"If Loving You Is Wrong" Actor Joel Rush. "Martin" actor and director Tommy Ford and Author Michelle Stimpson

The Certain Ones Talk Show 

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Featured Guests! 

From the creative mind of Actor, Producer and Playwright Tyler Perry. Join  The Certain Ones Talk Show Panel is "If Loving You Is Wrong." Actor Joel Rush.

"Martin."  actor and director Tommy Ford visits The Certain Ones Talk Show to share his latest projects and upcoming events! 

Inspirational educator and author Michelle Stimpson drops in to discuss her latest novel! 

michellestimpson.com/

"Stuck on You." by Michelle Stimpson

A New Year: 2012, Love Found Me Stage Production

Love Found Me, The Stage Production!

I looked around and the 2011, year just zoomed past. I hear the on the lips of others, of how that year was quite difficult for them, in fact they were not too sad to see it go. I certainly can understand. It depends on how an individual view things in life, really.

Starting all over again, can be considered a NEW beginning. An adventure if you will. So, here it is a new year, and another opportunity to create/make. To be given the gift of “today,” is a blessing --and should never be taken for granted.

So, what are your goals for 2012? I am not a numerologist, but I do have fun playing around with the significance of numbers. Did a little digging and I come up with some interesting facts about the number 12.





Actor/Model

Tamaro Johnson, starring
as Lance Harrison
in Love Found Me.

The Biblical Meaning of the Number 12:

Twelve is a perfect number, signifying perfection of government, or of governmental perfection. It is found as a multiple in all that has to do with rule. The sun which "rules" the day, and the moon and stars which "govern" the night, do so by their passage through the twelve signs of the Zodiac which completes the great circle of the heavens of 360 (12 x 30) degrees or divisions, and thus govern the year. http://www.biblestudy.org/bibleref/meaning-of-numbers-in-bible/12.html


Cool, right? I thought so. 2012, I just want to encourage you today. Go for your aspirations. Pursue, what God has chosen you to do and NOT what others to do, -- at the end of the day, you will be spiritually happier and physically healthier. Don’t forget to order your tickets to attend our upcoming production, "Love Found Me”, March 17th, 2112 the last performance of the year. Go online at lovefoundmeinspirational.eventbrite.com.

Actor/Singer Donta Robinson,
starring as Eric Miller


We have a talented group of actors who are just phenomenal and are working hard to bring forth one of the best performances of 2012. Be sure to order your tickets online and help us in spreading the word. Thank you so much for the support! Happy New Year.
New Beginning. New YOU!

The ladies of "Love Found Me", the stage production.

COMING SOON! Love Found Me Stage Production

LOVE FOUND ME
The Stage Production

Mark your calendars! Saturday, January 8th, 2011|6:00pm. The Stage Production of Love Found Me comes to life! Our special guest artist is the sensational Mr. Tony Grant from Tyler Perry's stage productions "Why Did I Get Married?", and The Marriage Counselor." You don't want to miss this one showing only performance. Purchase tickets today! Hurry as tickets are going fast!






About Tony Grant
Tony Grant, a native of North Carolina, is an American R&B singer, writer, producer and stage play actor. Grant replaced Marc Nelson as lead singer for R&B group Az Yet following Marc's departure in 1997 to pursue his solo career. Included in Grant's brief tenure with Az Yet is the popular remake of "You're The Inspiration" with Chicago's Peter Cetera.

Grant had star billing in the stage play and DVDs Tell Hell I Ain't Comin', Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married and Love Ain't Supposed To Hurt. In the earlier part his entertainment career, Tony was cast for the lead role in the stage play "A Good Man is Hard to Find" in 1991. From there he has become one of the most popular leading men in the stage play industry. In January 2008, Grant began touring with the Tyler Perry stage production The Marriage Counselor.

Tony Grant in Love Ain't Supposed To Hurt

God Knows My Heart!

Vanessa Richardson

Presents the Stage Production:

God Knows My Heart!

I am delighted to announce back by prayerful and popular demand (I heard your cry) our up and coming stage production: God Knows My Heart! This drama will surely enlighten you and inspire you ! Don't take my word for it see it for yourselves. If you can not make Broadway let us bring Broadway to you!

