So, this is it - the last day of 2010!
It has been a busy year with many joy’s and much hard work, but through it all I can honestly say I am so grateful for everything the Lord has done in my life this year.
My year started off with much uncertainty, but packed with hope. As many of you know, for the last three season’s I was one of the designers on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Looking back on that experience, I would have to say the best memories were working with the builders, families, and volunteers. It was a painful departure, but I knew in my heart that there was much more for me to do.
Between shooting a campaign for the “My Expressions of Kindness Campaign” early in the year, where I got to work with Bad Pitts non-profit - Make It Right, to traveling the country as a motivational speaker, volunteering across the nation for Habitat For Humanity, shooting a new television show - MlifeTV, which is a travelers inside look on all the wonders of MGM Resorts International (air's January 1st 2011 - go to www.mlife.com to view) and taking a trip to Haiti in April - that literally changed my life, I can say its truly been a blessed year.
Traveling to Haiti, as I said - changed my life. That trip put the year in full focus for me and paved way for what was really important in life. When I stepped foot onto Haitian soil - I immediately felt the sadness of the people. They had just suffered a catastrophic earthquake. Every person I met had a gripping story to share about what happened. Today, almost a year later - it is still a daily struggle for people to find clean drinking water and food. Hundreds of families are still living in make shift tents. What I saw was not only heart braking but showed me the root of what grave need is. Let me share with you what I mean. Grave need, is when families are literally starving to death and have no choice but to mix dirt with dirty water to make "clay cakes", which they dry in the sun and eat. They do this because they’re so hungry and it helps ward off hunger pains for a short time. Children as young as 6 years old prostituting themselves in order to get some money to eat, and children sold as "restaveks" - which is a child slave, so a family can have one mouth less to feed - or sadly, a child's parents have died and they are left on the streets, stolen and then sold into slavery. I could go on.
I’ve spent many years volunteering for organizations such as Habitat For Humanity, The Teen Project, and feeding the homeless, but I have NEVER seen suffering like this. The reason I am so passionate about this state of pain, is because when I visited Haiti with my husband Christopher - we saw ALL this with our own eyes. I personally felt helpless, angered, saddened, but through God’s grace - empowered to share our stories and motivate people around the world to get involved and make a difference. That trip is what inspired us to start Christian Housing Ministry International (C.H.M.I). www.chmiusa.org
Our current fund raising efforts are focused toward an undeveloped school in the outskirts of Hinche, which is located in the Central Plateau of Haiti. Our goal is to support the eight teachers that have dedicated their lives to their community by paying them a small wage and providing higher education. To build classrooms - as they are currently all sitting outside in the elements. Provide electricity - something that is completely foreign to them (we are working on solar powered energy) and clean water - something the whole community does not have. Everyone must walk miles to a river which is unsafe to drink, but they drink it out of need. We would also like to build toilets - again something they don't have. This is just the basic's - we have much more we would like to do and will in time. We’re just getting off the ground and this last week of 2010 we had our first campaign via Facebook. I was moved by how many people stepped up and donated. This is one project you will definitely hear more about in 2011.
Well, let’s change the pace a little, as most of you who read my blog and follow me on Facebook are always keeping up to date with my television career. Once I knew I wasn’t returning to Extreme Makeover Home Edition, I was looking for a project that would allow me to continue my love for television hosting, as well as, a show that I could continue sharing my design skills on. If you know me well, I prayed about it - I just never thought God would flood me with it all at once! Not only did I book a “kick ass” travel show, I also booked an amazing show where I can continue to design. The only catch is... I still can’t tell you what it is. Even though the contracts have been signed - “moms” the word for a few more months. I’ve never had to hold out on sharing good news for so long. :) But, it’s worth the wait, as everyone on my new show is super amazing and I’m so excited to be working with a group of people who love what they do and want to do it together. I will also be working with Nate Berkus and Orpah this coming year on a project that will really touch your heart. I’ll be sure to keep you posted on all the air dates. I will also be doing some motivational speeches in 2011, however; it’s going to be a full year - filming two television shows, working with Nate Berkus, raising money for Haiti, and of course taking care of my family. God sure does have a good sense of humor!
