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.

April Fools?

Today is apparently April Fools but things at CCM are rather calm....for now. Yesterday was Easter, a day spent relaxing with friends, enjoying sleep, and celebrating God's incredible power overcoming the grave.
However the weekend wasn't all Easter eggs and candy. When Friday hit I realized how much I really miss my family but because I have such great friends I was able to endure.

Being away from everyone for Easter, not being with another family to celebrate with was difficult. But during this weekend I was reminded of the verse in Philippians where Paul talks about being content in every circumstance. Paul went from being in a very comfortable position when he was a Pharisee to having to depend on God and the generosity of others to sustain his day to day living when he became a follower of Christ. Following God is rewarding but it isn't always going to be comfortable, and why should we want life to always be comfortable?

Stepping out of your comfort zone helps you to grow, helps you to reach new heights, and widens your horizons to places you can go, people you can reach, and things you can do. Trust. Trust that God is in control, that he has the big picture in mind. Trust that no matter how far away my family is God is closer then my next breath.

The next few weeks are going to be crazy busy and I'm excited for the things that are coming up. A potential trip to Dallas this weekend, a New York City road trip the week after that, and home to Eugene for an Acquire the Fire the next weekend. Life is about to get very busy.

I always appreciate your prayers for safety, finances, and general good spirits and if you have any prayer requests let me know.

Sofie and I at the CCM Oscar party. There are more pictures on Facebook. 

Incredibly Small, Infinitely Majestic

Isaiah 40:12-17 

Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand

and marked off the heavens with a span,
enclosed the dust of the earth in a measure
and weighed the mountains in scales
and the hills in a balance?
Who has measured the Spirit of the Lord,
or what man shows him his counsel?
Whom did he consult,
and who made him understand?
Who taught him the path of justice,
and taught him knowledge,
and showed him the way of understanding?
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket,
and are accounted as the dust on the scales;
behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust.
Lebanon would not suffice for fuel,
nor are its beasts enough for a burnt offering.
All the nations are as nothing before him,
they are accounted by him as less than nothing and emptiness.

When you read that section of verses what goes through your mind? When I read that the other day I was blown away, crushed, and in awe. If the nations are like a single drop in a bucket to Him, if His hand holds All of the waters that are in the world and he can measure the galaxies with the breadth of his hand, who are we? Our lives, our plans, from the lowest servant in India to the most powerful leader in the United Nations, are nothing. That blew me away and crushed me as I realized in awe how infinitely majestic, powerful, and knowledgeable our God is. Then several verses down I read....

Isaiah 40:27-31

Why do you say, O Jacob,
and speak, O Israel

“My way is hidden from the Lord,
and my right is disregarded by my God”?
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,

and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah is including both kingdoms, the kingdom of Israel and Judah. (If you didn't know the kingdoms of Israel and Judah were the people of Israel, God's chosen people, before they decided to split into two kingdoms, still God's chosen people but now separated.) Isaiah is including all of God's people in this section of verses as he reprimands before encouraging them. From time to time God's people need to remember who they are serving. While we can't entirely understand who God is when we realize who we are in comparison it creates a humble attitude as we serve both Him and each other. 

After reading the above set of verses this chapter was So much more powerful because my eyes were opened to the reality of who we are and the God we serve. We don't just serve Him the way a slave does without receiving anything in return, He offers us strength, refuge, peace, joy, patience, and most importantly everlasting love. When you realize this it encourages you to push on, trusting God that no matter what happens, what you're struggling with the one described in verses 12-17 is the same one in verses 27-31 who offers strength and understands all that we go through. 

We, the incredibly small are loved by the infinitely majestic. 

Oklahoma Where the Skies Are Blue

I'm off to Tulsa early tomorrow morning! We will be shooting ATF w/RL there while Acquire the Fire ministers to the people in Tulsa, Oklahoma. There are a lot of things starting to arrive on the horizon and I'm excited to see what happens as well as report back to you guys what is happening down here in Texas or wherever I happen to be. With spring arriving in Texas, the weather consistently in the 70's, the trees and flowers in bloom, and the prospects of new and exciting things here at CCM, I wanted to connect with you guys before things got too crazy. I love getting to hear about how things are in Oregon and I can't wait to come back in April for an ATF and maybe see some of you guys. :) Keep in touch!

Cracking A Whip

This week I got to learn how to crack a whip! I've spent a few hours learning how to do some cool moves and it's definitely harder then it looks. But wow! What an amazing skill to learn. Learning  new things like this reminds me of why I wanted to become an actress. The opportunity to spend time building relationships with others while learning new skills, performing, and impacting the lives of others through my actions. God's helping me realize how much responsibility something like this is but if He created me for it how can I refuse? My passions and my desires all point towards this industry and he's given me a passion for the different people in it. If you remember keep me in your prayers. I'd love prayer for finances as well as endurance as I will be traveling a lot in the months of April-May. I know that God is able to provide both for me without any issue and your prayers overcome all distances. It's so encouraging to know that I have a base back home of people that are lifting me up to God consistently. I hope to hear back from you all sometime soon. 