Synopsis

Things are not always what they seem. Harmony Stillwater appears to have the picture perfect life. She has a wonderful husband and is owner of a successful Women's Health Advocate Facility. Harmony has held a secret in her heart for years. To cope with the sins of the past, she buries herself into her work. Although becoming quite successful; Harmony cant shake the feeling that something is missing in her life. Just when Harmony thought she had put the past behind her, someone from her past knows of her secret and is on a revengeful mission to ruin Harmony's happiness and home. Harmony will be forced to deal with her past or lose everything she loves dearly.

Upcoming Performance Date: December 19th, 20096:00pm. Also I will be signing autographed copies of my Nonfiction inspirational novel: "The Certain Ones" so please be sure to acquire your copy or copies, after all sharing is caring. :) I would love to see you there! More detail forthcoming. For further inquires contact me at: vanessajackso90@hotmail.com

Selena Winston Interviews Me.

The Columbia Christian Living Examiner welcomes this week's

Spiritual Spotlight: Vanessa Richardson

This very accomplished writer is 'on the move' and
a kingdom builder as you will see as you read on.

CCLE: Tell us about you, personally and as an artist.

VR: I am an author and Playwright. My first novel inspirational nonfiction titled: The Certain Ones: You’re not Forsaken. You’re Chosen for Purpose was released in 2009. And has been received wonderfully! I write and perform stage productions annually. I am ecstatic to announce our up and coming production: God Knows My Heart. It is slated to be performed around the Christmas Holiday.

CCLE: What is your motivation/inspiration?

VR: With out a doubt my inspiration comes from above. God. I have condition myself to have meditation and daily devotionals. This is my time with God, where I read my Bible and really listen to his divine directions for me. Through Him I am motivated to help women who dealing with low self-esteem and rejections. I am inspired to live the best life God intended for me to have.

CCLE: What is the best thing about being an artist in your field?

VR: The divine connections! I have met some great literary friends and some faithful readers. Thanks for the emails everyone! With my stage productions I have been blessed to have worked some spectacular actors and actresses.

CCLE: What character in the Bible has influenced you the most? Tell us why?

VR: At present I would have to profess Hannah. I consider Hannah to be a trailblazer--- her path was blazed with a crazy praise. It is our decisions we make in life that determines our outcome. Hannah had a physical handicap something she had no control over. She was provoked sorely for it. There are some things that happens that we have no control over . Know this: It is alright to cry. It is alright to confess to being hurt and confused. Alas, it is not alright to bow down to defeat. It is not alright to give up when you’re feeling the heat. Do a Hannah movement and rise up. Give out, but never give up. Let all the Hannah’s of the world rise up and proclaim their destinies!

CCLE: What is your background and how do you gain from its impact?

VR: I hail from a background of strong women! Everyone needs a foundation that is solid as a rock. Our foundation is faith and family. I am not successful with out my faith and my family. Money and material things are fleeting and can not provide you with the support that you need in this world.

CCLE: "WWJD" is a popular slogan- how does it play a part in YOUR life?

VR: I have heard this slogan many, many times and honestly never considered it. I strive to be Christ minded on a daily basis. There are several requirements to following Him. The key one is to let His will be done. It is hard to kick against the grain…after doing so so many times and coming away scarred. I yielded to Him and still doing so. Obedience is better than sacrifice. When I am in the perfect will of God and not his permissive will, I am closer to Jesus and am happiest in my life.

CCLE: What are your upcoming projects or events!?

VR: I am working on my next novel Christian fiction suspense entitled “Love Found Me”. It should be released later this year. My stage production "God Knows My Heart" slated to be performed around the 2009 Christmas Holiday.


The Certain Ones is made available for purchase on my websites or just visit me and drop a line or two, I love hearing from readers. http://www.authorvanessarichardson.com/
http://thecertainones.blogspot.com/
or Amazon.com, or Barnesand Nobles.com

Big Thanks to Vanessa for allowing Columbia Christian Living Examiner into her heart and her life.

Selena Winston
http://www.selenawinston.webs.com/
Author of "Butterfly Kisses"

Coming Soon The Stage Production: God Knows My Heart!

It is Christmas in July, and I am feeling very much like a youngster receiving her many gifts, on that glorious day. Hum, in my curiosity, I quickly Googled the origin of Christmas in July.

