The last couple of days my mind has been going nonstop. It hasn't been bad, but sometimes its just really hard to figure out where to go with all of it. This entire year (and all of life for that matter) God has reminded me about my need to trust. There are a lot of unknowns. A lot of questions. A lot of maybes. A lot of closed doors, but some great open doors. How do I know? And as I seek answers, God reminds me just to trust.
It's almost April and I only have about 2 months left with Camfel. Now I keep reminding myself that is more than enough time and a lot can still happen, but sometimes I catch myself focusing too much on whats to come instead of what I have. When talking with Michelle recently, I was reminded of some great truths and promises. After addressing the topic of worry and reminding us that the Father knows our needs, Jesus says "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matthew 6:33-34) Our job isn't to figure everything out, its to Seek first his kingdom then all else will be added. Things become clearer as we trust because our focus shifts from what we want to who we are supposed to seek.
Who knows what in store for tomorrow, next month, next year, and so on, but I will try to trust, try to be patient, and try to follow. I know its better and I know its worth it! I'm excited to see what God has in store!
"No eye has seen, no ear has heard, now mind has conceive what God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit." 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday, March 7, 2011
Home Sweet Home
I was sitting in our hotel room Wednesday night when I realized a few things 1) we had a four day weekend 2) My sisters birthday was that weekend 3) I'm only about 7 hours from home (which was only an hour farther than a weekend I was planning on going home). With this new information I called my dad and mentioned that even though it was extremely short notice, we should try to work something out so that I could come home since we would have more time and I could be with my sister for her birthday which hasn't happened in 5 years! Thursday afternoon my dad called and said he was able to get Friday and Monday off so we could work out transportation. I felt kind of bad leaving Michelle by herself, but if/when she's close to family I totally want her to go visit!
So on Friday my dad was extremely nice and drove to come get me and then we drove back home. It ended up being about a 14-15 hour day in the car for him, and as I write this he is making his way back home from dropping me back off. But for all of us it was worth it. I was able to see some family, friends, go to church, do *free* laundry :), and surprise my sister! It was so good to see her so happy. My dad took her out to dinner on Saturday and when she walked into the restaurant she saw me standing there with flowers in my hand for her. She had no clue I was there, and wasn't expecting me until the following weekend. She had a smile and surprised look plastered to her face throughout all of dinner! It was wonderful! After dinner we went and picked up my grandma then we all hung out and stayed at my dads house.
Sunday, after a crazy morning, we finally made it to church. It was great to see so many people, and get my fill of hugs, even if I was only there for a short time. After church I went to lunch with my dad, sis, and two friends. It was a pretty low key weekend, but so nice getting to be home for a little bit. Oh plus I got my doggie fix! My dog Sadie is one of the cutest dogs ever! I mean I know that most people will say that about their dog, but for me its true! She the perfect dog to go with my liking- she loves attention, will sit there and just let you pet her (which I would be completely content doing ALL day!), she is my little follower.. having to make sure she knows where I am, and shes just super cute! Ha Ha.
It was a blessing that I wasn't expecting! Throughout that time, I feel as though God revealed some more things to me about certain relationships, my relationship with him, things that I love, and fears that I have. He showed up and I love when I clearly see that!
So on Friday my dad was extremely nice and drove to come get me and then we drove back home. It ended up being about a 14-15 hour day in the car for him, and as I write this he is making his way back home from dropping me back off. But for all of us it was worth it. I was able to see some family, friends, go to church, do *free* laundry :), and surprise my sister! It was so good to see her so happy. My dad took her out to dinner on Saturday and when she walked into the restaurant she saw me standing there with flowers in my hand for her. She had no clue I was there, and wasn't expecting me until the following weekend. She had a smile and surprised look plastered to her face throughout all of dinner! It was wonderful! After dinner we went and picked up my grandma then we all hung out and stayed at my dads house.
