Confirmed

For the past month, I have been honored with an amazinggggg opportunity, the opportunity of being confirmed. What does this mean? In the Methodist Church, we believe in baptizing babies. Of course, when they are baptized that have no clue what is going on. The only questions running through their mind is "someone needs to change my diaper". However, this is why we go through the process of "confirmation". This process allows anyone, but specifically youth, to study the Bible and do activites to become closer with God, eventually making them a better person. After a few sessions, you are confirmed and say an oath in front of the whole church.

I was almost in tears when I received my Bible and "confirmed" necklace. It means a lot to me. I've learned so much and truly believe Jesus is my Savior. I know he will be here for me no matter what. I truly feel like a new and improved Christian and now know what it means to live according to him. In my opinion, I believe everyone should go through a process of the kind, just to receive more knowledge of the faith. More than anything I took out of the process that prayer is a great thing. I tend to come to God only when I need him and I vowed to try my best to change that. I can honestly say that I have been making an effort to do so and now it has become so easy.

This reminds me of today in Bible class, when my teacher Coach Hawley, showed us a video of an example when we call on God, sometimes when it's too late. This reminded me of myself in so many ways in the sense that people do that all the time. We tend to forget God and wait until something major happens to call to hi. NEWSFLASH: He will be there no matter what. However, we should make a habit of praying. We should try to come to him for anything. Also, not just praying for yourself. Thank him for things he has done. Ask him for the right way to help someone else, rather than just yourself. In the end, Christianity all comes down to love. Loving yourself, loving others and most of all loving God, can defeat all obstacles. But, these 3 love actions don't come over night. It takes prayer and patience.

I am so happy confirmation taught me these important things about my religion. Therefore, I am proud to say....I AM A CONFIRMED CHRISTIAN!

It's Amazing

My dad is as great believer of bringing people to church who are basically scared of "crosses" and never have even stepped into a church in their lives. He believe when these type of people join...it's the best thing. Honestly, I 100% which has made me step out of my comfort zone and embrace those who may not have as many resources and look as clean cut as me. However, my dad is a strong believer that the way this gets done is by bringing the arts into our church services. Arts meaning: skits, poems, and art. This actually works though. Those who never knew Jesus see him in a different light and understand him on a less deep level, compared to so many who compare church folks with those funny people who "speak in tongues".

Last night, a great thing happened. Our painoist had his first album release party at our location. It was an enjoyable evening. I even was able to perform a poem I made myself about music. We invited people from all over and it was once again a GREAT experience. The jazz music played was unforgettable from songs such as "My Funny Valentine" and "Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing". People laughed, danced, and people tried to stay in tune while they sang along to their all time favorite songs. I, myself, was able to enjoy a number of couples who danced. One couple seemed as though they took salsa lessons. They definitely inspired my mom...but...I don't think my dad will be too thrilled when my mom brings home a "Couple's Salsa Dancing" brochure. So much happened, I can't put it into words...but if there's one thing I know...God was definitely present.

Overall, last nigh, my dad explained that his dream was coming true. His dream of connecting arts to church is slowly coming true and I am so happy to be a part of it. My dad is my hero and one day I hope to see religion the way he does.

Decisions...Decisions

Today was my first day of school and besides all the crazy emotions that go behind that...I had even more worries on my mind. This morning, my dad talked to me about working at something I am good at. He explained how I just work at something that will maintain with me for the rest of my life. For those who don't know, other than writing....acting is my passion. I love how I feel when I'm on stage and there's nothing better than acting like some imaginable character. However, my volleyball schedule this year is proufoundly contradicting with my acting time. I was feeling lost and didn't know what to do. Acting is my passion...but how do I give up playing volleyball? Something I have been doing since the 6th (now in 10th).
Honestly, I did not want to listen to my dad at all this morning. All I wanted to think about was whether my teachers were going to be cool and whether or not my friends and I could easily pick up where we left off with our friendship before we left school for summer break. However, throughout the day, I found myself thinking more and more about what he told me. "Work towards something that means the world to you". I was going back and forth. After a short talk with my drama teacher, she fully persuaded me when she said the fall play was going to be one of my favorite plays of all time "Steel Magnolias". Not to mention, it was turned into an amazing movie including Julia Roberts and Sally Field.
Somehow, today is just seemed like everything fell into place. It's going to be tough telling my coach I will have to give volleyball up, but it will bless me in the long run. I know it. I like volleyball and will always call it my favorite sport to play....but...this girl....LOVES acting. So, this is exactly what I'm going to do. Who knows! I may be telling this story one day on an interview after I've won an Oscar!!!