Back and Forth

Two weeks without blogging but I'm still here! What an amazing Christmas break back home, I didn't want to leave but there are still things for me to do back in Texas and I'm ready to see what God has in store. Christmas was fantastic, especially getting to see everyone again. We had an unofficial get together with my classmates from NCCS. Everyone seems to be having a fun time but Christmas break is never long enough. Visiting my home church at OCEC, spending time with the besties before everyone dispersed, and seeing The Hobbit were all great ways to spend the last few days before I left. Cherish those that you hold close to you because you never know when you're going to have to leave or how long you'll be gone. I'm excited to continue my work here at CCM but I'm also looking forward to the day when I can come back home and spend a much longer amount of time with my family and friends. Til next time!


Lauren

Proverbs 16:3 
"Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans."

Back to Texas

Just making a few days stop back in Texas before coming home for Christmas. Can't wait to see everyone for the holiday's! So many changes happening in the coming months. The L.A. trip was fantastic and I loved getting to join the actors in their workshop with Naima Lett. She was such a fantastic teacher, there are so many things that I learned from her. I love seeing that Christians are actually in Hollywood making a difference. I'll be home in 2 days!

Paramount Pictures? Yes!

Can't believe I'm here and have been seeing all of the places I dream of coming too! Spent all afternoon Friday at Paramount, touring their facilities and learning some more in's and out's of the film industry. 

L.A. Pictures

Here are some more pictures from our L.A. Professional Encounter so far.

My friend Joseph pretending to be gangster in front of the Roscoe's Chicken and Waffle House. 

Late night walks on the Huntington Beach Pier

Writing class with Jeff Holders

Beautiful L.A. flowers.

Night at the marina.

Our group outside of Roscoe's. 

Just in case you hadn't seen it....the Roscoe's sign.

Despite the lack of snow in Texas or L.A. it is Christmas time!

I've missed this.

Always Learning

Yesterday and Tuesday our group attended several workshops, one of which was a writing workshop. It was great getting Jeff Holders to guide us along the different roads of writing and see what it takes to be a writer for this industry. He has so much knowledge, it was great to just sit there and take notes on everything he was saying. I feel like he's reaffirmed everything I knew about writing before, and shown me so many new tricks to the trade, as well as techniques that I'm going to need to learn in order to become a good writer. After our workshops we went to Roscoe's, definitely a first time experience for me. Who knew you could mix fried chicken and waffles? It actually tasted pretty good, not my favorite but it still tasted pretty good. To top off the evening we spent several hours at Yogurtland meeting interns that had graduated from CCM and are now working in the industry. After hearing them talk about the difficulties and rewards I know that this is going to be a hard industry to break into but I also know it's going to be so worth it. I can't wait to come back!

Professional Encounter

Getting ready for our first professional encounter with all of the girls from CCM! We're splitting up and some are going to a writing seminar with Jeff Holder while others go to an editing seminar. Ready to go and learn how to write scripts for Hollywood. God's got some big plans today!

Phoenix is Exploding

To finish the last ATF of the season all of CCM has traveled to lend a hand and work on other large, related projects. I went ahead of everyone to set everything up and last night the place practically exploded when everyone showed up. We're all ready for a crazy weekend of production and God to do some big things. Some special things about Phoenix are the sunrises, I'd completely forgotten how beautiful they were until this morning when the sunrise was a literal rainbow of colors with a firey orange highlighting the mountains. After the Phoenix ATF I get to see my grandma and then we are off to the part I'm most excited for....the L.A. Professional Encounter! We'll get to meet industry professionals who are making an impact and a living doing what we want to do. Plus we'll get to tour a studio and Doug has a few other surprises for us. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted!


Prayer Requests:
Pray that we will have safe travels there and back and that we will all make the most of every opportunity we're provided this trip. I'd also love prayer for finances. God has given me an amazing opportunity to attend CCM this year and like all ministries there are certain things that need to be paid for. I would love to be able to finish up this year as well as stay for as second year at CCM.


I miss everyone back home in Oregon but the countdown has begun and there are only 15 days left!!! I'll be home in about two weeks. <3

Good Deals with Friends

It's Saturday and though we missed the craziness of Black Friday we still managed to have fun And find some good deals today as we wandered around the mall in Austin. Forever 21 is probably one of my favorite stores now, I found several outfits that I loved including two dresses that reminded me of Audrey Hepburn. There were so many places to visit at the mall and it was fun getting to wander around with my friends, just relaxing and taking a much appreciated breather. But now we're on to one of the best holidays ever.....Christmas! The countdown has begun and there are only 21 days until I get to come home!

