Happy New Year!
I’m so excited about 2012. How about you?

Last year was life-changing, literally.
So, I have nothing but hope and expectation for this new year.
We are on the verge of the extraordinary, and we ask, now more than ever, that you continue to pray for us and walk with us. So thrilled to be a part of God’s Amazing Race!

Kicked off the New Year with a radio interview on Shalom Talk: Conversations for Change with friend Rabbi Dr. Stuart Dauermann.

ShalomTalk.com says, “As a rabbi with a PhD, Stuart Dauermann interviews guests with unique perspectives and focuses on the world today, things that are broken and need fixing, things that make for peace and healing, and people who are making a difference.”

Stuart is not only a great communicator, author and scholar who helps Christians and Jews improve how they speak, listen and understand each other, but he’s also a songwriter and musician. That’s right, Fam, he’s another powerhouse of faith who is equally gifted as an artist. Love it! And we enjoy his weekly Lunch and Learn gatherings on Tuesdays at the Interfaith Center of Beverly Hills, where it looks like we’ll be having our Bible Study as well. So, check out me and Stuart’s Conversation for Change.

Lots of love from the LaLa!
Happy Happy,
Naima
Author, Confessions of a Hollywood Christian

Merry Merry from the La La!
It’s no secret. I love Christmas. Absolutely.
Just thought I’d share some of the Christmas playlist.
Taking us back, way back:

Soulful Christmas – James Brown
Boy, James was dancing! Check out that camel walk.

Gee Whiz, It’s Christmas – Carla Thomas
My mom’s favorite. Wish I could’ve found a video “live”.

This Christmas - Donny Hathaway
All time favorite! Sang Donny!

It’s Christmas All Over the World – New Edition
Classic N.E.

I Pray on Christmas – Harry Connick Jr and Kim Burrell
Harry & Kim in their element:

O Holy Night – Celine Dion
It was a holy night, when Christ was born.

Lots of love,
Naima

I’ve been leading a ‘MISSION: Possible’ 7-week bible study in Beverly Hills for artists and professionals on Sundays through our Hollywood Christian™ Ministries since November.

I’m deeply passionate about people doing what they are born to do and what God gifted them to do. Approaching 2012 seemed to be the perfect time to propel others forward in clarifying purpose and moving ahead with a plan. Also, the promise of a “Mission: Impossible 4, Ghost Protocol” movie night at the culmination didn’t hurt.

While preparing this study, I have been deeply challenged by my own Mission: Possible. I’ve known for quite some time why I’m here, and I’ve pursued my purpose with singular, laser focus. What is fascinating to me is how the manifestation of that purpose changes.

My life’s mission doesn’t change, but my assignments do. They seem to get more and more, well… impossible.

Sometimes, I really do feel like I’m hanging off a cliff with no net to catch me and no stunt double to take my place.

If I’m completely honest, could I wrestle with the same ‘little faith’ that hemmed up Jesus’ disciples? Could you?

Jesus’ recurring refrain to his disciples is “You of little faith. Why do you doubt?”

That is His response to his disciples’ fear when He calms a storm (Matt 8:23-27), walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33), casts out demons (Matt 17:14-21), and feeds 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread (Matt 16:5-12).

Jesus didn’t say, “You of no faith”. He wasn’t addressing those who did not believe in Him. He was talking to his followers, those who walked with him daily, heard him preach, saw Him heal the sick and raise the dead. He’s nudging his inner circle.

That’s when I realize I’m not alone when I temporarily panic because it feels like my boat is being overtaken by giant waves. I am in the company of disciples who eventually turned into great movers and shakers of the faith. There’s hope, still! :=)

Needless to say, I recently decided that for this next seemingly impossible assignment, I’m adapting the attitude, “Won’t be little faith!”

In other words, IF my mission is not successful (though I believe it will be), it won’t be because I had little faith.
I’m not so much believing in my own ability to accomplish the impossible. I’m trusting in the One who calmed the storm, walked on water and fed 5,000 with 5 loaves of bread. Surely, in Him, I can do what He’s given me a vision to do.

