Dr. Myrlene Kennedy

Every year around this time of year I get a bit nostalgic about a great time in my life.  I long for the days in high school when I would be memorizing lines, learning songs, and staying after school for long rehearsals in preparing for the annual high school musical.  I don't mean Disney's cheesy show.  I don't mean just ANY high school musical.  Really.  It.  Was.  Legendary.

I never could do it justice with the words describing it, and I hated for people to think I was wishing for my "glory days" or even bragging while trying to explain the awesomeness that was the Friendswood High School Musical.  I tried to tell my husband and when he did end up seeing it one year he was very impressed with the quality and talent, but I still knew deep down that he didn't get it.  He didn't experience it.  And I actually feel bad for him.  He missed something very special.

Tears come to my eyes thinking of my beginning with the musical in Friendswood.  I was a wide-eyed freshman, just happy to be in the chorus, as were all freshmen….every year.  It was 1988 and the musical was Mame.  It was breath-taking.  The seniors seemed like Broadway stars.  My part was just making sure I got on the stage for the chorus scenes.  I still have nightmares to this day about missing my cue or forgetting my lines.

The music was directed by my music teacher, a beautiful opera-singing Carmen-like voice and character, named Jane Ann Quevedo.  The drama teacher, Ms. Bennie Nipper, was new to me but like most drama directors a little nutty, and the choreography was by the sweet young drill-team director, Sondra Schaaf.  The entire show was produced by the scariest woman I'd ever heard speak and I was pretty sure I just wanted to stay out of her way.  She was the assistant principal of Friendswood High School, Dr. Myrlene Kennedy.

The next year I went to audition in front of all of these same ladies and to my surprise, and everyone else's I got the lead.  I have no idea to this day how that happened, except I was so shy and maybe a little afraid of boys like Marian Paroo.  They all seemed to be matchmaking as they told (now Baptist Pastor- foreshadowing?) Freddy Nelson and I to endure our first kiss (pretty sure it was his first kiss ever too!) in front of the entire cast on that bridge made by the Art class.  I don't remember much about the next few years, but I do remember the dress rehearsal critiques by alumni rock stars of the FHS musical, backstage quick changes, and the Great Fire of 1991.  I remember standing on stage in my pajamas with Rhett Perry in Pajama Game, and marrying Kevin Kabell in 1991 my senior year in Showboat.

…and I will always remember that I eventually made Dr. Myrlene Kennedy smile.  I remember beginning to feel at ease with her and not so afraid as she encouraged me to come out of my fear, like a coach pep-talking a player onto the field.  I learned that under that tough outer shell, she saw something in me I didn't.  In her own unique way, she inspired me to be more than I was.  My senior year I spent a lot of time in her office, as an office aide and I think just skipping classes. :)  She challenged me to take a math class that wasn't on my "on-level (loser) path".  She "Baptist Bet" me (read: no $ in this for anyone at all) that I couldn't do it.  I couldn't take Pre-CALCULUS.  And sure enough, I got a B.  I really showed her!  :)

Later after college I invited her to a senior recital I was having at my Dad's church in League City.  She honored me when she took the time to come, and her comment while leaving was "You should've gone to Baylor.".  Haha!  Oh I loved her.  Not many people can say that they were close to their….assistant principal in high school.  I thought of her as a great influence in my life.  We kept in touch and I got that amazing Christmas newsletter in the mail every year.  I loved that she loved her family.  She even had me call her sister on several of her birthdays and sing Happy Birthday to her.

I will miss her.  She passed away today, and I know all of her kids will miss her.  There must be thousands of us.

I think I heard that she was engaged once, but looking back I see that she had one love.  It was Friendswood High School.  The musical was her baby, and she had many kids.  Anyone who graced the stage can remember it like it was yesterday.  We were all blessed to know the woman that first scared us to death, but later challenged us and encouraged us to live life like we're on stage…

 I wish I could have hugged her one more time or heard her voice one more time.  I wish I could tell her how much I loved her and will forever be grateful that once upon a time, she believed in me.

Healing Hand of God

Grace was singing this song today!  She has seen the healing hand of God!  Praying for healing for so many who are sick or have been through trials lately. God is at work and His son, Jesus is coming soon!

Click to hear song:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzfs9B01Qq8

Wordless Wednesday

You Are For Me

We'll Leave the Light on For Ya.