With all the high’s there were some low’s in 2010. My beloved dog Kayla past away. She was a loving dog and good companion. We miss her dearly.
Most recently, and the greatest loss besides my father dying when I was 13 years old, was the death of a woman who was a role model and mentor to me. The talented Executive Producer - Denise Cramsey. Denise was my EP on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. When she left the show - we all felt a great lost. Her death ripped my heart and sent ripples throughout the television community. However, there was so much good, honesty, joy, and sheer genius about Denise, that this coming year I plan to always think, “What would Denise do?” I’ll carry her loving memory with me into 2011 and pray that we all can do a little of the good she did when she was with us.
I think the most important lesson I learned in 2010 is to “let go.” You see, sometimes we all get so caught up in what were doing that we forget that at the end of the day that were not in control, only God is. When I learned this lesson AGAIN this year, life opened up and all the things I worried about and hoped for just fell into place. It comes back to the theory of - what we put out into the world is what we are and what we will receive. “Letting go” and letting God know your hearts desires, I have found, is the best way to live life.
So my friends, I leave you with this - put aside your religious beliefs, your thoughts on nationalities and see that we are all apart of the HUMAN race. No matter what your income level, where you were born, where you live - we all struggle in life. Some days we accomplish our goals, other days we couldn’t feel more alone. So take the time to slow down, to say hello to the person that passes you on the street, pick up the phone and tell a family member you love them, and most of all... GIVE - give to those in need and God will bless and enrich your life.
Peace be with you, and may 2011 bring you much joy.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Life and Death
Someone once asked, “Why do we have to die?” The response given was - “so that we would realize how precious life is today”. It’s interesting, because sometimes it takes for us to be confronted with death to remind us to slow down, to listen more, or to change our ways.
The first impacted of this line of thinking came into my life at the age of thirteen. Sadly, I watched my robust father become a man I didn’t recognize.
Lung cancer took him too soon.
I’ll never forget walking into the hospital to view his body. As I leaned over to kiss him one last time a tear dropped from my wet eyes and landed on his. I imaged that the tear that rolled down his check was one that he cried for us all. That moment impacted my life greatly. I remember thinking as I pulled away - to never take life for granted and to live each day as if it was my last. I can recall countless times growing up when I would reflect on my fathers death, especially in times of difficulty. His death inspired me to live - and pushed me to work through adversity and rise above. No matter what is going on in my life, even today - it always comes back to life and its importance.
As most of you know, I recently lost my beloved dog Kayla. She was a kind, loyal, and a loving dog - and is greatly missed. Before she died, I was able to sit and comfort her. I took her on a few short walks, and was there when she passed away. Burying her was a mixer of life’s emotions. It was difficult, yet healing.
These are two pivotal moments, past and resent, that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. I would say my father past on his bravery, and Kayla gave me structure. Simply -they gave me life.
You don’t have to loose a loved one or a “best-friend” to gain a deeper reasoning of life for yourself. As morbid as it may sound, death is all around us. It is not to be feared - but understood. It is after all the one thing we all have in common. Take a moment and think about the hundreds of people who died on 9/11 or the lives lost in the earth quake in Haiti earlier this year. It is heart braking. We all stopped, even if it is for a brief moment, and breathed deeply and quietly. Do you remember what you thought? How you felt?
For those of us who are here today - we have the power to make a difference not only in our own lives but for those all around us. From a loved one to a stranger on the street, it is our duty to make a positive impact and truly leave the world a better place.
I encourage you today to “be the change you want to see in the world”. Be brave to take a stand in your own life and be compassionate to those who are in greater need than yourself.
Life, as we know it - “is a blink of the eye.”
The first impacted of this line of thinking came into my life at the age of thirteen. Sadly, I watched my robust father become a man I didn’t recognize.
Lung cancer took him too soon.
I’ll never forget walking into the hospital to view his body. As I leaned over to kiss him one last time a tear dropped from my wet eyes and landed on his. I imaged that the tear that rolled down his check was one that he cried for us all. That moment impacted my life greatly. I remember thinking as I pulled away - to never take life for granted and to live each day as if it was my last. I can recall countless times growing up when I would reflect on my fathers death, especially in times of difficulty. His death inspired me to live - and pushed me to work through adversity and rise above. No matter what is going on in my life, even today - it always comes back to life and its importance.
