Merry Christmas!

Now is the time to spend time with the family and friends in your life. I wish you and yours a very special Christmas Day!

Cheers,

Selena

The Sticker Book Exercise

I am now in the second class with Christy English in their Actor's Edge Program. So far I was introduced, for the first time, to 'The Sticker Book Exercise'. I never heard of this before, but said lets put it to work if I am going to practice all that I have to do in working towards a full-time acting career.

We all have fears, blocks, and worries that cause us to procrastinate and even doubt our abilities. This was the topic of the first call and she recommended that we start a 'Sticker Book'.

So....I wanted to share it with all of my aspiring actors who are working as hard as me to get things done. What you will need is pretty simple and easy.

You will need:
* A journal (you have to absolutely love it and can get it from CVS, Walmart, Big Lots, wherever, journals are sold)
* Stickers ( you need a variety of stickers that make you laugh or at least smile each time you see them)

Procedures:
Once you have your favorite journal and stickers, you are to begin writing each negative feeling, thought, or idea that comes into your mind and them follow it up with a sticker. Christy recommends that you put all of the negative thought in your journal even if you've done it already or repeat some. This exercise will allow you to begin to replace the negative roadblocks with positive thoughts. You can also track how far you have come from where you began.

My Results:
I have loved doing the sticker book exercise because it really helps me when I am doing an activity that is creative toward my acting and I have thoughts creep in. It really allows for me to write it down immediately and put a sticker on it to seal the deal.

I hope you enjoy this activity and it is able to help you in your acting journey.

Cheers,

Selena

Christy English - Actor's Edge Program begins October 27th - CAN'T WAIT!!!!

I was absolutely floored when I listened to the free training call Christy English had on how to obtain the necessary tools to be ready for the big leagues of acting. She highlighted how important it was to be SAG, have a GREAT reel, and IMDB credits. She says that she doesn't consider a talent without the three previously mentioned so...I felt that it was time to get the tools to be ready and will be taking The Actor's Edge program that is so highly recommended. It will run for about 9-10 weeks and over that time we will be putting in work. I have been wondering how and what, but that's no longer necessary.

I heard from someone that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear and she has done so. However what makes this experience more unique than any other is that I received her information from a random email in my hotmail account. I usually breeze through the spam and anything in my inbox that appears spammy, but not this time. My availability was perfect to just sit down and listen and take notes. I learned so much just by listening to the overview she has taught to her own talent she manages. God could not have been anymore obvious in the plans for me over the next three months. I have been asking and it has arrived. I hope to share with you my journey and how it is impacting...The Good, Bad, and the Ugly.

If you are at all interested in hearing the free call, which I know will not be available too much longer, venture to this link.....http://www.christy-english.com/seminar.html

If you want to join me and all the rest of the actors...beginners, intermediate, or professional...you can still enroll in the program at: http://www.christy-english.com/theactorsedge/

The class will be recorded for online access if you can't make an actual class date. Put away your excuses and jump in...your results are waiting for you. ENROLL before she closes it!

Found Myself Watching The Movie Avatar Again

I always believe that everything in life fits together to mean something in my life. Maybe I'm just one of the weird ones who believe that we are all connected and the Earth is apart of that connection. I guess that's why I'm so into the movie Avatar. I do see how the human race is destroying Earth and how She is fighting against our choices to protect Herself. She will ultimately win in the end though. There are so many natural disasters happening around the world these days. People are losing their homes and lives by floods, fires, earthquakes, and much more. Some blame others, but I believe it's just a wake-up call coming from Mother Nature Herself. Some of the countries with the intense violence are seeing Her rapture. She's getting tired of us in more than one way.

So, I guess subconsciously I felt the need to escape this world we've all created in some form or another to a planet that believes all people and natural things are one. The movie Avatar does that for me. I always seem to find or learn something new each time I watch it. It's so powerful in more than one way. By the end of the movie when they are shipping the humans back to their earth, I actually feel as if I want to stay with the people as an Avatar.

Everytime you turn on the news someone has been killed by "enemy fire" when we are ALL THE SAME...HUMAN! It continues to amaze me how much we have labeled each other as good versus bad, or by race. I went to see an exhibit of mummies and saw many different cultures of people looking over the preserved dead and wondered why they came. Did they come to see what shade they were? Or, did they come because they were curious as to what they looked like and what they possessed and how their beliefs were similar to their own? I wondered why seeing the mummies were so fascinating when we bury each other everyday due to disease, violence, old age, and many more cases. The mummies look exactly the same, they were human, LIKE US, but just from a different time period on Earth.

I found myself escaping this judgmental world for about 2 hours and it felt good. Wow, do we have a lot to learn. Mother Earth will continue to shake us up until we realize who's really wearing the pants in all of this, so to speak.

Peace,

Selena

Love The Young and The Restless? Guess Who I Saw In Hollywood?

You never know who you're going to have the privilege to see in Hollywood. However, its great when its someone that you can't get enough of on your favorite show or soap.

