In 2009, we were fine. In 2010, Life Begins!

It has been too long since I've written you guys. I'm trying my best to get back in the groove. That probably won't be until after New Years. Lol. A mess. (MESS = Misery and Evil Side by Side)

At any rate, I am thankful for seeing 358 days of the year, 2009. I've been through so much as I'm sure many of you have. I've had tests and I have testimonies. I've had trials and I have triumphs. I've had many ups and downs but through it all, God's kept me.

At one point, I was ready to give up on life and call it quits. Some of y'all can relate and know how it is working in the church and how hard it can get. It gets so hard to where if you're not prayed up, you'll allow flesh to make you get carnal and hurt somebody or make you even hurt yourself. That's where I was quite a few times this year.

The thing about me is that it wasn't only in the church but at home and at work too. Without the Word of the Lord, I would have been MESSed up. I'm so thankful that like David, I had the Word hidden in my heart and that I did not sin against it.

Just wanna take this time to say thank you to EVERYBODY that prayed for me, loved on me, and just continued to support me and my endeavors as a Child of God. Right now, I thank you.

It is my prayer that you leave 2009 and enter 2010 in the best of Spirits but more importantly, with the mind of Christ. For all of your loved ones that have gone on to be with God, remember that they are in a better place. I TRULY believe that as we are faithful to God, He is faithful to us. If we take care of His business, He will take care of ours. Remember that He loves you and He will ALWAYS be there for you. Don't give up on God because He won't give up on you. He's more than capable. Remember that JESUS is the reason for the season! Have a BLESSED Christmas and a PROSPEROUS New Year!!! It's time to LIVE!!!

Love,
Rashaad

Interns Wanted!!!

Dream Endlessly Productions is looking for interns for the 2010 year in the following areas: Production Assistants, Script Supervisors/Editors, Videographers (Only cameras with 3-chip or better), Set Designers, Wardrobe/Fashion Designers, Catering, Make-up, Musicians, and Advertising/Sales/Promotions. Interested? Contact them at: dreaminginhim@yahoo.com!!!

Casting Call for the short film, A Dream Deferred!!!

Casting Call for the Short Film
“A Dream Deferred”

Casting Call will be held at 2182 Salem Rd.
Conyers, GA. 30012.

Friday November 6, 2009; 6PM-8PM
Saturday November 7, 2009; 2PM-6PM
Monday November 9, 2009; 6PM-8PM

A Dream Deferred Synopsis and Character Breakdown

A Dream Deferred is the story of 33 year old Randal who knows and understands his calling and purpose in life, but fails to answer The Call. God puts signs and directions in front of him, but he still chooses to be selfish by not submitting to The Spirit. After a self-centered call to himself, he walks into his destiny; literally.

NOTE: Please come prepared with a one minute monologue. Reenactments may be held at the casting call. For any additional information please email: dreaminginhim@yahoo.com or call (678) 768-0034.


LEAD: Randal Reid: 33, tall, athletic build, African American

Teenage Randal: 19, athletic build, African American, brown skin complexion

Reverend Johnny Armstrong: male, early senior status, full of wisdom, Reid Family’s Pastor

Ray Jones: Late 40’s, skinny, brown skin complexion, family friend/neighbor

Lois Jones: Late 40’s, thick, light skin complexion, wife of Ray

Judy Henderson: Late 30’s, beautiful, brown skin complexion, home wrecker

Store Clerk: teenager, male and female (4)

Deon: male, 9, Randal’s Best Friend, athletic build

Gang: all males, 16-25, African American, athletic build, (7)

D-Boy: 20, Gang Member/Friend of Randal, athletic, African American

Bay Bay: male, 20-23, D-Boy’s murderer, athletic, dark skin complexion

Ice: male, late 20’s, Drug Dealer, light skin complexion

KD: male, late 30’s, Pimp, African American, handsome

Leslie: female, late 20’s, African American, prostitute

Kiana: female, 20, African American, prostitute in training, beautiful

Welcome Home New House Guest!

Talent. We all have it. Gifts. We all don't use them. I've heard many young people my age say "I don't know what my gifts are or I don't have any talents." I'd say that's a bunch of foolishness.

God gives us gifts according to our own ability in which He knows who can handle what. I often laugh when I hear myself singing after I've recorded it on a phone at home. I tell myself, "man if God gave me a voice, I'd be wearing it out. I'd sing all day everyday," but that's CLEARLY not what He wanted me to have. Lol.