As most of you know, I recently lost my beloved dog Kayla. She was a kind, loyal, and a loving dog - and is greatly missed. Before she died, I was able to sit and comfort her. I took her on a few short walks, and was there when she passed away. Burying her was a mixer of life’s emotions. It was difficult, yet healing.
These are two pivotal moments, past and resent, that have helped shape me into the woman I am today. I would say my father past on his bravery, and Kayla gave me structure. Simply -they gave me life.
You don’t have to loose a loved one or a “best-friend” to gain a deeper reasoning of life for yourself. As morbid as it may sound, death is all around us. It is not to be feared - but understood. It is after all the one thing we all have in common. Take a moment and think about the hundreds of people who died on 9/11 or the lives lost in the earth quake in Haiti earlier this year. It is heart braking. We all stopped, even if it is for a brief moment, and breathed deeply and quietly. Do you remember what you thought? How you felt?
For those of us who are here today - we have the power to make a difference not only in our own lives but for those all around us. From a loved one to a stranger on the street, it is our duty to make a positive impact and truly leave the world a better place.
I encourage you today to “be the change you want to see in the world”. Be brave to take a stand in your own life and be compassionate to those who are in greater need than yourself.
Life, as we know it - “is a blink of the eye.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
35- and 10 weeks
It has been a couple of months since I have written. For that I apologize. Don't get me wrong, there is much to share - but where to start is what has held me back.
If you have been following me via face-book you would know that I travel a lot for work. From New York City to Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Haiti. One airport after another seems to all blend after a while, and a bag of peanuts, well that's become a rare yet desirable item on any flight. Most recently I've been traveling to promote the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign", as well as giving motivational speeches, selling my book, modeling, and most recently I traveled to Haiti.
Oh Haiti, how you have opened my eyes to what I need to share.
When I think back to the last few years of my life, I have been so blessed. I have had a full filling career as a fashion model, motivational speaker, television host and designer on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I can remember the first time I ever saw EMHE on television. I had just completed a mural for a little girls room. The homeowner seemed pleased, and as I was leaving she said I should be on one of those HGTV programs and makeover people's rooms. I laughed. I had started painting murals part time between modeling jobs, and was thinking about opening a design business of some sort. At the time, I had been modeling for fifteen years and was wondering how I could expand my career. That night I went home and prayed about it. I love design, but more than anything I really enjoy helping people. I wondered what type of television show would allow me to share my gifts and talents. I turned on the television and there it was - Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I knew in a heart beat that was the show I wanted to be on. I spent the next three years working towards that goal.
First, I went back to school for interior design. I did a one year carpentry course, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, became a home inspector and professional organizer, as well as, about thirty free makeovers to build my portfolio. To build my hosting reel, I filmed much of my work and landed a great show on the Travel Channel - Amazing Vacation Homes. I learned so much from the architects I met on that program. It really was "amazing." Then one day in 2007 I got the call I had been waiting for. EMHE were starting season five and were looking for a couple of new designers. The first audition went really well and I got a call back to fly out to Billings Montana. Besides the day I met my husband, it was the best day of my life. Everything about it was perfect. Why, you may ask? Because I wasn't alone. On the morning of the audition I knelt in front of my hotel window and prayed. God knew how much work I had put into this moment, and now I knew it was in his hands. Once I got to the location and met with the executive producer she turned to me and said, "are you ready?" I said, "I've been ready for a while." What happen next - will never leave my mind. As we began to walk down the hill toward the house she explained what she was looking for and I felt an overwhelming presence of God. It was like God and His angels were all around me. Then, there I was, in front of a camera sharing who I was and what I could bring to the table. As I said, it was an unforgettable experience, and the rest...well say they say, the rest is history.
We recently wrapped season seven, and in a few months the crew will hit the road again and travel the nation and help many more families in need. My experience on this show has inspired me. It has led me to question - what more can I do?
So today I share one of my biggest building challenges ever - a non-profit to serve those in critical need. Christian Housing Ministry International (CHMI) will help families in impoverished nations build toward sustainability - beginning with Haiti. I am focusing on a five point program system - education, employment, housing, clean drinking water and child sponsorship.
