Life Stops for No One

Whump!
Sorry, that was me collapsing from this ridiculous week.
I thought that the show being over would give me some rest....I was wrong.
Finally, two exams and two quizzes later, I can stop and take a breath. There are some weeks where I feel like college is a lot harder than it should be, and this was definitely one of them.
But anyway...
The show turned out to be a wonderful success, and I'm very proud that I got to be a part of it. And I may be helping with the next one, so theatre continues to suck me into it's inescapable grasp. I'm cool with it.
Speaking of theatre, I saw an amazing adaptation of Julius Caesar last night. It was set in modern times, but still used the original language. I was very impressed with the production; one of my friends compared it to the awful movie "Romeo+Juliet" that came out several years ago that was absolutely and unequivocally ridiculous and terrible. I disagree.
Unfortunately, I was unable to turn off the designer side of my brain and found myself critiquing the costumes. Drat. I'm wondering if I will ever again be able to simply watch a production without thinking about how I could improve the costumes.
I'm working towards a voice competition in March. I'm doubly excited: first, for the chance to get some critiques, work on song characterization, and perhaps earn money; secondly, I'll get to see my first voice teacher!
This guy is awesome. Hands down, awesome. I learned so much from him in the two semesters that I had him for a teacher, and I really miss him now that he's gone. I'm so happy that I get to see him; and maybe I can impress him with my progression since he heard me sing last.
Let's see, what else....
WINTER JAM IS ON  SUNDAY!!!!!
To those who don't know, Winter Jam is a national, annual tour where a bunch of varying Christian artists get together and perform. Admission is $10 at the door; first come, first serve. Tickets go fast though; the last three years or so, about every venue that they've had has sold out. So it's become an annual tradition with my siblings and I to arrive about five or six hours early and stand/sit in line so that we can get close seats. Last year was a little rough; for the first time, it didn't fall on Spring break. So it was February, freezing, and snowing. Yes, snowing. It's supposed to be better this year, temperatures in the high 50's-60's. Thank God. This is a highlight of every year for me. Not only to we get to see a lot of great artists, but I enjoy the time spent with my siblings and whoever else comes with us. Since I've started college, times like this are few and far between. I'm so stinking excited!
So for now, I leave you, friends. In excitement/anticipation of the next Star Trek movie:

"Live Long and Prosper"

Friday Musings

TGIF!!!!!
Once again, Friday has come upon us. And not a moment to soon, in my opinion. It's been an interesting week, to say the very least.
I've had a great time working as a "techie" at the community theatre, despite dealing with some technical difficulties along the way. I tell you, depending on the show, sound can be trial by fire. I mean, imagine working on the show for a week, and everything goes fine. Then Sunday hits, and nothing wants to work right. Needless to say, I freaked out a smidgen. But never fear, our wonderful director was there to fix things/calm me down. That's live theatre for you. And I wouldn't trade it for anything.
I've simply loved watching the cast perform every night. It's filled with people that I know and admire as actors, and I feel like I learn something new every time that I watch them. The director has also been a great source of inspiration to me as I watch his dedication to the craft of theatre. He's definitely inspired me to try my best to get better at what I do.
In other news, I watched the Grammy's on Monday (I was at ballroom dance and then auditions when it was actually on). So many things....
Whitney Houston passed away. I understand how sad it is, and how her family must feel about losing her. But flying the flag at half staff for her funeral? You've got to be kidding me. There are so many soldiers who have died during the course of this war, people who gave their lives to defend our country. Whitney was great, don't get me wrong; but she hadn't accomplished near the things for our country as Martin Luther King Jr., or any of our fighting men and women. I don't feel that she deserves this honor. For almost the entire week following Whitney's death, all that people were talking about was "How did she die?" I'm as interested in celebrity gossip as anybody, but I don't care. I really don't. Why don't we spend our time talking about how we can upgrade our education system, or make our environment better, or something? I'm just saying.
And Niki Manaj's Grammy performance. What. Was. That. Celebrities are continually looking for ways to shock the public. Mission accomplished. Between the confessional, priests, and scantily clad choir members/dancers, Niki managed to satirize an exorcism to a catchy beat. And don't get me started on how she totally destroyed "I Feel Pretty" and "O Come All Ye Faithful". Now I'm not Catholic, but I was very offended by her performance. Not to mention that she named a demon after my brother.
I'm just very annoyed that people seem to be worried about such shallow things when they should be worrying about where they're going to end up for eternity, you know? Sure, you can listen to Niki; but she's not going to get you to heaven. Neither is Whitney, by the way. We're at a point where we need to stop putting so much stock in people and material things and start putting our focus on God.
Forgive me, the preacher started coming out.
Anyways...
There are two more nights of the show, so I'd best try and get some homework done before I head off to the theatre. Thanks for listening to the ramblings! (Reading the ramblings? Whatever.)

