Imagine

Hello everyone,
I was just listening to Kirk Franklin's "Imagine Me" with my eyes closed and I just Imagined how wonderful artistic expression is and how powerful it can be to youth that don't have that outlet. Now, I know you may be saying to yourself "well, duh! Isn't that why you do what you do?" Of course but I guess I am truly realizing the magnitude of what being a good, positive influence can have on a child. Think about how many young people go through life not having a father or mother, being molested or raped, not having the best education available to them, self esteem issues or surviving on welfare their entire life. I mean, if we cant pluck that child out of that environment or make there troubles go away, at least we can shine a ray of sunshine in there life and partake in helping them create a better future for themselves. Take a good look at how much you have. Do you have a great family? Do you have a nice home that is in a "safe neighborhood"? Do you have reliable transportation? Are you educated? Thank God for all of those things. Now, I'm not trying to say that just because you have those things that life is perfect or that you have to strive to attain all of those things BUT, why not? Why shouldn't everyone have a great family? Why shouldn't you feel safe in your home without the worry of a fight breaking out in the crack house next door? Why shouldn't you value education? We as Americans actually have it easy when you compare to those in foreign lands who hear missiles and explosions every day of there life. The least we can do is teach our children who live fifteen minutes away about the sovereignty of Jesus. There are many artforms in which to do just that.

Be Blessed and Be A Blessing - Cess

INCORPORATED!

As of September 29, 2008, The M.I.C.A.H. Project is an official Corporation! I want to jump up and down but unfortunately I cant do to a knee injury but I sure am pretending. Now, we are ready to proceed with even more paperwork. We are a month behind my schedule but I have to remind myself that God is always right on time. I feel like jumping out of my skin I am so excited. This is a major accomplishment for M.I.C.A.H. Thanks to all that have been praying for this Vision to come into Reality. Praise be to God for his Power, Glory and Might!

FANATIC

Fanatic is a contemporary/hip-hop/mime dance group that was formed in order to show that you can dance and praise Christ at the same time. It's not limited to just liturgical and lyrical praise dance. Fanatic is comprised of myself, Megan Appenroth and Melanie Tsuchida. We dance because of two reasons. We love the Lord and we love to dance. Why not dance to glorify His name. Fanatic is directly linked to The M.I.C.A.H. Project. These ladies play a part in it's future. They are passionate about the vision and therefore will gladly give there time when it arises to contribute to the future of M.I.C.A.H.. Fanatic is an example of what The M.I.C.A.H. Project is all about. I introduce to you Fanatic.




All pictures of Fanatic are photographed by Desiree' with Just One Year Photography.
See my favorites for a direct link to her blog.

Here They Are!

Hello Everyone, I know that it has been forever since my last post.

But now things are set. I have been waiting to get pictures from everyone before announcing the board. Well, here they are! I am proud to say that each one of these lovely ladies are officially part of making The M.I.C.A.H Project more than just a vision but a reality.

Kara Jones

Currently Kara is a General Manager for Sodexho/Marriott. Kara graduated from Booker T. Washington School of the Performing Arts. She was also Assistant Director/Co-Owner of Dancers Elite and then Owner/Operator of Kara's Dancers Elite for several years. I have known Kara for two years and I can honestly say that her heart is one that is completely genuine. She truly has a concern for youth and the challenges they are faced with today, and believe dance will make a positive impact on their lives. The M.I.C.A.H Project needs people like Kara!

Michelle Modesto


Michelle is a member of Texas Association of Teachers of Dance, where she holds teaching certificates in both jazz and ballet. Michelle was also co-owner of Dance Artistry in San Antonio, Texas until her relocation to Frisco, Texas. I have taught with Michelle for two years and through that time she has shown me how incredibly business savvy she is. She is a woman with a beautiful heart and passion for children and the artistry of dance. Not to mention, she is an amazing choreographer! She is what The M.I.C.A.H. Project needs.

Tracy Williams


Tracy is the Assistant Director for the Center of Professional Communications in the Neely School of Business at Texas Christian University. That was a mouthful wasn't it? She received her BS in Communication Studies and her MS in Human Relations. I have known Tracy for approximately three years and through my observation of her, she is a highly intelligent woman of integrity. She of course loves the art form of dance and loves what dance can do to the lives of youth. I am excited about what Tracy will bring to the life of The M.I.C.A.H. Project.