For those who like me, didn't why the heck, it's called Christmas in July-- allow me to explain. Clearing throat and donning wire-framed glasses. Christmas in July, celebrate Christmas, halfway between Christmas past and Christmas future. Christmas in July is a fun event that is celebrated with holiday cheer and great enthusiasm in parts of Europe and Australia. Again if you're like me, you've learned that cheer and great enthusiasm, shouldn't be celebrated seasonal. Christmas is an every day occurrence!


So, the reason for this post? This Christmas, back by popular demand, I will be performing the stage production: God Knows My Heart! This is one of my favorites stage production to perform, and am delighted by the request to perform it again. It is early, but time has a spectacular way of sneaking up on you. I will be sure to keep you update on slated performances. I will also be signing copies of my new Christian Fiction "Love Found Me."

Also during this time I donate or give back to the community. These items will be given to our local crisis center. If you like to help email me at vanessajackso90@hotmail.com.

FOOD
All non-perishable, packaged foods are accepted.

CLOTHING
Coats, hats, gloves, scarves, and other items that are needed in the winter.

INFANT NEEDS and TOILETRIES
Diapers, formula, baby food, baby bottles, soap, shampoo and toothpaste are always needed.

CHILDREN'S ITEMS
Toys, books, furniture, strollers, car seats, videos, activity books.

Forthcoming Projects

Question 1. Are you doing what your chosen to do in life?


If you've answered a sincere yes, then GROOVY! If not, then what are you waiting on? Go for it! You have to believe in yourself, if you don't who will? Listen, charity (love) first starts at home. Within you. How strong is your love? Love is galvanizing. I love to write, I have to write. I love to act, I have to act. If Broadway or Hollywood, never answers my call it is alright. I'll write my own scripts and perform my own productions. Why? Because I love it! Time waits for no man. Indeed!


Question 2. How do you define happiness? I happy when I am doing what I am chosen to do in life and when I am in perfect and not permissive will of God. Money, marriage, and career does not define me.

I am working on my next stage production and my next novel a christian fiction titled: "Love Found Me" will keep you posted on this two forthcoming projects. I love to hear from you please feel free to email me. Until then keep inspiring as you're aspiring toward your destiny and goals.

Award Winning Author and Playwright Alretha Thomas chats with me!

An author, playwright, producer and director, Alretha Thomas is making her name through her pen. Award winning plays and wanting to help her community, Alretha’s background is as diverse as her personality. She started at the age of ten, when her 5th grade teacher picked and read her short story assignment in front of the class – that simple, loving act empowered a new writer. Continuing in high school, her numerous original oratorical conquests on the Speech Team led her to a journalism concentration at the University of Southern California where she was a team player on the Daily Trojan & the KUSC Radio station. Like most aspiring young women journalists, Alretha dreamed of being the next Barbara Walters.

Synopsis of "Daughter Denied"

An unflinching study of urban decay revealed through the end-days of a make shift family. The story is told through the eyes of 7-year-old Tina and her mother Earnestine. Tina, the third of five children, is a sensitive girl victimized by a stepfather addicted to cruelty and neglected by a mother addicted to heroin. Earnestine is a tortured soul who in spite of her drug addiction and poor taste in men, fights to keep her family together. The story of loss, shame and ultimately compassion is written in terse prose, reflecting the fragmented era in which the story is set - the late 1960's.

Richardson: Greetings Alretha, it's a pleasure to chat with you. Please tell viewers about yourself.

Thomas: I was born in Oakland and raised in San Francisco. I moved to Compton, California at the age of 14 upon the death of my mother. I attended Dominguez High School where I graduated second in my class and received a scholarship to USC where I graduated with a B.A. in Journalism. My interest in writing began in the 5th grade when my teacher read a short story I had written out loud to the class.

Richardson: What are some of your published works? Thomas: "Daughter Denied" is my first and only published work. Richardson: Many authors usually face obstacles that influence them to write. What is your story behind the glory?

Thomas: "Daughter Denied" was inspired by my own tumultuous childhood. I was gagged, bound and beaten by my stepfather as a child and molested by my mother's boyfriend. I was scalded at the age of four by an unstable neighbor and found my mother's lifeless body on our living room sofa at the age of fourteen. There were other horrific events that I am not comfortable revealing. In spite of it all, with God's blessing, I survived my childhood. I always knew that I wanted to write a book about a little girl who struggled like I did, but survived to have a great life.

