music then there is no reason you won’t like it.

            It sounds like an exquisite Broadway musical soundtrack. I love the song choice for this album; “I’ll be home for Christmas,” “Christmas island,” “The Christmas Waltz;” “Do you hear what I hear;” “ Sleigh Ride/Marshmallow;” “Sing;” “ Silver Bells;” “Come on ring the bells;” “What child is this;” “Home on Christmas Day;” “Born on Christmas day;” and finally “Sleep well little children/what a wonderful world.”

            Picking a favorite on this album will not be an easy task but if I had to it would definitely be Kristin’s take on the inspirational and beautiful Sesame Street classic “Sing.”

I think it really is a lovely way to spend Christmas indeed and it would make an awesome gift; a good combo would be to add the holiday 2006 movie “Deck the Halls;” which Kristin also co-stars.

 Kristin Chenoweth-Sing 

I Love you so much: Book written by Marianne Richmond

I love children’s books; especially books that speak to the spirit and confidence of a child. It is my desire to write children’s books for such a thing as reminding children how special they are no matter what; despite their imperfections and the mistakes they make; they are forever loved and are so precious. That’s what this book is about. The poem is absolutely uplifting and I will treasure its kind and loving words; this is the kind of poem we need to read to our children every night before they go to sleep or at the very least once a week to remind them how loved they are. This is a wonderful book about love and it has very beautiful illustrations. I would not only read it to my children; I would read it to my heart and mind to remind myself of God’s love for me and the love I should have for myself. I think it’s another wonderful holiday gift for children and adults alike. This treasured gift would fit perfectly in the hands of folks in need of a reminder that no matter what; every single one of us is special and loved in the unlimited and forgiving way describe in the book. This book is a new-found favorite for me and I hope for you too.

Metamorphosis

What’s this feeling taking over me?
What’s this feeling in the depths of my body?
Something’s different, it’s not the same
I can hear him calling,calling my name

Who or what is this calling to me?
Why is it so dark, too dark to see?
I long to feel the wind blowing in my hair
I long to dive in the ocean over there

I long to smell the flowers and climb the highest tree
What is this feeling coming over me?
Things are changing, it’s not the same
I can hear him shouting, screaming my name

Where is the girl I use to be?
Where is that girl, where is she?
Why is it so dark, so dark inside?
Stop, Listen
I hear him
I open my eyes

My love, my precious angel
He calls to me
My goddess, my queen, my Caribbean beauty

I open my eyes
I step out of my cocoon
And I fly

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