This past Saturday, I was getting ready to house manage the next show at the Hollywood Fight Club Theater, when I looked up from the desk and saw one of my favorite actors from the Young and The Restless. His character on the show is Victor Newman, but his Hollywood name is Eric Braeden. The Young and The Restless has been so exciting to watch. I even find myself going online to catch up with the missed weekly shows because a girl gotta audition and work too! I've been watching the Young and The Restless since I was a little girl because my mom loved to watch the soaps. I guess its ingrained!

It's very special to see great actors come out to see shows in the small local theaters like the Hollywood Fight Club Theater. The show, Forever Fosse, was also HOT and SEXY though too, so...! In all, it really shows how much they appreciate the art, but they also know how to be transparent and confident in their own skin.

Victor Newman, I mean, Eric Braeden, looked fantastic on Saturday night. It was great to see that he actually looked like he does on the Young and The Restless. He was very nice and approachable as well. I hope he has many more years on the soap.

So...keep believing in yourself my fellow actors and I will do the same. It's a process, but when the process is finished churning, it's time for the follow-thru. Be ready when opportunity knocks!

Many blessings,

Selena

P.S: To catch up on the Young and the Restless, Click Here!

Great Info: CBS NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR DIVERSITY SKETCH COMEDY SHOWCASE‏

It's good to have people in the industry who doesn't mind helping another person succeed. In the end they will succeed anyway. I received this great information and thought that it would be wise to send it through my blog for you to get all of the information if you want to submit. Good luck!

Subject: CBS NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR DIVERSITY SKETCH COMEDY SHOWCASE

Flash! Los Angeles CBS NETWORK IS ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS FOR ITS SIXTH DIVERSITY SKETCH COMEDY SHOWCASE  January 2011 Showcase will be Directed by Rick Najera. Produced in Association with AFTRA, American Indians in Film and Television, East West Players, Nosotros, SAG and The Robey Theatre Company Deadline for Submissions is Friday, Sept. 15 As part of our ongoing effort to expand job opportunities for all AFTRA members, including  performers of color, people with disabilities, women, LGBT performers and seniors, we team up  with network television casting offices to produce showcases featuring promising actors. CBS will  sponsor its sixth talent showcase for diverse sketch comedians in January 2011 in Los Angeles.  Executive producer and writer Rick Najera (“Mad TV,” “In Living Color”) will once again direct  this showcase. All are welcome to submit. CBS Entertainment executives, casting directors from the network’s primetime and daytime  programs, as well as casting directors from shows on other networks will be on hand at the  Showcase. An invitation has also been extended to casting directors from production companies  that work with CBS. “We are thrilled with the opportunities this showcase has provided to numerous talented and  deserving, but often unsigned performers. This event not only showcases amazing talent, it turns  actors into working actors,” said Peter Golden, CBS Executive Vice President, Talent and Casting. If you choose to submit electronically, instead of through AFTRA, you can do so at   www.breakdownexpress.com through the “actors access” section and the link listed as the CBS Diversity  Sketch Comedy Showcase. Only one submission will be accepted using either method. WHERE: Los Angeles WHO: Participants must be at least 18 years old. Previous experience/training is recommended of all, but professional representation is not necessary. HOW: CBS will contact performers to schedule an audition. NO PHONE CALLS TO CBS PLEASE. Each audition will require a one minute original sketch comedy monologue. WHEN: DEADLINE IS FRIDAY, SEPT. 15 (Can be hand-delivered, if received by end of working day) READ CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING: 1. SUBMIT ONE PICTURE AND RESUME. NO Tapes or Cover Letters 2. DO NOT DOUBLE SUBMIT if already submitted through www.breakdownexpress.com or any other organization or union. 3. ONLY HARD COPY SUBMISSIONS TO AFTRA. No Emails. 4. NO PHONE CALLS TO CBS. 5. PLEASE NOTE DEADLINE. NO SUBMISSION WILL BE ACCEPTED PAST CUT-OFF DATE. SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO AND RESUME TO: CBS SKETCH COMEDY SHOWCASE AFTRA 5757 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900 Los Angeles, CA 90036 For more information on the submission process, please contact: Ray Bradford, National Director, Equal Employment Opportunities,  AFTRA rbradfor@aftra.com

Beginning Level 2 Commercial Class Tonight!

Before I get started, I just have to stress how important it is to keep yourself prepared for auditions. I recently got my first principal role for a commercial. During the audition process, they had us improvise with one other actor and it felt so comfortable. I didn't feel any competition or need to be competitive. I was a mom in the scene talking to a coworker on video chat. It was great to invent conversation. It was even more exciting to get the job as a principal. The crew was so nice and I even got to network with some really great actors who were principals as well. After being on the set, I finally felt like I belonged in this profession. People may say that it is competitive and difficult, but I have to say that what's for me is mine and that's all that really matters.