With Love,

Lauren 

Philippians 1:27 

"Only, let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel"

Busy Days

It's been a while since I've gotten to blog about what's been going on down here in Texas. There have been so many different things going on that I'm not sure what to start. I'll recap everything quickly. Valentine's Day our brother core surprised us with an amazing home made dinner as well as a talent show where they performed songs, dances, and comedic routines to show how much they appreciate us being their sisters. Last week we had an amazing Wednesday night where my sister core and I spent the night growing closer through vulnerability and trust. Then we had two days of 13 hour shoots where I had the opportunity to act as well as run the Kraft Services. The day after that I spent fasting with the entire campus where we focused on The Great Commission and the way it applies to our lives. Then Sunday afternoon I had the opportunity to help set up CCM's very own Oscar party. We spent the evening taking pictures, watching the Oscars, and honoring different people for their exemplary work in different areas at CCM. Now with those things done we're taking a quick gulp of air before we head off to San Antonio for another Acquire the Fire conference. I appreciate everyone that is praying for me and thinking about me while I'm down here in Texas. It's hard to explain how much I value prayer, especially in regard to wisdom for the future. But knowing that I have prayer support back home is always encouraging.

Harlem Dance (Film Student Style)

Harlem Dance (Film Student Style) 

Yesterday our production studio came up with a crazy idea to create a Harlem Dance video. I even got to be a stunt woman and jump off of a balcony. 

Let me know what you guys think! If you want to check out more videos that have been made by the Center for Creative Media you can look at their Youtube page here: http://www.youtube.com/user/Center4CreativeMedia?feature=watch

A Pep Talk

"Create something that will make the world awesome!"

Why not? 

Orion's Belt

Last night I was looking at the stars on my walk home. Well today I thought I'd try my hand at Photoshop and after playing around on it for a little while I came up with this simple design. I have to say, I really do enjoy playing around with graphics. 

Captivating, Discovering Who I Am

There's something magical about discovering who you are as a woman (Men, this doesn't quite apply to you but keep reading you may find out some interesting things).  Between men and women, women are the more complicated of the two; but discovering who God created you to be, as a woman, is extremely difficult especially with the different ideas that are bombarding us from so many different directions. One of the books we've been assigned to read is Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. Now, before classes started this year I decided that with only seven months left I would try my hardest to get as much as I could out of the classes I'm taking and boy has this come true. In Risen, a class for women about womanhood, we were assigned a book called Captivating by John and Staci Eldredge. I began reading it last night and discovered that I couldn't put it down. The next morning I brought breakfast back to my dorms so that I could continue reading because I was so hooked. Needless to say it is a fantastic book and even though I'm only halfway through it there is so much that I've learned from it. Whether or not you are a woman this book offers a secret look into the depths of the God created creature called Woman and offers healing to those women that have been hurt in the past while showing them what it truly means to be Romanced by the creator of the universe.

If you pick it up let me know what you think.

Great Weather

For the past week or so we've been having beautiful weather here in Texas. One of the things I'm grateful for on this adventure is the beautiful weather. I appreciate being able to have a bible study outside at a picnic table or getting to spend time with friends as we sit outside. Either way this weather has been a blessing. But there are many more blessings then just weather. The Houston event went really well with almost the entire campus going to support Acquire the Fire and the ministry they do each weekend. Some projects came up and I was able to stay behind in order to make sure they got done. It was a blast spending time with people, working on tight deadlines and getting things done. We even had a pizza and movie party at one of the staff members house. Ironically her name is Lauren too! It causes a lot of confusion during meetings but it's something that we all laugh about. Since I was able to stay at CCM this weekend I was able to brainstorm a new mini-series that my friends and I are putting together called The Graphics Guys. I'm so excited to work on this project as it will be my second project acting in and my first one directing. Life is always an adventure and there are so many things out there left to learn. Every time I think I have things planned out God surprises me with something new.

Til Next Time!

Celebrations

Celebrations are a wonderful part of life. During the last month or so CCM has had several different celebrations. Here's a quick recap of those events.

Before we ended the year and went home CCM celebrated the graduation of several interns. Me and the girls got to hang out and enjoy good food as well as fellowship. I'm grateful for such awesome friends!

Happy New Years! Better late then never right? Haha. We split off into groups and made some fantastic foods to share in celebration of New Years. My group made a fantastic pizza and banana mint smoothies. 

One of our CCM brothers, Joel, celebrated his 21st birthday here. Meredith and I made him a paper crown to help make the day special. 

Our new January class arrived and has just finished their first week here. It's been a fantastic week in my opinion, other then being sick, and we're all excited to start production. However before we could start we had have a celebration with a basketball game to follow. 

While we love to work we also love to play and I couldn't ask for a better group of people to celebrate with. I'll be traveling to Houston soon for ATF and I'm excited to train up the new promoters. Don't forget to check back in, especially this weekend!

Friends That Are Kittties

My friends and I are in love with cats. I thought this was a pretty good representation of what we would look like as cats.


This is my friend Meredith and I.

This is my friend Lucia. 

A bit of fun to add to your day. :) 

Sick Sophomore

I've now been back in Texas for almost a week and a half. It feels like longer. For some reason leaving home a second time is harder then the first time. But growth is necessary and keeping your commitment is almost a lost art in today's society. But I love my family back here in Texas and all of the opportunities I have so coming back is still a blessing and an adventure.

Our new January class has arrived and CCM has gained almost ten new interns! They're going to add a whole new dimension and it's going to be exciting getting to know them better. It seems like my August class has now graduated to Sophomores, we're slowly moving up the ladder. One bummer this past week is that I've been sick. A few of the girls in my core are also sick so healing prayer for all of us would be greatly appreciated. No one enjoys being sick and I keep reassuring the new girls that we're much more fun. I'm not sure if they believe me yet.

Production should be getting back on track and I'm really excited to see what projects I get put onto. There are so many upcoming projects including a few more times traveling for Acquire the Fire. I miss everyone back home but I know that God has a lot for me to learn here and I can't wait to start!


Colossians 3:23-24
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."