Richardson: There is a quote:"There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." — Maya Angelou "Daughter Denied" The title alone is an attention grabber. Why did you choose, or did you choose to write Daughter Denied? What people sometimes don't comprehend is that when there is a story resonating on the inside of a person, you MUST release it, or live in misery, if you don't. Destiny can become quite persistent. :) Why write Daughter Denied?

Thomas: Writing "Daughter Denied" was cathartic. At one point I thought about writing a memoir. However, there are too many things that transpired that involved other family members. I did not feel comfortable bringing them into my story. Writing fiction gave me the freedom to write a story similar to my life but not actually my life. The title "Daughter Denied" seemed appropriate because Tina, the protagonist in the book, was denied a childhood and a father.

Richardson: Besides being an author, you're also an playwright. Share with us some of your stage productions experiences.

Thomas: I began writing plays for my church 10 years ago. I have written 18 plays and four of those have been produced outside -- NAACP Theatre Award winning play, Civil Rites (2004) and The Stella Adler Theater presented A Shrine to Junior (2002) nominated for an NAACP Theatre Award as well. My play Grandpa’s Truth (2006) ran at the Inglewood Playhouse in Inglewood, Ca, and was extended more than once by popular demand. Not only did radio station KJLH support by recommending this production to its listeners, but notables like the Mayor of Inglewood, Roosevelt Dorn and music legends like Freda Payne and Stevie Wonder had critical acclaim for Grandpa’s Truth. Grandpa's Truth was also featured on Channel 5 (KTLA News) by Entertainment Reporter, Sam Rubin. Most recently, my play, Sacrificing Simone (2007) had a successful run at Stage 52 in Los Angeles and was called “an inspirational crowd pleaser” by the Los Angeles Times.

Richardson: How do/did you deal with rejection(s)?

Thomas: I am inure to rejection. I received over one hundred rejection letters when I was seeking representation for "Daugher Denied." In the beginning it hurt, but then I realized that I had to believe in myself and "Daughter Denied." Many of the rejection letters were canned responses and many had not even read as much as my synopsis. I am glad that I held on because in the end my belief in "Daughter Denied" was right. Readers love it! Check out reviews on my website and Amazon.com and Goodreads!

Richardson: What advice do you have for aspiring authors?

Thomas: Never give up!

Richardson: Alretha, it has been a joy getting to know you as an author, playwright, a thread-a-story buddy, and most importantly as a friend. You are a source of inspiration, that is deeply infectious to those around you. I am excited about your up and coming projects and can not wait to be a partaker of them. Keep the light shining!

Author and Playwright Alretha Thomas

http://www.daughterdenied.com/

God Knows My Heart!

Posing with Donta and Lorenza the leading male actors of God Knows My Heart. Man, I feel so loved! :)

I must say that all my stage productions are special to me. But this latest stage production will forever hold a special place in my heart. I guess because of the behind the scenes, expected and unexpected happenings that took place. We had some at the eleventh hour issues to arrive, and yet with the grace of God and mountain moving faith, we were able to perform; what I deem as a stellar performance. Truly, I can not express how I am blessed to have such an awesome and powerfully gifted cast. My band leader the one and only Mr. Kevin Pridgen did a phenomenal job with my music and background singers.

The attendance that night was wonderful and the community support was both inspiring and endearing. We had enough food to donate to several families that were in need. When informed that the attendance that night was great. I was grateful and humbled, yet, when I witnessed the amount of food that was donated by people I have never met before, my heart strings was being pulled and the tears began to well up in my eyes. Wow, I thought people do care. It was wonderful and I am inspired to keep on performing and writing.

In a recent interview I was asked how “God Knows My Heart!” came about. It was taken from a chapter of the book of my life experience. I was recently released from the Hospital. I was in so much pain I could not even think clearly. It was a Wednesday night prayer and I was excited. I was going to go to kneel down at the alter and talk to God about all that was on my heart. My mother drove the thirty minutes distance to the church. Exiting the car I walked bent over into the church. I did not make it to the alter, stopping at the front row pew. I knelt down to pray… and was speechless.

