The Lessons Dorothy Taught...

For the past ten weeks I have played the part of 13-year-old Dorothy in the stage play “The Wiz”.  Dorothy’s only desire was to escape the crazy land of Oz and return back home to Kansas.  She meets interesting characters on her journey, but finds out more about herself than she ever imagined.  I, too, have learned lessons on my journey and so to culminate the ending of the extended run of the show here are the top ten lessons I learned:

1. Never underestimate the power of water and sleep.  There is no secret remedy to good vocal health.  Drink half your body weight of water a day* and GO TO BED!  (I have the hardest time with the second part.)

2. Don’t pray and worry.  Either pray or worry, but not both.  They each take the same amount of energy, but one is manifested by faith and the other by fear.  Choose.

3. God wants to bless you and see you prosper (II Chronicles 16:9).  He’s looking for ways to show himself strong on your behalf.  Just let Him!

4. You have more lovers than you have haters.   When you focus solely on those who support you, you have no energy to give to those who don’t.

5. Do what you can and God will do what you cannot.  You can only be you, but be the best you at all times and watch God make-up for the lack.

6. Believe in yourself!  Everyone has something uniquely their own, commit to perfecting it and everyone around you reaps the benefits!

7. All you need is right at your disposal.  Stop looking for the “secret” and realize you have what it takes to realize any vision or God-given dream.

8. No one "makes it" alone.  Everyone that has encouraged you along they way, whether it be in word or in deed, is just as much responsible for your success as you are.  No one has ever done anything worth while without the help of someone along the way. (thx Ameer)

9. A rested BODY is a rested MIND.  Enough said.

10. Home is a state of mind.   It’s the place where you are centered with the Creator and therefore centered with everything else.  It is the freedom to make mistakes, cry, apologize, start over, and fall again; all without forgetting that His love ensures that you are right where you are supposed to be.

Thanks Dorothy,
B. Landi

*adding lemon, honey and apple cidar vinegar to your water can relieve you of sinus issues. Warm it up, drink it, and then go to bed! :)

p.s. All those not pictured are in my hearts, including: the extended cast, Ms. Harris and Ms. Rain (my Middle School English and Science teachers), Ms. Cheryl Walker (my Elementary and Middle School music teacher), Mr. Erwin (my high school theater teacher), Cydney Perkins (the inspiration behind my version of “Dorothy”), my parents (real and adopted), my church family (TCOC, BTC, and MDC), and of course new and old friends who took out time to support me.  I love you ALL!

p.s.s A special shout out to my mom, Sissy, God's Chosen, and my Bio who held me up in prayer and encouraged me the whole way.

Supplementary Scriptures:

Psalm 1:1-3

Matthew 9:23

How “the best” Found Me: A Paradigm Shift

I actually did it.  
In 2009, my sister told me to write down 100 characteristics that my ideal mate would possess and I actually did it.  Some were non-negotiable like “3. Pays tithes” while others were frivolous like “78. Wears tennis shoes.”  Though it seemed like an impossible task it really wasn’t hard coming up with 100 things. I just had to realize that a few (or a little more than a few) were simply preferences, not a make or break, like “92. can beat me at Scrabble.”

As the years passed, I decided to become the person my ideal mate would be, or at least as close to them as possible, because someone that “16. liked to workout”  would probably want to be with someone that liked to workout.  To the gym I went.  And someone that “8. prayed often” would probably want to be with someone that prayed often.  On my knees I prayed. I wasn’t becoming them for the sole purpose of attracting them, but I was becoming them because they would ideally possess all the characteristics that I considered to be the best.  So if I wanted “the best,” I figured I should pursue becoming “the best.”

3 years later “the best” found me.
Tears come to my eyes as I think about the faithfulness and perfect timing of God.  God proved that not only is He able to give me the desires of my heart, but He is also able to make me who I need to be, in order to receive His blessings.  While in constant pursuit of becoming the best I can be, I became less concerned about receiving validation from others.  I turned my attention away from being found and toward finding myself. I saw my insecurities.  I saw my inconsistencies.  I made a note of my strengths and determined to do better.  Then, out of the clear blue, in front of me stood “the best.”