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”
The Rum Diary

Who Pushed Fast forward?

My goodness gracious, has it been a week already? Time seems to just be flying by. I guess it's true what they say; if you keep busy, time flies.
My affair with the theatre continues. I'm working the sound (first time!) for a show at the community theatre. I'm also auditioning for the next show on Sunday and Monday, so I'm just kicking right along! I've also found out that auditions for the summer show will take place in April, instead of May like I was expecting. Also, I need to find a song that's either gospel, pop, country, or classic rock. Not exactly anything that I have readily available. Btw, if you have any suggestions, please share!
I've also been informed by my voice teacher that the voice department is planning a musical. That makes me happy! I can't wait to see what the final choice is.
The past few days have been SO fun. The lady working the lights for this show was the director for my first show, and I've had a blast hanging out with her upstairs. I was given a crazy assignment to make up multiple choice questions, and we had fun making up goofy answers. I love her.
Mmmm....
I love my theatre peeps.
Anyways, I don't have much else going on. Theatre kinda takes up your life, but I don't care! When you love it, it isn't work.

"Sing it like you feel it.” -Tender Mercies

Rising As A King?

Okay. Blogs are places where you can rant about things that matter to you, and people can read it if they want to, right?
Consider yourself warned.
First, I will show you the catalyst for my rantings.

http://youtu.be/AVkoQHCXSK8

To give the shortened version, a man saying that he was from Israel (Ralph Messer) brings a supposedly priceless scroll. After displaying the scroll, he then presents it to Bishop Eddie Long, he then drapes him in a tallit (Prayer Shawl) and has four men lift him up in a chair. He then proceeds to proclaim him as a king; and a spotlight centers on Bishop Long as the people sing praises.
Well.
Where do I begin?
I sat watching this entire video in dumbfounded silence. When it ended, what I wanted to say is not something that I can share. There are SO MANY things wrong with this. I'm going to limit my comments, otherwise we'd be here for awhile.
How do you as a Christian see this going on and not feel in your spirit that something is wrong with this? No wonder people think that Christians are nuts! They're only exposed to incidents like this, incidents that are on television and Youtube that make us look absolutely off of our rockers.
NO MAN should be exalted above God. Although the church was singing a song to God, it's interesting to notice that they were singing this song while the Bishop was illuminated by a spotlight.
Something similar to this happened in the Bible, you know. In Acts 12:20-23, an account is given of King Herod's death. The people hailed him as a god; he didn't say anything against this, so God struck him down. 
While the title given is different, the premise is the same. Both the titles of "god" and "king" are titles that, within the church, should ONLY be given to God. Therefore a man being given the title of King within the church is very wrong. And I've not seen anything stating that Bishop Long has denied his new found "Kingship."
In hearing some of the discussion about this incident, I heard it stated that if the scroll was supposedly "Priceless", then why were they handling it without gloves? Why wasn't it in a vault somewhere being preserved as a piece of Jewish history? If it really was so priceless, why are you wrapping it around someone? And why are you giving it to someone as a gift? Might as well just give him the Dead Sea Scrolls, while you're at it!
Ralph Messer claimed that, on behalf of all of Israel, he was giving the scroll to the Bishop. Please, please explain to me where he gets that authority? 
On researching this topic, I found an interesting blog that states that Ralph Messer isn't even Jewish. (Below)
http://studentactivism.net/2012/02/02/ralph-messer-eddie-long/


Need I say more?
I am very pleased as a Christian to hear that so many people disagree with this. It reminds me that there is, in fact, hope for us. If people can realize that this is wrong, it shows that people have been reading their Bibles, praying, and listening to the Holy Spirit within them.
So there it is. Just a small little rant. Look up some of the other things related to this incident; it's quite interesting.
I leave you with a beautiful quote from Robert Browning:

"All service ranks the same with God — With God, whose puppets, best and worst, Are we: there is no last nor first."