I’m moving forward.
Laying it all on the floor.
Going full throttle.
All in.
Will you join me?!
What’s your Mission: Possible?
Let’s decide, “Won’t be little faith!”

CONFESSION: I’m a challenged wait-er.

Not waiter, as in restaurant; but wait-er, as in wait-ing for things to materialize.
Growing up, I probably could’ve inherited more of my father’s natural bent towards patience.
Instead, I followed mostly in mom’s need-this-done-now! stilettos.

Impatience makes no sense in our industry where we seemingly W-A-I-T on everything.

In one week, I had to wait to hear back on my 3-episode arc audition for a top-rated cable show. I waited for word from several publishers who expressed interest in my new book. I waited for feedback on financing for the new film we’re producing.

On set, we hurry up… and wait.
In our cars, especially in the LaLa, great music, audio books and language recordings are a must, because we’re going to wait.
In my daily walk as a follower of Christ, I pray, read my bible, do everything in my ability to get things done; then I wait. Sometimes (I hate to admit) with an at-ti-tude.

But wouldn’t you know, I was reading the scriptures and ran up on the fruit of the Spirit again, and “patience” was parading around the list next to love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5:22). Yes. Patience was right there, grandstanding, waiting on me to acknowledge her.

I just had to sit there for a moment and meditate on that.
Had my own little Selah.
Patience is obviously important. GOD included it on the list.

So, “Why am I so impatient?” I wondered.
“I’m a doer; therefore, I do!” I answered.

But that’s not altogether accurate.
I’m not impatient all the time.
THE TRUTH is I have selective impatience.

For example, when I have to make a purchase, ANY purchase, I will wait for the sales price I want, and be willing to walk away if the price is not right.
My husband prefers for us to shop separately because, according to him, I “have a specific idea in mind and will wait to find it – six stores later!”
Speaking of husband, I waited. I wasn’t camped out guys’ cribs like Black Friday. I was busy living and doing what I was born to do.

When it’s worth it to me, I am the BEST wait-er in the world.

Which leads to the question, “What makes the difference?”
When does waiting seem impossible?
Confessing is hard, yes?! But here we go:
Waiting feels impossible when I am waiting on others. Isn’t that just wrong?!
When it comes to what I want, I have the patience of Job. But “Lord, help me!” when I have to wait on somebody else! What kind of double standard is that? I really need to work on it. I know.
I know.

Can you relate?
How’s your wait-ing these days?

This has been quite a discovery for me. Hopefully one that leads to change. I’ll actively put forth an effort to align my life with the fruit of the Spirit, including patience.
And if I start teetering off the forbearance path from time to time, please bear with me. I’ll recalibrate in a minute.
Please have a little patience. :=)

Yes, Thanksgiving!
A day for family, friends, food, football & fun!
Also, a day of remembering our blessings and a chance to say “Thank you!”

Truly, a little thanks goes a long way!

There’s a fascinating story in Luke 17:11-19 where Jesus heals ten lepers and one of them returns to say, “Thank you!”

The writer Luke includes a very curious fact about that ONE appreciative leper: he was a Samaritan. Jesus even says, “…Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”

In our 21st century context, this doesn’t seem odd. But in the 1st century, a time when Jews and Samaritans did NOT get along, this would have been beyond bizarre. First of all, for Jesus, referred to by most as Rabboni (Rabbi means teacher) to even risk being made ‘unclean’ to heal lepers was unheard of.
But to heal a Samaritan? Are you kidding?!!!
And then for the Samaritan to come back to the Rabbi, praising and thanking God?! GET OUT!!!
This would’ve gotten more splash on TMZ than kim kardashian’s 72 day nuptials & divorce. It would have been SHOCKING!!!!

But that did not stop Jesus from healing. And that did not stop the Samaritan leper from thanking. Neither of them allowed the culture’s prejudices or taboos to arrest them.

