Thankful for Nuggets

No, I’m not referring to Chicken Nuggets, although my girls love them. I’m talking about little “gold nuggets” from God that He gives me to combat REJECTION. I spend quite a bit of my spare time pursuing my passion for acting. As audition notices pop up, I submit my resume, photos, and links to my work. Sometimes I receive absolutely no response to my submission, which in a round-about way is saying, “no thanks” which equals rejection. Other times, I get a response asking me to either submit a video-taped audition, or go to an audition in person. Many times after my audition, I do not hear back, again equaling rejection. I know that a lot of factors go into casting an actor for a role besides just the performance, but still rejection hurts, no matter what the reason. It’s hard not to get discouraged, and let me tell you, this is just the time that the enemy loves to come in and fill my head with lies. “You’re not good enough,” “No one likes you,” and the list goes on and on. Usually about the time when I’m ready to throw in the towel, that’s when the nugget comes. Sometimes it’s an encouraging email from a casting director, even if I didn’t get the role. A letter filled with a compliment arrives in the mail at just the right time. The day after losing a role, I gain a much better one. My most favorite nuggets, however, come straight from God’s Word. Here’s the most recent nugget I received:

“As you come to Him, the living Stone- rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him.” 1Peter 2:4 NIV

Jesus knows exactly how it feels to be rejected. My petty rejections pale in comparison to the rejection He endured. The TRUTH to combat the lies the enemy tells me is that I am precious to God. No matter how many times I am rejected on this earth, He still accepts me, even when my performance is poor. He cares enough to send me gold nuggets along the way too, just to remind me! Are you dealing with rejection in your life right now? Have you experienced rejection lately from a friend, family member, or even your spouse? Did you not get selected for something you really wanted? Look for the nuggets, if you don’t see any, ask God to send you some. Be alert, God may also be trying to send a nugget through you to someone else!

Who is your guide?

This summer I was blessed along with my family to travel to Spain. We decided while there to take a day trip to Morocco. We boarded our ferry for the ride across the Straights of Gibraltar. Who knew that our first stop on the African continent would actually still be considered Spain? Yes our first stop was the town of Cueta which is a Spanish territory. We boarded a bus and were driven across the border into Morocco. We were introduced to our guide, Abdul. While I truly appreciated the information he gave us on our bus ride, it wasn't until we entered our first open-air market that I began to realize how truly valuable Abdul was to us! We wandered through narrow uneven pathways lined with food, spices, chickens, hanging meats, vegetables, etc. As we went up and down steps, there were tiny rooms with tailors sewing, looms for rugs and fabrics, florists, toys, and the list goes on and on. Mixed along the way were doors to what appeared to be small apartments and many, many cats! We twisted and turned through one of the largest mazes I had ever been through. It wasn't long into our walk that our group began to sense two things:

1. That if Abdul ditched us at any point, we'd be completely lost.
2. That if Abdul ditched us at any point, we would no longer be safe.

Have you ever been in a situation where everything looked just fine, but you couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense that things were just not right? My husband noticed that we had a few men following us, pretending to be on cell phones and uninterested in us, but yet always right next to us. He finally mentioned something to Abdul who then admitted that they were part of our "security." I noticed cash money being slipped to various men along our path. I think the others in our group began to have the same feeling, because we all began to stick VERY close to Abdul. Well I can say that Abdul did his job well, because we all made it out of there, unharmed. It was a fantastic experience and I am so glad we were able to experience it! Here's a picture of Abdul:

Recently, I've really been battling with the thought "Who is MY guide?" As a Christian, it's easy to just blurt out, "Well God, of course!" But is that always true? I mean how many times do I pick up the phone to call my mom or a friend and ask them questions about how to handle my kids? Or turn to self help books, videos, podcasts, blogs or tv shows? Do I TRULY always go to God first? How much do I worry, try to plan outcomes, and "make" things happen? Do I let Him be my guide? Or am I sometimes just my own guide? Do I determine what I want and then just go for it or decide that because it just feels right, it must be right? What about in my acting, do I consult God before I submit for each project or ask Him to direct me to the next one?