Leaving for Thanksgiving

I'm only an hour away from leaving for Thanksgiving break. Super grateful that an old CCM intern is willing to take us into her house during the break. Mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey, stuffing, rolls, scalloped potatoes; It won't be like home but I know that it's going to be a fun and adventurous Thanksgiving anyways. What are you doing for Thanksgiving? I love getting to hear about everyone's Thanksgiving plans. :) Here's a video the pastor at the church I go to in Texas shared with the congregation on Sunday. Enjoy!

Thankful for Wonderful Weather

The weather this past week has been wonderful, warm and sunny. On Sunday we decided that the weather was too nice to not enjoy being at the park. I got to have fun with Lucia and Sofie as we ran around the park planking, mimicking statues, and photo bombing each others pictures. I can't wait for Thanksgiving and wish I was back home with everyone to celebrate! What are you guys doing for Thanksgiving? I love getting to hear from everyone back home so leave a post or email me. :)

We got more bounce in California...

California is running a close second for favorite state, especially after the Anaheim Acquire the Fire. The CCM crew got to go to downtown Disney and Huntington Beach in order to get B-Roll for our Anaheim Highlight. First time at a California beach was definitely a success, despite the rainy west coast weather there were several surfers catching some awesome waves. The next few weeks are going to be SUPER busy but I'm more then ready. Thanksgiving, the Pheonix ATF, a trip to L.A. for professional encounters, and then HOME for CHRISTMAS! I can't wait to see everyone, hopefully I'll be to busy to get too homesick. Check out the Anaheim ATF highlight in the link below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrM52KHXeu8

Broken Down Adventures

First off I love Chicago! We had an amazing adventure this weekend getting to run around Chicago (Yes I did get to see the infamous Bean), setting up in a beautiful mega-church, and enjoying an amazing time of worship. While some moments were rough I think that this has been my favorite place on the ATF tour so far. Our adventure isn't over yet either. Saturday we discovered that our van was broken, something about power steering fluid leaking and the brakes...either way our group is having a fun time camping out in our Amazing host families living room. We are all super grateful that we have a place to stay.
~When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.

Canada's pretty good, eh?

Acquire the Fire has invaded Canada! We are here in full force and our first night has gone really well. I got to connect with many of the Canadians as well as visit Toronto briefly. Our host churches are amazing and they have been wonderful about supplying us with food, Canadian food as well as American food and I have been learning new things about Canada such as Tim Horton's Coffee Shop. It's practically Starbucks here. While the work is hard it is definitely fun. I love getting to see God work in teens lives and the week before coming was a great prep time for me, getting ready to see God work in the lives of the Canadians as well us. Pray for tomorrow, that the Holy Spirit will be working in everyone's heart, making them more open to the message of Christ. The volunteers could also use some prayer as to strength and a continual positive attitude as they serve throughout the day. 

Cool Weather and Today's Message

I woke up to a beautifully chill and crisp morning. The weather here is finally turning towards fall. I leave for Toronto in about a week, I'm hoping that the weather isn't too chilly up there but either way it's going to be an amazing adventure. Touring with Acquire the Fire is a blast and I love getting to tell others about CCM and the impact that we can have on our generation through media. The bus rides are actually really fun, it's a nice chance to socialize, catch up on sleep, and write. But I do admit that after the trip is done I enjoy coming back and getting to see my CCM Family.

This week the message at church was about what the Bible says regarding money and learning to be good stewards of our finances. I love it when God reminds us about these things, things that we can forget to look at with a biblical perspective. I am constantly amazed at the ways he has blessed me financially in order that I can be here. If you would continue to keep me in your prayers, especially financially, I would appreciate it. I'm praying that God will provide the rest of the money I need to pay for this year at The Honor Academy. I'm always thinking about everyone back home and I will be praying that Oregon gets some rain soon. :)

Amherst Massachusetts

We arrived after a 3 day road trip rested and ready for Acquire the Fire. It's now in its second day and we've already had amazing things happen. All I can say is that you learn a lot while serving. Having an amazing time here and I'm already looking forward to Toronto! We'll be heading out late tonight/early tomorrow morning. Enjoying every moment.

Road Trip!!!

We're off! We are leaving for Amherst soon and our whole team is excited and ready to go!

One Week Away!

We are officially one week away from leaving for Amherst Massachusetts to kick off Acquire the Fire!!! 