Also, I wanted to lead into the point that I had just started a Level 1 commercial class as well and just being in the presence of practice really set me up for success. That's what I believe. So, if you're wanting to break into commercials, find training that suits you and your budget. I'm taking Mike Pointer's Level 2 Commercial Class and will be well prepared for my next commercial opportunity.

Cheers,

Selena

My New Headshots by Vanie Poyey!

Hey,

I had to get new headshots and was advised to work with Vanie Poyey, now I can see why. Tell me what you think of them. She is great! So if you're in the Los Angeles, CA area and need new acting headshots or just professional pictures done, I recommend her 100%. Go Vanie!

 

 

...I Told You She Was GREAT!

Bookmark & Share

¡Mi Cumpleaños! Tengo Treinta Años Ahora

Hola mis amigas y familia,

    ¡Es mi cumpleaños! Hoy tengo treinta años. Estoy muy contenta. Soy estudiante de espanol ahora. Es muy interesante y aprendo mucha. Deseo aprender mucha más. Voy a ir al cine de Orange County Performing Arts Center para The Lion King. Es perfecto para mi día.

Adiós y Salud,

Selena




 Bookmark & Share

Day 30: Game On - Living It Up

Living It Up - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "The key to the fulfilled life is passion"

You have been given an extraordinary gift--your life. You have an exceptional calling--to be the very best you God created you to be. Your goal is to unwrap this gift and use all that you've been given in the pursuit of what matters most--loving God and loving other people.

"If a man would move the world, he must first move himself." -Socrates

Bookmark & Share

Day 29: Game Over - Dying To Live

Dying To Live - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "We were designed to be in perfect relationship with God. We were created with a homesickness for the eternal reality of a place beyond our wildest dreams. As the old hymn explains, "This world is not my home." Heaven is our heart's home, where the homecoming party goes on and on and on. But it's also a place of "no more"--no more tears, grief, loss, or death. "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4)

 "You're not really ready to live until you're ready to die."

Today's Challenge: Imagine how different your life would be if you always kept an accurate view of eternity before you. Go ahead. Paint a picture of your hypothetical daily experience in some detail.

Bookmark & Share

Day 28: Footprint - Leaving A Lasting Impression

Leaving A Lasting Impression - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "We want to be good stewards of our planet because of the responsibility that God has entrusted to us regarding His creation. But while we look for ways to decrease our environmental footprint, we should seek to increase our spiritual footprint. We need to make the most positive, the most lasting imprint on people's lives possible. To do that, we have to get incredibly intentional about the kind of impression we're making on their people's lives.

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them to become what they are capable of being." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 Bookmark & Share

Review of Iron Man 2

I am always a little worried about going to see Part 2, 3, 4, of movies because I feel that I may be disappointed, but I can say that Iron Man 2 really went above and beyond it's first. It was actually even more jaw-dropping than the first one. I was so impressed by all the action and I also saw Don Cheadle in another light as an action hero type, who replaced Terrence Howard as Col. James Rhodes. Don Cheadle is a keeper in my opinion.

The two Iron Men blasted onto the screen in a very unpredictable manner, which really made the scenes even more outstanding.When I saw the billboard for this, I thought that they would go in the direction of Spiderman with his opposite, but this was not the case. I will not spoil your chances of seeing it, so I will leave that for you to see yourself.

The comedic timing reigned supreme throughout with the talent of Robert Downey, Jr. He is definitely the best fit for the role of Tony Stark. He makes it look easy.  He was hilarious. The writers did a great job!

Jon Favreau, at the wheel as director, loyal friend, and driver in the film as Happy Hogan makes for some great laughs too!

Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rorke, Scarlett Johansson, Sam Rockwell, and Samuel L. Jackson were natural, believable, and nice to look at on camera in their particular characters. They owned their roles.

I see that it even out-shined Robin Hood in the box office for this weekend. Robin Hood took second. I personally recommend that anyone who has not seen it yet, buy the ticket and be prepared for a 2hr. 5min treat. You will not be disappointed. Also, if you want to get some idea of what's to come in the next one, Iron Man 3, wait until after the credits.

I actually did background for this film, Iron Man 2 as a political type in the last scene with Tony Stark getting the medal, but I looked like a small ant. However, it was good training and experience for me to be on the set and see how things are done. I love the experience and to see it in its final product was amazing.


Leave your feedback if you've seen it. What did you think about it!


 Bookmark & Share

Free Charity Cars Are Making Dreams Come True

 UPDATE!!!! I now have a NEW CAR and all I did was ask the right question to God and the next day, I was in my new 2006 Chrysler PT Cruiser. It may be gibberish to you, but I am so serious about this. I got the advise from Ken D. Foster, of Ask and You Will Succeed.

Recently I searched on google trying to figure out if people give away cars anymore. My car is a 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer, but I have driven it quite a lot to 250,000 miles and it has maintenance that needs to be done on it. Talk about expensive and with the mileage I don't think it would be worth it. I wouldn't get a lot if I traded it in on a new one so I thought that maybe I should do some research and see if people actually give away cars like Oprah did a couple of years ago. That's when I came across Free Charity Cars!

