Thursday, January 15, 2009

Changing the World

This past weekend I was re-framed by 9 close friends that came to visit. Visiting me was really not the bullet point on the agenda (instead just an added bonus as I see it) they came to attend the young adult Leadership Breakthrough One (18-22) class at Rapport. Every single one of those students left Las Vegas saying... "Thank you, this experience has changed my life" yet what they don't realize is that they played an important part in changing mine!

As I spoke with each of them debriefing their experience and looking at life through new sets of eyes, the lessons of my own Leadership Breakthrough One experience as well as lessons I had never learned before re-framed the way I see my life! I was reminded today in an Email that I received saying: "You said that it only takes 3% to make a change...I want to be a part of that! I want to LIVE my dash. THAT'S ALL!" Powerful words, spoken by a powerful leader! What would happen if each of us decided we were dedicating our lives to living as a part of the 3% that WILL change the world!?I told each of the graduating students that they were selected to go to this class because I saw the "difference-makers" they are in their world! And that if each of them commits to living as an agent of positive change in their world... the rest of the world begins to take care of itself!

All of a sudden not only do I see this change as a responsibility, I also see it as a HUGE opportunity. For maybe the first time I see that I have access to a tool that truly allows people to see their potential unleashed in the world! One student stood up and shared ... "I finally see what you've seen in me all along!" What would happen if young people began to really understand their own strength, ability, and the difference they bring to this world! And perhaps the most amazing thing about it all was that these students had stood and publicly given all the glory to God! Not only are we talking about difference makers in the world... we are talking about ambassadors for Christ comprehending Jer. 29:11 - (For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future!) And staking claim on it for their own lives!

I continue to approach this role that God has directed me to fill for this chapter of my life with gratitude and with a heart eager to learn from others! I'm ready to step it up and to truly BE the change!

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy 2009!!!

Happy New Year!!! I wish that I could tell you that my new year's eve was filled with fun, fireworks on the strip, and friends... but in all honesty...I fell asleep at about 9:30. Partly because I'm lame...partly because of Michigan jet lag, but MOSTLY because I have an awful cold that has completely wiped me out! I've spent the first day of the new year in my PJs, watching movies, reading, and drinking hot cider... not a bad day :)

I was able to go home to Michigan for a week and spend some much needed time with my family! It was great to have EVERYONE back together again! I can't believe how many changes have taken place in the last 6 months let alone the last year! I graduated from college, moved to Las Vegas, a niece and a nephew were added to my life, I have my own place and a career...and that is just the change that can be seen on the outside! The past year has been filled with SO much growth its hard to believe I was a part of it all.

Next week my Mom is coming out to visit and I have 8 SAU students and my cousin Kevin coming out to Las Vegas to attend Leadership Breakthrough One (18-22). It will be SO awesome to have them all here, but also to watch them go back home and live!! When my boss and I go out there in Feb/March it will be interesting to see the impact it has made on the SAU Campus!

I will be heading home in Feb/March to do a couple of High School Assemblies. I'll keep you posted on the dates.

As always, I continue to learn more and more the longer I'm away. I told my family that I need to either start dating someone or get a roommate because the more time I spend by myself the more selfish I can feel myself getting! Ha!

Here are some of the new discoveries I have made:
  • THIS PORTION OF MY BLOG HAS BEEN EDITED AS REQUESTED BY MY MOTHER. PLEASE CALL FOR MORE INFORMATION :)
  • The importance of leaving your heat on when you are away for a week in the winter
  • It takes approximately 3.5 hours to heat a small apt after leaving the heat off for a week in the winter
  • And last... but certainly not least... how important it is to have a girl tool kit handy at all times (Thanks Crouson's for the gift!!)

Yet it's that time of year to say out with the old and in with the new... I know several new life lessons are waiting just around the corner of 2009! Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead and thanking you for yet another year well spent!

Sending Love...

Vaness