Give my oil in my lamp, keep me burning, burning, burning,
Give me oil in my lamp, I pray,
Give my oil in my lamp, keep me burning,burning, burning,Keep me burning 'till the break of day.

If you can sing this song, it's probably because you went to church camp or Vacation Bible School when you were growing up.  It's funny that this song came into my mind, or the silly version of it while giving blood, I mean getting gas at the local Kwik Shop.   


Give me gas in my Ford, keep me truckin' for the Lord,
Give me gas in my Ford, I pray Hallelujer!  :)


Yes, I went to church camp for rednecks, ok?  Proud of it!  Anyway!  As I sang this to myself, I started thinking....what in the world does that mean?  Give me oil in my lamp?  Then God led me to this study by Kay Arthur.  I want to be ready when my bridegroom comes back and I've been doing everything I can, and studying everything I can that leads to that.  


Read Matthew 25:1-30  Parable of the 10 Virgins
Read Luke 12:35 -36  This relates to the Jewish wedding customs.  The bride has to be ready for the bridegroom by keeping her lamp on at night, so that he can come and "steal" her away. It's very exciting!  I love the symbolism.  For more about this, find the 6 week study "Restore My Heart" by Denise Glenn.  


How do I keep oil in my lamp?  I'm accountable for what God gives me and for what I know. Am I going to keep it hidden and store it away for the future or use what He gives me, making the most of every opportunity?  This scripture shed more light on things....(badumpshhh.)
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.  But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. ¹⁴ This is why it is said:

   “Wake up, sleeper,
   rise from the dead,
   and Christ will shine on you.”
Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.  Ephesians 5:8-16

As the Lord taught us to pray...."Thy Kingdom Come"....I ask that until then, I'm basking in His presence and in His presence is Light.  May my lamp be filled with oil, ready in every way for my bridegroom to come and sweep me off my feet!

Your Great Name (with lyrics) - Natalie Grant

Jeremy Camp - Walk By Faith

My real singing elves

This goes with yesterday's tradition....

Actually they're yelling, not so much singing. And apparently music makes Moriah bouncy.

Christmas Traditions #8

Christmas music can be heard around our house from about Thanksgiving week until December 26. We love a few CDs that play in our kitchen and a few others in my iTunes. Christmas just isn't Christmas until I hear these songs.

Here is a list of the Martin family's favorite Christmas music:

Albums

Elf soundtrack

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Amy Grant "Home for Christmas"

George Winston's "December" (Hint for my husband: Maybe there could be something in my stocking this year. Besides lint.)

Handel's Messiah

Bach's Christmas Oratorio

Point of Grace "A Christmas Story"

Songs

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by Andy Williams

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas sung by Judy Garland or The Carpenters

The Christmas Song sung by Nat King Cole (no one else should try.)

Winter Wonderland sung by my parents (at many cheesy Christmas programs while I was growing up....and. I. loved. it.)

Silver Bells by Bing Crosby & Rosemary Clooney

Carol of the Bells by George Winston (piano---any of his albums are beautiful) or the Shaw Chorale

I'll be Home for Christmas by Elvis Presley

O Holy Night sung by Renee Fleming (NOT Josh Groban. I repeat. NOT Josh Groban B98 fm. Grrr.)

The Christmas Shoes by Newsong (I have to put this one here because Luke loves this song. He actually cries when he hears it. Don't tell him I told you....but he really loves his mama.)

Auld Lang Syne sung by Harry Connick *sigh* (He can sing anything really....and I sigh.)

Bethlehem Morning by Sandi Patti

Happy Birthday Jesus

No One Mourns the Wicked

Put your iTunes, windows media player, etc., on shuffle. 2. For each question, press next to get your answer. 3. You must write that song name down no matter how silly it sounds.

If someone says "Are you okay" you say? Heaven is the Face by Steven Curtis Chapman

How would you describe yourself? A Gift of Life by Michael Card

What do you like in a guy/girl? Porgi Amor by Mozart (translated is "Give Love" and I do love a man who gives LOVE with all of his heart and soul....I'm a blessed girl.)

How do you feel today? Hold Me Jesus by Rich Mullins

What is you life's purpose? Una Voce Poco Fa by Rossini (translated is "a voice just for now"....I love it.)

What is your motto? Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton

What do your friends think of you? The Heart of Worship

What do your parents think of you? In My Daughter's Eyes by Martina McBride

What do you think about often? Baby Blue by George Strait

What is 2+2? It's a Hard Knock Life from Annie

What do you want to be when you grow up? His Eye is on the Sparrow (Either I wanna be a bird, or I want to sing because I'm happy and sing because I'm free...)

