Turbulence

Many people love to travel. I know I do! It is always nice to take a break from "reality" and simply relax.
A lot of people drive to their destination but a higher percentage fly on an airplane.

I have never liked the whole process of flying. First of all, it is so stressful (especially at LAX!) to get over all of the lanes to find the right airline to be dropped off at. Then you have to wait in line to check in. After you have your ticket, you can proceed to the longest line of all. SECURITY! Once you have been patted down and they have put your bags through the screening about 4 times, you can finally go to your gate.

Once you get on the airplane, you realize that because of that process a lot of people are stressed out, cranky, nervous, or snippy.

After putting your bags up or under the seat in front of you, the flight attendant comes over the announcements with what to do during an emergency.

I always look around to see how people are acting during the time the flight attendant is speaking. I usually find one of two things... People reading or people who are extremely nervous (first time passengers!) and the flight attendant is making it worse because they are pointing out the real problems that could occur.

For me, take off always seems to go smoothly. I typically watch a DVD on the ride or sleep when it is a smooth ride.

However, it isn't always a smooth ride.... and you can't control it.

Turbulence is a real heart pounder. It gets your attention and scares you a bit. If you look out your window, all you can see are clouds. That for me is the scariest part. You have no clue what is going on, where you are, and how you could potentially crash.

What do you do when turbulence in an airplane occurs?
What do you do when turbulence in your life occurs?

Turbulence is a violent or unsteady movement.

It tends to occur ALL the time. How do you react?

In the airplane, I grab the arm rest, close my eyes, and all I say is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus".
In my life, I sit down, (if my bible is near) grab my bible, close my eyes, and all I say is "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus".

God doesn't say following Him will be easy. If it was easy, everyone would do it.
He puts trials and tribulations in our life for a reason. He wants to see us grow closer to Him, test our Faith, and show us what is truly important.
It isn't to hurt you or make your life horrible. He has a good reason for everything, even if it takes some hurt to get there.

One of my favorite songs, by Mandisa, is titled "Stronger".

Below is my favorite verse and chorus:

"Cause if He started this work in your life
He will be faithful to complete it
If only you believe it
He knows how much it hurts
And I'm sure that He's gonna help you get through this

When the waves are taking you under
Hold on just a little bit longer
He knows that this is gonna make you stronger, stronger
The pain ain't gonna last forever
In time it's gonna get better
Believe me
This is gonna make you stronger"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vih1xwxQUIo

Just before I wrote this blog, I was reading my bible. In Isaiah 44:8 it says, "Do not tremble; do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim my purposes for you long ago?" 


God won't leave you stranded, in the air or on the ground. There is no reason to be afraid of turbulence if you believe and proclaim that God is your savior. He will protect you forever and always. 

My Weakness

I started singing in 5th grade as a member of my school choir. I was decent then...but not compared to the professional singers in LA!

My managers and agents are always sending me out on auditions for "singers" or "triple threats". I always do my best with my singing, but I never am fully confident with it.

3 weeks ago, I had an audition for Glee. As we all know, Glee is a full on triple threat show. I immediately started freaking out because I knew they would ask me to sing in the audition.

Then I realized freaking out isn't going to make me a better singer.

How often do we get freaked out? Is it really going to better the situation?

The answer is no.

Only God can better a situation.

Once I realized this, I just started to pray coverage over my vocal chords.

I have never felt that confident singing in front of people. It still may not have been the best singing voice at the audition, but I know my confidence sold it.

God clearly took my weakness and used it for my good.

What is your weakness that God can use for good?

2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV / 32 helpful votes

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

How Are You Using Your Career?

Last night I deleted my Facebook! As many of you know, I have been taking little breaks here and there from it but when I wouldn't be on a break, I was using up almost all of my day on it.

Facebook is a great tool for communication. Along with networking, allowing people to see your pictures of new adventures, and keeping my friends and family updated with what I have been doing.

I loved getting on Facebook in the morning to see if  I had new notifications...that was it! However, I saw that "Brittney" posted new pictures from the other night, which "Sarah" was also at, so of course I had to check them out!! 40 minutes later I look at the clock and see that I wasted 40 minutes that God so generously gave me. Who knows, I could only live for 40 more minutes and I just wasted the past 40 minutes.

I decided to pray about the decision to delete my Facebook and I finally did. People are asking me why...so here is a short answer:

I need to spend more time on God, school, and my career. I have to learn to focus my energy on making myself a better person, through Christ, and I am not doing that by being on Facebook. You never know when your life will be taken away, so go out and live your life!!

Now I will get to the heart of this blog. As I mentioned in the paragraph above, I need to spend more time on God and my career. I began to think that in the end those two go hand in hand.

What is your career? Is your career something that makes you happy? What is your motive to have that career?

For me, my career is acting and dancing. I have been pursuing this since I was 5 years old. It is what I absolutely love!

For that last question, how would you expect a teen (that wants to be an actress) to answer that question?
I have heard so many different answers.
"I want to be famous"
"I want my name to be known in this world"
"I want MONEY"

The list continues. But when you look at that little list above, who are those reasons benefiting?

The answer is easy. You.

God is the one who blessed us with all of our talents and opportunities. Not ourselves. We need to have a career that gives back to Him. Yes, you need to make an income...but when you make your money, how are you spending it? Do you deserve that money?
Why do you want to be "famous"? Just so you can live the lifestyle of the rich and famous?

Think about the people in third-world countries. Don't you think they dream of those things too? Maybe...but I am pretty sure they dream of having food on their table for the rest of the week.

Before you go off and spend your money on unnecessary articles, think of where God would want you to spend the money HE BLESSED YOU WITH. When you think of a career, is it something that glorifies God, or is it because you want to promote yourself?

I guess I should tell you what I want to do with my career.
I don't want to be an actress for the rich and famous lifestyle. My goal is to become a known actress so I can bring our teens to Christ.
Yes, being an actress does pay well. But I don't want the money for me. My goal is to end up sponsoring over three kids in a third-world country, before I am 28. (A little over 10 years from now)

A career is a privilege/blessing from God. Don't abuse it.