The Journey

Hello Everyone!
God is so good all the time all the time God is good. The M.I.C.A.H Project officially has three board of directors! Just in the past two months I have spoken with them and they pretty much gave me immediate answers. I have been so incredibly blessed by this experience. The Lord put three names on my heart and those are the only three that I spoke with and they all agreed to be on the board. I know all of you are waiting with anticipation but I am waiting on pictures to post with there names. So, hold tight and I will announce them soon! Thank you all for your prayers and support through Micah's journey.
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing!

Board Update

Praise the Lord! One board member "on board" and two to go. Thank you for your prayers during Micahs journey. I have a meeting this weekend with a prospective board member and I am awaiting a reply from another. Three is all we need for incorporation. So, the journey continues and its oh so exciting! Be Blessed and Be a Blessing. -Cess

Passion

Whew! I made it through concert season at Encore Centre for Dance! It was absolutely amazing. Afterwards I went out with a few of my students and there families and I asked the question "what was your favorite part of the concert?" Naturally the responses were what their favorite dances were. After a while one of the moms asked me what my favorite part was and I smiled and said, "Watching my kids". I never thought that I would receive so much joy watching my students whom I have developed great relationships with blossom and go on that stage and show the audience who they are REALLY dancing for. They worked so hard all year and it all came together. If there is one thing that I know about my students it is that they have fun in my classes and we never stop talking about the true meaning behind why we dance and who we dance for. Jesus is the reason for all seasons of life that we go through. I'm having a hard time just holding it all together while writing this post. We have a Responsibility to teach our Children about the goodness and awesomeness of Jesus Christ so that they can grow up and share with others what we have passed down. We are helping expand the kingdom of God. I can walk away this year knowing that my kids know who Jesus is and most of them are on a special mission to tell another child about Him. Jesus is off the hook! hehe! Had to throw some slang in here somewhere. This is what The M.I.C.A.H. Project is all about. Helping to transform the hearts and minds of children, through dance and for Christ. For those parents who have visited this blog and who have given me the opportunity to teach your children, thank you for the privilege and may God continue to bless you.

Purpose

So, I was listening to a song on Kirk Franklin's latest album called The Last Jesus and the words to this song are so incredibly strong.
Here are some of the lyrics:

"If I say I love Jesus , but you can't see my Jesus, my words are empty if they can't see Jesus in me. No more excuses! I give myself away because I may be the only Jesus they see. If we say we love Jesus, but they can't see our Jesus, tell me what's the use if they can't see Jesus in you and me. No more excuses! We give it all away, because we may be the only Jesus they see. If I am Your hands and Your feet and if Your Church is built inside of me, where did we go wrong? We've been here too long, we can't see Your face anymore, it's not the same anymore. Have mercy on us Jesus, please forgive us Jesus, I've lost my Purpose if they can't see You in me, see I've learned to hope and I change it all today. Because I may be the only Jesus they see."

You may be asking yourself "What is my purpose?" God has given me a specific purpose in teaching children how to glorify Him through movement, but I know that every follower of Jesus has one common purpose and that is to spread the Gospel of Jesus to everyone that we run into. Whether it be to pull out the scriptures and explain the plan of salvation or just by exemplifying the fruits of the spirit through our actions. As believers we should be able to recognize each other, and non believers should be drawn to Jesus shining through us. When you look in the mirror and examine your walk, can you see Jesus? If you can't then a non- believer surely wont. No more excuses! Be thankful that we serve a God who's Grace and Mercy shines on us everyday. He is Love. If you feel the Lord is calling you to do more, I encourage you to "listen and obey". Fulfill you're Purpose.

"Be Blessed and Be a Blessing"

On Fire!

Hello everyone,
Have you ever been on fire for something? I am so excited about Micah and seeking out Gods plan for my life. He has put various people in my life for a purpose and its becoming so clear now. As I stated earlier, the plan is to get Micah Incorporated by August of 2008 and I am beginning a list of people to approach to be on the board. Please pray for funding and the hearts of those that I approach. My daily challenge to you is to,
Be Blessed and Be a Blessing !
Jeremiah 29:11

The Vision

The vision began when I was in college. I knew that I wanted to teach dance, but I also knew that I wanted to teach youth that were not given the same opportunities that I was so blessed with. I am talking about the majority of inner city youth today that do not have the opportunities to express themselves through movement in a structured environment with quality education. Not only that but to also provide a place for college students and those with God given talents to share their ministry with youth. Over the years the vision just seemed impossible to accomplish and I frankly did not know where to begin. It wasnt until the year of 2006 that I felt the Lord was calling me into full time dance ministry that I started putting the pieces together. With the amazing help of my now husband Ramon we are now on this adventure to make the vision become a reality. As of August 10,2006 The M.I.C.A.H Project is registered with the state of Texas and the goal is to have it incorporated by August 2008.