Marrying Off Best Friends Part 2

Coming Soon!

Marrying off Best Friends Part 1.

This past weekend I had the joy of marrying off two of my best friends.  Not just on the same weekend, but the same day! It makes me laugh that it happened this way just because it would happen to a wedding guru like me.  People make fun of how many weddings I either attend or am apart of, but its all good.  At first I really struggled with not being able to be apart of my brother from another mother's wedding.  Mr. Josh Lawrence has been one of my best friends since middle school.  However I would never ever trade the honor, privilege, and joy of standing beside my other best friend Sara on her wedding day.  I want to take a moment to reflect on these two individuals and that fact that im super pumped that they have now married really awesome people!  I guess I'll start with Josh...

As I said before, Josh has been one of my best friends since middle school. Since we entitled each other as best friends, or siblings we have been inseparable ever since. I have been blessed to have a group of friends that have stuck together all through growing up, and we still walk together even now.  Amazing, Christian friends! Josh is a part of that circle and I can honestly say the Lord has used both of us in each others lives in very significant ways. It really is a cool thing! We not only grew up together but we went to church together, worked at Caswell together, and visited each other all through college. God bless him for all the times I have called him crying, or had to tell this incredibly long story to get to one small point.  He always has a real perspective and is not afraid to be bold with me, and even tell me when im being absolutely rediculous...and he is not scared to hurt my feelings.  I think we all need iron sharpens iron type friends, and he has been that for me. I used to tell him that I was preparing him for marriage.  Whats funny is I guess that is kinda true.  When I was in college I made friends with a sweet girl named Janessa Long.  We met my first Senior year and became pretty good friends.  We would talk for hours, hang out over dinner, coffee, movie, whatever, and challenge each other.  We even went to Campus Crusade staff  training together....which has enough crazy stories within itself.  Long story short  Josh came to visit me and our friend Chad one weekend.  He came to visit and go to a football game with us.  Im also pretty sure it was my birthday.  Anyway Janessa always sat with the Crusade crowd at games, and I remember Josh asking me about the pretty blonde at the game.  Chad tries to take credit because of he got Josh the football ticket, but no.  Later at my apartment Josh and Janessa actually met.  I could tell that Josh was really diggin this girl.  Prolly one of the funniest things I have ever seen.  I began to have that "hmmm" moment in my head. yep "perfect".  Another long story short I did in fact try to play matchmaker but home girl was in to singleness at the time, Josh dropped it, Janessa went to China for a year with Campus Crusade....

That summer Josh was scheduled to go on a mission trip to China.  He called to tell me about it and I told him that he should email Janessa to see what part she was in, you know just in case they might be remotely in the same part of east asia.  Well he did, and even though Josh's trip fell through, he and Janessa began getting to know each other and the rest is history.  I know I pretend to take credit, but I know that it was the Lord!!!  How amazing they are as two separate people, and im so excited to see how they allow the Lord to use them and their marriage to glorify him!  Not to mention whenever I go to see them I get to see two dear friends at the same time!!! Love it!

Even though I was not a part of their day physically, I feel so blessed to have been able to talk with both of them on the phone, lord knows I lost it when I was talking to Josh.  Friends were also messaging me pictures on my phone.  I got all the highlights, it was great.  Not to mention my friend Whitney is very detailed when she tells stories, and she did a great job filling me in!  I also get to edit their wedding video so im sure I will see it at least 10 times through ;)  But I love these two people and I am thankful for what they have meant in my life.  Im praying for their marriage and I know God will use them in some pretty huge ways!!!  Lots of history, and awesome stories with both of these amazing people, and im excited about future memories. Friends like this are hard to come by but I can tell you that these two are good ones and there will be lots of memories to come!

....Part 2 coming soon: My Sara Veale now Hickman :)

Looking Back on Year 1 at SBHS

First of all, I hate that I have become an inconsistent blogger.  Hopefully I can change this. Because I do in fact like blogging.

Since summer started (basically a few days ago) I have had some time to reflect one this past year.  What a blessing it has been, and I can't believe I have year one of teaching under my belt.  This time last year, I didn't even know about what was about to happen.  Its a crazy awesome kind of story. One that happened in such a way that I knew, and still know that God's hand was all over it.  It has been amazing to look back on the journey and see how God allowed things to unfold the way they did.  I can attest to this throughout so many key moments of my life, and thats one thing I love about the Lord. He just hands me my next big steps.  Which is good because he knows I think way too much about stuff sometimes.  Anyways im not going to get into this story right now.  If you see me someday you can ask me.  Right now I want to talk about my kids! 

I cannot describe how blessed I was this year with my students.  One of my students jokes with me about how I should just retire because I prolly won't even have a class as good as them.  I don't know if he is right, but I think they all knew they were pretty special to me.