Funky Friday

Wow, another week has passed! January's almost over. Isn't that weird? I'm actually pretty happy that the school year is seeming to speed by. A&P is not my friend, I've discovered.
Let's see, what is there to report?
I've been reading over some of my old stories, and I've got to say, they did a lot to make me appreciate what experience can do. Little subtleties, like knowing the difference between "straight" and "strait" have made so much difference! I won't tell you how many times I was banging my hand on the table in frustration and annoyance at my younger self. I'll just say that my hand was hurting for awhile.
The consistent thing that I found was that the stories themselves were intriguing, but the writing left much to be desired. Maybe something worth revisiting?
While reading these stories, I realized that I haven't completed a story since 2009. Which makes sense, because that's the year that I graduated from high school and started college. Proof: College messes up your rhythm.
College, the first step to adulthood. Thankfully, my mom hasn't pushed me into getting a job as well as being in college. (Although participating in plays takes up that energy--I'm not complaining.) College really has been an interesting journey. I've learned so much about the world and people (some things that I'd rather not know...but I'll spare you the details). I've also discovered something that a teacher friend has told me: when in college, everyone begins to pair off. Which is totally fine; I'm not complaining that I'm single. But it becomes really awkward and weird when you come back from break and everyone is in a relationship. Third wheel, anyone?
It's cool, though. Thankfully I do have a few single friends, so I'm not TOTALLY outnumbered. And, as a famous black playwright said, "I've got a man, and his name is JESUS!"
Seriously, I'm not rushing this. Wandering around looking for a relationship from every guy that I see is a surefire way to get my heart broken, and I'm trying to avoid that, if at all possible. So for now, I'm totally content to just trust that God knows what He's doing, and He'll bring the right guy in my direction when we're both ready.
I am praying about it though, just to be clear.
Not a long post this week. I've actually got homework screaming at me and a test on Monday. And I'd rather be spending Sunday night ballroom dancing than cramming.
Speaking of ballroom...
I am so happy that ballroom's back! It's such a great workout, and it's fun! I've been sore for most of this week, though...five hours of dancing in heels can do that to you. I'm pretty sure that the heels aren't going to make it as long on Sunday.
Alright, homework! I hear you!  Signing off with a quote that doesn't have anything to do with anything, because it's just that kind of day.

  "Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Another Day, Another Rant

Well, well, well, what have we here?
I believe that this is Friday yet again. Time for my many, many thoughts of the week.
Where do I start? I'll put this out there; I was not made for 8:00 AM classes. Sure, I'll be awake for about four hours; but then, if I don't take a nap, I turn into the Wicked Witch of the West (not Elphaba, I mean the ORIGINAL evil-looking one). It's taking me awhile to adjust, but I'm getting there.
Ballroom has begun again, and I'm soooo happy. I missed seeing my group of friends and getting to dance the night away. And we're doing Rumba this semester! That is my FAVORITE style. Happiness.
We had our first break...and also our last one until March. MARCH, people! If you're a student, you will understand. You can only go so long with the daily grind of classes, studying, and for some people, work, before you lose your mind. It's going to be a long semester....
Fun fact: My mom was born on the exact same day that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was killed. Sometimes I wonder if the oratory angel that watched over him jumped to my mom. Seriously, this is one of the most gifted speakers that I've ever heard. She just oozes wisdom, and is constantly seeking to improve and to learn more about our wonderful Savior. If ever a person was meant to be a pastor, it was her.
Speaking of women pastors...
For several years now, since we've moved to the south, my mom has had to constantly fight against the stigma that women can't be pastors. Ministers, yes. Evangelists, yes. But Pastor? Heaven forbid! All because of one little verse (how often does that happen?), many powerful women of God have been restrained from sharing their gifts with the world and being recognized for their hard work.
Forgive me if I seem to be oversimplifying things, but I'm of the opinion that God doesn't give you a gift and then tell you that you can't use it. Being a pastor means a lot of things; you don't just get up one day and decide that you want to be a pastor. If anything, many pastors tried to avoid the calling when they first got it. Pastoring takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and sacrifice. It isn't easy, by any means. So when a woman of God gets their calling to become a pastor, it isn't something that they take lightly.
My mother has studied and continues to study; she graduated from a Biblical Theological school. She does just as much work for the church as dad (her co-pastor) does. So it really irritates me when my mom is called "First Lady" or when people take issue with her sitting in the pulpit. While she doesn't do this for recognition, it still is a matter of respect to call her by the title that she worked hard to earn. Nothing against First Ladies; they have their own part to play in the church. But my mom isn't one.
Being a Children's Pastor myself, I don't run into the same issues that she does. But I have preached a few times, and felt the same resistance. How are we supposed to encourage young people, any people, do stand up and follow God's calling in their life if we sit there judging how old they are or what gender they are? That's  not what God wants us as the church to do. Thankfully, mom has a strong support network that lets her know that she is appreciated.
If someone has worked to earn something, we're supposed to respect that. If someone has earned their doctorate, we call them Doctor. These people go through years of schooling, which is by no means easy. Both my mom and I have worked hard to earn our title of pastor; why is it so different to call them doctor and us pastor?
Seems simple. But all of these years has shown that some people can't let things be simple.
Here's what I'm driving at: Respect your pastors. That's one of the rules in my Kid's Church class. These people have devoted their lives to serving God and leading His people; their age, status, or gender has nothing to do with it. If we're too busy judging the vessel, then we'll never get to taste the juice inside.
Don't be caught up in the hype. Search out the truth for yourself. Don't let anyone tell you how to think, how to worship, how to pray...make it so your relationship with God is what informs your decisions.
Alright, I'm done. I think I've vented.
So if you happen to know a woman pastor, show her your love and support. You never know when she might just need that extra encouraging word.
I leave you with a quote from "The Matrix" (one of my mom's favorite movies) spoken by Morpheus:

