Day 1 (Entry 2- Week 2) My daily journey into the unknown of God's will.

Day 8 Unemployed

9/27/15

Last night was the songwriters showcase at MGP. I almost didn’t go because of my transportation issues. But, I prayed and the Lord made a way. I am so glad I went. It felt so good to be recognized as a songwriter by my peers. I don’t know why this means so much to me. I guess when you write as much as I do, it is human nature to wonder if you are spending all of this time on nothing. Haha!

But, I was blessed last night. Even financially! My tithe came back to me 6 times! Sold a song- praise the Lord.

Today, I am writing and having the family over. I am so blessed for this house that I love. Thank you, Jesus for the things I desire in my heart being important to you.

Continue to lead me even on days where I am busier than usual. I love you. Amen.

Day 9 Unemployed

9/28/15

I have always considered myself a fairly confident person.

It is still amazing how the enemy will work so hard to afflict you with self doubt.

It always starts with the smallest negative thought and it grows into a weed of self destruction. I notice I write a lot about weeds. One day, I might write an entire book about them. No, there would not be any type of gardening content.

It would be about the weeds that we water while we let the flowers from the seeds we sow die of thirst. What have I watered today? WEEDS.

My “weeds” of self doubt. The Lord told me (Jeremiah 29:11) he has plans for me to prosper. That is the seed he gave me. It is my job to let it grow.

Lord, thank you for the gift of discernment and wisdom on some days and the knowledge of my lack of wisdom as well. You make everything in perfect design. Forgive me for getting tangled up and not recognizing your simplicity. Help me recognize the weeds daily. Amen.

Day 10 Unemployed

9/29/15

The more I focus on the Lord’s Will and seeking his voice, the more abundant it becomes in my life. One thing I have learned in this journey so far is that he does not always operate in big manifestations. Sometimes, it is so small that it would be unrecognizable if you were not looking. I wonder how many of these special moments I have lost because of not paying attention. In the world, we are all trying to find ourselves. But, in our lack of faith, we find an incorrect version of ourselves. The reason is because we will NEVER find our purpose outside of our Lord. He has created us for reasons that are not of this world. He is showing me how much greater my purpose is than this city, this industry, these financial goals and my own selfish gains. In the grandest of all plans he has my very existence intended for HIS purposes, not mine. When I think about that, it over shadows any fear and doubt. I know for TODAY I listened. I followed. I found a genuine joy in watching my daughter and my students (current and former even) perform. I am so blessed to see these incredible students grow; not just as artists but, as people. Even despite the negativity they are surrounded with sometimes. Some of them are totally unaware what great things they are called to do. It isn’t my job to tell them this. It is just my job to prepare them. This job is an honor.

Thank you Lord that you have given me insight for these talented people. Thank you for the gifts they have been given. Please direct my words and suggestions according to what you desire for them. Help those that have lost the fire you gave them to be re-lit and find joy in their gift. Help them to rise above the snickers, the defeats, the enemies at their gates and seek counsel in you. Give them vision to see themselves as YOU see them and not as others do. May their confidence turn in them directing them to your path.

Amen.

Day- Ummm.? Don’t really know

10/4/15

These last few days have been a real blur. We have been going non-stop with the Mid South Fair Youth Talent Show. Everyday I have still started my day in prayer and devotion. I have seen the Lord do some pretty amazing things though my faith. Simple things I have needed and asked for- really just necessities that I have seen no way possible- but he made a way.

Then, the fair.

I have battled every demon in hell at times. When you work with these students, you become so invested in their life. You know them and when they worry, you worry.

Watching the high’s and low’s of this fair season has made me even more grateful and confident in what I am doing. These incredibly talented students put so much into this one time of year. They have no idea what I see in them and how TRULY AMAZING THEY ARE, they have no definition of that yet. I try to let them see themselves through my eyes and when they finally do it is that confirmation that keeps me going.

One of my students overcame fear, criticism and general hate and despite of all that- made it to the finals with her original song. This was a big win for the small group of young singer/songwriters with this bold and successful move.

Another battling her own warfare and still rising above the mess and achieving her moment. She didn’t “win” either but, she did.

I look at these kids that have won past talent competitions before and think “NOW what”?