Sunday, after a crazy morning, we finally made it to church. It was great to see so many people, and get my fill of hugs, even if I was only there for a short time. After church I went to lunch with my dad, sis, and two friends. It was a pretty low key weekend, but so nice getting to be home for a little bit. Oh plus I got my doggie fix! My dog Sadie is one of the cutest dogs ever! I mean I know that most people will say that about their dog, but for me its true! She the perfect dog to go with my liking- she loves attention, will sit there and just let you pet her (which I would be completely content doing ALL day!), she is my little follower.. having to make sure she knows where I am, and shes just super cute! Ha Ha.
It was a blessing that I wasn't expecting! Throughout that time, I feel as though God revealed some more things to me about certain relationships, my relationship with him, things that I love, and fears that I have. He showed up and I love when I clearly see that!
Monday, February 28, 2011
What a weekend!
Great sights, good weather, yummy food= yep that was our weekend! Michelle and I stayed about 15 miles outside of New York City for the last 4 nights. On Saturday we took a tour of NYC. It was fabulous! We were able to see several places including the Statue of Liberty (well at least from the side!), Ground Zero, Radio City, Times Square, Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, Rockefeller Center, Wall St., and so many more! We were able to see a lot of different places with a tour guide who was extremely knowledgeable about the city. As we drove though the city we saw a lot of buildings that were used movies such as the library from Day after Tomorrow, or the building the dragon climbed on top of in the movie Enchanted. It was great having the chance to see sooo many places that people talk about frequently!
The tour itself had a lot of people from all over as well including Montreal, London, Germany, and several states across the US even though the group was only about 20 of us. Even while just passing people on the street we saw so many people from different countries and places. Since the 9/11 attacks, NYC is the most visited city in the US! While in Central Park there was a small band recording in an area overlooking the lake. They were from France, had a wonderful accents and were extremely talented!
Other than knowing the city like the back of his hand, our tour guide also starred on several TV shows including CSI. At the end of the tour he showed us clips of his "good ol' days!" The tour definitely left us thirsting for more, to spend hours at just a few of the places, but this was the first time I had ever been to NYC so it was great to see so many sights.
Then on Sunday Michelle and I contemplated whether or not we wanted to take a bus back into the city and do a little more centralized sight seeing or if we just wanted to do something else. We had ended up make the decision to go to Hoboken, NJ (basically half a mile from NY) to find some New York style pizza, which was huge and amazing, and visit Carlo's Bakery which is the bakery of Buddy the Cake Boss (a phenomenal cake show on TLC).
When we first got to the bakery, Buddy was outside the store in the middle of doing a film shoot. It was so cool getting to see all the work, people, and equipment needed to create such a small part of one episode. We were right in front of the group while he was performing. After watching for a little while, we went to get in line to actually enter the bakery. The line was around a block to a block and a half long. Partially due to the film shoot, but also due to the amount of people we ended up standing in line for about 40 minutes. Luckily it wasn't extremely cold and it gave Michelle and I some good time to talk! We finally made into the bakery, which was tiny and crowded, but so awesome! Their cakes and desserts really are a work of art! Michelle and I each got two cupcakes- a chocolate one with peanut butter creme frosting and a red velvet one. They were fabulous. It was just cool to go to a place that we had seen on TV, and to see a part of the process of their show. We had a great weekend of seeing places in the area. What a blessing it has been to get to explore!
The tour itself had a lot of people from all over as well including Montreal, London, Germany, and several states across the US even though the group was only about 20 of us. Even while just passing people on the street we saw so many people from different countries and places. Since the 9/11 attacks, NYC is the most visited city in the US! While in Central Park there was a small band recording in an area overlooking the lake. They were from France, had a wonderful accents and were extremely talented!
Other than knowing the city like the back of his hand, our tour guide also starred on several TV shows including CSI. At the end of the tour he showed us clips of his "good ol' days!" The tour definitely left us thirsting for more, to spend hours at just a few of the places, but this was the first time I had ever been to NYC so it was great to see so many sights.
