Aniela is Shining

Jan 15, 2019
3 min read

If you know me well, you know our stint in Arizona hasn't been the most enjoyable times of our lives. Sometimes we sit here and wonder why God brought us to Arizona. If it was for Toby, Aniela's daddy, to experience the freedom that his heart longed for for the time he was at Charles Schwab, than it has been worth it. But Toby would tell you, almost more confident than I have ever seen him about anything, that God brought us to Arizona for our Aniela.

This weekend is a really big weekend for all of us. Aniela has been training for over a year for this showcase in L.A. In May last year her beloved music coach Julie-Ann discovered our Aniela had a singing voice. She was so shy and so untrained in those days, but J-A believed in her. We soon then hired a musical performance coach for Aniela in Alex Covington-Gomez, also an actress/singer. Alex became one of Aniela's closest friends visiting with her sometimes twice a week. She has loved Aniela well and encouraged her through some heartbreaks but also some victories.

After Aniela's regional showcase here in Arizona back in November, Steven J. Scott started working with her voice in which he suggested she begin working with his brother a choir director for a large High School in Texas.

This morning Aniela has an audition for a local production with a theater group she is involved with, so I had her sing for me and I recorded it so she couldn't see my face. I couldn't believe it. I started praising God in that moment. Thank you Lord for giving Aniela the gift to sing.

If you're wondering how we got here, please read our story here. No matter what happens this weekend we are so confident in the hope that all this (two years) has been worth the joy that God has given us in the many times people have smiled, or laughed or found delight in watching Aniela shine. We truly are blessed by this entire journey.

We could use your prayers for a couple of reasons:

That Aniela would not forget Who makes her shine, each time she enters a room to sing, act or model.
That all anxieties or nerves would be extinct.
That agents/managers would see Aniela's light and want more of it.
That traveling to L.A. will be a safe and enjoyable time.
That we not lose sight of the fun of all this.
That mommy can be mommy and doesn't have to "manage" any more!
Pray blessings over those who have (by name) believed in Aniela and helped her get here, Julie-Ann, Alex, Steven, Miranda, Donovan, Jorie, Ms. Tracie, Miss Maria, Ms. Joy, Su, her agents Elisa and Emily, all her AMTC coaches/staff, Tim her faithful photographer and uncle, her preschool teacher Ms. Shelley who encouraged Aniela to never be apologetic for who she is and even Nicole the agent that challenged us to grow our faith. And of course her family and friends and anyone else who has at some point trusted or prayed for this path.

Our journey doesn't feel over yet. And I find delight most in that God is daily perfecting Aniela's gifts, and while they won't be perfect until Heaven; He has a plan for those gifts here. I thank you God that You have guided us every step of the way, through every challenge, victory, every coach and agent Aniela has shined for. Thank You that You're not done with her yet!