Fish and Ponds

When I'm in my hometown, Marshall, TX, I feel like a BIG fish in a little pond when I sing.

When I'm in my new home, Nashville, TN, I feel like a little fish in an ENORMOUS pond when I sing.

After I sang at my sister's wedding last night I probably got 20 compliments on how well I did. Many people said I should have a record deal by now. That I'm a star.

I found myself telling people, "I'm just a drop in the bucket in Nashille. There are so many talented people there."

I prefer being a big fish. Why?

Because of the pat on the back. The recognition. The praise.

Because when I'm the big fish, it's all about me.

Artists crave positive feedback. If we don't hear someone say we did well, we will doubt our abities. I've got to be confident in my talent without recognition. I have to know the purpose of my talent.

I'm going to work on being a content small fish, thankful for the other small and big fish in the big pond.

My Band

The other day a friend of mine sent me a link to a Foo Fighters song preview off their new album. He then said, "because for some reason I associate Foo Fighters with you. . .now I'm not sure why"

Well, that's because they are my favorite. band. EVER! (rock sign)

Their music keeps rock legit. Their lyrics are heavy, playful and redemptive at times. Dave Grohl can scream at the top of his lungs, then sing with a sweet smooth tone. 

And these dudes are funny.

So, in my musical, the Foo Fighters have a starring role. 

"Everlong" is one of their best songs and one of their goofiest videos. :) Enjoy (Circa 1997)

Who Am I?

My twitter profile description reads, 

Worship Leader

Creative Arts Coordinator at Cross Point

Lead Singer of The Vandelays

But recently I was reminded of a sermon I've heard Pete preach a couple of times about not letting your gifts, talents & titles define who you are.

When I was little people would try to scare me by saying I could loose my talent if I used it in the wrong way. Obviously that rarely happens. Ke$ha is a perfect example. :)

But what if I woke up one day and couldn't sing? What if God took away opportunities to lead worship? What if I loose my job, have to change jobs or move? What if I never sing an angst 90's rock song again? 

Who am I?

I'm God's child. I'm a sinner in need of constant forgiveness. I was created in the image of God.

I'm Miranda Brooke McKay Telford, a silly, lovable, friendly gal. :)

"It’s only love, 
It’s only pain,
It’s only fear that runs through my veins
It’s all the things you can’t explain
That make us human"

Civil Twilight, "Human"

Lay Still

On Tuesday, I had the 3rd MRI of my life. The 1st at age 11, the 2nd at 17, and this one at 27. All were taken in hopes of finding out why I had seizures and migraines.

My results came back NORMAL. Luckily every MRI has come back normal. I'm very thankful.

I guess after 10 years I forgot how nerve wracking this experience is. They strap your head into a mask helmet, put cushions over your ears and then place you in a tunnel where your face is only an inch from the top and the sides of your body have little room to move. 

And you are not supposed to move.

You must lay still, minute after minute.

The machine is loud as it takes pictures and if you focus on your current situation, you will panic. You have to breath deep and wait patiently for it to end.

As I lay there, still, trapped & scared, I began to think about the many times in my life when I wanted to escape the pain of a situation. I was reminded that every uncomfortable situation has a season. Some are longer than others, some a mere second and some may last our entire life. 

But there is always "an end." 

And even if the end of a situation doesn't come in this life, it will end when we see God face to face.

So, when we feel trapped and stuck, flailing our arms and screaming "Let me out!", we must take a moment to breath deep, gather our thoughts and be still. Focusing on the pain, frustration, and "the end" will cause us to panic every single time.

"And the heart she feared frozen
Still beats 

Still marches on"

Brooke Fraser, "Ice On Her Lashes"

YA, YA, YA!

When people ask me about my role at Cross Point, I often describe myself as the "Whip Cracker."

"Giddy up boys!"

"Design this graphic, film this video, update the ftp site!"

"Ya, Ya, YA!" :)

I make sure stuff get's done in our Creative Department. I do my best to keep us on track. 

But in 2011, I need some folks in my life to crack the whip at me!

Here are three areas that I want to continue to cultivate, change and pursue.

To invest. 2010 began the start of "Girls Night" with the female vocalists at Cross Point. Our next meeting is January 31st and I want to start the year off with a bang. I'm praying I will continue to invest in these talented women, helping them use their talents for God's Glory and change the negative attitudes and motives that can cause much damage to our hearts.

To know that I have enough. I love to shop. I love new things. I LOVE being creative in this way. But it's time for me to get a healthy perspective on this love. To set limits. I have MORE than enough clothes, accessories, shoes, make-up, & decorations for my house. I made sure my home was back to beautiful after the flood. But I keep hearing God say, "When will it be enough?"

To go to the Dominican Republic. Cross Point started a church in the Dominican years ago and now it is almost done! The church goes on 1-2 trips to the DR a year. Two years ago I wrote a note on Facebook about my trouble with fear and OCD. I said at that point that I wanted to go to the Dominican sometime soon. Recently, I was on Facebook and noticed my sweet friend Allyson post that she wanted to go to the DR. 

She is 15. 

She is my motivation to FINALLY commit to this trip. 

I'll be expecting lots of whip cracking this year so don't hold back. :) 

How can I pray for you? What is an area you would like to cultivate, change or pursue?