First semester I had a Broadcasting level one class, and Advanced Broadcasting class, and some career management class. It was such a privilege to have these students.  They taught me so much, made me crazy, but most of all I grew to really care about them and loved seeing how they soaked up knowledge. This was indeed a special group.  They were sponges for production type stuff. They couldn't get enough!  And I learned quickly that they were creative, and talented.  Semester one was a huge learning curve for me.  Im thankful that they were either oblivious or patient when I messed up or did stuff that didn't make much sense.  And I found myself having to turn around several times per class because they would make me laugh so much. Haha.  One of my favorite stories comes from a day when I was giving a lecture on the history of production (its my favorite lecture)...I overheard a "side convo" about Star Wars.  I looked over to that row of students and said..."whatchall know about Star Wars?" One student's reply was, "Pshhh Miss Lloyd, you are a girl you don't know anything about Star Wars"...I told them that they were wrong and that they were talking to the girl who watched the ORIGINAL trilogy once a week for several years with her brothers.  This student began to quiz me and I must have impressed them because they said they had a new respect for me.  It was hilarious in real life.  I have so many funny stories from that group, they were a blast!

Halloween Special on the Cougar View

Real Copy of the
Breakfast Club script

Second semester was much different.  I had two classes of level one, both with about 24 students (which for a class like mine, can be difficult)....and one level two class (about 16 students).  My level ones this semester were a little more difficult to engage.  They were also sweet, and hilarious.  They really taught me a lot about patience and the fact that classroom management is KEY in trying to maintain control of your classroom.  They would get so excited about the weirdest stuff...for example, I would "DJ" music for study time or note taking.  My 4th period would always request Adele and they would get so excited, haha...even the boys sang.  As much fun as that was let me say that they did in fact get lots of work done during those times, but you have to keep it interesting.  It would also quite funny how they all denied their love for Justin Beiber, yet the entire class would sing along. 

Level 2 Seniors

Then there is my level 2's.  What a special bunch.  Half of them were students from my semester one class.  This class really tried my patience at times, but I can honestly say that I loved every second with them.  They are amazing! So talented and eager to learn.  My level 2 class is more hands on.  We produce the daily announcement show called "The Cougar View".  The weird thing I was a part of producing the same show when I was in high school (full circle, life teaching at my old high school).  They also work on their individual projects. Some of those projects actually air on the Cougar View.  They all pretty much came into the class knowing at least somewhat about shooting video.  But one reason im really proud of is that they all learned how to edit on Final Cut Pro (professional editing software), as well as title editors such as Motion.  That is huge. I didn't learn stuff like that until I was in college, and these kids pretty much touch it and can figure it out.  What I loved most about this class is the opportunities I had to just pour into them.  This might sound funny, but I really feel like they really looked up to me. I love those kids with all my heart.  I can't say enough about them.  They are all wonderful and have amazing futures before them.  I will have to opportunity to teach about half of them again, but the other half I had to say goodbye to at Graduation.  That was a bitter sweet day.  I am beyond proud of my Seniors.  All of their hard work, and who they have already become as people.  I will continue to pray for them, and I hope each of them knows that God has a huge plan for their lives, and that they have amazing potential! They really do!

I call them visits from the "Whiteboard Munchkins"...the Tebow illistration on the upper left is one of my favorites! That was hilarious!

  

Our new baby :)

*Link to our Cougar Broadcasting portfolio page https://vimeo.com/user9637042

Take a look at some student work!!!

I think I could go on about my students, and my job for days.  But I am just immeasurably blessed to be at South Brunswick High School teaching a production class, teaching my passion, and teaching amazing kids at one amazing school...my alma matter!

Over the summer I plan on recuperating and revising my curriculum.  But I also want to continue to pray for God to open doors for him to be made know throughout those hallways next year.  That the gospel will have a presence on that campus.  I fully believe that this place is my mission field, at least for now, and im excited to see wat he does next year! I can't wait to meet my new students!!

This was my theme scripture this past year:

If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believein your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile —the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,  for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

-Romans 10:9-14

Oh technology

Me: "would you please put your phone away"

Student1: "But Miss Lloyd I haven't been able to text since 9am"

Me: "oh how inconvenient, I remember what life was like before car phones"

Student1: "Oh I don't think they have those anymore"

Me: "Exactly...I didn't have a cell phone until I was 16, and couldn't text until college" 

Student2: "Well what did you do with the phone?" 

ahahahah! Techno generation.

Cherished.

I don't think there are words to express what a blessing it is to have Grandparents.  I know I have been given amazing ones! I was young when Grandaddy Lloyd passed away, but I know I loved him big time, and he loved me. He had an amazing heart and he is where my Dad gets his amazing work ethic.  Grandma passed away a few years ago, but to this day she is my role model.  If I could be half the woman she was! Such an amazing spirit, and the most godly woman I have ever met...I wish I could rewind time and just sit beside her, and listen to her talk.  I didn't realize that all those times we were in the kitchen and she was "teachin me how to cook"...she was really teaching me about life! I miss her stories about life...she was born in 1909, she had plenty of good ones! She lived so many things! And how she prayed. Gosh I loved it when she prayed! 