Jesus ends their encounter by telling the EX-leper that his faith made him whole. Imagine that! A man, who has been an outcast for Lord knows how long, now is completely healed, and can finally return to society. His gracious “Thank you” has been recorded in history and we are still learning from him some 2,000 years later.

His little ‘thank you’ went a long way!

What about us?
Of course, we’re not saying ‘thanks’ in order to be recognized. It’s quite the opposite. We’re thanking to recognize the graciousness of others.

On this Thanksgiving, I’m reminded to simply take the time to say, “Thank you”.
I may not have been a leper, but I’ve certainly had my share of ups and downs the Lord has blessed me to survive. This year alone has been beautiful and challenging and exhilarating! I am just grateful for another day. Straight up.

I am also grateful for all of my family and friends who love, support and pray for us. Life is so much better with you. Thank you for surrounding and lifting us.
I have so much to be grateful for. I really do.
THANK YOU.
And have a beautiful and happy Thanksgiving!

“So Much To Be Grateful For” by Calvin Bridges

“You want me to do what?!” I found myself repeating, as if the mandate was going to go away.

Most days, I’d plow ahead. Things to do. People to see. Places to go. Make. Things. Happen! Fueled by an unwavering passion and desire.

Today, that was not happening. What do you do when desire bails? What happens when you don’t WANT to do what you’re being asked to do? Even if, especially if, it’s from God? Anybody ever had that dilemma?

I checked in with myself to see if I could make my desire budge.
“Nope! Still don’t wanna,” my inner 2-year old kicked in.
I reasoned that it’s such a privilege to have a relationship with God and to serve Him. He is Lord and Creator of the universe, you know?
“Not working!”

I resolved that I would have to move forward out of sheer will, determination and obedience. Nothing in me WANTED to.

Then, at a friend’s request, I loaded a video of a message I delivered a few months in a service in Hollywood. I was floored by my own sermon. It was about Peter’s “I’ll-die-for-you” love declaration for Jesus before he denied the Lord three times (John 13:31-38), and Jesus’ subsequent “Do you love me?” question to Peter three times when Jesus restored him (John 21:15-19).

“Do you love me?” Jesus wanted to know of Peter.
“Lord, you know that I love you,” Peter responded.
“Feed my sheep.” Jesus said.

Toddler-Me sat down.
My emphatic “NO!” melted away.
“Do you love me?” All of a sudden, I had flashbacks of notes being passed around in grade school. Remember those? “Do you love me?” Yes or No? But I’m not in grade school anymore. I’m grown, and I have a decision to make.

“Do you love me?” dropped from my head to my heart.
“Lord, you know I do,” I whispered.
“Then, do.”
I’m doing…

I am grateful and proud of all of our soldiers, including my oldest brother (Army) and one of my best friends from school (Marines). And this week, another veteran landed on my radar: Iraq war veteran J.R. Martinez, who waltzed and jived his way to become the frontrunner with two perfect scores on Dancing with the Stars.

Before attending our Tri-Union Awards (SAG, AEA, AFTRA) on Monday, where J.R. was honored, I had no idea who he was. I don’t watch Dancing with the Stars. You would think that I’d love the show because of my dance background. But whenever I have tried to watch in the past, I was either bored or angered because there would only be one or two couples who could ACTUALLY dance. Why watch a dance show of majority non-dancers? My time is too precious.

But it turns out, J.R. can actually dance.

Thus, he earned the season’s first 2 Perfect Scores: ““J.R. is Perfect” What’s amazing is that J.R. isn’t a professional dancer, but he has natural talent that is easily shaped. He’s is a fighter, having survived severe burns to more than 40 percent of his body when his Humvee hit a landmine in Iraq. He was only 19 at the time. His bio says he spent 34 months in recovery and has undergone 33 different surgeries, including skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. He’s shared his story on Oprah, 60 minutes, CNN and the national circuit.

As I watched the clips of J.R.’s performances, I kept thinking, “So, this is an example of what dance can be after war (physical or otherwise).”

President Obama is bringing the troops home January 1st and many have been injured and will face massive hurdles, but this picture of J.R. pushing through horrible circumstances to still share his gifts… this is what is possible.