The Bible says in 1st Corinthians 12, that we are all members of one body but there are individual members that make up the one body. Paul was talking about the church. We shouldn't value one person over another according to their gifts. Again, GOD has granted EACH person the specialized gifting that He saw fit to give based on the complexity of your design as His child. If the world were full of singers, who then would be the filmmakers or doctors or the teachers or prophets as stated in Romans 12? I believe that if this world was made up of the same type of people with the same gifts and talents then it would be pointless to have a God who is full of creativity and wisdom unheard of.

I only want to remind you today, to walk in your purpose using the gifts that God has prepared for you. Psalms 139:14 says: I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.

I've heard many, many people say to me that your gifts will make room for you. In my life, I've allowed the Holy Spirit to lead me in my purpose and I am allowing God to use me thru the gifts and talent that He's bestowed upon me and let me tell you...I have a new House Guest. My gifts have TRULY made room for me. Room that I never thought in 1,000,000 years I would see but to God be the Glory!

As long as you continue to strive daily to allow Him to use you He will show you your gifts. He will show you that you CAN do ALL things thru Him, Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. As Paul wrote in his last letter to his son in the spirit, Timothy, we must always Stir Up the Gift of God which is in us.

Are you asleep in your room? It's time for you to wake up and Stir Up the Gift!
Until Next Time, I'm Dreaming in Him...
Rashaad (Spread the Word...)

A Dream Deferred - Take One

A Dream Deferred is exactly what's going on with me right now. My dream is being deferred because of my selfish acts. Lawd Hammercy.

So again as many of you may know I am in pre-production on a short film. I thought I had everything arranged. I thought I had every thing taken care of. Then it happened.

All of a sudden things stopped. Nothing was moving. I was getting no where. God had to check me. I had gotten so caught up in the now that I forgot to do things in order.

God put me in check yet again. The post "Anxiety Attack" that I posted earlier this year happened once more. I should have learned my lesson but I guess I didn't. I was just so busy trying to make dates and schedule auditions that I was too busy to make sure everything was in order with the King. I thought I had given the project totally over to Him but when things started to slow down and when I started to get mad and question if this project was meant to be for now, I knew that He wasn't in it.

It was all flesh...

I know that God does not operate in confusion but peace but I know that my flesh was in control. So the devil had me in his grips once again. I was lost in myself instead of being like Edward "Young Dirty" Long, staying "Lost in His Spirit".

Kevin Mclean and ZeEster Browning gave me kind words of encouragement. I thank God for them because if it wasn't for them telling me to slow down and take my time this project that is STRAIGHT from Heaven would be a WRECK and go STRAIGHT to Hell because of my anxiety to get it done. Always remember to thank God for the angels He sends you in life.

Lesson: Be still and wait on God. Let Him lead and you follow. He won't let you down if you let Him be God. He IS God all by Himself.

Don't forget to Spread the Word...
Donald Lawrence - I Am God
Be blessed!

MIA - Missing In Action

Hey hey!
I've missed you guys! I know you've missed me too ;) Just kidding... On a more serious note............
I haven't given you anything here since August so let me first offer my Most Sincere apologies. I have been busy working on my very first project. I am an independant filmmaker, for now, and I am in pre-production of my first short film as many of you may know.

I'll be letting you know of things to come with that in the VERY near future. Maybe I'll throw in a vlog of what's happening from time to time as well. Anyway, I have to run now. Devon, my baby bro, has a birthday party to go to and I have to be there with him :)

Here is just a little something something to get you through the day. Israel and Mary Mary are some of my FAVORITE Gospel Artists. Here for you "on demand" ;)

Israel Houghton and Mary Mary - Every Prayer

Sunday WindDown

Yo Yo Yo!
I apologize for not posting yesterday. I've been caught up in so much work. I finally have a "mini" break but back to doing the work of the Lawd tomorrow :)

Well, let me begin by saying Congratulations again to Bishop Eddie L. Long and First Lady Vanessa G. Long for 22 years of Service at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church! Also shout out to their kids, Eric, Edward, Jared, and Taylor for allowing us to feed from them. It is because of them that I have the strength to do what I do :)

Well the word for today is in the song. The Clark Sisters are my favorite sisters in gospel music. Lol. Jacky, Twinkie, Dorinda and Karen, I Love Y'all! Anyway, I hope you enjoy. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the vid ;)

Spread the Word...

Freestyle Friday

Hey!!!
I'm feeling so so good on this wonderful Friday afternoon. I hope you are as well.
I was actually in the middle of editing a manuscript for a friend but I decided to go ahead and post this. Today has been a good day. I woke up and if you ask me, that's all that matters.