"Free your mind."

What Have We Here? A Blog?

Wow, guys! It's been two years since my last blog. Weird...
Life ate me. Plain and simple.
Then yesterday my mom says, have you written anything on your blog lately? Awful freaky when your mom voices thoughts you've randomly been having....
So I'm back! So much to catch you up on here...
2011. I'm on record as saying that 2011 was the best year of my life. Hands down. So many new and exciting things happened to me!
My two best friends met, thus creating the "J'Niah monster" as I have dubbed them. Trust me, my life has never been so exciting, unpredictable, and often just plain awkward as it is when those two are around.
I started taking Ballroom dancing classes. *Does happy dance* I'd ALWAYS wanted to learn how do to that, and now I can! You meet such great people, have fun, listen to great music, look graceful or sexy (depending on the dance), get exercise, and meet hot guys! Yes, I said it. If you knew the guys that I do, you'd understand.
2011 was the year of my real emergence into theatre. After my debut in Spring of 2010, I had a bit of a drought. Other than the Summer musical at the community theatre, I really wasn't getting very many opportunities to do much of anything in theatre. Then my best friend's mom directed a play, and asked me to help with costumes. I gladly accepted, knowing that I needed more all around experience to help make me a better actor. After working on that, I got the opportunity to be assistant director for a children's production. (Painting floors=evil) Then, when the summer show came around, I actually got a duet with someone that I really admired. Mind you, I'd sang in the summer show before; but I didn't have that many moments when my voice was the only one heard. So this opportunity was absolutely amazing!
Ready for more?
I was cast in the first show of the regular season. This was my first non-musical role, and I was so excited! And not just any role, oh no. I played a cockney maid. Was the accent hard, you say? Well, I did my research and practiced, and I got it! (Ask me about it sometime; if I'm in a good mood, I might give you a sample.) It was such a wonderful experience, and I got to work with wonderful actors and crew who taught me a lot.
Now, I hear you thinking: "Wow, that was four shows in a row! It sounds like you had a full year!"
But I'm not done yet.
I told myself and others that I was not going to do another show in 2011. Then I was approached (nearly begged) to help out backstage for the season extra show. After consideration, I obliged. Hey, nothing wrong with more experience, right? And it's not like I was searching out theatre stuff, it came to me! At least, that's what I told myself.
So anyway, I'm auditioning for another show in February so, look out!
This is the second semester of my junior year. Next year, I'll be a (first year) senior! And on an even bigger note, I'm turning 21 this year!
Calm down, calm down. I'm not going to Vegas on a three-day drinking binge. Not my style. No, I'm planing on having a nice quiet glass of wine with my mom. After that, if anybody feels like buying me a glass for my birthday, I won't be mad at you. :)
Hm, anything else that I'm forgetting?
There probably is, but I had an 8am class this morning and my bed is calling, "Come to me!"
There will be more, I assure you.

"Go ahead, make my day."