Bold Confidence {Goal Board 2012}

A few months ago, I shared my goal board with you.  Since I created that one over four years ago, I figured it was time for an update.  

Here is my new goal board for 2012:  

One of my favorite things about this goal board is a quote that I found from a Joyce Meyer magazine.  It says, "Only God Can Change Insecurity into a Bold Confidence."    

As I've been working more and more on my music, I see that I still struggle with insecurity...am I good enough?  is my voice good enough?  are my songs good enough?  My prayer for this year though is that God will completely change my insecurity into a BOLD CONFIDENCE!  Woohoo!  What an exciting transformation that is going to be!

So tell me, what's on your goal board for this year?

Tribute

Whitney Houston is someone that I've looked up to ever since I was a little girl.  Growing up, my dad always played her songs on the piano.  He would ask me to sing along while he played, but I never wanted to because I knew that no one could sing like Whitney Houston could sing.  

 

The Story of Lori

For about three months now, I've been a member of Toastmasters, which is an organization that helps you improve your speaking, communication and leadership skills.  It took me the entire three months to work up enough nerve to give my first speech, but I finally did it. 

Last Wednesday, I presented my very first speech.  This first speech is called the Ice Breaker because you're supposed to "break the ice" with your fellow members by telling them something about yourself and your life.  Well, of course, you know that I couldn't tell my life story without talking about my passion - music. 

I wanted to share with you a poem that I wrote and included in my speech.  It's called The Story of Lori.

Toastmasters, Toastmasters lend me you ear,
For I have a story that I want you to hear.
It's a story about Lori, yes that's my name,
And I promise it will be great, not boring or lame.
When I was a little girl, I had a big dream.
I wanted to travel the world and sing, sing, sing.
But there was one thing that held me back - I thought my voice wasn't any good.
But with a little time and a lot of encouragement, I started to believe that I could
Fulfill my dream and sing and play my guitar.
Looking back, I can't believe that I've come this far.
And although I haven't quite reached my dream finish line yet,
I'm never giving up, on this you can bet.
So if you take one thing with you today, let it be to follow your dreams
Whether it's to be a golfer, a drummer or the coach of a high school football team.
Whatever you are and whatever you do,
Do it with your whole heart and let your confidence shine through.

Enjoy the rest of your week, and Happy early Valentine's Day!

Lori

Emotion

You may already know this by now, but it bears repeating...American Idol is one of my favorite TV shows, ever!  I don't know what it is about watching other people chase their dream to become a singer, but it moves me to tears almost each and every single year.  

A lot of the contestants shown during the audition process really do have great voices, but I can sometimes tell when someone is singing just because they can sing.  Every now and then though, there’s a glorious gem that shows up and sings because he has a story to tell, and they are able to tell their story with moving emotion.

Last Thursday night, there was one young guy who did just that when he came out and sang these words from Lean On Me.

Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow.

But, if we are wise, we know that there's always tomorrow.

I couldn’t reach for my tissue fast enough; I was crying like a baby after hearing these two lines of the song.  Earlier, this guy shared his story about how he was bullied in high school, and as soon as he started singing, I felt like I could feel his pain (and his triumph!) through the words of that song.  It was very touching.

I love singers that are able to convey an emotion through their music that makes you want to stop and listen.  I'm working on one song right now that is an emotional one for me.  The song is about how I try to hold on to "things" in my life that are important to me, only to find that they eventually slip through my fingers, and then I come to the realization that I can't live this life alone.  I need God's help. 

It's been a slow process writing this song because I want to make sure that I stay true to the genuine emotion of the song.  I look forward to completing it though, and of course, sharing it with you all.  

Have a great week, and we'll chat again next Monday!