Well, I have ALOT on my plate right now and I really don't have much time for myself. I have dedicated the next year or so of my life to get this documentary complete. I plan to meet with the Executive Producer of this project next week to finalize this. I'm so excited. Not only have I decided to do this, I've also given my friend *mentioned above* my word that I would help him with his project, the executive producer of my documentary has a project in mind, I'm writing my autobiography, plus transcribing shows for The Caption House has got my head in a spin. There is one more thing that I want to do.

I want to start a rap group. I can't give you too much information right now but if you keep up with me here, on twitter or facebook, you won't be disappointed. Our style of rap is that good ole classic "hip hop/R&B" sound. Remember the original hip hop when it FIRST came out?? I'm not knocking the rap that is out now...well I take that back...I am. I don't like much of it. I do like some but not like how I love that old school funky sound. Here's your food for today. The food that will feed your mind and soul and the inspiration to us starting a group ;) Thanks for reading! Spread the Word...

Teddys Jam - Guy

Trust Thursday

Hey people!
Today God has given me a word for you. I won't go to the bible but just know all of my being, all of who I am is from Heaven above. I have no power, no dominion, no authority unless God allows me to rule. I've been dealing with some issues lately and as mentioned yesterday, I'll be posting a song to help get you thru your situations. This is one that God gave me.

When we're feeling weak as people in general, we have a tendency to give up on hopes and dreams. We sometimes feel inferior when we look at people who are doing the things that we long to do. God told me to tell you today that if you keep trusting Him and stand on His word, He will never leave you nor forsake you. God has given you power to overcome your situations. Philippians 4:13 says "I can do ALL things through Christ that strengthens me" God can and WILL give you strength. Just keep Him as the most important priority on your list and He will give you the desires of your heart. Just Trust Him. He'll Bring you Out.

Until Next Time From My Dreams To Yours I'm...

Dreaming In Him

Hump Day!

So now I'm adding a new segment to my blog. For each day of the week, I will post a song related to the title of the blog. Of course, there is a reason as to why I do anything and for this post, I've decided to give you a song to make you move.

Do me a favor and Spread the Word© that I'm blogging :) thanks!

Call the Authorities!!!

So this funeral home in Pennsylvania is switching bodies on people? Talk about bad delivery service. *smh*

This is a quote from a viewer from my personal contact list:

"I think this is just as bad as the GA crematory situation... They didn't report any beatdowns....but that just multiplied the families' grief through someone's lack of professionalism..."

Take a look at the video. Until Next Time...I'll be

Dreaming In Him!

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=6971470

Andy

At noon today, the family and friends of Jenson Anderson Kershaw (Andy) came together at 6400 Woodrow Rd. in Lithonia, GA to celebrate his life. God called him home at the tender age 17, a few weeks before he headed to college. Andy was jogging down the street and all of a sudden he collapsed and fell in front of a church. I'm not sure if he died on the scene or at the hospital. He was in great health and strength. In fact, he was going home after a long day at practice. Andy's situation was ALOT like Tan's.

Tan died in her sleep in good health at age 21. Andy collapsed in front of a church from no "natural or unnatural" circumstance. It just kinda happened. I did not know Andy personally but knew of him. I know one of his close friends Sidney. Sid and my sister are good friends so it's kind of an I know him thru somebody.

When I got to the church around 10:30AM Mike C was playing the slide show of his pictures that were to be played from 11-12. As I sat and watched the different shots roll, of him and his mom, his brother Miles, his father, and his friends, all I could do was cry. I couldn't cry because I missed him because I didn't know him but I cried because I knew what his family and friends were going thru. I went thru the EXACT same thing in early July.

As the funeral went on, I felt like I had been knowing Andy for years. The way his family, coaches, and friends talked about him, made me feel like a part of his family. I cried even more because I could feel the loving spirit of Andy in the building although we were in two different parts. I serve in video production and was in the control room while everyone else was in the sanctuary. I felt his spirit thru the cameras and I knew that there was something UNIQUE about him. During the eulogy, Bishop Long, our Senior Pastor and mentor of Andy thru his program The Longfellows, said what I had been thinking all along. Andy was sent from Heaven as an angel as Tan was. Their short time here on earth was just a reminder that you can be SAVED and still be COOL all at the same time. We don't have to conform to this world but we must be transformed by the RENEWING of our minds. The bible says that we are IN the world, but not OF the world which means we live by a different set of rules. We're governed by every word out of the mouth of God. If you ask me, this is the best WAY to LIVE. I heard somebody say that "I would rather live as if there was a God and find out there wasn't than to live as if there wasn't one and find out there is" That statement summed it all up for me. I am rededicating my life back to God at this very moment!