Then on Sunday Michelle and I contemplated whether or not we wanted to take a bus back into the city and do a little more centralized sight seeing or if we just wanted to do something else. We had ended up make the decision to go to Hoboken, NJ (basically half a mile from NY) to find some New York style pizza, which was huge and amazing, and visit Carlo's Bakery which is the bakery of Buddy the Cake Boss (a phenomenal cake show on TLC).
When we first got to the bakery, Buddy was outside the store in the middle of doing a film shoot. It was so cool getting to see all the work, people, and equipment needed to create such a small part of one episode. We were right in front of the group while he was performing. After watching for a little while, we went to get in line to actually enter the bakery. The line was around a block to a block and a half long. Partially due to the film shoot, but also due to the amount of people we ended up standing in line for about 40 minutes. Luckily it wasn't extremely cold and it gave Michelle and I some good time to talk! We finally made into the bakery, which was tiny and crowded, but so awesome! Their cakes and desserts really are a work of art! Michelle and I each got two cupcakes- a chocolate one with peanut butter creme frosting and a red velvet one. They were fabulous. It was just cool to go to a place that we had seen on TV, and to see a part of the process of their show. We had a great weekend of seeing places in the area. What a blessing it has been to get to explore!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
An afternoon in Philadelphia
On Sunday, Michelle and I spent the afternoon walking around Philadelphia. I absolutely loved it! When we first got there we went to the area of Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. It was awesome to see these places (and it made us want to watch National Treasure!). For lunch we had some amazing cheesesteaks which was a must! Towards the end of the day we went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art and ran up the steps just like Rocky! Our day was filled with seeing great places, laughter, and good conversations. Luckily we weren't freezing the entire time we were out there either, probably because we went numb! I will add pictures once I find my camera cord!
Last week was very stressful with work because we kept having technical issues and shows kept messing up, so after a lot of troubleshooting that didn't seem to do anything, it was great to just have some time to relax and enjoy the place we are at. Next weekend we are going to be outside of NYC, so weather permitting we may go explore there, which I am really excited about!
Last week was very stressful with work because we kept having technical issues and shows kept messing up, so after a lot of troubleshooting that didn't seem to do anything, it was great to just have some time to relax and enjoy the place we are at. Next weekend we are going to be outside of NYC, so weather permitting we may go explore there, which I am really excited about!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Relocation: East Coast
The last few weeks some very big things changed: I got relocated from Los Angeles to the east coast. My boss talked to me 2 weeks ago and said that there was a chance I may be sent to the east coast. Monday, only 3 days later, it was confirmed and a flight was book. My new partner Michelle and I arrived in PA on Saturday. We have had shows everyday this week and had the ability to work with some great schools.
Overall I am excited about this move. It was a bummer leaving a community at the condo, as well as the Life Group I had joined (see one earlier post), but I like being on the road again. Our three nights we stayed in downtown Newark, NJ. As I looked out the window I was able to see New York City, including the Empire State Building, in the background. It was awesome. We will be back in that area soon, so sometime Michelle and I are going to tour around the big city! Tomorrow we may even go see the sights in Philadelphia!
Its also a huge blessing because in just a couple hours I get to see my dad (and hes bring my dog :) ). My dad was gracious enough to drive 5 hours one way to bring me some warmer clothes. There is definitely a huge difference in climate between Southern Cali and the east coast right now. Plus if I am close to home some weekend there is a chance I may get to go home as well.
I am also just super excited to get to explore the New England states. I haven't been up this way in several years. My main youth ministry professor from college lives up in New Hampshire now. This weekend Michelle and I are going to stay with him and his family, doing some sightseeing (hopefully Boston!) and just hang out. It will be so nice!
Honestly I feel like God has really provided for me with this. Not that things have been bad, I just thinking right now this is better for me. There are definitely things I miss about being in Cali, but I could be back there in just a few months, but overall I am extremely excited and grateful for this!