I believe this is what God has been preparing me for all these years.
I am blown away by his teachings. The way he has guided me, even when I've felt lost. His provision, even when I showed worry. And his never ending love, even when I have forgotten to love myself.
I share this news with you today because I need your support to remind me always what's really important in life.
Please feel free to view some of my pictures at the CHMI face-book page. I WILL continue to share my thoughts, and hope that they may inspire you to see what is important in your life.
I leave you with my pledge.
I Didiayer Snyder pledge to serve those in need. To motivate and bring like minds together to serve and spread God's word because I am called.
Yes, the next chapter of my life is calling.
If you have been following me via face-book you would know that I travel a lot for work. From New York City to Boston, Dallas, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, and Haiti. One airport after another seems to all blend after a while, and a bag of peanuts, well that's become a rare yet desirable item on any flight. Most recently I've been traveling to promote the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign", as well as giving motivational speeches, selling my book, modeling, and most recently I traveled to Haiti.
Oh Haiti, how you have opened my eyes to what I need to share.
When I think back to the last few years of my life, I have been so blessed. I have had a full filling career as a fashion model, motivational speaker, television host and designer on Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I can remember the first time I ever saw EMHE on television. I had just completed a mural for a little girls room. The homeowner seemed pleased, and as I was leaving she said I should be on one of those HGTV programs and makeover people's rooms. I laughed. I had started painting murals part time between modeling jobs, and was thinking about opening a design business of some sort. At the time, I had been modeling for fifteen years and was wondering how I could expand my career. That night I went home and prayed about it. I love design, but more than anything I really enjoy helping people. I wondered what type of television show would allow me to share my gifts and talents. I turned on the television and there it was - Extreme Makeover Home Edition. I knew in a heart beat that was the show I wanted to be on. I spent the next three years working towards that goal.
First, I went back to school for interior design. I did a one year carpentry course, volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, became a home inspector and professional organizer, as well as, about thirty free makeovers to build my portfolio. To build my hosting reel, I filmed much of my work and landed a great show on the Travel Channel - Amazing Vacation Homes. I learned so much from the architects I met on that program. It really was "amazing." Then one day in 2007 I got the call I had been waiting for. EMHE were starting season five and were looking for a couple of new designers. The first audition went really well and I got a call back to fly out to Billings Montana. Besides the day I met my husband, it was the best day of my life. Everything about it was perfect. Why, you may ask? Because I wasn't alone. On the morning of the audition I knelt in front of my hotel window and prayed. God knew how much work I had put into this moment, and now I knew it was in his hands. Once I got to the location and met with the executive producer she turned to me and said, "are you ready?" I said, "I've been ready for a while." What happen next - will never leave my mind. As we began to walk down the hill toward the house she explained what she was looking for and I felt an overwhelming presence of God. It was like God and His angels were all around me. Then, there I was, in front of a camera sharing who I was and what I could bring to the table. As I said, it was an unforgettable experience, and the rest...well say they say, the rest is history.
We recently wrapped season seven, and in a few months the crew will hit the road again and travel the nation and help many more families in need. My experience on this show has inspired me. It has led me to question - what more can I do?
So today I share one of my biggest building challenges ever - a non-profit to serve those in critical need. Christian Housing Ministry International (CHMI) will help families in impoverished nations build toward sustainability - beginning with Haiti. I am focusing on a five point program system - education, employment, housing, clean drinking water and child sponsorship.
I believe this is what God has been preparing me for all these years.
I am blown away by his teachings. The way he has guided me, even when I've felt lost. His provision, even when I showed worry. And his never ending love, even when I have forgotten to love myself.
I share this news with you today because I need your support to remind me always what's really important in life.
Please feel free to view some of my pictures at the CHMI face-book page. I WILL continue to share my thoughts, and hope that they may inspire you to see what is important in your life.
I leave you with my pledge.
I Didiayer Snyder pledge to serve those in need. To motivate and bring like minds together to serve and spread God's word because I am called.