It appears to be pretty popular because it even broadcast on the Montel Williams Show. If you are in need of a free charity car, you can apply also and tell your story to the community, which allows you to earn points and reach the 100 points needed to be eligible for a car maintenance payment, free gifts, and a free car. Take some time to look over the website and if you are in need, create a free profile and start moving.

I am going to see what happens and I decided to tell everyone about this because the more people who know makes it even more successful for me getting a charity car. So to learn more, click on the banner within this post, create your profile and then become my friend so we can vote for each other to share in this goodness.

A car is very important to me because of my acting dreams in the arts, but also because of my job as a senior caregiver. I love helping people get well, providing companionship, or just sitting there to make them feel safe.

If you've received a free charity car, write your feedback below.

Thanks,

Selena


 Bookmark & Share

Mike Pointer - Hey, I Saw Your Commercial! FREE On-Camera Classes in Los Angeles, CA

I recently did a Google search for commercial classes in Los Angeles, CA because my goal is to book more national commercials. I feel that learning the fundamentals necessary to be successful the first time in this business and what the casting directors and producers are looking for from me when I step into that room to audition for a spot is very important.

So, I came across Coach Mike's Hey, I Saw Your Commercial! website. He offered a chance to audit his on-camera technique class for free. I realized that he has these ongoing so you can register anytime from his website for a Free session, (Referral Name: Selena Brown) He will take care of you! Just by going to his Free audit, I learned so much I didn't know about commercials and how important they are to my television and film pursuits. I found out that many people who are on television shows and film today, began their careers in commercials. Some actors, which he will show evidence in the free audit, survived their first couple of years in the business booking commercials before they reached major television show levels. He gave out handouts to take with us so that we could begin implementing some of his techniques for LaCasting, Actor's Access, etc. Coach Mike is so passionate in what he does that you can't help but listen, absorb, and get into action with your career, IF YOU WANT IT BAD ENOUGH!

He lays out a step-by-step model of how to get started from scratch and how to do things right the first time. His classes fill up fast because of how in demand he is. He even offers personal coaching if you are preparing for a commercial the next day or within the next week. His classes are so detailed and each one will have you in line with what the industry leaders or decision-makers expect of you. He also does a great job of showing examples or proof to back up what he says. How many people you know actually back up what they have to say with the facts? He also shows you commercials that he has actually booked to reiterate a point.  I was so impressed and can't wait to take his first class in his Commercial Institute, On-Camera Commercial Course (Earn residual income in TV Commercials, build a solid income stream and foundation to sustain your TV/Film Career pursuit).

Coach Mike (Mike Pointer) has been successfully coaching and running Hey, I Saw Your Commercial! for 10 years now and he doesn't look like he's stopping anytime soon. Top agencies recommend that their talent stop by to get a dose of Coach Mike.

He said something in the room that really connected with me and that was a quote by Zig Ziglar, "You can have everything you want in life if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

I believe this quote and take it personally, and want to make sure that you have the opportunity to share in the prosperity that commercials have to offer you just as it will me in the near future.  I am so delighted to share this quality information with you and hope that you will pass it on to your friends and family who want to get started in this industry the right way!

Watch Coach Mike's Video explaining what's in his FREE On-Camera Audition Techniques Class and REGISTER! Start establishing a long-lasting relationship with Coach Mike, a Top 25 Commercial Agent, and long-term success in the business.(Don't Forget To Say I Referred You: Selena Brown) There are door prizes too! I won a Personality Slate session with Coach Mike for my LaCasting profile, Actors Access, etc.--there are secrets that no one knows if you are not trained to know--Coach Mike will tell you in his Free Session!)

To Your Success,

Selena

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and I'll answer them! 

 

 Bookmark & Share

Day 27: Starfish - Making A World Of Difference

Making A World Of Difference - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "When we recognize the power of one--when we focus on the personal needs of individuals--we'll find ourselves transformed and we'll impact lives for eternity."

Kerry and Chris Shook says: The problem come when we start thinking happiness means begin safe and comfortable and when our goal in life becomes the avoidance of all risk. When our top priority is to be safe and secure, we lose touch not just with the needs of others but with a primary need to our own. We were created for so much more than punching buttons and scrolling screens. We were created for a grand adventure! God designed us to take great risks and face huge challenges, to accomplish mighty goals that we will have lasting impact.

If we make it a habit to do what we can, when we can, where we can, we will be transformed as we help others.