Overall I am excited about this move. It was a bummer leaving a community at the condo, as well as the Life Group I had joined (see one earlier post), but I like being on the road again. Our three nights we stayed in downtown Newark, NJ. As I looked out the window I was able to see New York City, including the Empire State Building, in the background. It was awesome. We will be back in that area soon, so sometime Michelle and I are going to tour around the big city! Tomorrow we may even go see the sights in Philadelphia!
Its also a huge blessing because in just a couple hours I get to see my dad (and hes bring my dog :) ). My dad was gracious enough to drive 5 hours one way to bring me some warmer clothes. There is definitely a huge difference in climate between Southern Cali and the east coast right now. Plus if I am close to home some weekend there is a chance I may get to go home as well.
I am also just super excited to get to explore the New England states. I haven't been up this way in several years. My main youth ministry professor from college lives up in New Hampshire now. This weekend Michelle and I are going to stay with him and his family, doing some sightseeing (hopefully Boston!) and just hang out. It will be so nice!
Honestly I feel like God has really provided for me with this. Not that things have been bad, I just thinking right now this is better for me. There are definitely things I miss about being in Cali, but I could be back there in just a few months, but overall I am extremely excited and grateful for this!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Back at it!
I have been back in California for two weeks now, although it feels like its been a lot longer. I was blessed with a 2 1/2 week Christmas break back home in Ohio with my family and friends. That was such a good time! First off I hadn't been back in Ohio since last Christmas, and normally whenever I would go home it would only be for about a week to a week and a half. It was nice to have the chance to see a lot of people while also having days to just relax at home.
I have to admit though, having such a great break made it really hard to come back to California. Its not that I don't like my job, but there were definitely things that I was apprehensive about with coming back (and I still kind of am). But not knowing is part of my trusting process with God. I want it so I can grow closer to God, but its soooo hard at the same time. I also just really enjoyed my time with family and friends. It was good to see my momma, sister, grandmas, and friends who I had not seen since last Christmas as well as my dad who I hadn't seen since August. I was also able to see my family in Kentucky who I hadn't seen in five years- that included having good conversations, laughter, being a human jungle gym, the perfect Christmas Eve snow, and just a wonderful time with family.
Since I have been back I have had a mixture of working in our office and doing shows. My first week was mostly office work, which partially included painting and moving furniture. I really enjoyed those days! The shows have been going well. Being local means traveling within mostly Southern Cali, but sometimes the drives take longer based on the traffic (oh LA!) which has meant some pretty early mornings. It has been good though. This week is another fairly full week of shows in Southern California. Depending on how things work with the others girls I am living and what my boss decides, this semester I could be in Northern California or the Pacific Northwest (I hope!)
One thing that I am hoping to do it gain a good community of people out here, especially with the church I am attending. I mean I live with some great girls but I really would like to get connected in church as well since I am not moving around quite as much this semester. I just contacted people this week about getting involved in something called Life Groups, they are basically small groups to form more in depth relationships. Hopefully this week I will start attending one. I am really looking forward to meeting new people, getting involved and enjoying some more fellowship.
These last few weeks have been both good and a struggle. I feel like at times I have been battling a bad attitude (most people probably couldn't recognize it), had some great interactions, really missed people back home and in Oregon, and really enjoyed my time in CA as well. Its been messy in my head and heart! I don't know what God has in store for me, but I feel like he is preparing me for what's next--- that time just isn't here yet and I must remain focused on where he has me now. I know that either way God is the one who sustains me and gives me the hope, endurance and strength that I need. My prayer is that I will remain faithful to whatever comes my way, both of my normal schedule and the things that God throws in the mix! Who knows whats going to happen! But God is good!
With that, I am now getting back in gear, used to being back, and I also plan on blogging on a regular basis again! May God bless you richly as you serve him and as we as the body of Christ seek to do his will. He is everything! No matter how I feel or what I want, may God be glorified! That is my prayer and hope this semester! Thanks for keeping up with me!