I’m inspired in my own life, and I’m reminded of when Jesus told his disciples that they would have trouble in this world, but to be of good cheer because He had overcome the world (John 16: 19-33). On this side of heaven, we will all experience trouble, not necessarily war and burns like J.R.; but we will have on own variety of suffering. But we can be encouraged that our grief can be turned into joy at some point, our mourning into dancing.

I applaud J.R.’s story and the stories of so many veterans who gave their lives for us or survived, all bringing us hope. I can’t promise that I have hours to set aside to watch the rest of Dancing with the Stars’ episodes, but I will find J.R.’s clips online and keep tabs on how he progresses. He seems to be the one to beat. And you know, I really hope he wins.

And I’ll also start practicing my own dance, for when I come out of my next life battle. As a matter of fact, this was a rough week. I think I may go get my character shoes right now and bust a waltz through my living room.

Thanks, J.R.

“Blog closed!” could’ve read the sign I posted last year. After a couple of years of monthly postings to update supporters, I realized, “I’m not saying much,” and shut it down.

That’s a strange phenomenon for a soon-to-be published author who makes a living speaking and writing  and who always has something to say.

Let’s be clear: I don’t always voice what I have to say, but I always have something percolating.

Even though I write daily, that percolation wasn’t translating into my blog. I was blogging, not out of necessity to share, but out of obligation to the team who said, “You must blog!”

It’s the same reason I had opened a Twitter account and wasn’t tweeting. Introverted-Me didn’t understand why I needed to share with the world-wide-web, “omg! i’m @ pinkberry in marina del rey & they’re out of shaved milk chocolate for my mango soft serve! #disappointed!”

So, what changed?

Recently, in reflection (as we reorganize our business), I asked my wonderful husband Kevin, “What do you think I do best?”

“Speak your mind,” he replied, not even looking up from doctoring his MiKo keyboard-computer.

Three words. That simple. Speak. Your. Mind.

Friends chimed in with their own descriptions (Everyone has opinions. Just ask.): [You're] candid, direct, honest, transparent, spiritual, focused, straightforward, passionate, unafraid to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, always giving and speaking into people’s lives.

Hmmm… As I pondered ‘and the survey says’, I thought back over the month leading up to sharing at Story Chicago, in which I was a guest blogger (FaithVillage: A Hollywood Story), participated in a blog interview (Alece Ronzino’s Grit & Glory), and was mentioned in several other blogs.

Blogs galore. It got me to thinking: There must be something to this blog thing that I didn’t get the first time around.

If I was going to build back into the blog landscape, I needed a total reconstruction. No, not just restructuring… I needed a blog gentrification.

Talk about not liking a word. I have little love for the word gentrify. It evokes images of less affluent citizens being evicted from public housing that’s turned into swanky, studio lofts with man-made reservoirs and coffee houses (i.e. Gentrification Nation). I’m all for progress, don’t get me wrong, but where are the families moved? Anyone?

I digress. We can debate the pros and cons and how ugly gentrification feels, but for the sake of where I was in blog-world, that’s the word that kept coming to mind. I needed to demolish the past and start from scratch. This was no face lift or botox or nip and tuck. This was gut it and start over.

Academic-Me decided to go back to basics. So, I looked up the definition of BLOG: a web site containing the writer’s own experiences, observations, opinions, etc. In other words, [my translation, not Webster's] a website where the writer speaks his/her mind.

Ahhhh… A different perspective! You mean to tell me, a blog is simply a venue for me to do what my husband and friends already say I do best? Speak my mind?!

Oh, it’s on!

But no way I’m calling this thing Blog Gentrified. Are you kidding?!
What about Blog Reopened? Boring, right?
Blog Resuscitated? Wait, was I dead?
How about Blog Remixed. OK, I can work with that.

Welcome to my Blog Remixed, where I promise, if nothing else, to Speak. My. Mind.
And where I invite you to do the same: Speak. Your. Mind.
Lett’s do this!