*Describe some concrete situations in which God might use you in expected or unexpected ways. (Readings: Acts 8:26-39; 1Peter 4:10-11)

My Answer: God does use us in unexpected ways - I went to a gas station a couple of weeks ago and I needed gas so I could get some errands done and I was standing at the register waiting for the two clerks to fix some pump issue. It so happened that they gave a customer too much gas and another not enough gas because the wrong pump numbers were put in the machine. So, I'm standing there wondering what in the world is going on. One of the customers came in and said "thank you for the extra gas and it wasn't his fault about the pump mixup" and the lady came in and was given the extra gas she paid for. The gentleman said he had to hurry up and go to work and didn't have any more money to pay the $8.00 gas he got over what he paid. I just happened to have $40.00 in my hand and was going to put  $30.00 in my tank to fill it up and out of my mouth came, "I'll pay for it, just go." The man was shocked that I would pay for it and tried to put it on a credit card, but this gas station only took cash or debit. I repeated again, "I'll take care of it, just go. You said you were late for work soon."  I was grateful to have the opportunity to be there and do something in an unexpected way. It really made me feel good, but also a conflict was solved and nothing went wrong over $8.00.

"As the purse is emptied, the heart is filled." - Victor Hugo

Can you listen and care? offer a smile? hug a child? Most of us underestimate the power we have just by being present in the life of someone else.

Today's Challenge
Choose one.
One man, one woman, one child whom you know you can bless with a simple, cost-free gift. A smile, a compliment, a door opened, a held elevator.
Choose one.
From many perspectives, your act of live might seem like a matter of little real impact. From just about any perspective...except the perspective belonging to the one.
Go now and create happiness.

Face Time
God, make my heart sensitive to hurting people and help me see others as You see them.
Give me the strength today to see someone's need and meet it in Your strength.

 Bookmark & Share

Day 26: Collisions - Staying The Course When Your Life Crashes

Staying The Course When Your Life Crashes - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook


Life Lesson (from journal): "Our collisions with God's values and God's will can be remedied when we trust God, delight in God, and commit ourselves to Him."

Kerry and Chris Shook says: We get to choose which path we take in life. We can travel in God's direction, or we can chart our own course and try to make it on our own. We can drive the care empowered by His will or the one fueled by our will. When I choose to drive my own care and make all my decisions without consulting Him, it's like heading the wrong way down a one-way street. It ends in a collision with God, which isn't pretty. Only when we allow Him to direct us can we leave a lasting impact."Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6)

What happens when we make God our heart's greatest delight? (Readings: Deuteronomy 4:29-31; Psalms 42-43; Philippians 1:18-26; Philippians 3:1-14

"It is in recognizing the actual presence of God that we find prayer no longer a chore, but a supreme delight." -Gordon Lindsay

God says, "You have to commit to following My will, and then I'll show you what it is."

Face Time
     Ouch God! I'm tired of spending time in a spiritual ICU after "encountering" Your unmovable will. You'd think I'd learn.
     Well, actually, I think I am learning. I don't want to try this alone anymore. Help me trust You, delight in You, commit myself and my life to You, so I'll recognize You more consistently as my ever-present Companion.




 Bookmark & Share

Oceans Review: Unicorns Exist In The Deep Blue Seas!

Disneynature Oceans opened this past week alongside Earth Day 2010 and I got a chance to see it on Friday, April 23rd.

I am a complete animal lover and was also happy to know that my ticket purchase would go into a donations pot to help save our coral reefs.The directors of the film, Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaud made the movie a great success from the beginning to the end and also with the voice of Pierce Brosnan, narrating. If you just look deeper under the waves and the huge blue bodies of water, there is a separate community down there. There are so many different fish and animals that spend their time down there. I saw fish with the same look of a unicorn with the point that sticks out in all the make-believe drawings. Well, there are huge fish with the unicorn point.  This was absolutely amazing to see.

I could not get over this fish that looked like a lobster and a crab battling right at the bottom of the ocean over territory. The lobster-looking fish was digging himself a comfortable hiding place and along comes a crab passing by the wrong area. The lobster-looking fish got angry and begins poking and pushing the crab. They start battling, when all of a sudden one of the crabs arms are pulled out of socket. The lobster-like fish didn't stop there. I would've thought that the crab would run by this time, but he stood there and he got the most priceless TKO hit I've ever seen. It was better than a knockout in a boxing match.

There were some fish that just blended so well into their oceanic environment. They would prefer to live in peace, but have a tasty fish or two if they came by unexpectedly.

The whales were captured in their life's light. They were so huge, but possessed so much love and sensitivity.

There are so many fish and species of fish that live in the oceans around the globe that we as humans must protect. It is always devastating when lives are lost due to a natural disaster. Many homes are destroyed and people must leave the area or fight to rebuild. Fish of all types live in our oceans and have to deal with fish nets, waste, oil spills, and the risk of extinction.

If you are into National Geographic, you will love this. If you want to understand what exists below the surface, you will love Oceans. The donations for helping save our coral reefs is only being received for the first week of its running so I hope you got a chance to see it.

Leave your feedback. Share your thoughts on the movie celebrating Earth Day 2010.





 Bookmark & Share

Day 25: Sticks and Stones - Using Eternal Building Materials

Planting For The Future - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "All of us desire to leave a legacy, to know that we mattered. And our legacy is determined by how we spend our days."

Kerry and Chris Shook opens Day 25 by asking: As we've seen, the question becomes, will our influence last beyond our lifetime? Everyday we get to choose the materials--either temporary or eternal--we'll build our lives with.