I have to admit though, having such a great break made it really hard to come back to California. Its not that I don't like my job, but there were definitely things that I was apprehensive about with coming back (and I still kind of am). But not knowing is part of my trusting process with God. I want it so I can grow closer to God, but its soooo hard at the same time. I also just really enjoyed my time with family and friends. It was good to see my momma, sister, grandmas, and friends who I had not seen since last Christmas as well as my dad who I hadn't seen since August. I was also able to see my family in Kentucky who I hadn't seen in five years- that included having good conversations, laughter, being a human jungle gym, the perfect Christmas Eve snow, and just a wonderful time with family.
Since I have been back I have had a mixture of working in our office and doing shows. My first week was mostly office work, which partially included painting and moving furniture. I really enjoyed those days! The shows have been going well. Being local means traveling within mostly Southern Cali, but sometimes the drives take longer based on the traffic (oh LA!) which has meant some pretty early mornings. It has been good though. This week is another fairly full week of shows in Southern California. Depending on how things work with the others girls I am living and what my boss decides, this semester I could be in Northern California or the Pacific Northwest (I hope!)
One thing that I am hoping to do it gain a good community of people out here, especially with the church I am attending. I mean I live with some great girls but I really would like to get connected in church as well since I am not moving around quite as much this semester. I just contacted people this week about getting involved in something called Life Groups, they are basically small groups to form more in depth relationships. Hopefully this week I will start attending one. I am really looking forward to meeting new people, getting involved and enjoying some more fellowship.
These last few weeks have been both good and a struggle. I feel like at times I have been battling a bad attitude (most people probably couldn't recognize it), had some great interactions, really missed people back home and in Oregon, and really enjoyed my time in CA as well. Its been messy in my head and heart! I don't know what God has in store for me, but I feel like he is preparing me for what's next--- that time just isn't here yet and I must remain focused on where he has me now. I know that either way God is the one who sustains me and gives me the hope, endurance and strength that I need. My prayer is that I will remain faithful to whatever comes my way, both of my normal schedule and the things that God throws in the mix! Who knows whats going to happen! But God is good!
With that, I am now getting back in gear, used to being back, and I also plan on blogging on a regular basis again! May God bless you richly as you serve him and as we as the body of Christ seek to do his will. He is everything! No matter how I feel or what I want, may God be glorified! That is my prayer and hope this semester! Thanks for keeping up with me!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Half way through!
It’s crazy that the first semester of my time with Camfel is basically over. On Thursday Dorina and I had our last show and we definitely know how to end things right--- we woke up at 6:35am when we were supposed to leave for our school at 6:30am. Keeping in mind the fact that we also needed to clean up the hotel/pack after being there for a few days! By the grace of God we were able to spring into action and make it to our school by 7:05a.m., and had our show setup with almost 30 minutes to spare. After our show we started our 18 ½ hour drive back to California
I am currently living at the company apartment outside of Los Angeles; this is where I will be next semester as well Ohio
This semester has had its ups and downs but overall I have really enjoyed it. I was able to see lots of places, meet several new people, I made a 50 page scrapbook, reconnected with friends (last week I had dinner with a friend in Houston who I hadn’t seen in 7 years!), and connect with God in a way that I never had before! I feel like God has opened by eyes and my heart to see him more and I am so grateful!
As I said earlier, tomorrow I head out to Ohio. It will be so nice to be home, I haven't been back there since last Christmas. On top of going home, I will also be headed to Kentucky to see my dad's side of the family on Thursday-Saturday. I haven't seen these family members in almost 5 years, which is WAY too long! I will be home until Jan. 7 then I head back to L.A. to start my second semester. I would really appreciate prayers for safe travels and a good time of seeing people while home but also getting enough rest/personal time. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas! As time allows I may blog during break, but if not I will for sure pick it back up once I get back to Los Angeles!
Hope all is well with you and yours! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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