Just as Abdul guided us through the Moroccan Market, my God is available at all times to do the same for me. He can guide me through the maze of my life, through rocky paths, unknown territories, ups and downs, dangerous situations, and guide me when I am completely lost. He can even post "security" guards along my various routes. I don't want to miss out on the scenery of life by following the wrong guide or simply guiding myself! Lord help me to allow You to be my guide in all that I do!

Isaiah 30:21 says, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it." HE truly is our guide!

Accountable Kids- Just had to share!

Confession time...I am not the most organized person, especially when it comes to schedules, check lists, calendars, routines, cleaning, etc. I've always been a "fly by the seat of my pants" kind of gal, which may have worked okay in my younger years, but just doesn't seem to fly now that I have kids. I know my kids need structure and routine, and I certainly know that I need it too! The question is how does a person who probably struggles with some ADD tendencies herself come up with a plan to help her kids focus? I have tried and tried to come up with my own charts, chore lists, sticker charts, rewards and consequence systems, and some worked for awhile, but either my girls got tired of them or I did! I knew I needed help, and I definitely knew things needed to change around our house. A friend of mine posted a link about Accountable Kids on her facebook page. I went to their website to check it out. After watching their video demo, I knew I had found the right solution for our family. My husband and girls watched the video too, and we all agreed we at least had to try it.

Basically, the system consists of a name board with pegs on it that chores and tickets hang from. You assign your child basic chores to be completed each day. When they complete morning chores, they get a ticket. The same with afternoon and evening, for a chance to earn three tickets per day. They can then use the tickets to cash in for different activities that they like to do. (ex. television, video games,etc.) They can also lose a ticket if they display a certain negative behavior. Both activities and unacceptable behaviors are agreed upon in advance by the whole family. There are other layers to the system like extra chores which they can earn a bonus buck for and even a date card, which helps teach them about setting goals and delayed gratification. You can have your kids decorate their boards or for a little more money they will engrave them for you. We chose to let the girls decorate their own.


So, we've had the boards for almost 2 months now. How's it going? Well, we ALL love them. The girls LOVE turning their daily chore cards over when the chore is completed and they love earning tickets and now bonus bucks. No longer do I have to wake my 8 year old daughter and set out her clothes. She is up and going all on her own. The TV is hardly ever on. They both would rather use their tickets for other things, and often chose to leave the TV off! I've also noticed them helping each other and pitching in without even being asked. I have had them ask me if they will get a ticket or bonus buck for helping me when I have asked them for help. It is such a teachable moment, where I can explain that just like in life, we often do things just for the blessing of knowing we have helped someone else, not for what we will earn. They are getting it! I used to find that I was constantly repeating myself, "Go brush your teeth, GO BRUSH YOUR TEETH!" I don't have to do that anymore. On a scale of 1 to 5 (5 being the highest) I give it a 5!

We are all still a work in progress, but I will say we are all improving! I am SO THANKFUL for the Accoutability Kids program. I have a lot more to say about it, but my blog is already pretty long, so feel free to ask me more next time you see me! OR you can visit their website and learn more!

http://accountablekids.com/quickstart
or just click on the Accountable Kids title at the top of my post and it will take you directly there!