I couldn’t check off my list of 100 things immediately, because many of them had to be proven over time.  However, you know what they say, when you know...you know.  I am still in the process of being pruned and developed, but I see now more than ever that when you put God first He will take care of the rest. Even “the best” man will never be able to complete you the way God can.  Once you submit to that, being found will become the least of your worries.  Don’t settle.  Don’t give up.  Seek to become all God has called YOU to be and watch Him work!  So what’s on your list of 100?

- B. Landi

Supplementary Scriptures
Matthew 6:33
Luke 12: 30-32 

The Journey Home Ends by BELIEVING You’re Already There...

For the past 5 weeks I have been busier than ever as a cast member in The St. Louis Black Repertory Company’s production of  “The Wiz,” which is an African-American adaptation of “The Wizard of Oz.”  I play the part of Dorothy, who, after a tornado blows her and her home into the land of Oz, meets a number of characters who teach her the power of believing in oneself.  The characters include a Scarecrow, a Tinman, and a Lion, all of whom have a desire to be made complete by the magical powers of the Wiz.  Without spoiling the plot, together they embark on an arduous journey just to find what they thought they lacked was in their possession all along.  The principle of the play is realizing that no matter what you are in need of, it is accessible when you believe.

Believing can be such an overused word.  What really is believing?  Believing is accepting the truth of something and having surety in that truth.  It is not having proof of its existence, but deciding to act on what is believed outside of its tangibility.  God has required us to have this kind of belief in Him.  This is what we call faith, and without it, it is impossible to please Him. There is no situation that requires more faith than the faith required first to believe that God is and that He loved us so much that He would give His life for our salvation. 

Believing in the redemptive love of Christ, is then the first and most important step to believing all other things.  If He is able to redeem us, He is also able to restore us.  He is able to lead and direct us, and guide us into all truth.  Doubting then, does not nullify His power, but limits how we will experience it.  We must believe in Christ and in believing in Him we choose a life where all things are possible.  Where myths are dispelled, diseases are cured, the lost are found, and the crooked made straight.  If only we believe.

Home is a place where burdens are laid down.  It is a place where love overflows and hearts are mended.  As believers we know this place is heaven, which has been prepared and is simply awaiting our arrival.  Though we are subjected to live in this sin-sick world, we are given the power to experience heaven on earth through fellowship and communion with our Savior.  We need not live in fear or torment, but are called to live abundantly because of the grace of Jesus Christ.  What are you in need of?  Can you believe it’s already done?

 The Black Rep’s production of “The Wiz” will continue through June 30 at The Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square). For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.theblackrep.org.

Supplementary Scriptures

Hebrews 11:6
Romans 8:32

April, the month of Discipline

During the entire month of April I committed to eating only oatmeal, grains, meat, fruit, vegetables, water and almond milk.  I am a lover of all things delicious but my desire is not only to be thin, but to sculpt my body.  My love of bread, potatoes, rice, sugar, and all things delicious prohibited that.  So for thirty days I worked out 3-4 times a week, ate every three hours, and tried to go to sleep as early as possible, which was usually a little after midnight.

I learned a lot during this process:
1.  If you want something bad enough, you will do what it takes to get it done
2.  Sometime results do not come immediately
3.  Everyone will not understand or agree with your vision, so sometimes you MUST go alone
4.  Temptation is EVERYWHERE
5.  Accountability is key so share your struggles and victories with someone who supports you

The first week was tough....you can find my thoughts here...

Week TWO thoughts:
So since swearing off of starches and sweets I’ve noticed that I am overeating healthy foods.  On any given day I would not normally eat three meals plus three snacks.  But I’ve food myself stuffed to capacity (shameful, I know) on fruits and vegetables.  It’s almost like my mind tells me to over indulge since I am sacrificing so much!  This is not a good idea on many levels but mainly because not only will you be bloated, your abdomen will protrude and all the workouts will seem worthless.