Mode of Transportation: Bus

Approx. Drive Time: 27 hours 

This is going to be a great chance to bond with my CCM brothers and sisters although the bus ride is going to be a tad long. We leave on the 25th of September and get back on the 1st of October. I've never been to Massachusetts before and I'm hoping we'll get a chance to explore a little bit of the city. I am so excited and grateful to be part of this event. Hopefully I won't forget anything. 

Texas Thunderstorms

Yesterday we had an amazing thunderstorm. The rain was warm and refreshing and several of my friends from CCM (Center for Creative Media) and I ran around the campus just relishing how amazing it felt. We splashed in puddles on the basketball courts, ran around the loop, and practiced our Step Up dance steps. God is so faithful in bringing refreshment to us no matter what stage of life we're in. This morning as I was walking to CCM I kept stopping and marveling at how amazing God is. He created the storm that came through, which washed away the dirt and left behind something beautiful. Whenever I think of how awesome God is I remember Psalms 8. If you have the time, look it up and read it the chapter is pretty short but very powerful!

I love that I get to connect with you all this way and if you ever need prayer for something don't hesitate to ask. :) My roommates are all feeling better, praise God and I havent gotten sick yet, so thank you for your prayers. I am absolutely loving the time I'm spending here and I'm praying that God will provide a way for me to stay for a second year.

In Christ's Love,
Lauren


P.S.
The next time it rains step outside, God is waiting to breathe new life into you. <3

One Big Family

        Well I've made it to September. This has been crazy but amazing. My core mates (all of the new girls in CCM) and I have quickly become close friends. After church last week we spent all day hanging out with each other singing loudly, taking personality quizzes, and just having fun. Later our core leader, Emily, blindfolded us all and led us around campus. We were seated, still blindfolded, and then were surprised to find our new brother core sitting with us at several picnic tables. There were several pots of top raman innocently sitting on the picnic tables...which quickly escalated into a food fight, including top raman soup being thrown in my face. =P It was great!
        Afterwords we spent time playing games and watching movies. We had an amazing time and I'm super glad that we got to meet our brother core. Our familiy core (the girls and guys cores put together) has so many awesome people in it, I'm super excited to get to hang out with them more.
        My roommates are sick right now so healing prayer for them, and that I wouldn't get sick, would be very appreciated. I am very thankful that you guys are continuing to lift me up in prayer and keep me in your thoughts. Til next time. :)

Lauren



Our family core chose this verse to represent our theme of Crazy Love. :)
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13

Jumping In

The first week is done and we're now jumping right into projects. Since I'm part of Production Management I get to help everyone else with their projects. It's so much fun to have a view of everyone's world and all of the time and effort that goes into producing even one piece. There is such a buzz of excitement and busyness in our "office" space. There are so many fun terms here and acronyms for everything. I technically work in the "fishbowl" at "the desk". Everyone else works in the "bullpens" or the "vault". My roommates are still not feeling well so healing prayers are really needed. Love you all! :)


Romans 12:10-11

"Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Safe and Sound in Texas

Well I've made it to Texas. What an adventure! I've gotten to meet all of my funny roommates and there is even another red head that is rooming with me. :) Unfortunately I'm the only person from Oregon here but I've heard that there are three more coming in January! A little something to look forward to. Today has been packed with morning work outs, worship sessions, classes, the laying down of the rules. =P I feel like I have so much floating through my brain that I need a few days just to think about it. But they're not slowing down so neither will I. I'm really excited though that they are pushing so hard, I can't wait to see what the media program is like! Thank you all for your prayers, I definitely felt them on the flight over and I will continue to rely on them to help me through the next little while. Be on the look out for my new address so that we can exchange letters sometime. I love getting to hear from everyone back home! :)


Today's classes were about sacrificing so that Christ can use us in order to radically change our generation.

Galatians 2:20 " I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

A Wonderful Church Family

What a wonderful last Sunday at OCEC. So many wonderful people praying together over me, I have never felt closer to my church body. :) Thank you to everyone that was there I felt everyone's prayers and now I feel ready to take on the world, or at least move to a very different state.



1 Thessalonians 3:9

"How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?"

Hey Everyone! :)

Hi and thanks for checking out my blog. This year God has called me to embark on a journey to Texas to study at a discipleship called The Honor Academy. I am so excited to grow my foundation, faith, and friendships as I spend one full year here. There is So much to prepare for and I am thrilled to share my adventures with you. I would love to hear from you too; what you're doing, how God is working in your life, and how the weather is back in Oregon. =P As brothers and sisters in Christ we are called to lift each other up in prayer; I will always keep you in my prayers and hope you will do the same for me.

In Christ's Amazing Love,

Lauren

Colossians 1:9-14

"For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."