They will never really explore themselves as the truly great and solid artists they are. Most will never go where they need to or pursue their dreams.

The sad part is a lot are so much closer than they think. THESE are the reasons I can’t stop doing this yet. The Lord called me to feel this way!....to see this vision. I will trust him until my eyes do not see it anymore or until he leads me elsewhere.

Lord, thank you for the great gifts I see these young adults have. Thank you for the opportunity to make a difference. Please close the mouths of those who have only ill intent and allow the enemy to use them as a vessel to keep these kids from your great and mighty plan. Help me to speak words you want them to hear. Help me to guide them where you want them. Fill their hearts with desire for your will and confidence to trust you. You are bigger to me everyday lately. I am so thankful for your discernment. I love you with my whole heart!

Day 1- (Entry 1- Week 1) My daily journey as I have lost my job and am living daily following what I believe God has called me to do

Week 1 
Day 1- Unemployed

9/20/15

Today, I received a letter from my company stating they “my position was no longer needed” and “please pursue your music career” and how “they wish me the best of luck with my music”. I had spent two years there. This is a record long time for me in a regular job. I had given a lot. I also, had received a lot. There is some sadness when I think of this chapter closing. This had become a very comfortable and safe chapter for me.

Today also was my first writing class in a while. This, ironically, was busier than ever; one new student and three of my regular ones. The gratification I feel teaching my students how to not only write a song but, to observe life differently, is so rewarding.

… From my new student today message sent to my daughter.

But, it has been more of a hobby than a career that paid my bills. Now, this would have to be my main source of income, somehow. This normally would be a fearful place and I normally would be full of anxiety and worried.

Oddly, I am not afraid. I almost felt this coming as the Lord has been a constant presence reminding me through out recent days that I have been called to a higher purpose. He knows change is scary for me but, he has given me peace. Peace, truly beyond understanding and measure.

After being isolated this past week to my house with no car or phone, a lot has been revealed to me about his will and my own. The main lesson being that torment exists when MY will gets in HIS way.

During this week of isolation I have been forced to my songwriting. I have written a solid 8 songs and have about 10 more in progress. I have always thought how crazy it is that I have so many songs in me. This might have been a move from the Lord to finish some of my songs that have been in “progress” too long. A few are really, really good.

Is this what he really wants me to do? Really?

Because of my prayerful place, I am inclined to believe this is the direction he is leading me. Therefore, I will follow.

After spending the first 40 years of my life in my own version of the biblical “Egypt”, I no longer want to waste time in my own agenda absence of the guidance of my Lord.

So, I have decided I will tithe (for the first time in a long time) 10% of my last paycheck and lean on the promises of my father.

I have to say I feel a rumble of expectations of success. Doubt will over whelm me in days to come, I am certain. But, today I KNOW I am in the hands of a big God. A God big enough to actually make this music thing manifest into something.

Thank you, Lord for entrusting me to a gift that I recognize comes from you. Please guide me into the path that you have carefully paved for me. Help me not to be misled, to keep my eyes on you and to sustain me and my family through this time of trust.

Amen.

Day 2 unemployed

9/21/15

I woke up this morning anxious. I immediately began praying. I am so aware and reverent of Gods purpose- even though I still am unsure of what that is exactly. Blind faith and bold trust do not come easily by me. After prayer I read a scripture. 

 Colossians 3:23 ► New International Version
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters..”

I am seeking the Lord constantly. By my past mistakes in life, I am cautious about making decisions. I have found my decisions have lead me off of God’s path. So, I will patiently wait upon the Lord. For now, I will do what I feel he has called me to do in this present moment. That is continuing to write. I have 22 songs currently, a few blogs, and now this journal that I feel called to write.

He has blessed me with words. So, this is what I will do with all my heart until lead otherwise.

I must admit, though still seeking peace form worry, I am anticipating seeing what the Lord has in store for me.

Lord, help me to hear you and watch for your direction. May your will be done and may your Glory manifest. Lead me and I will follow you, Oh God. You will never forsake me. You are the almighty owner of everything and I am your child. My inheritance is in you. I will not worry. You are a father to the fatherless and a husband to the husbandless. Thank you for calling me into a divine purpose.

Forgive me of my untrust. I love you, my Father.

Amen.