What do you think of your best friend? I've Had the Time of My Life from Dirty Dancing

What do you think when you see the person you like? Carol of the Bells by George Winston (this song can be annoying, but this rendition is beautiful....beautiful.)

What will you dance to at your wedding? Happy Working Song from Enchanted (ha! now that's funny.)

What will they play at your funeral? Vivaldi's Gloria: Domine Deus (translated LORD GOD)

What is your hobby/interest? Resurrection by Nicol Sponberg

What is your biggest fear? Where is Love? from Oliver

What is your biggest secret? Little Known Facts from You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown (haha, so many little known facts I'm keeping a secret. muahhahaha....luckily you're in just the right place to find them out!)

What do you want right now? You Raise Me Up by Selah (I guess I want someone to help me get out of this chair.)

What do you think of your friends? Beautiful One by Jeremy Camp (I do have very beautiful friends.)

What will your child's first word be? Home Sweet Home by Carrie Underwood

What do you say when you look in the mirror? Dancing Queen by Abba (that's so not right. I would NOT want to see myself dancing I can tell you that for sure.)

What did you say in your sleep last night? For Unto Us a Child is Born from Messiah by Handel (If I had sung that song in my sleep, everyone else would have woken up.)

What will you publish this post as? No One Mourns the Wicked from Wicked

A Sister Act Moment

I love this...one of my favorite scenes from a great movie! I love the harmonies. My only thought is....Queen Latifah would have rocked the solo SO much more than Whoopie.

I think I'll ask Hope if she can do this at church, and I'll be the old lady with the wobbly vibrato in the choir. :) Good times.

Song that speaks to me right now....

Thankful I am more...

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

Romans 6:4

You are more....by Tenth Avenue North

Audition 101 for Kids

Luke & Grace are choosing songs this week to audition for the next show, Seussical. Auditions are in 4 weeks, but it's important to have this song completely memorized and ready to perform, so practice makes perfect!

Choosing songs:

• First time auditioners should choose songs they already know well. We want them to feel as comfortable as possible with what they are singing, knowing they'll be nervous enough being the first time.
• It's best to choose a song from a musical or Disney movie.
• Consider what musical you're trying out for when choosing a song. Don't use a song from that musical, but in the same or similar style of the musical you're trying out for. If you're not sure, search youtube for some high school performances, like this one.
• Find books with CDs like this one, you can practice with that have many songs that you know to choose from. You'll get your money's worth, the more you know & use.
• Find songs in your vocal range; not too high, not too low. Do choose a song that shows how high you CAN sing or how low.

Once you've chosen your song:

• Cut it down to 1 minute. Find the 60 seconds of the song that will show what you've got the best and not seem abrupt coming in or finishing. Have an adult help with this.
• Listen to the demo for the first 5-10 times until you know it well enough to do it with only the accompaniment.
• Copy the accompaniment song onto a blank CD so that it's the only song on the CD. You might want to make a few copies: for the car & for your room.
• PRACTICE EVERY DAY!!!

The way you practice is the way you'll perform it! So remember to practice with these things in mind:

• Sing the notes' full value. Never cut a longer note short, and vice versa. Hold those whole and half notes out and show off your tone!
• Sing at full volume! Don't scream or push too hard, just sing at the highest volume your voice will allow to show that you can sing to the little old lady on the back row of the auditorium!
• Sing so she can understand every word you sing! It's so important to spit out the words! Use every muscle in your mouth to enunciate the words. Even if you can't carry a tune, spit out the words. This shows that you can also speak/act on stage as well!
• Memorize your words and make sure every note is on pitch before adding movement.
• Act out your song! Use hand motions in simple ways. I suggest one per phrase.
• Express your song's emotions on your face! Use your eyes. They are your biggest asset. If your eyes tell the story, the director will want you for a part. Eyes are important!!!
• Practice your audition in front of a mirror. Watching yourself might enlighten you on how you actually look, rather than what you thought you looked like!!
• Practice in front of an audience. Ask family & friends to listen as you perform and ask them to gently and kindly give you advice on what to fix and how to make your audition SHINE!!!
• Practice walking onto stage, smiling at the judges & introducing yourself. Announce your name, your age & the song you are singing. You are being auditioned from the moment you walk on stage. Have fun! Be yourself! SMILE!!!