For all of you out there that are not saved but wish to be saved by believing that Jesus is the son of God and that he died and rose for your sins or if you just want to rededicate your life to God simply say this prayer out loud wherever you are:

Heavenly Father, I come to you as humbly as I know how saying thank you for just being you. Lord I sometimes get caught up in the worries of life that I forget to tell you how much I appreciate and love you. Lord forgive me for I know I have sinned. Lord I do believe that Jesus Christ is your begotten son and that you sent Him down from Heaven to save my soul by dying on the cross and then in three days, raised Him up with ALL POWER. Father God I thank you now for saving me. I have believed in your son and now I am asking for your strength, guidance, health, and protection to walk in this Kingdom Lifestyle for you. I am not my own but I belong to you. I ask that you keep me covered from the hands of Satan and allow the power of the Holy Spirit to dwell in me. Thank you Lord. I now cover myself and my family and friends as well as this prayer in the blood of Jesus that it reaches your heart God. It is in the precious name of Jesus I pray, AMEN!

Dreaming In Him

Hey!
I was blessed on Saturday August 8th honoring my corporation on our one year anniversary! Thank God for the vision and for my dreams' dream.

Although I haven't received the paperwork that claims us as a real corporation, I still operate and hold functions just like any other.

I know that only GREAT things will come from my hard work, patience, and determination and I have decided to SUCCEED!!!

I'm working on a documentary and I'll have the specifics for you within the next few weeks. Be sure to follow me on twitter, facebook, and myspace to know when and where "What's Happening!"

www.twitter.com/MrADrewStarr
www.facebook.com/shaad07
www.myspace.com/shaad07

Until Next Time
From My Dreams to Yours...I'm
Dreaming In Him,

Rashaad

Identity Theft!

Hey! This is a random, random blog for you guys.

Okay so my mom has been doing community service with young people since I was 5. She started her first company, Shadimke Enterprises based on my name, Rashaad, my sister's name IMari, and her name KErri focusing on empowering young people. So as the years roll by she begins working on a new company. She's laid out all sorts of things from God and has been working on that diligently.

She wrote a manuscript for her book in like 2005. She was able to do some of the workshops outlined in her book at the Department of Labor in Covington. So she's been doing this for a while.

So we move to a new house and we rent a U-Haul. We moved our things and mama returned the U-Haul. She went back home to look for her stuff when she realizes that she left her notebook with the manuscript and everything in the U-Haul truck. We go back and the notebook and things are gone. Someone stole the manuscript. This was in May 2008.

Okay so this lady at my church sends out this weekly email blast with info about jobs, schools, activities, and events and all that good stuff. Tell me why when I opened the blast today July 12, 2009 I see the title of my mom's Book/Program. I'm like ummm... okay... so as I'm reading it, I see that it is the Exact Same program as my mom's. The only thing that they changed was the target age. They also said that there was a book that comes along with the workshop that the "facilitator" wrote. I'm like OMG! It's my mama's book! I woke her up and she was on fye! Lol. She's drawing up her papers and everything. Lawd hammercy that lady who is pushin this is about to get sat down!

SMH...

Life

I celebrated my 20th birthday yesterday. I'm so thankful that God has given me the gift of life and has kept me covered under His blood. God's been so good, I couldn't tell it if I tried.

I found out Friday that one of my closest friends died in her sleep Thursday evening at age 21. I was so shocked by the news because it was so unexpected. Many thoughts overtook my mind.
One thought however, stood out like a sore thumb. that thought was... "What could we have done differently?"

Last year in June, my friend that died and I had a big fight. I asked someone a question regarding her and they took what I said and manipulated it to be whatever they told her and she became angry with me. When I got the phone call from her, she let me have it. I didn't get a chance to say anything because when I started to defend myself she kept cutting me off. She then gave the phone to one of our other friends because like her, he HEARD that I said something about him too. He let me have it as well and the entire time I cried silently to myself because I knew someone rearranged my words and started something major - disturbing our friendship. He then declared our friendship of ten years, over. What could I do? They didn't want to talk to me and at that moment, I was angry because first, they didn't give me a chance to speak and second, because it simply wasn't true so..I didn't want to talk either.