Day 3 Unemployed

9/22/15

I reminded through scripture in this journey of trust, that the Lord is the supplier of my needs. That my God is a mighty and Large God! The owner of everything. This is important for me to remember in these times because when I got lost in my own thoughts, they turn to worry. This is not what the Lord wants from me. So, I am practicing directing my thoughts to him in every moment.

I anticipate a great thing and I am expecting it.

Dear Lord, Thank you that you have plenty for me. That you are guiding me through what I believe is a spiritual journey to where your will lies. Forgive me of my sins and my doubts and worries. Thank you for choosing me to be in your presence. Thank you for the miracles that await me and thank you for the restoration that you promises. I believe in them and receive them in your holy name.

Amen

Day 4 unemployed

9/23/15

Today is realize EVERYDAY is like day 1. A little discouraged and lost today. Funny how the Lord reminded me in my devotional that my feelings aren’t real and they are not a measure of what he is doing. I loved that. Thank you, Jesus.

Day 5 unemployed

9/24/15

Today I went to my praying tree. Which is such a sacred spot for me and I feel so close to the Lord. Again, in meditation and prayer he told me to quit thinking about tomorrow and seek his face.

I had began to worry a little about bills, my broken car, etc..

I will be sending my tithe off today. He told where to send it.

He also told me to check my prayer request box in 7 days. This is where I write my prayer requests. In an old mailbox by my praying tree.

I will wait and watch for him.

Dear Lord,

Thank you for your voice. I am lost without it. Thank you for your promises. I am expecting miracles from you according to your word. Thank you in advance.

I love you. Amen.

Still Day 5

Just sent my tithe. It is sitting in the mailbox. The last little bit of money I may see in a while. My daughter called me stupid for doing this when I asked her to pray with me over it. I know she is unaware still of the great miracles of being obedient to the Lord. Hopefully, she will see through this giant step of faith.

I feel very anxious in my spirit today. I don’t know why. But, the Lord told to me to watch for signs of something today. I will be watching.

Dear Lord, thank you for the gifts you give us. Thank you for allowing me to hear your voice and be in your presence. I bind any assignment on me, my family or my finances in Jesus name. I rebuke you Satan from any interference. What is bound on earth also is bound in heaven, in Jesus holy name. Amen.

Day 6 unemployed

9/25/15

Bills due and I am behind on prayer. I feel it. I need more time with the Lord today. I must SLOWWWW down and find his presence. Funny how I am so aware of this since I have been so much closer to him lately.

Thank you, Lord for awareness when I am in my own will and leaving you behind. I need you, YOUR direction. Not my own.

Amen.

Day 7 unemployed

9/26/15

I am realizing to day it is easy to trust the Lord when you have an earthly safety net in case he doesn’t do what you want him to. But, TRUSTING the Lord is going blindly into everyday with it’s discouragements and obstacles. The days when you don’t see hope in sight, when everyone is a buzz in your ear telling you negative things and when you aren’t hearing the voice of Jesus as loud as on other days.

But, these days are the ones you rely on his promises in his holy word. You remember that your “feelings” are irrelevant to the divine purpose of God’ will. You seek him more often, even if you aren’t hearing him yet and then you wait.

Sometimes I look around me and see the people who are in my life. I notice how the Lord has uprooted some. My circle is shrinking. But, that I know is of his doing. I am in the most submissive place that I have ever been in my life. I know he has this time of my life in his will. So, I need to focus on that more and less on what is going on around me.

Dear Lord, be my refuge and safe harbor from the enemy and his lies and even from myself. Help me to find shelter in your promises from the world’s discouragement. Keep me in your grasp leading my direction. Thank you for allowing me to serve a purpose greater than myself. Forgive me for my worry and lack of trust. I love you. Amen

The "Bye-Bye" Box.

THE BYE BYE BOX

Today I put my favorite heels in the “bye-bye box” for charity donation.

This is the graveyard for all the items that once were amazing, but no longer are functional for my life.

For years I have held onto these brilliant red heels. I had believed if they could just streeeetch out juuuust a smidge, they would be the best accessory for almost any outfit.

It almost seemed like they had magical powers. These would be the shoes that my future husband would meet me in, these would be the shoes I accepted my next award in, these would be the shoes that had their own theme song when I entered a room, etc.

