Change

I know it's been a long time since I've posted here but things have been moving at a breakneck pace. I have been promoted to Producer over the feature length drama for this year's Acquire the Fire tour. We've been shooting non stop for the past several weeks and we are now moving into post which is going to be a huge undertaking of it's own. I've had to say goodbye to some very special people after my class graduated. I've also gotten to move into a house with 9 other women so we're crowded but it's nice to finally be back in a home. There's something relaxing about being in a house where you can cook, clean, and just have space to your self....well as much space as you can get with 10 women. =P

God is taking me in new directions that I never considered before. I was asked to stick around for a few more months here at CCM so that I could help out with several large projects such as the Acquire the Fire drama, Surge (a one night movie theater event), and several big name music videos. That's all I can say for now but suffice it to say I could definitely use your prayers. There's so much going on that I'm not sure when I'll be home but I know that it'll be in God's timing as he takes me along this journey. Please pray for rest, strength, clarity, and continual joy. Despite every challenge I want to be able to continue to show others God's love for them so that he can use my weaknesses for his glory.

Til next time here's my graduation video from the Center of Creative Media and the class that I graduated with.

Who Do You Work For?

Each day we get up, get ready for our day, and do some sort of work. Whether we work for ourselves or work for someone else we all work. That's what we were created to do. Colossians 3:23-24. This phrase is probably the most common verse used in regards to work. "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ." But despite it's constant use this verse is a great reminder, especially for those of us that are still climbing the work ladder. When you're on the lower parts of the work ladder, still running to get coffee's, doing dishes, and taking the boss's pet out for a walk it's easy to get frustrated, tired, and impatient with where you're at. We, as humans, tend to dream of bigger and better things that we can do, and yet we forget that in order to get there it takes hard work, dedication, and patience. 

If we look at work, with God as the boss then we know that he won't leave us sitting at the bottom twiddling our thumbs. He has plans for us. But there are things that we need to learn about our specific job here on earth and I'm not talking about a career. God has a specific job for each of us, to tell others about His Good News and to be an imitator of Christ in our everyday lives. So maybe we're still stuck taking the boss's dog out on a walk every day but what if we're supposed to be learning something like humility or patience, something that much farther down the road we'll need to be an expert in? 

My time here at the Center for Creative Media has been a crazy cacophony of growth and I have loved it. While I still have so much to learn I've seen the above really applied to my life, especially recently. At the beginning of my time here I was doing the small things, getting meals, checking in on people, and even taking the occasional dog out. But I never really thought about how I could advance myself in regards to Directing or Producing and then eight months later I was put as Producer of a creative team, the group of people that create the Acquire the Fire tour. Then I was put in charge of producing the drama for that same tour. If I had given up after two or three or even seven months I would never have gotten the amazing opportunities I have right now. Our ultimate boss, God, can see the big picture far more than our earthly bosses can. Our boss influences not only our career but also the way we feel about coming into work every day. When you think about your boss do you feel excitement or dread? Choosing who rules your life is important. So. Who do you work for? 

I don't normally do this but I've been challenged by my friends here as well as the staff to take a step of faith and humility in asking you guys, who have been faithfully reading about my adventures here to help me financially finish my internship here at the HA. In order to graduate I only need $200 but I have to get it in by the end of the week or else I won't be allowed to graduate. If twenty people would be willing to donate ten dollars I would be able to finish off my year here debt free as well as walk across the stage during graduation. If you're unable to do that I totally understand and your continued prayers are enough of a blessing. Knowing that I have so many people back home that love and support me makes following God's calling for my life that much easier. If you are interested in donating shoot me an email at amazinggrace14@ymail.com and I will give you some more information. I love you all and thank you for following my journey across the United States. See you in 24 days!

The Fourth of July

Happy Fourth of July you guys! I have to give it to Texas they put on a great fireworks show. There have been so many amazing things and so many struggles going on within the past month that it's impossible to cover everything. However God is never finished with us or our journey. He has an incredible plan for us that involves freedom through Christ. As we finish up our summers look for what God has planned for the rest of your summer days. Always be prepared for the unexpected.


See you in a little over a month!
Lauren

Time

Time is such a weird thing. Time goes by too fast. Time goes by too slow. On the days you want it to hurry up and go by it goes as slow as possible and the days where you want more time it goes by too quickly. It's been over a month since I've posted on my blog. God has been teaching me a lot during that time, especially about time. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 has kind of become my mantra for the next two months. There is a season for everything. My season here at CCM, though it has been filled with ups and downs as all things in life are, is coming to an end soon. When I finish here I want to look back remembering that I gave everything my best, made relationships that will outlast time and distance, and have come closer to God. Yes there are things from the past seasons of my life that I miss like my family, a car, and home made food. But those things are about to become part of my next season. Focusing my time and energy wishing for those things only takes away from what I can get out of this season. Because I know that when I'm home, spending time with my family, eating homemade food, and driving around there are things here that I'm going to miss. So remember that no matter what season you are in, a season of sowing, growing, or reaping there are things in this season that God wants you to learn and take away into the next.

Til next time,
Lauren

May the Fourth Be With You

First off let me say May the fourth be with you. :) It's been awhile since I've gotten to blog about what's been going on while I'm finishing my year's internship at CCM. After finishing up the Greater New York City Acquire the Fire I was able to go home for the Eugene Acquire the Fire. It was so much fun getting to see my family again, run around the beautiful green state of Oregon and drink my weight in Dutch Bros. Needless to say I almost didn't make it back to Texas because of all the amazing things in Oregon. Oregon really is a beautiful state, we're really lucky to have such a beautiful place to live in.

On our way back from Oregon we broke down in Arizona but never fear because we were rescued by a wonderful pastor who let us stay in his church while we waited for the mechanics to fix it. God has had a wonderful way of bringing people from all walks of life across my path these past eight months. I've gotten to meet wonderful pastors, families, artists, actors, speakers, and teens that have impacted me despite our brief meetings. 

After arriving on campus I promptly rejoined my beloved Creative Team (For those that don't know the Creative Team is a group of select interns that have been chosen to create next year's Acquire the Fire tour). I have to say that the people on Creative Team have become my close brother's and sisters. I love spending my days with them brainstorming, being silly, making deadlines, and impacting the kingdom for God. 

Making adult decisions, trusting God, spending time in prayer, and regaining my passion for acting are all things that have been going on. God is good and so is this weather.

Talk to you guys soon! 

In and Out

Just made it back from New York City an hour ago. Man was that an amazing time spent with so many great friends. I wish I had pictures to show but unfortunately I don't have time to upload anything because....I am coming home!!! I am leaving Texas in an hour for Eugene, OR. From one coast to another I will be heading back to my homeland. I can't wait to see you all there!

On the Road Again!!!

Well it's that time. We're heading off to NYC tomorrow afternoon and everything is going crazy as we finish deadlines, do laundry, and pack. But here at CCM we make the best of every circumstance, and sometimes even have fun. There are so many things going down in the next two weeks that I'm not sure how much time I'll have to blog. While in NYC we're going to be doing our first live broadcast. We will be televising live all of the world, including Jerusalem Lainie! With a free day on Sunday to look forward to and heading home the week after NYC things are going to be a exhausting but a blast. After NYC I'll be jumping off of one bus and on to the other. Coast to coast in two weeks guys!!! I'm so excited to be coming back home, even if it's only for a few days. I wish it were longer. After talking to my mom this weekend we discovered that I will have come home every four months, during my time in Texas, this August. I would love prayers for safe traveling and that we don't break down. I love hearing from you guys so shoot me an email or give me a call sometime soon.