A belief is something you hold on to, but a conviction is something that holds you.


Some Readings to Consider: Psalm 33:10-11; Psalm 37:18; Psalm 117; Proverbs 10:25; Isaiah 40:6-8

God chips away everything in your character that doesn't look like Jesus Christ--all the character faults and flaws--because His plan is to perfect you in the image of His Son.

"For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying to ourselves that we are born to eternal life." -St. Augustine


 Bookmark & Share

Day 24: Seeds - Planting For The Future

Planting For The Future - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "Every day, every moment, with every action, you're planting something. So the question is, what exactly are you planting? What is the cumulative effect of your work, actions, and intentions on those around you and those ahead of you? What harvest will be reaped from all that you plant day in and day out? From the outside, it may be difficult to discern between a seed and a pebble. But, of course, inside they're vastly different. There is life in the seed; there is nothing but rock inside the pebble. The seed has power and potential in it; it produces life. Unfortunately, some of us spend our time planting rocks--no potential, no life, no fruit.

"You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving" - Leonard Carmichael

One Month To Live Journal: People are created in God's image as spiritual beings who will live for eternity, either in Him or apart from Him. If we invest in people's lives, then our legacy becomes like a giant oak, providing life for generations to come.


*What did you do this last week that will last for the rest of the year? for ten years? for eternity? Read the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. Which type of soil describes your heart at the moment?

*Read John 12:24. What selfish desires have you had to die to in order to live for God?


"To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is the meaning of success." - Ralph Waldo Emerson


I decided to end my Day 24 entry with this quote out of the One Month To Live journal because it really speaks to me and my passion for wanting to be an actor. I see so many faces, happy and sad, as I move through this life and I often wonder what their story is. I wonder if I can say or do something that could make things better for them. I feel that by working as an actor through film, television, or theater, I can reach the masses and bring stories that will inspire, transform, and change someone's life. I always hope to help the greater good in my lifetime. I do hope that what I do even now as a senior caregiver, while I work towards a full-time acting career, is helping some senior in his or her last days feel better than before they met me. Wow, to know that when it's time for me to leave this life, that I have helped at least one life breathe easier, is well worth the work, rejection, hardship, lack, and any other adjective that could make this an impossible road to staying the course as an actor.


I hope you enjoy Day 24. Leave any feedback or comments you may have.



 Bookmark & Share

Day 23: Sandcastles - Creating A Lasting Legacy

Creating A Lasting Legacy - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook


Life Lesson (from journal): "How many of us are using our resources to build a permanent foundation beneath our sandcastles? If we truly want to leave an eternally enduring legacy, then we need to look beyond our home, our investment portfolio, and our heirloom jewelry. If we're going to leave a legacy that the waves of time can't wash away, we need to do an on-site inspection of the life we're currently building. We must honestly evaluate the castle we're constructing to make sure it's not made of sinking sand."


Kerry and Chris Shook opens Day 23 by talking about how their kids used to love building sand castles at the beach. They would use the ocean water to glue it together, but when the tides came in or someone came by and destroyed it eventually, they were okay with it because it was temporary and they knew that they could always build another one. Have you been so caught up in your work or busy all the time because you are building something that will only be temporary if you were to die today. Kerry and Chris Shook really stresses the importance of relationships with family, friends, associates, etc., because these are the relationships that will stand the test of time when you are no longer here to speak for yourself. They will continue to carry on your name and the great things you did for them and express them to others. This life goes beyond how much money you have and can save in your bank account, the stock market, or 401K.

....only when I live to influence others for Him will I leave an enduring legacy. (Kerry and Chris Shook response)


*If a friend said to you, "This is my life. I can do whatever I want with it," what might be your response Or what would you like your response to be? (Suggested Readings for this: 1Chronicles 29:10-16; Psalm 100:3; Romans 14:7-9; 1Corinthians 4:7; 1Corinthians 6:19-20; 2Corinthians 5:14-15)

My Answer: I'm not a pushy person when it comes to people doing what they want with their life. However, if I had a friend who told me the following words above, I would be sure to let him or her know that this life is temporary and we are here for a reason. We have so much time to fulfill our purpose in this life before we leave it. There are too many graves being dug 6 feet to put dead bodies in who have finished their time here. The money and material things that people have can't go with them so it would be wise to figure out what's most important. No one really knows what to expect once they die, we have a Bible that does give some inside information, but until we leave this life and die to it, that's when we for ourselves will see what's really to come. So, yes, this is your life, but make sure you have done what you were put in this life to do, just in case, you die and have a surprise that you were warned about and didn't capitalize on when you were brought through this life, to complete. People always say that life is short, but I believe also, as heard in a movie once that "life is what you make it".

....Obey God, because He gives you just enough time to do everything you need to do. (Kerry and Chris Shook response)

 "God asks no man whether he will accept life. That is not the choice. You must take it. The only question is how." -Henry Ward Beecher

Have a great weekend! Leave any feedback or comments you may have. 