But, now (sigh…) the peek-a-boo toe that once showcased my glossy and well maintained nails had become a sneak peak of shameful ashy hooves that were undeserving of such a heel.

Never should an engorged purple toe be on display.

These were the shoes that would want to walk away from my feet.

Yet, still I held on to the hope that my feet would shrink in winter.  

If this happened I declared, my peek-a-boo toe would have to suffer the cold.

But, reality hit.

Never should a blue, frost bitten toe be on display, either.

I realized I have held onto them for too long. All they do is take up space (along with many other pairs of “life changing” items) in my closet.

As I headed toward the “bye-bye box’, I was afraid I would hit another dreaded milestone in my descending spiral from youth. Sarcastically, I thought of tossing any panties that I had ever dreamed of anyone else seeing besides my daughter or my OBGYN.

 I thought, “Screw it. Might as well toss in my moisturizer, hair color, toothbrush- all of it.” But, to my surprise, I realized I actually felt a burden lifted as I tossed those red heels in.

Then, I begin wondering what ELSE I needed to say “bye-bye” to.

Before too long, the box was full.

Next to the red heels were the neon yoga pants, the two-tone turtle neck, the leg warmers (current season or vintage- couldn’t tell). Then, I moved to the hall closet. Good bye Mario brothers hand held game, Aunt Maggie’s yearly Christmas gift of assorted itchy wool scarves, that old VHS player (just “in case”)… Then I got enthusiastic. Hands like a windmill tossing items- “peace out last seasons white pleather jacket, see ya later to my daughters ziplock bag of hair from her first cut, my exes letters and dried flowers, my sons first cast…..Wait what? Damn. This just got real serious. What am I”????

I was like a memory hoarder!

The more I tossed the cleaner and lighter I felt.

Whew. When I finished, it was six hours and a few glasses of wine later. BAM. DONE. FREEEEEEE!

Amazing how one dreaded decision of getting rid of something I “couldn’t live without” was so liberating! I was still fabulous and I would find a new pair of red amazing life changing heels. I would actually be able to wear.

The moral of the story is that I held on to a whole bunch of items that reminded me of what I wasn’t, that took up too much space and basically were useless. It was the fear of letting them go that was scary. That in some small way I would lose a part of myself in the process. But, it was the exact opposite.

Now…

If only there were a “bye-bye box” for people.

J Missy

Preparing for the COMPETITION SEASON

My Newsletter

Are you being bullied by the music business?

ARE YOU BEING BULLIED BY THE BUSINESS? BE THE BOSS!

Today’s Global music scene is a creative playground compared to earlier versions I have had the pleasure (and pain…) of knowing.  Particularly, Nashville.

I recall my first real experience with a much respected National Talent Agency. After being selected to join the group, I was scheduled to have a meeting the following Monday in Nashville, Tennessee. Home of Country Music, The Grand Ole Opry and home where most of my dreams lived.

In this meeting, I assumed we would discuss details of my career, maybe go over some of my original songs and basically get a plan together. Nope. The topic: Lose 30 pounds in 30 days.

I was the only female at a table with 8 or so men in suits who, in no uncertain terms, informed me losing weight was MANDATORY to any further action. So, I did. 28 pounds in 32 days. I looked great. But, this 28 pounds was barely acceptable to the “suits”. I was told I looked “sick” by my southern relatives. My family seemed disturbed that I had collar bones. This further prompted a brief confrontation by my parents and an ongoing intervention by my Pentecostal aunts to pray away any “drugs” that I may be on. Because, skinny people were on drugs or depressed as far as they were concerned. No, I wasn’t on drugs. In fact, the only “drug” I was on was “Nashville” and “making it in the business”. Which, in retrospect, actually should have had some F.D.A. regulations.

During this time in Nashville, I was groomed on what to wear, how to do my hair and makeup, what to say, and without my even realizing- WHO to be. Which was ANYONE- but, ME. I was discouraged from writing my own songs, encouraged to study other singers and basically led into the direction the agency saw a need for.