Yes, the next chapter of my life is calling.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Giving Back through Design
When it comes to giving back my heart is an open door especially when it comes to children and inspiring people.
I recently had the honor of designing a room for a young girl who “aged out of the foster care system.” With no where to go her life was turned around by a remarkable woman - Lauren Burns. For more information on Lauren and her life saving organization to to www.theteenproject.com and to read the article about my involvement go to
Foster teens have a new home
http://www.ocregister.com/news/garcia-242066-home-foster.html?pic=2
The Teen Projects Mission Statement
“To provide teens aging out of the foster care system with all of the resources and support of an intact family. To allow the greatest opportunity for a successful transition to adulthood.”
“The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a difficult transition, even with an intact family structure. Recent studies have shown that the average young person must rely on parental support during this transitional period, and do not actually become self-sufficient until age 26. By contrast, youth exiting the foster care systems do not have this option; they are cut off from their sole support system at age 18.
Where most teens are entering this time of their life with a sense of awe and opportunity, foster kids are left in a state of desperation. Without a home to return to, they often sleep on couches, in cars or turn themselves in to the local homeless shelter. For these kids the future is bleak.”
From The Teen Project.
I want to thank Astek Inc. Wallpaper for donating this killer Down Town LA pray paint style wallpaper.
For more information about Astek Inc. wallpapering go to
www.astekwallcovering.com
The big reveal!
The reaction!
The best part of my job as a designer - the impact and positive changes it makes in peoples lives.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
35 - and three weeks
It is late. My body and my mind are calling me to bed.
It was another incredible week of my life.
I will share detail very soon.
It was another incredible week of my life.
I will share detail very soon.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
35 and two weeks.
This weeks blog comes to you from New York City!
Today was a very exciting and surreal moment for me. In many ways its been one of those moments in life "we think about, but wonder when it will happen." For those of you who are getting to know me and my many works, first and foremost, I am a woman who believes in helping those in need. Always questioning, "how my education can serve others before myself."
Over the last few years my passion for helping others has grown tremendulously from working along side Habitat for Humanity partners to families on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
Today, I am proud to announce another step in my journey - I am the ambassador for the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign." To learn more visit www.expresskindnesscampaign.com. It truly is an honor to be the ambassador of something that I am deeply passionate about - and that is spreading the message of kindness.
It is my first time to the "big apple", and today at the launch, I had the pleasure of meeting many men and woman who share my belief in empowering others to live a life of kindness. This truly is a simple and beautiful message. My hope is that you will take the time to go to the website mentioned above and join me in helping raise $250,000.00 for three deserving charities. The best thing about it is it won't cost you a cent - only the joy of knowing that you will be helping someone else in need.
The next steps in my journey of life are unfolding...
I leave you with a quote of mine - "don't give because it makes you feel good. Give because others deserve your kindness."
May this inspire you today to reach out and bless someone in need.
Today was a very exciting and surreal moment for me. In many ways its been one of those moments in life "we think about, but wonder when it will happen." For those of you who are getting to know me and my many works, first and foremost, I am a woman who believes in helping those in need. Always questioning, "how my education can serve others before myself."
Over the last few years my passion for helping others has grown tremendulously from working along side Habitat for Humanity partners to families on Extreme Makeover Home Edition.
Today, I am proud to announce another step in my journey - I am the ambassador for the "My Expressions of Kindness Campaign." To learn more visit www.expresskindnesscampaign.com. It truly is an honor to be the ambassador of something that I am deeply passionate about - and that is spreading the message of kindness.
It is my first time to the "big apple", and today at the launch, I had the pleasure of meeting many men and woman who share my belief in empowering others to live a life of kindness. This truly is a simple and beautiful message. My hope is that you will take the time to go to the website mentioned above and join me in helping raise $250,000.00 for three deserving charities. The best thing about it is it won't cost you a cent - only the joy of knowing that you will be helping someone else in need.
The next steps in my journey of life are unfolding...
I leave you with a quote of mine - "don't give because it makes you feel good. Give because others deserve your kindness."
May this inspire you today to reach out and bless someone in need.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
35 - and one week!