An "Inspired" Surprise Party

Early in December, I was invited to what I thought was a Christmas party at my friend Staci's house. She lives just down the street from me. The day of the party my volunteer babysitter had to cancel, so I cancelled going to the party. I sent a text to Staci and let her know, that I probably wouldn't make it. Within minutes I was getting calls and texts from 3 of my friends. The next thing I knew, a babysitter was already lined up, and I was going to the party! I figured my friends knew how much I needed a "mom's night out!" I arrived at the party right at 7:30 and was surprised to see so many cars already there! I thought I'd be the first one there! When I walked through the door all of my friends were in a semi-circle and they were wearing matching shirts that said, "Inspired by Katy!" I couldn't believe it! The Christmas party was really a surprise party for me! I was blown away, and felt so unworthy of the honor! It wasn't my birthday, and I couldn't imagine why they did it! But you know what? I needed it, and I floated through the rest of the evening just feeling loved and appreciated. I couldn't help but think everyone should have this honor at some point, just a surprise party on a regular day to say "you are loved" by those who care about you. It was something I will never forget and I will forever hold those ladies in such high esteem. I have never had anything like that in my life! Then, they gave me a little handmade book, and each friend had written a personal note. I will treasure it forever.



They sent me home with some of the extra t-shirts, and the next morning when I told my oldest daughter about the evening, she exclaimed, "I want a shirt!" So I gave her the smallest size and she proudly wore it to school!



I just couldn't resist blogging about an "inspired" party here on my "Inspired" blog!
A big heartfelt thanks to my friends:
Staci Gahm, Amanda Magee, Peggy Finley, Angie Paul, Becky Batt, Karen Ellis, Melanie Benfield, Kelley McLaughlin, Lauren Cooley, Kristy Truss, Christina Schnieders, and Kari Champagne

I feel so honored to be their friend!

***Click here to view the video Staci's husband shot that night:

Young Evangelist

In August, my husband attended a week long "boot camp" at our Tae Kwon Do school. Midweek, he noticed a twelve year boy playing with a cube that had pictures on it. All the other kids were gathered around him watching him manuever it and listening to a story he was sharing. As my husband leaned in closer to listen, he realized that this kid (we later found out his name, Logan) was sharing the gospel message of Christ dying for our sins. Each picture on the cube represented a different aspect of the story. The kids around him were soaking up his every word. The next day, the kids asked him get it out again and tell them the story, again! Stephen asked him where he got it, and quickly ordered 2 for our girls. We were both so struck by the boldness of this boy, openly sharing his faith with his peers. Who knows the seeds that were planted in the minds of those young children surrounding him that day? Logan inspired us! Inspired us to be more bold when we share our faith with others. Inspired us to equip our children with the knowledge and tools to share their faith with their peers as well! I have no idea what God has in store for Logan, but what I do know is that he is on the right track, and will one day know the impact he had the lives of those he witnessed to! My oldest daughter Lauren carries her cube in her backpack and is ready to share the story of Christ's sacrifice with any kid willing to listen!

Interested in ordering a cube for your kids? Here's the link:
http://www.e3resources.org/
Below is a picture of my family with their cubes and an evangelism soccer ball that also came with the set. Each color represents a different part of the story.

The Hiding Place

I have always loved reading, but never really been a big reader. Does that make sense? Well maybe not, but it's me. I love to walk around bookstores and select a stack of books that I just have to read. Then they just sit, or perhaps I get through a few chapters, but rarely finish a book. I have a long list of books that are kind of my "bucket list" of books so to speak, and I recently tackled one on that list. I've heard the story of Corrie Ten Boom ever since high school I guess, and have always wanted to read her story, but just never got around to it. Recently, in light of some personal challenges, I felt especially drawn to it at this time in my life. (No coincidence here by the way!) The older I get the more I am learning that books are brought to mind, suggested, or given to you for a reason, for a season in your life. So, I dusted off my library card and checked out, "The Hiding Place," (and had to actually wait for it!) If you have not read this book, please do! (I'd love to have someone to discuss it with!)

I'd like to share two lessons given to me through this book, that were so PERFECTLY applicable and on-time for my current situation.

1. "Give thanks in all circumstances"- from the scripture 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (check out verses 16 and 17 too, whoa!) She shares how God gave her this scripture, and how she is able to speak the things she is thankful for despite what is around her. Then later she is able to see how that very thing that was so hard to be thankful for ended up being a blessing. (Read the book and find out what I'm talking about! Hint: it falls in the critter category! Hehehe!)
Oh- one more thing on this, a couple of days later I received a card in the mail from my MOPS Mentor Mom, Mary Graham, and inside was a wooden cross with the same message! (Okay, God, I'm listening...)