Week THREE thoughts:
I have been introduced to myfitnesspal.com.  It is really cool. You can put your age, height, weight, and goals in and it will compute what your calorie intake should be in order to achieve that said goal.  I've learned through this process that although fruit is good for you, it is high in sugar (yes, natural sugar, but still sugar) and sugar will not aid in my intended results.  MUST CUT DOWN ON FRUIT INTAKE!

Week FOUR thoughts:
Now I'm just simply counting down the days.  I am committing to never go back to eating 4 pieces of bread a day and meat with every meal is no longer a necessity.  I am convinced that overeating can still be a problem even when eating healthily.  So discipline is a necessary skill no matter what.  I was weighed at the gym and my final weight after 15 workouts and four weeks of eating disciplined is 114.6 (4 pounds lighter than my first weigh-in).  My BF is 17.6%.

I have another 9 workouts before my final weigh-in but the real test will be ab definition and overall body sculpting.  Although I am as close as I have ever been to achieving the muscular frame of my dreams, I am incorporating breads and some sugar back into my diet.  This may result into longer and more strenuous workouts, but honestly bread is worth it. :)

Here are some of the meals I prepared while on my diet:

Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry...be careful not to use too much sauce...

 

Cabbage and Chicken soup (made in crockpot with added veggies)

 

Tuna salad (no mayo) over salad with veggies

 

Salad topped with veggies and fruit

 

The dressing I put on just about everything lol 

(check out nutritional facts and serving size before indulging!!!)

Don't Stop Believing!

I was sinking. 

It was the end of my sophomore year in college and I found myself surrounded by my professors who expressed their concern about my progress in the music program.  They were unimpressed with my vocal maturation and asked if I was teachable.  I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.  After years of being positively affirmed, for the first time in my life my greatest strength had been described as a weakness. I ran to my dorm room and cried until my eyes could no longer produce tears.  I had no idea what to do.

When confronting failure, the most natural thing to do is to succumb to a state of pity and regret.  I regretted going to Spelman.  I regretted being a music major.  I regretted not working hard enough.  I felt pitiful and had no plan to combat the rejection and fear.  It was during this time that faith in God made all the difference in the world.  He would either lead me in another direction or strengthen me to continue.  I didn’t at that time know which would occur, but I knew I had to look to Him.

Peter said if you are the son of God then call me to walk with you on water.  Jesus said “come.”  Peter went.  After defying the rules of gravity Peter, noticing the tumultuous waves, began to doubt, and subsequently sink.  He could have surrendered to despair and drowned, but he instead called out to the Lord for help.  Jesus, though disappointed in his lack of faith, reached out and grabbed him.

Believing God can seem like an impossible task, however the hardest part about believing is not so much the initial step but the continual decision to keep believing.  With so many distractions and reasons to doubt, the measure of one’s faith is the ability to look at the obvious and yet believe the impossible.  I, like Peter, had to get past the hurt and shame, and believe that God was the same Savior in whom I believed before the failure.

God is God in victory and in defeat.  When faced with defeat look to Him, not your circumstances.   Look to Him, not what surrounds you.   Look to Him, not to others.  He works everything for our good if we love Him and are the called according to His purpose.  One of the signs of loving Him and being the called is trusting Him and choosing to believe Him, even when believing seems harder than giving up.
  
- B. Landi

Supplementary Verses:

Matthew 12: 22-33
Romans 8:28

The 24-day CHALLENGE!

I’m inspired!!

In preparation for leading Saturday workouts at my church I decided to commit to a strict dietary and workout regimen for the entire month of April and May.  What does that mean? Well at first I had no idea, so I decided to do some research. 

I found the 28-day challenge by Robert Brace, which outlines either 28 workouts back-to-back or 28 workouts over a designated period of time.  In addition to the workouts is a high protein, low carbohydrate, low fat, low sugar eating plan that includes, meats, green vegetables, fruits and oatmeal.