Well, time passed and we didn't talk for at least a month. I thank God for my mom. She made me call and apologize even when I KNEW I wasn't wrong. I rebelled and kept saying I wasn't calling. Eventually I broke down and called her and apologized. I apologized for the way it got back to her but that wasn't what I said. I'm thinking to myself.... "Dang. I've known her since we were 12. Why would I THINK about saying something like that? We've been thru too much." After I apologized she said okay and thank you. I had no idea that those words would be the very last ones I would hear her say.

Life Has a Funny Way of Living......

Again, I'm so so so thankful that God spoke to my mom and led her to tell me to apologize. I'm sure if I didn't, my guilt somehow would be eating me alive. Thank God for Mama's Instinct.

I shared all of that for two reasons. First off, appreciate every moment of life given to you. Celebrate everyday as your birthday because like my friend, you could lay down and not get back up. God has given you the GIFT of today that's why it's called the PRESENT. Secondly, love your friends. Love your friends how Christ described in the book of John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." As you read above, life is way too short to let some "He-Say, She-Say" mess dictate your friendship. Keep it 100% with each other and everything will be good. I lost a very good friend over words. Words that meant nothing. Words that were played with and meant everything. Be careful what you say but more importantly, HOW you say it. Words are Power. There is Life and Death in the Power of the tongue. Think before you speak.

I pray that as you read this, you came to a point where you thank God for life and not take any moment for granted. Always remember to love your friends thru every situation. If there's a problem or issue, whenever there is beef, just take it, grill it up, and eat it. Until Next Time, I'm


Dreaming In Him,
Rashaad

Anxiety Attack!

Hey! This is actually my very first OFFICIAL blog! Since it's the first, i've decided to hit you with a little situation I went through recently.

Well if you don't already know..I haven't had a phone in some months..It's been hard but I'm actually GLAD I don't have one just yet. I still have some growing to do mentally and spiritually so I take the absence of a phone as a class with God as the Professor. Thank ya Jesus for the lessons!

So...Tuesday, I went to church because I serve in the television ministry so I figured you know..Here's my chance to serve..Well after service I saw one of the producers bless someone with a phone. I asked if she had anymore and she said yes. She told me she would give me a phone! I was smiling like ccrazy because I KNEW I was getting a phone! Then after that, the lady who the producer blessed told me that when she got the phone activated, she would give me her phone! I'm like gone head Lawd!!!

So the producer tells me to txt her Saturday and remind her to bring it to church with her on Sunday. I did..She said ok...

Well Sunday I got up and I was upset because I was running late..Ugh. I HATE running late. I said a mini prayer and kept it movin...BAD move..I was in the bathroom getting ready when I heard grandma get up. I had to put myself on hold and help her to the bathroom and whatnot. I was getting irritated because my mama was supposed to get up with her but she didn't becuz she was still tired from the 4th..then I asked Imari to help and she was taking her precious time. I'm like UGH! I gotta go! So....

I go in my room and change and I need money for the bus so I'm callin mama from the house phone on her cell and I have a major attitude because it's now 9AM and the shuttle that goes directly to the church leaves at 9:15-9:30. I'm RUSHING. Anxious to get to church, not to praise Him but to get a phone. So...eventually I leave and catch the bus to the train to the station and behold...the shuttle is gone. I'm like NO! So..I get on the 86 and wait for the driver to come. He takes his time so now its like almost 10 and I'm like ugh man. I'm riding the bus and as I get closer to the church this guy gets on the bus with a shirt on that says "RELAX, God is in control". So there's nun I can do on the bus except talk to God. Sadly, I didn't...

I get to church and because I was rushing out the house I didn't even check the weather. It rained..It almost caught me but thankfully Ms. Tonya picked me up...Well, after church the producer gives me the phone and says she hopes Metro can flash it over becuz its Sprint..I get home and try the phone out. The phone won't work unless it's on the charger. That's just a smaller house phone. I can't go mobile. I was messed up all day yesterday.

In the midst of all that confusion God was whispering to me...be still and wait. I'm ignoring Him and He's still saying Rashaad, just be still and wait. I went through hell trying to get to church for something that I can't even use. I was in a hurry to get nowhere. I'm glad to say now, I HAVE LEARNED MY LESSON!!!God broke me down yesterday and it's my goal to let you know that even tho something sounds promising to you, do NOT be in a hurry to get it! Take your time and make sure everything is in order. God is in TOTAL Control. It is my prayer that we ALL learn something from this...Just be patient..If not, you might end up like me...Having an Anxiety Attack!!! Until Next Time...I'm

Dreaming In Him,
Rashaad