Santa Barbara

I spent this last weekend in Santa Barbara being spoiled and hanging out with/meeting some of the greatest people. I was going to try and blog all of it--but well, lets be honest--I am really far too lazy for that- so instead I am going to leave you with some pictures and a video (most of this photo credit goes to annemarie who is actually a great blogger. so if you REALLY want to read about it, go to her blog :) http://blog.allthingsannemarie.com/). We ate and sang and BBQd and laughed and hugged and tanned and hiked...it was great! : )

I cant wait to go back and visit again

Here are some highlights.....

All of us decided at 1 in the morning that we were going to write a song--

these are the song writers and here is the song!

This is the hike to Inspiration point

Pursuing the things we love

For most of my life if you had asked me what I wanted to "be when I grew up", I would have told you I was going to be a singer. I know those of you who haven't known me since I was little probably think, "really?"...its true : )

One of the things I wanted to do while I was in Cali  was learn guitar and start writing my music. So I have started....And maybe I'll never make a cd or anything..but I think it is so important that we pursue the things we love.

just thinkin

What are you doing with your life right now?

I love my job and what I am a part of. The people I get to work with and the bigger picture of what I am a part of. I have been blessed beyond measure and God has dealt with me and given me so many undeserved chances to do what is right by Him that it makes my head spin and it makes me wonder...

If I am doing this at the age of 19 and 20...what am I going to be doing in 10 years when I graduated from college, (hopefully) married and have a family or a start of a family.

I am a part of something great right now. I learn new things everyday. I have blessed to go to school while working under amazing people and with amazing people. Everyday I can stand on the side lines and know that I am doing what God has asked me to and that it IS effecting people.

But is it enough?

There is something in me that wants to do MORE.

Not because what I am doing is insignificant, because it is important.

Not because I think I have some special calling to go and "Be the change".

Not because I am more capable to do it.

But because all of us talk about it and how many people are acting?

I love the Dream Center because they do jump in head first. Even though it is stressful sometimes, at the end of the day, you can't say that people aren't fighting to make an impact.

I have to wonder what my calling is and what God has in store when in the last 8 months I have done things that I didn't know I was capable of.

Doors are open, ya know?

I am anxious to walk through, get to the next step and see what's ahead.

But for now--I am where I am, and I am okay with that because who gets the opportunity to everyday learn from amazingly wise leaders, professors AND the people in LA?

I am lucky.

Apple

I was on the Apple store page looking at laptops tonight and thinking about the fact that I am starting college next week and I stumbled upon this little thing on their website and I thought it was great....

"Think back to the reason you got into education: The chance to make a difference. But to make that difference- and this is more true today than ever- you have to be open to change. You have to be ready to adopt new ideas and recognize new opportunities."

Isn't that so good?

I am going to school because I asked God to show me what I had to do to make a bigger difference For me, that is school. I don't know what it is exactly that He wants me to do -- but I do know I am on the right path, and hey-- that's a pretty good feeling.

jealousy?

I am having this problem lately where I will get really excited about something...totally invest my time in it, be super amped about what it is and then someone gets offered something else and I want do that.

I don't think it's really a jealousy issue. I think it's more of a...always wanting something "bigger and better" and instead of being content with what I am doing I just want that big project that will change everything.

Sounds stupid.

I have been noticing it more lately than ever as I have been watching all these awesome opportunities being given to people. It's not like what I am doing is any LESS... it's just like...

hmmm... I don't even really know....

I totally believe that what God has for me to do is significant and will make a difference, but at the same time I can't help but feel a tinge of, "Why do THEY get to do that? I WANT to do that." And then I wonder, do I actually really want to do that or is it just something that looks interesting. Do I really have a passion for that? Or am I just being 100% selfish?

blah blah blah

Join the Cause

Every night in Los Angeles, someone goes hungry.

Statistics are a mind blowing thing.

But nothing compares to being able to see those statistics first hand.

I have the opportunity to work at The Dream Center and be a part of the Adopt-A-Block program. I see the need here everyday, overwhelming the streets and hearts of people who are hanging on to their last string of hope.

We have the chance to make a difference in their lives. Not a difference that will take place a year from now or next week, but a difference that will take place RIGHT NOW.

By donating, you provide these families and individuals with food, a place to stay, mentoring, hygiene needs and most importantly, the chance for us to continue to go and tell them that we love them and God loves them even more.

I don't have statistics for you but I do have my first had experience. Los Angeles is in need. The people are in need.

And you can be their hope.

Wouldn't you agree that RIGHT NOW is a good time to make a difference?

Visit this site and JOIN THE CAUSE

www.dreamcenteraab.ning.com

deciding who you want to be

How did you decide what you wanted to be?

I am realizing, as I am about to register for my college classes tomorrow, that I am not sure what I want to do. I really like what I do right now for Marketing at The Dream Center...but do I like it because of what I am doing...or because I get to work with great people?