I chose this plan because it seemed straight forward and with so much going on in my life, the less I have to think about food and exercise the better.  I decided I would exclude bread, rice, potatoes, candy, desserts, and salt from my diet during the first month of exercise (April) and then slowly but surely reintroduce them back into my diet during the second month of exercise (May).  I’ve committed to 3, 45-60 min, exercises a week, which decreased the “28-day challenge” to the “24-day challenge.” Hey you know me...I gotta mix it up a bit!

So welcome to my journey! I will post meals and workout tips that will hopefully inspire you to be the best you.

DIET LOG

Week One (April 1-7):
(I had a variation of these meals everyday)

Breakfast: Fruit (apple, orange, and/or banana), Oatmeal, or Honey Nut Cheerios (serving size amount) with Soy Milk

Lunch: Grilled Chicken Salad, Grilled Chicken Sandwich with portabella mushrooms and lettuce as a bun (pictured below)

Dinner: Grilled Chicken salad, Salmon salad, side of Carrots

Snacks: Unsalted Cashews, Popsmart popcorn, Fruit, Yogurt

WORKOUT LOG

Workout #1 (April 2): 45 mins 1.5 miles on elliptical, 1 mile run (treadmill), 20 lb dumbbell curl ups, various gym machines, various plank styles

Workout #2 (April 4): 50 mins 1.5 miles on elliptical, 1 mile run (treadmill), 20 lb dumbbell curl ups, various gym machines, various plank styles

Workout #3 (April 6): Outdoor workout (2 mile run, jumprope, 15 lb dumbbell curl ups, plank styles)

Workout #4 (April 7):
I didn’t plan this ahead of time but decided at the last minute to go to the Zuumba class at Club Fitness and also walked a mile on the treadmill with an incline of 7.

End of Week ONE thoughts:

I can’t believe I’ve gone without bread for 7 days!  It was actually easier than I expected.  I was offered twizzlers (MY FAV!!!) and I turned them down.  I went to church three night this week and each night the kitchen cooked fried wings and french fries, which filled the entire hallway with the aroma of grandma’s kitchen, but I prevailed!

I have learned to never leave home without a snack and although eating healthy makes one very gassy (watch out for those mushrooms), my workouts have been easier, I feel lighter, and have already lost 3 pounds.  More updates to come!!!

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN ME?!!

- B. Landi

Are You Judas or Peter??

A few days ago my co-worker mentioned the theme of her church’s Resurrection play.  She said it was written by the pastor’s son and its objective was to uncover the similarities between Judas, Peter, and each of us.  I was immediately intrigued.

As much as we would hate to admit it, we are either one or the other.  Yea you.  You are either Judas or Peter.  Judas, the one who betrayed Jesus for 30 shekels of silver, or Peter, the one who declared his undying love for Jesus and soon after denied Him, not once, not twice, but three times.  Hard pill to swallow huh?

The descriptions of the men above are hard to read and even harder to liken ourselves to, but the reality is we are either Judas or Peter.  I remember being in high-school and being so ashamed to admit to my friends how often I went to church (which felt like everyday!).  I would often claim I had “something else to do” when they invited me places, knowing if I told them I was going to church again they’d consider me wack. 

Whether it’s being ashamed to bow your head at a restaurant or telling a blatant lie, we have all sinned and denied God in some way, and in most cases, knowing what we should do we did the complete opposite.  So we all are either Judas or Peter.  The difference between these two characters was their response to sin.  One (Judas) was filled with guilt and shame, so much so that he decided to take the law in his own hands and kill himself.  The other (Peter) was also filled with guilt and shame, but left the law in the hands of Jesus, repented, and realigned himself with the purpose of God.

We have all fallen short, but deciding to move forward is what empowers us.  I choose to be Peter.  No, I am not what I should be, but I refuse to allow the devil to trick my mind into believing I have nothing to offer.  The death of Jesus gives us all the opportunity to acquire righteousness through His perfection.  We are given the choice then to receive His grace or to reject it.  The argument is not whether we have sinned, but whether we will receive His forgiveness and grace.

The power of the cross allows us all to be Peter.  Which one do you choose to be?

- B. Landi (Peter)

Supplementary Scriptures
Matthew 26
John 21:15-17