The music market had a domination on corporate advertising at that time. Super models were no longer the faces endorsing major products, it was singers and actors. Larger record labels were changing the look of Nashville. No longer did they want the back woods singers with something to say; the cute and sassy singer/songwriters ala Dolly Parton. They wanted super models that were decent singers (Enter 2001 Auto Tune) and preferably with a southern accent. A BELIEVABLE southern accent- because God forbid any one doubt your southern heritage. Even those who were from Canada.

Now, many years later Nashville has gotten more progressive. But, that philosophy continues in the Country market to a smaller degree. Now, however, the roles have reversed. The menare the ones getting the “Nashville Glossing”. Is it just me or does the following seem to be a prerequisite for male artists to get a good record deal in Nashville?

1. Tattoo’s  (and preferably a “tribal” art)

2. An assortment of shiny silver rings on non-traditional fingers (yes, pinkies, thumbs and what not…)

3. Facial hair -like you just don’t care (but, actually is in a determined design by a recognized stylist)

4. Songs about beer, beaches and broads. (written by everyone BUT the artist yet the artists name is on the credit as a writer- DUH…you MUST have “writing street cred” to be taken seriously in this town!)

5. Jeans that have “Be-Dazzled” pockets. (I refer to these as “Bitch- Britches”- pardon the language. Also, * I do reserve the rights on that name for possible future branding.)

Maybe it’s just me. But, probably not. By now I have offended a lot of my fellow Nash-villains. Yes, I spelled that correctly. Wink, wink.

But, now the music industry (as a whole) is not driven by the big record label machines. This is due to the ever growing successes of smaller and/or independent record labels. Thanks to social media, internet marketing and awareness, artists are able to put the music they want to into the ears of many. They are able to fund their own campaigns, albums and appearances while advertising in volume- for FREE.

Thus, exposing the world to some unique music and organic talent that may otherwise have been unnoticed. Recent studies show that listeners just might be tired of the over processed artists and over rotated radio songs. Listeners are embracing the non-mainstream. This has had a great effect financially on the “Big Bosses” and “Lords of Labels”.

Now, taking the lead in music sales are many artists that maintained their “brand”. the singer/songwriters that stayed true to their music and the message of their own choosing. It is raw, it is REAL and it is REFRESHING.

So, for all of artists that have been hindered from the business because you were told (or even thought) there was no market for your music- GOOD NEWS, there is.

It is a large, mass market and by the looks of things it is still waiting on YOU. You do not have to change yourself anymore. You do NOT need to compromise like some of us had to yesteryear. Yep, a whole big world of listeners are waiting to LIKE you! So, keep writing what YOU write. BE YOU and GET HEARD. The music market is YOURS now- just one “share” click away. Right there at your finger tips! No silver rings required.

xoxo,

Missy

The Ghost of the Hungry Farmer

The Ghost of the Hungry Farmer

The summer of the barren draught, brought suffering for all around.

The farmer’s tears the only water, crying for his only daughter.

Whom he can’t feed, whom he can’t feed.

The hungry farmer prayed for days, watching the people waste away.

He would give up anything, for even just a little rain.

To plant a seed, this he would plead.

In the wind he called the storm, the sky got gray- the breeze was warm.

Take anything that I own he cried! As the people starved and died.

So he prayed. Until that day.

He saw the storm clouds drawing near, his answered prayers, his only fear.

For this rain what is the barter? He could not find his only daughter.

The wind would howl. Can’t trade back now.

Once empty fields now flourished plains. Only he knew the cost of grain.

Underneath the food he’d grown, were seeds of evil he must sew.

With a haunted plow, a haunted plow.  

The people said we are the “blessed of men”…and “fairer days are here again…”

Their belly’s fat from the ample crop, they bragged on how the rain won’t stop!

“No end in sight”, ... and they were right.

Where once was dust now bottomless mud. The withered levee gone to flood.

Water for miles takes the corn from the land. Even the scarecrows all have drown.

Angry rain falls day and night, no end in sight.

Blood on the harvest, ghost in the grain.

His only daughter, the price for rain.

Even the sparrow won’t eat from the land,

The farmer plowed with blood stained hands.

But through the thunder you hear the farmer,

Drowning in tears cried from his daughter.

The autumn of the dreadful rain,

That perished a town, never quite the same.

By Missy Shackelford (c) 2014

Memphis, I still believe

Memphis (I still believe): https://youtu.be/Brrrsc35LGk