2. "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 She talks about a time where she felt the scriptures no longer speaking to her, her prayers had come mechanical. Then she read in her Bible about Paul speaking about having a thorn in his side. While the Bible doesn't tell us exactly what the thorn was, it does tell us that Paul asked God 3 times to remove it. God's answer is listed above. Simply stated, rely on me! So at that perfect time, when I SO needed to hear it, I learned that my struggles, just because I pray aren't always going to go away immediately. I need to rejoice in my weaknesses and truly RELY on God, so that He gets the glory, not so everyone can walk around saying, "Wow! That Katy is just so strong!"

It's amazing to me that a woman who was born in 1892 and has been gone since 1983 has a message that's so relevant to me, today. The reason is because she shared what God taught her through His Word. His Word is timeless.

I loved the book not just because of the lessons I learned, but of the beautiful story of family, love, forgiveness, ministry, compassion, and ultimate triumph over evil.

Again, I have to ask myself, what am I putting in my head? Is it worth my time? Does it make me a better person? Does it challenge me? Does it inspire me? Feed me? In this case, I answer all those questions with a resounding, "YES!"

Inspirations and Aspirations

When I was in 2nd grade, I had my first acting role. I played the Cranberry Sauce in the Thanksgiving play. You can't imagine how difficult it was to capture the true essence of that tangy, colorful side dish! At that moment, I knew I wanted to be an actress.


Two years ago, I was convicted about how I was using my acting talents. I had to ask myself, what kind of work am I willing to do? Am I willing to be a part of a project that depicts scenes that compromise my beliefs? Am I willing to be a part of projects that I would be ashamed for my children to see? I began to pray that God would give me work that was glorifying to Him. Guess what? He did! First it started with dinner theatres at my church.


Then I was asked to be a part of a project called Kidventure, which is a once a month dinner theatre for families at our church that introduces the whole family to the message kids will be learning in kids church that month. It gives the families an opportunity to discuss what they learned at the show and revisit that all month! My girls are my biggest fans, and I love that they can come watch me and learn about God at the same time! Priceless!



Then I found an audition for an independent Christian Film here is San Antonio. I auditioned, and God gave me the part! The movie is called, "Without A Father" and I am very proud of the project that I was blessed to be a part of!
>">

I can look back with confidence that the work I am a part of has positive messages instead of messages that are poisonous. God willing, I aspire to be a part of more films like this in the future. I must say this is my passion!

Recently, I've had to ask myself, what am I putting in my head? What am I surrounding myself with? I felt convicted about what I was watching, both in film and on television. Even news shows are just putting out garbage! Seems like everytime I am ready to watch 20/20, it's always about someone murdering their spouse, abuse, kidnapping, etc. What happened to the inspiring stories? I'm just tired of seeing nothing but pain, heartache, and evil! Don't get me wrong, I'm not in denial, and I'm not trying to live in a bubble, but I have to ask myself, do I really need to be watching this? Is this feeding me in a positive way? Is this inspiring? So, I said to myself, enough! I've done a lot of just turning OFF the TV, but I've added in some really inspirational movies to watch instead. If you are not a member of Netflix, you should be. I don't know why we didn't join it earlier! It's so easy and cheap! Below is a picture of some of the movies I've watched lately. Some are true stories, and some are fictional, but I find them all to be inspirational. So I challenge you to add some more inspirational viewing into your life and start taking out the garbage! Please let me know what you find, so I can add more to my list!

Only two of the movies below are not available on Netflix, yet. "The Butterfly Circus" is a short film (just 20 minutes) and you can watch it FREE:
click here
Nick Vujicic (Life without limbs ministry) just won best actor for this and it was his first acting role ever!

The other is the film I was a part of "Without A Father" It is available for purchase at:
www.withoutafatherthemovie.com

Enjoy!