I felt so lost and confused by this. I had stored all I was going to say to God once I got to church, and now that I was there my words would not flow. My heart was weighed down with words begging to be released, and yet my words, would not flow. But my tears however had now problem with the flow. I was afraid that they would never stop and I was tired of the crying. I was like this for several minutes.

Then I felt someone sit beside me on the front pew. It was my mother. She began to rub my back and she began to pray over me and for me. She became my mouth piece uttering the stilled words in my heart to God. I began to cry harder, my head bobbing up and down, as my mother voiced the words I wanted desperately to say but could not. God knew what was in heart and He answered and healed me. God Knows My Heart!

Blessings,
Vanessa

The Ditchdigger's Daughters

Hello Everyone,

I pray that your Christmas was merry as you created new and cherished memories with friends, family, and loved ones! That I am an old movies buff is no secret amongst my friends and family. Around Christmas time several of my favorite movies are aired. Last year was so busy for that I did not have the time to watch my classics as I wanted to. Not this year I pledged to myself…it was a pledge that I almost lost how ever. I wrote and directed my recent stage production: God Knows My Heart!

I am happy to say that is was a success! The community really showed their support as they came out bearing gifts of nonperishable food items, all of which were donated to families that were facing economic hardships. This experience was very humbling and I am thankful to God for being a part of it.

Listen, you guys as I was channel surfing and stumbled upon a movie that I had not seen in ages titled, “The Ditchdigger’s Daughter,” I love this movie! It is such an inspirational flick and I highly recommend it. This American Family who just happens to black shows that we do not have to allow our circumstances to detain us from reaching our goals. We do not have don the mentality of “less than” success. But a “better than” success! Yes, I wear the better than mentality better, and it looks good on you, too.

In "The Ditchdigger's Daughters,” Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton offers a loving portrait of her father, a ditchdigger in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey who dreamed that all six of his daughters would become doctors. With the help of his equally remarkable wife, the girls have all become successful, independent women--two are doctors, one became a dentist, one a lawyer, one a... nurse, and one a court stenographer.

Blessings,
Vanessa

God Knows My Heart!

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk 2:2

I am gearing up for another stage production titled: “God Knows My Heart! December 20, 2008 is the slated date of performance. I am excited! Rehearsal are coming along... and are about to become rigorous and long, and I am about to morph into the director from hades! Muahhhhh, muahhhh..... kidding. lol

I do however tend to get a little heavy handed as scheduled performance dates approaches. My cast are familiar with this and respect this of me.I am often asked: what the recipe for a successful stage production? I have been writing, producing, and directing stage productions for some year’s now- so I think I have some authority on concerning them. Those who are close to me can attest that I am quite hesitant in calling my productions- plays. That sounds so…unreal and pretentious, and for me there is nothing unreal or pretentious about these divinely inspired dramas.

I write about true experiences that people has either experienced or experiencing i.e. That woman who is in an abusive relationship, wanting to get out but don’t know how to. Or that young man who boldly professes his love, only to be shunned away, because of past hurts. I found that people often seek answers any way that they can. With my dramas my aim is to always deliver a message of inspiration and encouragement to my viewers.

There is a recipe for success for me:

God- God is the leading force behind all my productions. I am under a divine authority and if I do not hear from Him I do not move. I pray for direction concerning publicity, venues, and performance dates. Through trial and error I have learned patience.
I have received a great deal of no’s in regards to sponsorships and attendances. I learned that God’s one yes-always out weighs those compiled no’s.

Script- Good dialogue is important! No matter how great your cast can act it does not mean anything if they do not have the words to say. The right words can bring a smile to hurting person face; can change a person negative decision to that of a positive one. I know this from the many emails I receive or from the many conversations held after the drama’s performances. The right words make a difference.

Cast- A phenomenal cast is needed to make your written words come alive. I have been blessed to work with a multi dimensional cast. They are actors and actresses, set designers, make up and hair artists, wardrobe designers, and background singers, you name it, they are that. I see great things in stored for many of them. I dare even say maybe-Hollywood?

Faith- You were given a vision to carry out, now run with it. Let no one or anything keep you from bring your vision into fruition. Things will arise that will shake your faith but remain steady in your faith. Do not look at look at the negative but concentrate on the positive and believe me they are there. It may not be much but it is not so that your faith does not fail you. Continue to believe, remember certain ones do not give up they find the hidden door leading to success.

Happy Readings!

~V