New York…country style!

So today I had an amazing opportunity…I went to Garrison, New York to check out the The Walter Hoving Home with my friend TR and his dad. TR and I go to school together  at NYFA, and he told me about this home that helps women with addictions turn their life around. We are working on a promotional video for them in order to communicate the heart behind the home to donors. We drove about an hour and a half from the city, and the county side was beautiful! Whenever I think of New York, I don’t think of hills, gorgeous homes set in the hillside, or breathtaking views while driving over the Hudson River…such peace! All I know is the craziness of the city, honking taxi cabs, and people running you over(although everyone isn’t rude like people say!). I got a chance to sit and talk with some of the girls about what God is doing in their life, and I was reminded of how God is working all over the globe.  From Baton Rouge, Louisiana to Garrison New York…people’s lives are being changed. The women at The Walter Hoving Home all have different stories of addiction.  When you talk to them one by one, it’s obvious of the heart change that has taken place, and the impact that this environment has had on them.  Jesus is the factor that makes this home different; most of the women their have tried every program you can possibly imagine.  From heroine to alcohol, these women have been addicted to it all…but now their story is different…as one lady put it, “Because of God I have hope to live.”

It is so easy to compartmentalize God in certain locations or environments, but the truth is that God is everywhere…on the streets of Manhattan, and the beautiful country in upstate New York…I love that about him…my heart was charged today in an incredible way…

Coffee, My Blueberry Nights, and Psalm 91…

Today is a good day…a little coffee…computer and film magazines. I am waiting for my next class(film genre), but had to take a minute and post some pics…

I haven’t had too much free time, but here is the inner scoop…studying Psalm 91, Luke 10…watching My Blueberry Nights(great indie film), also reading a great book…The Reason for God by Timothy Keller…still listening to “Healer” by PlanetShakers…can’t get enough!

Thought from the subway ride this morning…

So this morning I was up early heading to the gym.  There is nothing like listening to “Healer” by Planetshakers and reading a little bit of Psalms…it’s the way to get going!  Everyday I am amazed at how much God is with us, and how he cares about the details of our lives.  I have seen him wrap up so many lose ends, and make a way for me when it seems impossible…especially in the city.  I challenge you to step out and see what happens…take a risk and know that God sees the little things that only you think about.  I have some pics to post later…pics of my long awaited apartment…FINALLY!

The NYFA life

It’s been long since a post I know…I am doing great and just got finished with my first short film…interesting! I am about to start working on a reality show now with my group, which will be challenging, but a great experience. I am loving the school and the city, but can’t wait to visit BR in about a month or so! We had a great night watching the Oscars, and I cooked a big pot of red sauce and spaghetti! Can’t have a function without red sauce…mom would be proud! Here are some pics…finally started using my camera! Definitely more to come…

Life in the Big Apple!

So it’s been a while since my last blog, but with the new year here, and me now living in New York…I have decided to get back on-line.  I started The New York Film Academy yesterday, and it is going to be an awesome adventure.  I have about 30 people in my class who are all for the One-year Producing program, and they are from all over the country.  A few are from England, one is from Egypt, another from Bulgaria, and another from Scotland…and this is just to name a few!  It is going to be an intense an 8-months, but will change my life…God is so faithful, and I am humbled to have him guiding me with his eye(a verse  I love)…

I already have some new friends, and we hung out last night…all of which are in my producing program.  I am getting a new camera, so as soon as I have some pics, I will post them so you can see the cool cats I am hanging with.

Lots more to come so check back later….

Loving NY…

Up Close and Personal

If you know me, you know how much I love my nephews.  I have 4 of them, and they are amazing.  Jude, the oldest is full of life and is the most affectionate child who always wants the entire family to be together.  He is all about hanging out at Nana and Granddaddy’s house, catching lizards and riding his tractor.  He has such an innocent little heart, and he has no idea how much he reminds me of the importance of innocence.  If he hears something that he is not suppose to hear or repeat, he instantly responds and makes all of us aware.  His heart is so open to what’s wrong and right…there is something so sweet about that.

I was reading this morning about having a pure heart in Psalm 24:22-24 and was reminded of the Beatitudes that Jesus talked about in Matthew 5:8…

“Blessed are the pure at heart, for they will see God”

I hope that in the midst of a crazy world, that I remain a pure-hearted person who sees people as they really are, and who loves unconditionally…for I will see God.  I hope that by the grace of God I can refrain from the useless things that destroy my heart and soul so that I live life according to what God had in mind when he created me.   I don’t want worry, stress, pain, and suffering to keep me from experiencing all that God has for me…it’s in the midst of those things that I can experience a God who is my helper and friend…and then I will be able to see Him up-close and personal…

Still thinking of Sicily…

Here are a few more pics…can’t get it off my mind!

Longevity

As I sat at my computer working on the script for the LIVE the DREAM opening session, I was reminded about the importance of longevity.  What keeps you going when you feel as though you are tired and just want to quit at something?  How do you stay motivated when it comes to working on something for a long period of time?  The answer…prayer and pacing yourself.  I believe that you can work long hours, get a thousand things done in a short amount of time, as long as you focus on the main things…learn to pick your battles and fight hard.  I love that thought.  I don’t want to get tangled up in the little things that are insignificant when there is something huge for me to accomplish.   I am learning more and more on how to be great at what God has called me to so that the end result is something I am proud of…something that I believe God is pleased with…that’s what it’s about anyway…using what’s in your hand to show people what’s in HIS heart.  I want to finish strong…have a lot to do and want to enjoy doing it…

Siciliana!!!!

I am home…it’s bittersweet! My experience in Italy was something that is hard to describe. Our team spent the first few days ministering at a conference in Sicily and I felt as though I was at my Italian family reunion. I had the awesome opportunity to do a seminar at the conference on “Making Jesus Relevant” and living out their dreams. As I shared, and asked questions, I realized that some of the people never thought about their dream…I was amazed. For me, dreaming big is something I am challenged by everyday…I am just glad I could encourage them and challenge them to think big. There are so many things that I will remember…dramas in the piazza in Catania, canolis after dinner, seeing the amazing Sicilians greet me with a kiss, the beautiful olive trees behind the church, the ruins in ancient Rome…the list goes on!

My heart is in Sicily…

Perspective

Today I was writing a monologue for the upcoming LIVE THE DREAM women’s conference, and had a thought. When you think about your life, it is so easy to focus primarily on one perspective, and nothing else. When I get up every morning, I think of nothing but me and what concerns me. I hate that. My question is this…how do we view others and our daily lives from a diferent perspective? Answer: Spend time with God and develop intimate relationships…that’s the only way. It’s more than traveling to a foreign country, but knowing the people who live there. When you do this…you enlighten your heart, which causes you to get out of your own little world and think about someone else for a change. Today…I hope to see life from someone else’s view…maybe even take a walk in their shoes!