 Bookmark & Share

Day 22: Road Signs - Experiencing A Personal Miracle

Playing With Integrity - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "Miracles are not only possible; they're more common than we think. God cares for us and wants to work in our lives. The hard part is remembering this when we come to a crossroads and must choose how to respond.

Kerry and Chris Shook provided a reference with several Bible stories that all have a similar pattern. In each situation, God wanted to work a miracle for His people. But He wouldn't do His thing until they fulfilled the requirement of helping other people or filling other vessels (people, needs, obligations, commitments, family, children, youth, pets, etc.) around them.

The Bible Stories List (Exodus 12:1-39; Exodus 14; Numbers 13-14; Joshua 3:1-4:18; Joshua 6; Joshua 9; 1Samuel 17; 2Kings 5:1-17; Jonah 1; Matthew 8:1-13)

Read as many of the stories as you wish, and for each one, try to discern the following:
1. What the people said about their need for God.
2. What God-given resources they made available to Him
3. What U-turn they made from a negative direction to a positive one
4. What God did
5. The ways they shared the blessing of God's miracle with others
Or for each question, note how the people didn't fulfill God's requirements and what He did as a result.

My Answer: I chose to read the story of David and Goliath (1Samuel 17) The men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting against the Philistines who had a champion named Goliath. He was over 9 feet tall and wore a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels, on his legs he wore bronze greaves, and a bronze javelin, which he slung on his back. Now the people of Israel needed to conquer this giant in order to take control and the giant gave them a challenge that if any man could kill him, that the Philistines would become their subject. This was definitely impossible at the time to any of the Israelites. How would they even begin to choose the right fighter for the task.

Now the Israelites didn't think they could complete this challenge and win, but what they didn't know was that a little boy was tending the sheep for his father Jesse of Bethlehem. This was the resource they already had on their side to give to God to use as the fighter of Goliath.

Once David stepped on the scene as ordered by his father to take the loaves of bread and roasted grain to his brothers, he realized that he had a calling by God to end a feud. One of his brothers were enraged, thinking he was being nosy, but he continued to learn all he could about the issue at hand and reported to Saul about the skills he had learned while protecting the sheep in the fields from the lions and the bears. He had killed them to protect the sheep, so this would be nothing to him.

God used a little boy, David, to complete his plan. David stepped out in front of the giant with his sling and a stone and killed the giant with a stone to the forehead. The giant fell and the Philistines ran, but the Israelites were able to overcome them.

I love the words that little David used before killing the giant: "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel."

Personally, I feel like I am currently in David's role as the Shepard. I am being taught how to deal with many types of people. I am a caregiver for seniors all over Los Angeles, CA and it has given me a humbling attitude towards people with different health conditions. I know that when I am supposed to move into my acting career on a full-time basis, that I will be totally ready to deal with anything. I am being pruned and matured to the level that is needed for me in the industry of film, television, and theater. I have been challenged so much and know what it's like to persevere. Maybe one day I will not be a caregiver in the medical field to seniors in real life, but in a medical role on a television program. Life has many possibilities and I am so happy to have the chance to play the game of life. I definitely believe in miracles.

Leave you feedback or comment to this posting. Have a great day!



 Bookmark & Share

Day 21: Mulligan - Playing With Integrity

Playing With Integrity - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "If you only had one month to live, most likely you would want to review your life and examine your character. You would want to do all you could to learn from the mistakes in your past, iron out any wrinkles that had developed, and live your remaining days at peace. You would want your life to be integrated and whole, not compartmentalized and fragmented as we often experience when we're going through the motions of life and settling for less than we were make to enjoy. If you were living deliberately and passionately and were fully alive, you would want to live with integrity."

Kerry and Chris Shook says: Integrity is the opposite of image. Integrity is when your private life matches your public image. When what you see is what you get--that's integrity. Integrity is who you are when no one is looking.

* What might you do to follow the example of Samuel in 1Samuel 3:19-20? What would it mean if none of your words "fell to the ground"?

My Answer: From my understanding and my other study references, this can have two meanings. First, it can mean that through experience Samuel knows God's words are true--not one of God's words to him falls to the ground or fails. Second, Samuel's words to others are reliable as well; people find they can trust what he says. (1Samuel 9:6)

"The strength of a man's virtue should not be measured by his special exertions, but by his habitual acts." --Blaise Pascal

*Why are both living truthfully and speaking truthfully necessary components of imitating your Father's love and courage? See Ephesians 5:8-10.

My Answer: When I decided to live truthfully and speak that way as well, I am living in God's light. In more general terms, I am able to spread more cheer, give more genuinely to others, and just be happy without a need to be deceptive in any way.

Today's Challenge
     What do-over do you wish you could have? Take some time to talk with God about your regret. Ask His forgiveness and thank Him for making forgiveness possible at the price of Jesus' life.
      Ask God to give you strength and wisdom so you won't make the same mistake again, and then let Him guide you toward a more perfect "game."
      With His help, think of one step you can take today that will improve your integrity in that area of life where you wish you could have a do-over.
       Then go do it.