Audition Day:

• Warm-up & sing through your song a few times, but don't tire your voice singing it all day.
• Drink water to stay moisturized. Stay away from cokes, pop, sodas...
• Choose an outfit that pops! Look like you care how you look. Make your eyes shine, by choosing a complimentary color...something that uniquely says "you".

Audition Time:

• If you watch others audition, don't compare yourself or your song to others. God made you unique and no one else can do what you can! Judges are looking at you for a specific part. Be who you are, so they can give you that part accordingly!
• Look at the back wall. Don't think about what the judges are doing or writing. You have no idea what they are thinking, so don't try. Just do your best.
• Pray. Ask God to calm your nerves, give you courage and strength to do your very best. He will! He gave you this gift and wants you to shine like the stars in the universe, so give Him your best!
• Remember that God already knows what part you're going to get, so leave it in His hands. Encourage others when they get the part you wanted, the way you'd want to be encouraged if you'd gotten it. (I've personally been on the end of meanness from girls who wanted the part I got. It hurts. Please remember that it's God who chose your part, not people, and give Him the glory.)
• Keep auditioning. Always have songs ready to use for your next audition. You will get better at it, but you cannot give up. Press on. Persevere. Have FUN!!!

RIP Dame Joan Sutherland

Without a doubt, the greatest soprano who ever lived...singing "The Flower Duet" (my favorite) from Lakme by french composer, Leo Delibes. (wearing purple)

When I Think About the Lord

This might be my favorite song ever. Please have this sung at my funeral by as many of my friends as possible. (Hopefully, God-willing, it will be a Senior Adult choir full of wobbly vibratos, creating a gray carpet of heads.) :) Still, I love it. It says what I feel and the word "Hallelujah" is said in God's Word to be a word sure to be used in Heaven. So you'll be at my funeral singing the same thing I am!!!

Hallelujah, thank you Jesus! Lord you are worthy of all of the glory, and all of the honor and all of the praise! It makes me wanna shout!!!

20 Year Reunion

I can't go, but this song expresses how I feel about Friendswood High School, Class of 1991. I had to fill out a bio for the reunion, so thought I'd share...

Education: _Friends University, Wichita KS, Bachelor of Music, Vocal Performance 1996

Jobs: _Homeschool Mom, Pastor’s Wife, Private Voice Teacher, Music Director/Teacher for Christian Youth Theater Wichita, Spark Ministry Worship Leader & Speaker

Family Information: Married Brad Martin in 1996, Luke Ashton (12), Grace Caroline (10), Moriah Natalie (2)

Travel: DisneyWorld, Cancun, NYC, Reno, Colorado, Dallas, Oregon to visit Betsy!

What has been the most unique/exciting experience of your life (outside of marriage and children)?

After 11 years in music ministry around Texas, my husband felt called to start a church in Kansas. We moved back in 2007 and started with 6 people. We now serve and lead a family of 400+ at RiverPoint Church in Newton, Kansas.

I wish I had (but didn’t) while attending FHS: Thanked my teachers more often and appreciated the adults that invested in my life.

My most memorable moment from FHS: The big auditorium fire, The Music Man, The Pajama Game & Showboat, Drill Team dances in the stands (oh was football going on too?), and lifelong friendships made.

Tell us some good deeds that fellow classmates did for you (some random act of kindness or at least not still punishable by law) from the good old days in high school (you can tell more than one story here):

In high school, I was blessed to have great friends that were like family, fun & inspiring teachers, and a wonderful church family. I’d say that little town was aptly named, but I don’t think any of this kindness was given by anything random or because I deserved it but because of the rich heritage of this town, the God served there and His great love for us… Ephesian 2:4-8.

I have been changed "For Good".

Fiddler on the roof - Tradition

Gratitude, Nichole Nordeman

It's Earth Day, and although I do my part to recycle and I can easily appreciate all that trees provide for us.... I'd rather praise the Creator of the Earth for His faithfulness to provide for us through the trees, the grains of wheat and through the rain. He has been doing a pretty good job of taking care of the earth up to now. Maybe we just need to trust Him more.

This song puts my thoughts into a prayer ever so much more poetically & eloquently than I ever could....one more way that God provides....using artist's creativity to bless others.

Worship Break

This was so sweet that I had to sneak in and give you a glimpse of my son, leading worship on a break from school. Listen for an unexpected cheer at the end! Woo-hoo! :)