Symphony

I performed at the Phoenix Symphony this past Sunday, and it was great. Not the actual show, or the standing ovation, or the chance to be part of such a cultural experience but a simple question that was asked to me. A girl Lindsey asked me, "Sheena, before the performance, can you pray with me that the show will go well?" I looked in amazement and said with no hesitation YES! I can't believe that I've made an impression on these girls at dance enough to want to pray with me. So as we nervously awaited our 'Q' to go on stage Lindsey grabbed my hands and said, "Let's pray!" So I did, I prayed and she hugged me and said, "Okay! I think we can do this!" 

People wonder, after a few horrible rehearsals, and mess up's after mess up's how we possibly pulled the show off with only minor mistakes. I don't have to wonder at all. Because I prayed for a show like that before we even started! 

It was just amazing, though, that someone wanted to pray with me. I have never forced my "religion" on anyone, never said your bad if you don't go to church or pray, but simply have been trying my best to live it out, and believe it or not, the Light really does shine through.

I give everything to You Lord 

(Lord, Your cool!)

Now Presenting Mr. and Mrs...

I knew wedding stresses were real and overwhelming for the "Bride to be," I just didn't know the wedding stresses would leak in the lives of everyone. Call me ignorant! My world seems to be flipped upside down. 

Between managing school, dance, boyfriend, church and youth, cleaning up my fair share of the house, living with three other women who have equally as much to worry and cry about, it seems that taking a breath would waste to much time. 

While my head spins in a downward spiral my body decides, "hey, not a bad idea!" Now, I'm sick. I have glans the size of gulf balls, nose that won't come unplugged, and my favorite-- bed ridden because of cramps. Sorry to be so graphic, but let's be real, sometimes life just happens that way. It never seizes to amaze me though, how life happens all at the same time... every time! 

Now, don't get me wrong, I know this wedding of my sisters is going to be an absolutely joyous occasion but from the preparation of family flying in, to their actual arrive, to the last minute studying, it's a bit overwhelming to say the least! Also, just because I thought it might be nice to stay sane during the wedding I need to make sure that I'm emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared as well. Sounds extreme but I know for a fact it is necessary.

Daniel and I have been pulled and stretched to grow during this whole thing but it just adds so much tension not being able to hang out without thinking about the three page to-do list tucked away in my back pocket. I just want to spend time with him. Also his birthday is coming up fast and I want to make it special but it's so hard when his birthday is on the same day as we wedding rehearsal. I'm just one girl. This is hard.

I'm fearful to admit that I've been relying on my own strength but unfortunately, I have been. It's so hard not to get into that list mentality and just simply try to check everything off a list. I know this is just days in my vapor of a life, but I continually get to the edge of my breaking point and stare it straight in the eyes. I need a vacation! 

I give everything over to You Lord -- Or at least I'm trying too 

Isn't it Interesting...

Google gives you these options? Sad. 

I give everything to You Lord

TO DO list:

I have so much homework I have to do. It's horrible. I realized I'm lacking a social life, more and more. Beautiful thing about school is it ends one day. Can you tell I'm excited?! I don't feel well either. I've been dizzy and nauseous. Appetizing I know. The bright side of my day was my 92% on my mineral test in Geology today. Not half bad! The silly things in life. Oh Letter-grade, you've caused me so much stress. Thanks for paying off! 

I give everything over to You Lord

Nike Shoes Made to Praise God

"I'm taxi to Kentucky where they don't even know all about me. 

I just need'a feel safe. 

I got thousands of sweaters, shoes, and painting to hide.

 Skeletons in my bed. I'm goin away"

So I'm on this journey. I never saw coming. I've met more people that are famous then I ever thought I would. And there is even more to come. The people that supposedly live the LIFE. Money, V.I.P parties, the flashy clothes, the ideal life, several people dream to have. I've met, hugged, shook hands, and taken pictures with these pop icons and unfortunately the word that could best describe the experience is disappointment. Cause when it comes down to it, and you look at these humans who have regret and failures, successes and accomplishments just like all of us...Their fame fizzles to nothing. Reality hits when I see them backstage getting ready to perform, just like me, and their not on TV or videos, they're face to face with me? Through the meeting and greeting of these legends, icons, and people of high prestige, I have the strongest desire to stay humble. To never let the cameras, fans, treatment, or "fame" ever get to my head. To never view myself above anyone. To always remember I'm here because this is simply my journey. Where I am is where I am, and through it I only want to be the best example I can be. I know I've burned some chances to be an example, but I don't want to give up on trying. People have told me that "I'm different then everyone else. Down to earth and caring like they've never felt." That's what I want. I want people, famous or homeless to see the God's light beaming through my every action. Hard but not impossible. In fact, I've put a lot of thought into this topic, aside from writing, and to be honest, when I meet and perform it never seems to match the feeling I get when I'm worshipping God by myself. Eye's closed, on my knees, with hands raised. Matchless feeling. I can't wait to see the doors open or if it's in my journey to watch doors close. All I know at this point is that God has big things planned. 

I WILL ALWAYS BE GOD'S PERFORMER BEFORE THE WORLDS PERFORMER

I give everything over to You Lord

Little Hearts, Big smiles

This

Girl

Is

Adorable

Oh darling little Shannon! 

I give everything over to You Lord

Let Me Be Transparent

So the new year is settling in after the chaos and countdowns are finished. And.. It is settling in quite nice. The excitement of a new year still lingers and the flash backs of where we all were just a year ago flood the minds of many. It's been a beautiful 2009, but I'm ready for a little push. Here I come twenty10! I've already heard people say, "I wonder where I'll be in 2011?" Wow! There is still a half an hour left of the first of January, yet people are questioning where they will be at in exactly one year from now. Personally, I've been reminiscing on 2009 and the growth, accomplishments, mess ups, and fall backs that have occurred during the duration of last year. The past always seems like such a mess to me. Not necessarily in a bad way but more so in a big jumble of life way. If that makes sense. It lacks specific details and smells, places and faces. Everyday brings its own new adventures I just can't believe I've lives seven thousand three hundred of them. Somehow I'm still kickin' and life hasn't stopped! I'm thankful for many things from 2009 that have carried over to 2010. God's grace and knowing God in general. My boyfriend who still smiles at me like when we first met, (sometimes even cuter!) The support and love from my brother and sister-in-law. The laugher my sister and I still share. My parents and I being able to talk openly. My passion for people and the care I feel for so many. My love for dance. My growing desire to learn how to rap! (Oh boy!) Photography. Art. And... My strong desire to have alone time with me to remember who I am. Although I have decided that one thing needs to increase in my life. I want to write to God more. Sounds simple? It's hard sometimes going to the person who knows you better then you know yourself. It forces you to look at the hard stuff in life, the things you have allowed to come before God, the things you've ran from and disguised with smiles, laughter, and the occasionally fake, "I'm doing good thanks!" It also I don't really believe in new years resolutions. (Not that it's really something people believe in the first place but...!) I think daily resolutions between you and God, for each day, is the best way to stay close and connected to Him. Talking with him throughout the day and possibly even laughing with Him!! I love God. So I will toast to 2010 that it will be an even greater experience getting to know my Father. Cheers to 2009. But I'm sorry, 2010 is now in play. Ready... Set... Live

I give everything over to You Lord