I hope you have a great day! Leave any feedback or comments in this post.



 Bookmark & Share

Day 20: Earthquake - Building A Foundation That Lasts

Building A Foundation That Lasts- Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook


Life Lesson (from journal): "Major losses are inevitable in life, but with a strong spiritual foundation we can remain standing and grow stronger." 

Kerry and Chris Shook notes: God never abandons us. He suffers right along with us and knows more than anyone what it means to lose a child, to be rejected by His people, to be betrayed by a friend.


If you have anything other than God at the center of your life when the earthquake of problems hits, your center won't be strong enough to hold you together. Why is God the only suitable center for your life? Readings (Colossians 3:1-5; 1Timothy 6:17-19; 1Samuel 2:2-8; Isaiah 44:6-9)

God designed us to live in community, gladly offering help when others need it and gracefully accepting help when we are in need. 

"Faith is the sturdiest, the most manly of the virtues. It lies behind our pluckiest...strivings. It is the virtue of the storm, just as happiness is the virtue of the sunshine." -Ruth Benedict

"This is what I found out about religion: it gives you courage to make decisions you must make in a crisis and then the confidence to leave the result to a Higher Power. Only by trust in God can a man carrying responsibility find repose." -Dwight D. Eisenhower

How do you know if God is truly the center of your life? You stop worrying!

If you want to take the One Month To Live Challenge you can get started anytime by ordering Kerry and Chris Shook book "One Month To Live". I would love to hear your feedback on how this journey has changed your life.



 Bookmark & Share

Day 19: Metamorphosis - Changing From The Inside Out

Changing From The Inside Out - Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "If you elevate status symbols, then you're really trying to give the appearance of a healthy, well-balanced, successful life without the reality of it. You're trying to change from the outside in, thinking you will feel better about yourself on the inside if you change your settings and props on the outside. We think, If I change my looks, if I change my house, if I change my car, then it's going to change me. Then I will truly content. Only one problem: it doesn't work.

Abundant life is only found as we cultivate internal maturity in constant connection with God. But the paths that lead to the metamorphosis of the soul are unpopular and not often traveled.


Too often we wait on someone or something external to change us...it's time to take responsibility for our own growth.


(Question from journal) In your everyday life, what are some specific ways you can take responsibility for your internal transformation? Readings (2Corinthians 3:18; 2Corinthians 4:6-7; Ephesians 4:22-24)


Motion and commotion steal the soul, but stillness restores the soul.

(Question from journal) What kinds of "motion" do you want to replace with stillness, at least some of the time? How will this change your inside? Readings (Psalm 37:7-8; Psalm 62:1-2; Psalm 131:1-3; Isaiah 30:15)


The quickest way to suffocate our souls is to try to control everything...If we stop trying to solve all our problems and to control everything, quietness will fill our souls with strength.

What costly comfort are you clinging to? What priceless pain are you working overtime to avoid? By the power of God's grace, how will your struggles help you soar?

Leave your feedback and comments to share with others. Have a great day!



 Bookmark & Share

Day 18: Hurricanes - Withstanding The Wind Of Change

Withstanding The Wind Of Change- Based on One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook

Life Lesson (from journal): "In life, difficult change is inevitable; half of our battle is learning to accept that reality. The other half is seeking God's wisdom for dealing with each storm.

Kerry and Chris Shook speaks about when the hurricane of life hits us we must be prepared. We can't control the hurricane of change, but we must be prepared. It's best to move with the storm instead of navigating against it. God doesn't cause the painful change, but uses them.


"Yet, in the maddening maze of things. And tossed by storm and flood, To one fixed stake my spirit clings; I know that God is good! -John Greenleaf Whittier

(Question from journal) Why are difficulties in our lives so valuable? (James 1:2-4; 1Peter 1:6-9; Romans 5:3-4) According to these passages, what can you do to cooperate with God's purposes in your hardships?

The winds of change will either make you stronger or knock you down...By putting biblical principles into practice, we'll see that we can not only survive the winds of change, but we can harness them to fill our sails and propel us forward.


(Question from journal) What will we see when we learn to take the long view and look past the storm? (Proverbs 10:25; Matthew 7:24-27; John 16:19-22; Galatians 6:9-10; Hebrews 10:35-37)

Even when you don't feel His presence, God is still with you. He's behind the storm, in the midst of the storm, and beyond the storm, always there waiting for you, ever present.

Are you in a storm now? If so, describe your thoughts and feelings.
Read these promises from God, your reliable Navigator. Then talk to Him about your circumstances and your attitudes. (Psalm 116:1-8; John 16:33; 1Corinthians 1:8-9; Isaiah 46: 9-11)

I hope today's passages will help you accept your change and also guide you through your storm into clearer skies. Leave any feedback you may have.



 Bookmark & Share