And then you have Mom's parents.  Grammy Pat (as we call her) lives down in Florida, and it kills me that we don't get to see her much.  Apparently, I get my artistic side from her, which I am grateful for.  And then there is Papa...people at my church know him as Papa Jim.  That crazy, hug lovin man who greets everyone the second they walk in my church...except if I happen to walk in with a boy, and then he tells them that there are only a few things he'd kill for ;) which lets be honest, the man wouldn't hurt a fly! But he is amazing. I have learned so many things from him! He has lived through a lot, the man has been there! Not to mention he is the kindest, compassionate, yet desperately hilarious at the same time!

Grandparent love and wisdom is something that we cherish as much as they cherish us! There is something so amazing about the way they teach us about life, love, and leaving a legacy.

I am reflecting on this today because today I came from the funeral of a man who has meant so much in my life. You might call him one of my "extra grandparents".  This past month I have lost two of those.  

Mrs. Louise Broadwell, a woman who's spirit strongly resembles my very own grandmother.  Mrs. Louise knew me from Diapers.  I grew up with her sweet grandson Adam, whom I consider a brother to me, and she went to my church.  Mrs. Louise prayed me through so many things, and I always enjoyed chatting with her. what an amazing woman. Her heart was devoted to Jesus and she glowed all the time! I visited her in the hospital not long before she passed away, and she made sure to tell me just how much she loved me and said she would see me again. I'll never forget that. She was so excited about seeing her Jesus.

Mr. Charlie Wilson, I can't put into words what this man and his amazing wife Rosalea have meant to me over the years.  I grew up with their granddaughter Jessica. Jessica and I were inseparable from 6-12th grade...and even though our visits are here and there now, you might say we are still joined at the soul.  A real sister! I can't count the times I would be over at their home, caught sitting in the kitchen with them. Drinking Mrs. Rosalea's famous tea, and listening to Mr. Charlie tell his jokes. Jess and I would laugh till we cried!   Mr. Charlie owned a bait and tackle shop up the road from their house. Jessica and I would always stop for a Sundrop and candy on the way to the beach, or on our walks around Oak Island.  And once I got a car, sometimes I would just stop to chat with him. He had the best stuff up there....and the best stories! Im going to miss him so much! His stories, love, and hospitality have shown me so much over the years and I am truly grateful for his impact on my life.  His testimony and love for Jesus is something that I find inspiring to this day! I will cherish his memory!

I consider myself extremely blessed to have had such amazing Grandparents and "extra grandparents.  I hope I can continue to cherish the ones I still have here....and when I think about these people and so many others. I think of Hebrews 12:1-2. and thankful that these people chose to live out their faith in such a way that was noticeable to the people around them! True examples of what it means to live your life for Jesus! 

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

On the way back from the funeral, Mom and I saw the most beautiful rainbow! Gosh it made my heart smile! It had been raining all day. and then a break in the clouds to reveal streams of light in the sky, with a colorful rainbow that not only stretched the sky...but the color spectrum!  I couldn't help but be reminded of God's promises. Especially of his heavenly ones. Which was perfect for the moment. Thank you Jesus for your sweet encouragement!

Titled to Reel Life

I used to blog. And I have been toying with the idea of starting to blog again for a while.  I just wasn't exactly sure what I'd blog about.  It will be nice to explain my thoughts with more than a tweeted blurb.

The title

     I chose the phrase "Reel Life" because I want my blog not only to be real in the sense of "hey this is me, this is what I do"...but also real in the sense of rawness...real human thoughts and emotions...the real me and what tends to go on in my brain.  I chose to use "reel" instead of "real" simply because in the film industry (its what i do), a "reel"is basically a frame or spool on which film, can be wound.....and is a term also used when referring to a "demo reel" which is basically a portfolio of a videographer's work.....
     Also, watching films is sometimes like watching the story of someone's life play out in front of you.  I think as people, we all live our lives on display for others to see.  A lot of times, how we live is how
 people perceive who we are.  As a Christian, I believe that those who say they are believers should live in such a way that displays that.  Call it a weird, "spiritual" connection to movies, but it is a thought that has meant a lot to me recently.  Jesus called us to live for Him. And where as Christians we often mess up...if Christ lives in us, hopefully he shines through us, making us into his image.....kinda sorta like film.  The only reason you see an image come from film is because light had to first shine through it.  When the lens & iris lets in light to a camera, the light "burns the image" onto the film. When its developed, its what we see.  This should be true of anyone who claims Jesus as their Savior.  When we let God step in to break through our darkness, He begins making us like him! He shines through us, teaches us, develops us. We are His heirs, and His image bearers. Ephesians 3:6, Titus 3:3-7 , Genesis 1:27 , Romans 8:28-30 , 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 , Colossians 3:1-17. Kinda cool way to think about it, especially if your a film nerd.


P.S. if your interested...check out some more about the camera/history of production.
http://prezi.com/jaruarhpfs9o/history-of-production/