The first week of my 35th birthday has taught me that I must learn the art of pacing myself. I must confess - I rush a lot. I’m always hurrying up to do this and hurrying up to do that. Early on in my career I became a pro at the art of multi tasking and meeting deadlines. My actions always reflected a schedule. A schedule I had to meet.
However today, my husbands gentle persistence paid off. I learned that meeting a goal wasn’t necessarily as important as understanding the journey of getting there.
I know this. I teach this. How could I so easily forget that it is the journey in life that is important - not the destination. Nevertheless, today I did forget - because I was rushing.
What should have been an exciting experience of opening a new bank account and depositing a healthy check, turned into a lesson of lack of preparation. I considered our deposit - just one of the many things “I” wanted to “check of the list.” What I failed to acknowledge was that it was something “we” planned to experience together. I forfeited turning to my husband and sharing “our” ideas – all because I was anxious to “get it done.”
I quickly realized that I took the joy of discovery out of learning and sharing with my husband.
My husband is a patient man. At times, I am not. My lack of preparation proved that I didn’t do my homework. For starters, I was unsure of what bank to go to. What type of account we needed to open, and what we needed in order to make it a successful transaction. I didn’t slow down and turn to my husband so that “we” could make the best banking decision for our future.
It took only one sweet look from my loving husband to remind me that he is my friend, my partner, and my biggest supporter. His display of patience and kind words reminded me that it is the experiences that we share in our journey that count – not how fast we can check things off our “to-do” list.
We didn’t get to deposit our money into a new bank account today. However, something greater happened. I learned to slow down and pace myself.
Corporate banking here I come.
However today, my husbands gentle persistence paid off. I learned that meeting a goal wasn’t necessarily as important as understanding the journey of getting there.
I know this. I teach this. How could I so easily forget that it is the journey in life that is important - not the destination. Nevertheless, today I did forget - because I was rushing.
What should have been an exciting experience of opening a new bank account and depositing a healthy check, turned into a lesson of lack of preparation. I considered our deposit - just one of the many things “I” wanted to “check of the list.” What I failed to acknowledge was that it was something “we” planned to experience together. I forfeited turning to my husband and sharing “our” ideas – all because I was anxious to “get it done.”
I quickly realized that I took the joy of discovery out of learning and sharing with my husband.
My husband is a patient man. At times, I am not. My lack of preparation proved that I didn’t do my homework. For starters, I was unsure of what bank to go to. What type of account we needed to open, and what we needed in order to make it a successful transaction. I didn’t slow down and turn to my husband so that “we” could make the best banking decision for our future.
It took only one sweet look from my loving husband to remind me that he is my friend, my partner, and my biggest supporter. His display of patience and kind words reminded me that it is the experiences that we share in our journey that count – not how fast we can check things off our “to-do” list.
We didn’t get to deposit our money into a new bank account today. However, something greater happened. I learned to slow down and pace myself.
Corporate banking here I come.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
35 and counting!
When I think back over my life I have always been that way. As a child I wondered about “life,” and at 35 I still do. I wonder at times how we can be so kind to strangers, but find it difficult to tell our flesh and blood that we love them. Or why there is a wealth of food in the world, but millions are starving – right now, today. There are many questions we face in life; however what I have come to understand is that we have the power to choose to live an abundant life, and be the change we want to see.
Today, I’d like to share my passion for life and where is comes from.
Many people ask why am I so happy. Where do I get my energy from, and how can I be so giving. My inner peace and will to live an abundant life has not always come easy. I can recall more than a hand full of times where I have fallen short. However, it is because of Gods unconditional love that I have had the strength over the years to rise up and pursue a life of service.
I believe life itself is a gift from God. Every single human being born into this world has a purpose, and when understood, has the ability to live a fulfilling life.
It is your birthright.
I also believe the gifts and talents God has given me are so that I can inspire others to believe in themselves, reach their goals, and understand we are one world - one people.
Giving to others is a part of the fundamental fibers of my being.
Through many life lessons God has protected me, loved me, and carved out a journey I marvel at every single day. It is because of his love that I am who I am, and do what I do.
I am 35 today, and more than ever I am beginning to see Gods prophecy over me, and his plan for my adult life. I know there is much to do – so today I wanted to start by sharing where my inspiration and motivation comes from - God.
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