Number Three

Today I experienced my 3rd earthquake since moving to California. Around lunch time there was another small earthquake. At first I thought it was going to be a bigger one because I could really feel it, but it was very short. The computers didn't even flicker. For more information click here. Apparently my office wasn't too far from the epicenter

We're Moving!

It's official! James and I are moving out to Burbank, CA in about 2 months!!! Yikes that is soon! It is a sad but happy and exciting time! We knew that moving to California was going to be a future goal for our family and for James to have a chance to work on movies. So we have been thinking, praying, and seeking God's guidance of this. When James got back from his LA preview trip we knew that now was the time to move to California.

I know these last few months I've felt God closing doors for me. In some ways I believe this was to prepare me for moving to California in a God kind of way. I have never experienced a time like this. I feel like God has been slowly showing me that my time is done here. It is so sad to think about.... This was our first home as a married couple. I have met amazing people and developed some wonderful relationships. I have had an amazing job at MBC, where I have poured my heart and soul like never before. James' family lives close by. My family is only a day's drive or an hour plane ride away. Life and God has been good to us here in Virginia. But like everything does, this too must change.

Though I feel God is guiding our family to move to California, it doesn't make this process any easier. I have a hard time with change, and new things. God is so wonderful for working on my heart in this process so early on....but I find myself not wanting to say good bye. Good bye is a hard word for me. Everyone has to say good bye sometime....good thing mine won't be for another 2 months!

James and I keep looking at the city every time we are driving through. DC is so beautiful and unique. Here we are living right in the midst of our great nation's capitol. All of the history and diversity that is offered here is priceless. Thank God we've had this opportunity to experience DC!

I'm truly excited for what the Lord has planned for James and I. James will finally get his chance to make movies and be in the business. I will finally live where it is warm 75% of the time. And we will truly be a sandal wearing family. I'm praying for God to just walk before us in this process of re-settling and also that He helps us to connect with other Christians in the area. Please pray with us through this process. Also please pray for us as we tie up loose ends and have to say a LOT of goodbyes to our friends, family, and co-workers.

Well that's it for now more to post later!

So much in a couple of weeks!

Well James got back on Sunday morning, just in time for me to enter the real world again. This past month I have been overloaded with work and pushing the extra hours just to ensure a well done job. The 2008 women's conference was held on-site at MBC this year and with my new role of event coordinator that meant that I was up to my ears in planning details. The event turned out to be a great success with only a few hick ups. Lots of women turned their lives over to Christ on Friday night of the conference. It was so neat to see 1,700 women all worshiping God together. Everyone seemed pleased and it was the largest event we've ever hosted totaling to 1,700 women!

I definitely learned a few things along the way...

• Final is not absolute only figurative
• Women like things to look pretty, even if it is just for a few hours
• Who has time to hang out?
• Sleep is a highly prized item and sound sleep is a gift!
• Everyone wants to help, they just need you to ask
• Flat shoes can be just as uncomfortable as heels
• Sometimes you have to cancel meetings in order to actually do your work
• I don't like change
• You know you've been working too much when your family calls to make sure you are alive
  
• I can remember all of the conference details but don't ask me where I left my keys
• My husband can in fact make his own dinner :)
• Tie the balloons after you get down the stairs
• The women who I worked with to plan this event are truly amazing God fearing and talented women who I never would have had a chance to know otherwise
• Don't put all your trust into technology
• Sometimes the best time to send email between each other is between 12 and 1am
• 1,700 people hearing the message of Christ makes it all worth it!

Well since the conference I have been wiped out and completely tired and sick so I've spent the last two days at home using comp time I've accrued. I thought I would completely rest but I neglected my apartment for 3 weeks and it was time to catch up on all the little errands and household chores. So tomorrow I will be going in and I'm sure I will have quite a lot to do not only as a recap from the conference but the men's conference is on the way so... back in the saddle again eh?

James had a great time in CA staying with Joel and Amy. They were such a blessing to us to be able to have James stay with them and borrow their car. James loved catching up with Joel and he even was able to visit our friend Josh from our Wildwood summer project in 2003. James met with a few people in the biz of Hollywood and gained some valuable insight as well as a face to face connect. James also spent time surveying the Burbank area. It was a hard week being away from each other. It was good too. We were both reminded of just how precious our marriage is and that we are blessed to be able to spend each day together in marriage. We missed each other greatly so it was great having James come home. Now we are discussing and making plans for the very near future... its scary but I believe God is pointing us both in the same direction.

Well I am off to watch the remainder of American Idol (Yay! I can watch TV again!)

Busy Days

Things are moving pretty quickly lately. My new job is busy to an extreme extent! My days fly by and before I know it I'm getting ready for bed. Surprisingly the past two weeks I've actually managed to go to the gym. I think it has given me the extra energy I need, not to mention a major stress reliever. I'm hoping to get back into shape soon, but we'll see if I can keep this up!

Last week working out was so embarrassing! I was running on the treadmill and my ipod fell off. So I thought oh I'll just jump off after it, that will be faster than stopping the treadmill. So I barely made it of with out falling over and as I was being propelled off there were loud clanking noises from my feet hitting the ground. But I made it! I then picked up my ipod and made the quick decision to jump back on the treadmill. Well I guess I thought it would be challenging but of course I thought I could move quickly enough. I hoped on and was even able to get a second step on the belt and then I started to go down..... I quickly grasped the handles next to me and caught myself just in time. The loud clamoring of my feet and hands as I desperately tried to get to speed was really embarrassing. The gym was full that day and everyone heard and saw my strange show. The guy next to me even asked if I was okay, my only response was "I guess I should have stopped it first." I only missed a couple of steps and bruised 1 knee. I technically didn't fall down, but I guess since my knee touched the ground it doesn't count as a clear landing. Not to mention the mortification factor. All in all it was a perfect example of how an ordinary day in the life of Danielle can escalate to an extraordinary day! ha ha! I am the biggest klutz I know! The best part is I get to see everyone that was in the gym all the time since I am now going regularly! Ha!

Yesterday it snowed pretty hard it reminded me of Michigan for a few hours... and then it all melted :(

James bought a ticket to CA to go for a pre-view trip! He'll be heading out at the end of the month and will be in CA for a week. We'll let you know more news on that later.

Other than that things are kind of quietly busy.

We'll see what this weekend has in store. In the meantime I'll try not to jump onto moving things for awhile!